Cambridge City Council meeting - February 8, 2021 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on Covid-19 vaccination rollout.
Placed on File 9-0
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following new members of the Commission on the Status of Women, effective Feb 8, 2021 for a term of three years: Sucharita Varanasi, Hiwot Behabtu, Sandra Middleton, Shamika Naidu and Rhonda Greene.
Placed on File 9-0
Feb 8, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following new members of the Commission on the Status of Women, for a term of three years, effective Feb 8, 2021:
Sucharita Varanasi has lived in the City of Cambridge for the past 15 years and seeks to contribute her extensive experience on the issues of women and girls to the City. As a first generation American and graduate of Tufts University and Emory University School of Law, Ms. Varanasi has prioritized issues affecting women and girls in her work. Currently, as in-house counsel at MassMutual where she leads the pro bono program, she advocates for indigent women in the areas of housing, consumer debt, immigration and domestic violence. Prior to her time at MassMutual, Ms. Varanasi worked on the issue of sexual violence at Physicians for Human Rights. She serves as the current President of the South Asian Bar Association's Foundation where they provide grants to organizations that impact the South Asian community.
Hiwot Behabtu is originally from Ethiopia and has lived in Cambridge for four years. With a B.A. in Law, Ms. Behabtu had served in her home country's government advocating for women and children on legal matters related to family law. Since moving to the US, she has been raising her children, two boys and a girl, and working as a bank teller. Ms. Behabtu is eager to serve the Cambridge community through her service on the Women's Commission, to connect again to her deepest soul's wish of helping to empower women in all aspects of life, and especially to help immigrant women and those who are most vulnerable to domestic violence.
Sandra Middleton is a long-time Cambridge resident with a strong interest in supporting the City of Cambridge to plan and implement initiatives and programs that meet the diverse needs of women and girls residing in the City of Cambridge. She is an experienced educator with proven experience as a manager, trainer, administrator, manager, and ESL instructor. She is committed to continuous learning for herself and others. Ms. Middleton loves Cambridge and wants to do her part to help make it an even better place for women and girls to live and work through her service with the Women's Commission.
Shamika Naidu is an Indian immigrant living in Cambridge. She has spent her career working for several Massachusetts-based nonprofits and continues to dedicate her time and efforts to many social services and causes promoting the advancement of woman and girls welfare and equity in the state. Currently working as the Grants Manager for Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, Ms. Naidu previously worked for The Children's Room: Center for Grieving Children and Teenagers. She is also a former founding board member of Starts With A Smile, a dental hygiene focused nonprofit in Massachusetts. At the core, Ms. Naidu is most interested in elevating the voices of women and girls. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Middle Eastern Studies from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
Rhonda Greene is currently a Probation officer in the Boston Municipal Court - Central Division. A lifelong resident and graduate of Cambridge Public Schools, Ms. Green recently became the Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee for the South Middlesex County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ms. Greene has been following the efforts of the Commission on the Status of Women for the City Cambridge and is grateful for the opportunity to become a Commissioner as she would like to see more people of color seek involvement with boards and commissions in the city.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the new appointment of the following person as a member of the Conservation Commission for a term of three years, effective Feb 8, 2021: Michelle Lane
Placed on File 9-0
Feb 8, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby transmitting notification of the new appointment of the following person as a member of the Conservation Commission for a term of three years, effective Feb 8, 2021:
Michelle Lane
Ms. Lane meets all the qualifications for a Commission member including familiarity of the Wetlands Protection Act. Michelle coordinates industry partnerships for Harvard University’s Engineering Department. She lives just outside of Harvard Square. The Commission will be well served by Michelle and we appreciate her willingness to serve in this capacity.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to new appointments and reappointments to the Community Benefits Advisory Committee effective Feb 1, 2021 for three year terms.
Placed on File 9-0
Feb 8, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby transmitting notification of the following new appointments and reappointments to the Community Benefits Advisory Committee, effective Feb 1, 2021 for three-year terms:
New Appointments
Caleb Hurst-Hiller, Community Representative
Mr. Hurst-Hiller has experience as a teacher, principal and head of the Cambridge Community Charter School (CCCS), and currently serves as the Director of Special Projects / Advisor to the Head of School at CCCS. He has lived in Cambridge to over twenty years and has two children in the Cambridge Public Schools. Mr. Hurst-Hiller is a member of the Board of Directors of the Kendall Square Association.
Michelle Lower, Business Representative
Ms. Lower is a 14-year employee of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. and serves as Vice President of Development and Community Relations. She has two children in the Cambridge Public Schools, is a Cambridge homeowner and small business owner. Michelle is a member of the City’s Family and Youth Policy Council, the Grand Junction Pathway Design Working Group, the East Cambridge/Kendall Square Open Space Committee, a board member and current Treasurer of the East Cambridge Business Association, Co-Chair of the Kendall Square Association (KSA) ecoDistrict Committee, a member of the KSA Transportation Committee, and a member of the Kendall Community Group.
Amal Abshir Mohamed, Community Representative
Amal is a CRLS Science Teacher. She is the parent of two children that attend Cambridge Public Schools and has a strong interest in supporting immigrant communities. Amal is fluent in Somali and Swahili.
Taha Jennings, City Representative (no term limit)
Budget Director
Continuing City Representative Members (no term limit)
Ellen Semonoff (Chair), Assistant City Manager for Human Service Programs
Sandra Clark, Deputy Director, Community Development Department
Reappointments
Amy Solomon, Resident Representative
Ms. Salomom is experienced in conducting research to develop and evaluate community programs, as well as grant-making. She has a strong interest in maintaining affordability and diversity in the City.
Rowan Murphy, Resident Representative
Rowan has a background in non-profit administration, grant-making, organizational capacity assessment and strategic planning and is interested in community programs.
Paul Parravano, University Representative
Mr. Parravano is Co-Director, MIT’s Office of Government and Community Relations and has worked to strengthen MIT's involvement in science education for K-12 teachers, especially in partnerships with the Cambridge Public Schools. He also serves as MIT's federal relations officer.
Kathryn Fenneman, Nonprofit Representative
Ms. Fenneman is the Executive Director of Tutoring Plus of Cambridge, a provider of free tutoring mentoring, and enrichment programs. She is the Co-Founder of the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition and a member of the Needs Assessment Advisory Committee and a resident of Cambridge.
Elizabeth Aguilo, Nonprofit Representative
Ms. Aguilo is the Executive Director of Paine Senior Services, a non-profit organization that helps seniors to remain independent in their community and is currently Board President for Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services.
Geeta Pradhan, Cambridge Community Foundation Representative
Ms. Pradhan is the President & CEO of Cambridge Community Foundation and has a background in philanthropy, urban planning and economic development. She is a member of the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition Steering Committee.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance for the purpose of entering into grant agreements with nonprofit organizations to provide services to vulnerable residents during the COVID-19 emergency and recovery.
Order Adopted 9-0
February 8, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:
I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance for the purpose of entering into grant agreements with nonprofit organizations to provide services to vulnerable residents during the COVID 19 emergency and recovery. The City Council previously approved my request for an appropriation of $1 million dollars from the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund for this purpose on May 18, 2020. Those funds were awarded to 106 community-based organizations based on recommendations from the Community Benefits Advisory Committee. Based on the continuing needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the capacity of Cambridge’s not for profit community to address those needs, I am recommending the appropriation of the additional $1 million dollars.
Pursuant to Chapter 2.127 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Community Benefits Advisory Committee (CBAC) is charged with soliciting and evaluating applications for the use of community benefits funds from community-based organizations based on priorities established by the City Council. The City Council voted on a broad set of priorities when it adopted the 2017 Community Needs Assessment, which can be viewed at https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/News/2-17/communityneedsassessmentreport. The Needs Assessment is very comprehensive and continues to provide important, broad guidance. That needs assessment was considered by CBAC in designing the simple application and speedy decision-making process by which the $1 million dollars was allocated last summer.
Our nonprofit community provides basic needs and other critical supports for low-income, under-resourced, and vulnerable families and individuals at risk. The Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition has surveyed the nonprofit community twice and heard about both the deep needs of our residents as well the increased financial stress of the not for profits even as many of them have received a variety of different grants through the City or other funders. The use of Community Benefits Funds through grant agreements with nonprofit organizations will provide additional COVID-19 related assistance and critical supports to both the nonprofit organizations and to our residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
If this appropriation is approved, CBAC will proceed with a process closely following the successful process by which the earlier $1 million was awarded in grants.
The City Council should be proud of the assistance the City has been able to provide to its residents, small businesses and nonprofits through the Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, federal Community Development Block Grant and CARES funding, the Housing Stabilization Fund and the Community Benefits Fund.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-52, regarding a report on what impact the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping may have on the City of Cambridge. [City Solicitor's Report]
Placed on File 9-0
CHARTER RIGHT
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-63, which requested a review of the granting of an extension for the 605 Concord Avenue project. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCIL NOLAN IN COUNCIL FEB 3, 2021]
Tabled 9-0 (Nolan)
Office of the City Solicitor
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
February 1, 2021
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
City Hall
Cambridge, MA 02139
Re: Response to Awaiting Report No. 20-63 Re: Report on reviewing the granting of an extension for the 605 Concord Avenue project.
Dear Mr. DePasquale:
With respect to the above referenced Council Order, my response is as follows.
I. The Number of Affordable Units for the Project was Calculated Pursuant to Article 11, Section 11.203 of the Zoning Ordinance.
On December 21, 2016, the Planning Board Decision in PB Case No. 319 re: 605 Concord Avenue, granting a special permit with conditions for the development of 605 Concord Avenue (the "Project") was filed with the Office of the Cambridge City Clerk (the "Decision"). In accordance with the provisions of Article 11 , Section 11.203 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance ("Ordinance") fifteen percent (15%) of the total Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area within the Project was required to be devoted to affordable dwelling units. [See Note 1] The Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area of the Project as defined in Article 2 of the Ordinance, was determined to be 37,290 square feet. [See Note 2] The recorded covenant for the Project requires that seven (7) units totaling fifteen percent (15%) of the Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area, or 5,594 square feet, be provided as affordable dwelling units. The seven (7) units designated as affordable units in the recorded covenant include one studio unit, three (3) one-bedroom units, two (2) two-bedroom units and one (1) three-bedroom unit. Therefore, the number of affordable units for the Project was calculated as seven (7) units totaling 5,594 square feet.
2. The Planning Board Granted Extensions for the Project in Accordance with G. L. Chapter 40A and Section 10.46 the Ordinance.
Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, section 9, ("Ch. 40A, s. 9") zoning ordinances or by-laws "[s]hall provide that a special permit granted under this section shall lapse within a specified period of time, not more than 3 years ... " In accordance with the statute, Article 10, Section 10.46 of the Ordinance ("Section 10.46"), provides that a Special Permit shall lapse within two years, not including the time to pursue an appeal, if construction was not begun by such date except for good cause. [See Note 3] Here, the Project developer applied to the Planning Board on three (3) occasions for extensions of time to commence construction of the approved development and was granted three (3) separate extensions. On November 1, 2018, November 20, 2019 and October 29, 2020, the Planning Board issued decisions granting one-year extensions of time to commence construction for good cause. In each instance the extensions were granted at a public hearing in accordance with law. Extensions for good cause are permitted pursuant to Ch. 40A, s. 9 and as noted above, pursuant to Section 10.46 of the Ordinance. Good Cause is a discretionary determination made by the Planning Board and may include but is not limited to an applicant's pursuit of other required permits. See e.g. Ware Real Estate LLC v. Town of Ware, 81 Mass. App. Ct. 1120 (2012) (Rule 128 Decision); lappini v. Dakota Partners, LLC, 87 Mass. App. Ct.1103 (2015) (Rule 1:28 Decision).
3. Residential Projects that sought Special Permits but Have Not Obtained Building Permits.
I have been informed by the Community Development Department ("CDD") that there are no other residential projects that were granted Special Permits after December 1, 2016 but before June 30, 2017, that have not yet obtained building permits. CDD has informed me that there are some mixed-use PUD projects that received a special permit prior to the amendments to the Ordinance but have a longer timeframe to obtain building permits.
Very Truly Yours,
Nancy E. Glowa
City Solicitor
Note 1: Article II , Section 11.203 of the Ordinance states: "For lnclusionary Housing Projects issued a special permit or, if no special permit has been issued, a building permit on or after December 1, 2016 (the date of the first advertising of the most recent amendment to this 11.203) but on or before June 30, 2017, fifteen percent (15%) of the total Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area within the project shall be devoted to Affordable Dwelling Units."
Note 2: The accuracy of the Dwelling Unit Net Floor Area for the Project was certified by the architect on July 15, 2019 and is so referenced in the recorded covenant, Book 73999, Page 198.
Note 3: Section 10.46 provides: "A special permit granted under this section shall lapse within two years, not including such time required to pursue or await the determination of an appeal to the Superior Court or to the Land Court as provided in Section 10.22 from the grant thereof, if a substantial use thereof has not sooner commenced except for good cause or, in the case of a permit for construction, if construction was not begun by such date except for good cause."
2. Policy Order re Renaming Fairmont Avenue. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL FEB 3, 2021]
Withrawn (Rescinded) 9-0
O-6 Feb 3, 2021 Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A number of residents who live on Fairmont Avenue have raised concerns that, with requests for deliveries from the likes of Amazon and other out-of-town businesses dramatically increased over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic, a significant amount of deliveries have not made it to their intended destination due to the packages being instead delivered to the similarly named Fairmont Street; and
WHEREAS: While local food delivery services tend to understand the differences between these two streets, and tend to utilize drivers who are familiar with the distinction between Fairmont Avenue and the much lengthier Fairmont Street, too many businesses located outside of Cambridge have apparently been using these street names interchangeably, leading to far too many packages not reaching their intended destinations; and
WHEREAS: A growing chorus of voices from Fairmont Avenue residents have been urging that their street’s name be changed so that it will no longer be confused with Fairmont Street, and deliveries to these residents will be more likely to arrive unimpeded; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine what actions would need to be taken in order to rename Fairmont Avenue, to engage with residents of Fairmont Avenue to include their voices on any street re-naming process that may go forward, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
3. Eliminating Hostile Architecture. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR NOLAN IN COUNCIL FEB 3, 2021]
Order Adopted 7-0-0-2 as Amended (DS,TT - PRESENT)
O-9 Feb 3, 2021 Charter Right - Nolan Order Approved 7-0-0-2 as Amended (DS,TT - PRESENT)
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Hostile architecture is an urban design strategy that uses elements of the built environment to purposefully guide or restrict members of the unhoused community from sleeping or resting; and
WHEREAS: Examples of hostile architecture are found in nearly every park and public space in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge should design and build public spaces in a way that is more consistent with our values as a city that is welcoming to all; and
WHEREAS: The City Council passed a resolution calling on the MBTA to remove newly installed bench bars from the Central and Harvard stations; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments and staff, including the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, to not use and to remove hostile architecture whenever public spaces are designed or redesigned, including in the upcoming redesign of Carl Barron Plaza, and to create design guidelines that ensure our public spaces are truly welcoming to the entire community; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments and staff to prioritize the removal of existing hostile architecture as expediently as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the council as soon as possible.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Human Services, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and the Council on Aging to determine how existing bench fixtures can be addressed to support all residents who use them and report back to the Council with recommendations as soon as possible.
L to R: Bishop Allen & Green; Greene-Rose Heritage Park; Sennott Park
Note: Prior to the exercise of the Charter Right, the following amendments had been proposed:
Zondervan’s amendment to next-to-last "ORDERED":
ORDERED: That the City Manager work with the appropriate departments and staff, including the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, to not use and to remove hostile architecture whenever public spaces are designed or redesigned, including in the upcoming redesign of Carl Barron Plaza, and to create design guidelines that ensure our public spaces are truly welcoming to the entire community; and be it further.
Mallon’s replacement amendment for next-to-last "ORDERED":
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Human Services, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and the Council on Aging to determine how existing bench fixtures can be addressed to support all residents who use them and report back to the Council with recommendations as soon as possible. (This amendment strikes the second order entirely)
Nolan’s amendment to next-to-last "ORDERED":
ORDERED: That the City Manager work with the appropriate departments and staff, to not use and to remove hostile architecture whenever public spaces are designed or redesigned, including in the upcoming redesign of Carl Barron Plaza, and to create design guidelines that ensure our public spaces are truly welcoming to the entire community making sure to include the perspective of seniors, families and the disabled community to ensure inclusion of the perspective of all community members some of whom rely on armrests for mobility and ability to feel welcome; and be it further
4. Retirement of CCTV Executive Director, Susan Fleischmann. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY VICE MAYOR MALLON IN COUNCIL FEB 3, 2021]
Resolution Adopted as Amended 9-0
R-7 Feb 3, 2021 Charter Right - Mallon
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: CCTV Executive Director, Susan Fleischmann, has announced her retirement from her position as Executive Director after 32 years of dedicated service; and
WHEREAS: Susan was a founding staff member of CCTV when it opened its doors in 1988, succeeded to be its Executive Director in 1993, and has served CCTV and our City with great distinction in that capacity for the past 27 years; and
WHEREAS: Susan, who had been involved with community media since 1976, leveraged her considerable knowledge of media, her adroit people skills, and her vision and drive to have CCTV reflect her strong social justice values; and
WHEREAS: During her almost three decades of service at CCTV, Susan transformed our City’s fledgling community media center into a nationally and internationally recognized and award winning powerhouse in the world of community media; and
WHEREAS: Under Susan’s leadership, CCTV’s outpouring of superior work has been recognized for its innovation and excellence, receiving the Overall Excellence in Public Access Award a dozen times from the Alliance for Community Media, and earned top awards in the Hometown Media Festival, Interlochen Film Festival, New England Video Festival, Boston Center for the Arts Youth Film Festival, MFA Youth Film Festival, WGBH Shorts Festival, and the Annual Northeast Video Festival; and
WHEREAS: Susan, having guided CCTV into its role as the pre-eminent voice of our community, protecting the rights of free speech and equitable access to information, harnessed the communication reach of CCTV as the COVID pandemic compromised many of our City and community centers, and with her guidance, CCTV pivoted to be the nexus of COVID information in our City, dispersing accurate local information, documenting the impacts of the pandemic within our community, and providing much-needed programming to both educate and entertain our City during this difficult year; and
WHEREAS: Susan, described by the CCTV Staff and Board as a visionary leader who managed CCTV with compassion, authenticity, kindness and humility, will be most remembered by those who worked closest with her for her unflagging encouragement to grow and see possibility where they thought it did not exist; and
WHEREAS: Susan’s leadership will be sorely missed, likewise her passion for community media, her belief in the youth, seniors, immigrants, and all those she nurtured when they came into the CCTV studios, and the mark of self-reflection and social justice she imprinted into our Cambridge community; and
WHEREAS: Her inspiring legacy will influence Cambridge media creators for decades to come; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its deepest appreciation to Susan Fleischmann for her many years of dedicated service to the residents and to the City of Cambridge, and wish her much happiness in her retirement; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this Resolution to Susan Fleischmann on behalf of the entire City Council.
ON THE TABLE
5. Resolution on the death of William Leeds. [TABLED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JAN 11, 2021; CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JAN 4, 2021]
6. Vaccinating CPS Staff Plan PO. [TABLED IN COUNCIL FEB 3, 2021]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-108, regarding a report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections. [PENDING RESPONSE FROM LEGISLATURE]
8. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City of Cambridge Law Department to review the above changes to the language of the Domestic Partnerships Ordinance and report back to the Council. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER SEPT 14, 2020]
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding support of our advisory committees or Boards to voice our concerns in this attached letter. The letter was initiated by the Cambridge Highlands Neighborhood Group and addresses concerns we all share about planning in the city and its impacts.
2. A communication was received from Gandhi Kavish, regarding support for POR 2021 #21, #23, #26 and #27.
3.A communication was received from Susan Blier, regarding infrastructure and unhoused.
4. A communication was received from Bill Boehm, regarding Green Roof Zoning Petiton.
5. A communication was received from Ben Caine, regarding support Charter Right 3 and councilor Zondervan’s amendment to that Policy order.
6. A communication was received from David Morgan, regarding Charter Right #3.
7. A communication was received from Deb Nicholson, regarding Charter Right #3.
8. A communication was received from Cassandra De Alba, regarding Hostile Architecture.
9. A communication was received from John Chun, regarding support for Policy Order #5.
10. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding support for Policy Order #5.
11. A communication was received from Vands, regarding 21-9. Report on coordinating with the Public Health Department and the Inspectional Services Department to establish random check-ins.
12. A communication was received from Tisya Mavuram, regarding Charter Right 3.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Earl Moore. Councillor Simmons
2. Resolution on the death of Ezra Vogel. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
3. Thanking the Expert Advisory Panel. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan
4. Alexander Joseph “Zandy” Bard death resolution. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons
5. Resolution on the death of Ziporrah Wiseman. Councillor Nolan
6. That the City Council go on record wishing Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui a Happiest Birthday and many more joy-filled and healthy years to come. Vice Mayor Mallon
7. Resolution on the death of Eric Small. Councillor Simmons
ORDERS
1. Retail Table of Land Use Update PO. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 9-0
2. Support for Universal School Meals. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
3. Support for Lifting Our Kids Out of Deep Poverty. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0
4. Redesigning Cambridge Voting Stickers. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0
5. That the City Manager instruct his staff to develop a ten-year infrastructure plan for the City Council that outlines all future needs and plans for infrastructure, public safety and public services. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Mallon, regarding Data Collection from Transportation Network Companies. Vice Mayor Mallon
Placed on File 9-0
2. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Mallon and Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting Family Policy Council – Language Access. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Placed on File 9-0
3. A communication has been received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting Information from the School Committee.
Placed on File 9-0
4. A communication was received from Councillor Dennis Carlone, transmitting Coming to Terms with Climate Change’s Relentless, Long-Term Fallout by Jonathan Shaw (Harvard Magazine Nov-Dec 2020).
Placed on File 9-0
5. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan, transmitting follow up information regarding Charter Right related to 605 Concord Avenue.
Placed on File 9-0
HEARING SCHEDULE (via Zoom and TV)
Thurs, Feb 4
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on the Green Roofs zoning petition. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Feb 9
6:00pm Roundtable/Working Group Meeting of the City Council and School Committee (Virtual)
Wed, Feb 10
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on the Alewife zoning petition. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Feb 11
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing a petition to amend Article 8.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Feb 17
2:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee and the Housing Committee will conduct a joint hearing to discuss the elimination of single and two-family only zoning and restrictions on the type of housing that can be built city-wide. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Mar 4
5:00pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss with neighborhood groups their successes and challenges and how the city can better support them, as well as ideas related to the Envision plan. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 10
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Feb 8, 2021
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City published a Commercial Land Use Classification Study in 2015, and the City Council adopted a 2018 policy order asking the City to develop a timetable to update the Table of Land Use to reflect recommendations from the 2015 study; and
WHEREAS: By clarifying the definitions of certain uses, expanding or creating new uses to reflect the changing face of retail, and removing onerous requirements, updating the table of land use is a critical way the City can reduce the burden of starting or expanding a small business in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: At the July 30th, 2020 Economic Development and University Relations Committee hearing, the Community Development Department (CDD) unveiled the proposed Retail Uses Zoning Ordinance and heard feedback from committee members; and
WHEREAS: CDD incorporated that feedback by making adjustments to the Retail Uses Zoning Ordinance petition, and presenting a related Home Occupations Zoning Ordinance petition at a follow-up Economic Development and University Relations Committee hearing on Sept 30th, 2020; and
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee was slated to discuss the Retail Uses Zoning Ordinance petition and the Home Occupations Zoning Ordinance petition on Dec 17th, 2020, but the meeting was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, causing the petitions to expire before they could be ordained; and
WHEREAS: Updating the Retail Table of Land Use has been a long, labor-intensive process, and as the struggles of the small business community have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that the City Council move forward with the refiling of these petitions in an efficient and intentional way; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the attached proposed zoning amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to update the Retail Table of Land Use be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for hearing and report. [Retail Amendments] [Home Occupation Amendments]
O-2 Feb 8, 2021
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The cost of school meals for low-income children has long been a barrier to proper nutrition, and as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated hunger, 14.9% of children in Middlesex County are now experiencing food insecurity; and
WHEREAS: Schools have traditionally used means testing to determine who qualifies for school lunch, but means testing can be invasive, and fails to capture and address the needs of students whose families barely exceed income limits, and who struggle to pay for even reduced price school meals; and
WHEREAS: As schools have shifted to online learning, school meal sites that are open to everyone have been created to ensure students do not go hungry, and have successfully demonstrated that means testing is not necessary; and
WHEREAS: The recently introduced HD.1161 and SD.519, An Act Relative to Universal School Meals, would strip away means testing in schools and make school meals free to all students; and
WHEREAS: Having reliable access to free school meals will not only enhance a child’s academic performance, but protect their physical and mental health as well, while removing the stigma around students’ economic status, creating a more equitable educational environment; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting HD.1161 and SD.519, An Act Relative to Universal School Meals; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the entire Cambridge state delegation on behalf of the City Council.
O-3 Feb 8, 2021
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth offers cash grants to low-income families through Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), and to disabled or elderly residents through Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC); and
WHEREAS: These cash assistance grants are a lifeline for low-income residents, but with a maximum TADC grant of just $652 per month for a family of three, and a maximum EAEDC grant of just $334 per month for an elder or disabled person, these grants are far too low to meet basic needs; and
WHEREAS: A historic 10% increase to these cash assistance grants was implemented earlier this year, but Governor Baker’s proposed FY2022 budget would eliminate that increase, even though these benefits are desperately needed during a global pandemic; and
WHEREAS: HD.1158 and SD.430, An Act to Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty would raise the amount granted to families, seniors, and disabled residents through TAFDC and EAEDC by 20% each year until the grant reaches 50% of the federal poverty level; and
WHEREAS: These cash assistance grants would then be increased each following year at the rate of inflation; and
WHEREAS: These increases would ensure that our vulnerable, low-income residents have the financial support they need to keep afloat, and as many residents are struggling due to the pandemic, these grants could serve as a powerful tool in the Commonwealth’s economic recovery; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting HD.1158 and SD.430, An Act to Lift Kids Out of Deep Poverty; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Cambridge state delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-4 Feb 8, 2021
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Election Commission provides voters with an “I voted” sticker after their ballots are cast during election season; and
WHEREAS: These stickers are an important symbol for Cambridge voters, and indicate to others that they’ve participated in their civic duty, and are worn by residents with pride; and
WHEREAS: Cities around the country, such as San Francisco and Chicago, have designed stickers in a variety of languages, many of which reflect the demographics of their constituencies; and
WHEREAS: In Cambridge, the design of our voting stickers only displays the phrase, “I voted,” in English; and
WHEREAS: Our residents speak several languages, including Spanish, Amharic, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Portuguese, among others; and
WHEREAS: In the fall, we conducted widespread voter engagement and outreach strategies to increase voter turnout, especially in neighborhoods of color and multi-language family households; and
WHEREAS: One of the ways to continue increasing voter turnout and excitement, is to provide “I voted” stickers that reflect the culture, languages and people of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Engaging Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students in designing a new sticker that reflects the soul of Cambridge is a great way to civically engage our young scholars, and to provide residents with a sticker to wear with pride after voting in local, state and federal elections; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Executive Director of the Election Commission on the feasibility of new stickers for future elections; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager coordinate with the Executive Director of the Election Commission, the Board of Election Commissioners, Cambridge Public Schools, and Mayor’s office to develop a design contest in partnership with CRLS students.
O-5 Feb 8, 2021
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The recent debate over the proposed electrical plant on Fulkerson Street revealed a lack of city planning with regards to civic infrastructure needs, public safety, and neighborhood concerns; and
WHEREAS: Low density residential neighborhoods should not be subjected to industrial power plants as Eversource proposed on Fulkerson Street, and should instead be prioritized to industrial and commercial centers, which are the districts principally requiring infrastructure expansion; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has not been updated on our infrastructure demands and proposed strategies to meet those needs including but not limited to fire station locations, climate protection, school expansion, open space, clean energy, water supply, and other important public safety needs; and
WHEREAS: The City Council stated their support for municipal broadband internet, which requires a detailed plan for construction and implementation; and
WHEREAS: The City Council should be kept informed and given notice well in advance of any public safety or infrastructure changes that will impact the community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager instruct his staff to develop a ten-year infrastructure plan for the City Council that outlines all future needs and plans for infrastructure, public safety, and public services; and be it further
ORDERED: That the ten-year plan be updated every five years and that annual reports shall be created that summarize any meaningful infrastructure needs and proposals for the Council to fully understands the city’s status.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016
18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018
18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018
18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018
18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018
19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019
19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019
19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019
19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019
19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019
19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019
19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019
19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019
19-146. Report on reviewing the existing internal mechanisms for City staffers in all departments to report grievances, to determine if this system is functioning as it should or whether changes should be considered.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 10/28/2019
19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019
20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020
20-12. Report on the feasibility of instituting a program to install rings on parking meters to expand bicycle parking options. Report received and accepted
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 2/10/2020
20-23. Report on implementing Simple Recycling' s curbside textile recycling program and report back to the Council on this matter in a timely manner.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 5/11/2020
20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020
20-30. Report on establishing a plan designed to provide a thorough, system-wide review of the entire municipal government to identify and remove any vestiges of systemic racism and/or racial bias in any and all City departments, to establish clear, transparent metrics that will help further this critical endeavor.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 6/29/2020
20-31. Report on determining how to best protect and preserve our commercial spaces that support our small business operators and maintain continuity in our commercial districts.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/29/2020
20-36. Report on generating a report detailing the Sole Assessment Process, the Civil Service HRD process, the reason for choosing the Sole Assessment Process over the Civil Service HRD process, and the projected costs associated with both processes.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 7/27/2020
20-37. Report on considering formally renaming the Central Square Library in honor of Maria Baldwin and Rep. John Lewis, with the building being known as “The Maria Baldwin and Rep. John Lewis Library and Center for African American/Black History and Culture” going forward, or to otherwise find another suitable location for this dedication.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-6) from 7/27/2020
20-48. Report on the feasibility of creating an antibody testing program.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 9/21/2020
20-52. Report on determining what impact the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping may have on the City of Cambridge and its community partners and what options the City may have to work around this order. See Mgr #6
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/19/2020
20-53. Report on how Cambridge might participate in PACE Massachusetts pursuant to the PACE Act including exploring all options for incentivizing participation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 10/19/2020
21-6. Report on conducting a spending disparity study on City purchasing with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically disadvantaged groups.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 2/3/2021
21-7. Report on working with the local affordable housing organizations to develop a vaccination plan to reach out to the City’s senior population, as well as to the City’s minority communities and other underrepresented communities, that will establish a framework for the orderly onsite vaccination of these groups.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 2/3/2021
21-8. Report on obtaining written documentation from the Cambridge Housing Authority, Homeowners Rehab, Inc., Just a Start, and the Community Development Department updating the City Council on the locations, unit sizes, number of units, overall costs, populations served, and expected dates of completion for each of the projects they reported on during the Housing Committee hearing held on Jan 12, 2021.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/3/2021
21-9. Report on coordinating with the Public Health Department and the Inspectional Services Department to establish random check-ins and assessments of public and private affordable housing sites currently undergoing renovations to ensure proper compliance with Covid-19 safety protocols.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 2/3/2021