Cambridge City Council meeting - February 11, 2019

Cambridge City Council meeting - February 11, 2019 - AGENDA
[Vice Mayor Devereux was ABSENT]

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-08, regarding the Craigie Street Water Main break.
Placed on File

Feb 11, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item No. 19-08 (Council Order No. O-3 of Jan 14, 2019) and Council Order No. O-9 of Jan 7, 2019, please be advised of the following:

A letter was sent on Jan 17, 2019 (attached) from this office to all property owners affected by the water main break occurring on Dec 23, 2018 on Craigie Street, and an informational meeting was held on Feb 6, 2019 with some of those affected residents to provide information about the details of the incident in question. Some residents have questioned whether the support offered to victims of a significant fire could be made available to residents affected by significant water main breaks when they occur in the City. The City does have supports in place to assist victims of fire disasters, and in considering the City’s response to this water main break, I have met with department heads in order to explore ways in which the City might improve communications and community outreach in response to events such as this.

In regard to the City’s preventative maintenance, repair and monitoring plans, the City has a long-standing commitment to managing, replacing, and improving our aging utility infrastructure through a comprehensive capital program. The Cambridge water transmission and distribution system consists of about 185 miles of underground pipe, 4,450 valves and 1,800 hydrants (the “Water System”). All these pipes and appurtenances are documented in the City’s GIS system. Each water main is defined by its age (date installed), material, size and whether it is cement lined or not.

Because of the various maintenance, prevention, and replacement programs the City undertakes, there has been a significant reduction in total breaks/leaks in the Water System throughout the city. The average annual breaks/leaks have dropped by about 50%, from 90 to 46 incidents per year over the last 15 years. The annual funding for water main rehabilitation has increased on an annual basis. As an example, the Cambridge Water Department (CWD) FY19 funding for water main rehabilitation and other related work is about $5M. CWD has also invested over $2M in new equipment to expand and make CWD’s operations more effective. In addition to CWD’s efforts, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has assisted in substantial water main rehabilitation work because of needed sewer and storm water infrastructure improvements. Overall the City has invested over $95M in water main rehabilitation and maintenance in the Water System since 1995.

The Water System work includes larger neighborhood-wide infrastructure improvements such as the Whittemore Avenue Sewer Separation project, the recently completed Alewife Sewer Separation and the ongoing Port Project. These projects address City utilities including water, sewer and drainage, as well as full street and sidewalk construction and reconstruction. The capital program also includes smaller individual projects such as the ongoing water main replacement on Maple Avenue that is being completed in advance of street and sidewalk reconstruction.

Although it is impossible to predict water main breaks that may occur in the future, CWD has developed and maintains a Water System rehabilitation program to reduce the potential for Water System leaks and breaks and to increase the reliability of the Water System. This program was created based on the Cambridge Water Distribution System Study, which was completed in March of 1992. The study prioritized water main replacement/rehabilitation recommendations based on the specific information for each pipe. This information includes; age (date installed), pipe material, cement lined or not, the Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire flow requirements, number of leaks and the elevation of the pipe. Routinely, the 1992 study information is updated in the City’s GIS system as CWD rehabilitates and improves the Water System.

The initial program has expanded to include: annual leak detection; large valve replacement and exercising; hydrant maintenance, flow testing, repair and replacement; expansion of water service replacement programs; coordinating work with other City infrastructure improvements; and the development and expansion of CWD’s in-house water main replacement capabilities.

Below is a brief summary of programs undertaken by CWD to maintain and improve the health and reliability of the City’s Water System.

1) Annual system wide leak detection: CWD’s most recent contracted leak detection testing, which included Craigie Street, was completed in December of 2018, and contained the following quote: “I found the system to be in excellent condition with only 5 leaks located throughout.” None of the 5 leaks was located on Craigie Street.

2) Valve replacement and exercising program: CWD has replaced, repaired or added over 2,730 valves in the Water System since 1980 and has also formalized a valve exercising program. The major benefit of the valve exercising and replacement programs is to minimize disruption to the City’s water customers. This is obtained by getting to a full water shutdown in as short a time frame as possible and smallest area as possible to limit damage, the number of people affected, and to restore water service more quickly.

3) Hydrant maintenance and flow program: Each year, in cooperation with the Cambridge Fire Department (CFD), every hydrant is tested mechanically to ensure proper operation and one quarter of the hydrants are flow tested to properly color code the hydrant. The color coding allows the CFD to easily select the “Best” flowing hydrant or hydrants. As an example, over 1,065 hydrants have been replaced and/or repaired since 1994. Cambridge is 1 of 5 ISO Class 1 rated cities in the state and 1 of only approximately 350 ISO Class 1 rated cities in the country. This accomplishment reflects the City’s high-quality Water System meeting the highest standards possible in all categories, including public safety.

4) Water service replacement program: The entire water service from the main to the meter is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and repair as required by City Ordinance. CWD has been replacing water services for a fee, and in the 90’s CWD initiated incentives to replace lead water services. Since that program started, the CWD has replaced about 9,400 lead water services.

5) Water main rehabilitation program: CWD has replaced/rehabilitated or improved about 43 miles of pipe within the Water System since 1992. The rehabilitation of a water main is based on the following criteria: ISO fire flow requirements, age, material, lined or unlined, number of breaks and elevation. CWD has expanded this program by staffing and equipping the distribution division with the tools needed to perform water main replacement and repairs. This has occurred through the purchase of specialized equipment and tools, such as a 10-wheel dump truck, specialized valve turning equipment, and a vacuum excavator; increased annual funding; contracting water main replacement and rehabilitation work and coordinating many projects with DPW, which allows CWD to expand its rehabilitation efforts. In the 50’s and 60’s, all of the large transmission mains were cement lined. In the 90’s, about 9,500 feet of pipe were cement lined as well. The benefit of cement lining is that it eliminates pipe corrosion from the inside.

6) Working jointly with the DPW: CWD has expanded its water main rehabilitation and lead water service replacement programs significantly by working with DPW to plan their work together. This cooperative approach is more efficient and less disruptive to the community. Because of this joint effort, 12 of the 43 miles of water mains have been replaced since 2013. This work is done in collaboration with smaller street and sidewalk projects, and more comprehensively in conjunction with the larger sewer and drainage projects such as the recently completed Alewife Sewer Separation and Western Avenue projects, as well as the upcoming River Street Project.

7) Work with developers: CWD constantly works with developers to improve the Water System to meet their water supply needs. A good example is Cambridge Crossing, where all the water mains and supply infrastructure have been upgraded.

8) System modeling: The CWD has a current hydraulic model of the Water System to enable it to understand and make recommendations to improve it as CWD continues to rehabilitate the Water System throughout the City.

Use of Cathodic Protection to prolong water main life:

In regard to whether the City’s preventative maintenance plans include cathodic protection, cathodic protection is not feasible for most of the City’s Water System. Cathodic protection is an external corrosion reduction methodology that can be used effectively under specific conditions. These conditions are: electrical continuity must be present throughout the pipe that needs to be protected, and CWD must have appropriately sized sacrificial anodes with the space to bury them, insulation of the pipe CWD wants to protect from other areas, and the ability to force an electrical current through the pipe.

Cathodic protection systems are typically installed on pipe that is subject to external corrosion and/or is made of a thin walled material. A good example is CWD’s force and supply line to and from Payson Park, the City’s finished water storage tank. This 40” diameter pipe is 3/8” thick riveted steel that is continuous, is cement lined, has insulated ends, and has a large sacrificial anode so that a current in the pipe can be impressed to minimize external corrosion.

Installing cathodic protection on all or most of CWD’s Water System would be very problematic. Most of CWD’s large transmission mains are cement lined cast iron with a very thick wall usually over 1” (very resistant to external corrosion), have many sections of pipe with joints that make it difficult to have electrical continuity and there is very little space to install sacrificial anodes in most of the City’s streets.

In response to the question asked in Awaiting Report No. 19-08 relative to whether there was a response to Awaiting Report No. 14-132 of Nov 14, 2014, attached please find a copy of that response, which was submitted to the City Council on Nov 24, 2014.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale,
City Manager

Jan 17, 2019

Dear neighbors,

I am writing to you to provide an update on the Dec 23, 2018 water main break on Craigie Street and to share information regarding clean-up and recovery efforts. When 1 visited the area on the morning of Dec 23rd, I saw firsthand the physical impacts to the neighborhood and know that this has been a frustrating event for everyone.

Timeline of Water Main Break: The City was notified of the water main break in the early hours of Dec 23rd. Water Department crews were dispatched to investigate the situation and determined that the water main break was on the 24" main on Craigie St. While the water main is over 100-years old, it was cement lined in 1954 and had no prior history of leaks. Our most recent annual Citywide leak detection was completed in December of 2018, which included Craigie Street. The report by the outside vendor that completed the work contained the following quote "I found the system to be in excellent condition with only 5 leaks located throughout.”

Crews were able to identify and close isolation valves and get a complete shutdown of the main by 5:30am. Crews continued working during the day of Dec 23rd to restore the pipe and had the main back in service a little after 7:00pm. In addition to the disruption of water service, Mercer Circle was flooded.

Clean up and Recovery: During the flooding on Mercer Circle, Eversource shutdown electric and gas service to a number of properties to ensure safety and DPW opened manhole covers and catch basins to allow the water to recede as quickly as possible. After the event, DPW provided additional street sweeping, and trash pickup to residents to facilitate the cleanup process. Also, Commissioner O'Riordan visited Mercer Circle on Christmas Eve at approximately 11am the day after the flood. He knocked on doors of houses identified as impacted and spoke with those residents that were around at that time asking them if they had any immediate needs from a DPW perspective.

DPW Commissioner O'Riordan has been answering neighborhood questions regarding the incident and recovery efforts. He has been in touch with a number of impacted residents, but we are not aware of every property impacted. If the water main break affected your property and the City has not contacted you, please contact Owen O'Riordan at 617-349-4800 or ooriordan@cambridgema.gov.

Claims: We have received questions regarding how to file a claim with the City for loss and damage to impacted properties. A claim letter can be filed with the City Clerk at City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. We will review each claim on Its merits, but it is important to know that because a City water main break occurred does not automatically mean that the City is legally liable for all damage caused by water leaking from the break.

In terms of process, the claim letter should include the claimant's name and address/ phone number, a description of She incident causing the damages alleged/ the amount of damages claimed, and any other documentation that the claimant would like the City to consider, including photos or videos if available and repair estimates or receipts. After receiving a claim, the Law Department will investigate all the relevant circumstances to determine the cause of damages alleged, after obtaining relevant information about the incident from other City departments and possibly from private parties. The Law Department will then determine whether the City is legally responsible for the damages. The investigation may take up to a few months depending on how much investigative work is required. Until the investigation is completed, the City will not be in a position to determine whether it is legally appropriate for us to pay out on submitted claims.

If you have specific questions or need additional trash pickup, please contact Owen O’Riordan, Commissioner, DPW, 617-349-4800 / ooriordan@cambridgema.gov. The City will continue to provide additional trash pickups and support the neighborhood with recovery efforts.

Sincerely,
Louis A DePasquale

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the requirements of the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) that the City Council adopt an order for the Statement of Interest Form to be submitted to MSBA no later than Feb 15, 2019 for the replacement of the roof, including the installation of photovoltaic panels (PV) if deemed structurally and financially possible at the Morse Elementary School located at 40 Granite Street.
Order Adopted 8-0-1

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-118, regarding a report on funding additional summer food sites.
Placed on File

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of donations to the Morse and Windsor Preschool Programs in the amount of $899.00 to Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be utilized to support a field trip and to purchase related classroom supplies.
Order Adopted 8-0-1

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of additional MASSCAP Inc. funds in the amount of $3,254.37 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,254.37) which will be used to provide assistance to Cambridge and Somerville residents with natural gas heating bills.
Order Adopted 8-0-1

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-111, regarding a report on TNC vehicles blocking travel lanes.
Placed on File

To: City Manager, Louis A. DePasquale
From: Police Commissioner, Branville G. Bard, Jr.
Date: Feb 5, 2019
Ref.: Awaiting Report 18-111
Re: TNC Vehicles Blocking Travel Lanes

The purpose of this response is to address Awaiting Report 18-111, regarding the uptick in Transportation Network Company (TNC) associated vehicles blocking travel lanes to pick up and drop off passengers, and drivers of these vehicles placing peoples’ safety in jeopardy, as well as adding to the traffic congestion in The Port neighborhood.

The Police Department and the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department have been working together to address these concerns. Director Joe Barr is addressing his department’s efforts to work with TNC’s to create pickup and drop off zones that are integrated into the various mobile apps. We have seen an increased willingness from the TNC’s to work with municipalities on creating the ability to notify both drivers and users on acceptable drop off and pick up locations. While these efforts should reduce improper stopping, enforcement and education by our officers will be the most visible and effective tactic to curtail this behavior.

For the past two years, all veteran and new police officers have received a block of instruction on the city’s Vision Zero efforts. A major point of emphasis has been on addressing bicycle lane violations and other unsafe operation that puts pedestrians and bicyclists at risk. In addition to the city parking violation B1 for blocked bicycle lane, the legislature passed a new law (MGL ch. 89 s 4D) at the beginning of 2017 that made it a violation of state law to stand or park in a marked bicycle lane. This is an important new enforcement tool because the violation is issued to the operator of the vehicle and not to the registered owner as is the case with the city’s parking ticket. In the past, officers received feedback from commercial vehicle operators and TNC drivers that parking tickets were viewed as a cost of doing business and were unlikely to deter behavior. The new statute places responsibility on the operator which then becomes part of their personal driving history. Drivers of TNC and commercial vehicles are much more likely to change behavior when the violation attaches to them and not their vehicle.

Two of the police department’s current performance measures are tied to assignments conducted to monitor for bicycle lane violations and for citations issued for these violations. There has been a steady increase each year in the amount of time officers spend in addressing these violations. In FY18, 1495 enforcement assignments were conducted citywide for bicycle lanes. Officers are directed to self-initiate activity and to take action whenever violations are observed. In addition, the department is utilizing analysis of high crash locations and data on requests from the public for enforcement via applications like See, Click, Fix and MYPD to direct enforcement activity.

The police department currently has two active traffic safety grants that fund enforcement activity. The grants allow some local discretion to address community concerns. Officers conducting grant activity have been encouraged to issue citations for blocked bicycle lanes utilizing the new state statute in addition to other violations that align with our Vision Zero goals.

Traffic Safety grant activity will be increasing in the coming months as the weather improves. This funding will allow sustained enforcement through the summer and into the early fall. It is important to note that the police department’s education and enforcement activity is focused on the violation and not the type of vehicle committing the violation. It is not always immediately clear if a violation committed by a passenger vehicle with a passenger registration is operating as a TNC.

I hope you find this response satisfactory, and if there are any additional questions or information needed regarding this matter, please let me know. The police department will continue to work to identify and resolve issues that impact specific neighborhoods, areas, and the City as a whole.

Sincerely,
Branville, G. Bard, Jr.
Police Commissioner

7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-113, regarding a report on organizing a neighborhood walk on Rindge Avenue.
Placed on File

8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-112, regarding a report on requesting DCR to take measures to reduce vehicles blocking the exit from the Fresh Pond Mall to Alewife Brook Parkway.
Placed on File

9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-101, regarding a report on ways to raise awareness about the prevalence of food allergies in public parks and playgrounds.
Placed on File

10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-124, regarding a report on construction vehicle parking on Gore Street and potential use of Twin City Plaza.
Placed on File

11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-131, regarding a report on the use of cigarette disposal box program.
Placed on File

12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-109, regarding a report on the feasibility of fencing off a dog park area at Joan Lorentz Park.
Placed on File

13. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Constables for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2019: With Power - Burton Malkofsky and Ronald DiGiorgio. Without Power - Edward Otero.
Placed on File

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Nicholas Faillace, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 32 Vineyard Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No neighborhood association in area 13.
Tabled - Zondervan

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to the following ordinance: and proposed amendments to Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code (the "Fair Housing Ordinance”). Fair Housing (passed to a 2nd Reading) [AWAITING HOME RULE LEGISLATION-BEFORE PROPOSAL CAN BE ORDAINED]

3. 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]

4. An application was received from Citizens Bank, requesting permission for a 1 illuminated projecting sign and 7 awnings at the premises numbered 822 Somerville Avenue, approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and no abutter response.

5. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Craig A. Kelley, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Jan 9, 2019 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.66 entitled “Tree Protection” to amend section 8.66.40 entitled “Applicability” and by adding a new section 8.66.055 entitled “Procedure for other projects.” [THE QUESTION COMES ON PASSAGE TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER FEB 18, 2019.]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridge Side Galeria Associates trust to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by adding a new Section 13.100 to Article 13.00 of the Zoning Ordinance and to amend the Zoning Map to add a new PUD-8 District overlay that certain area (which includes parcels and portions of ways and streets) labeled as "PUD-8 district".
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board

2. An application was received from Mark Conserva representing First Republic, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 47 Brattle Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
Order Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding Tree "Protections"/Destruction, I90 Destructiveness.

2. A communication was received from Michael Turk, regarding Baker 'Housing Choices' Bill and NAIOP.

3. A communication was received from John Pitkin, Friends of Inman Square, 18 Fayette Street, regarding Inman Square appeal.

4. A communication was received from Jack Hall, 1 Mercer Circle, noting that Cambridge should pay for the damages to the eight families caused by the water main break.

5. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding any item that pertains to homelessness.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Kenneth J. "Kenny" Rudgis. Councillor Toomey

2. Congratulations to the New England Patriots on defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LII. Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. That the City Council go on record reaffirming its support of the homeless issues bills awaiting action in the House and Senate, and entreats its elected delegation in both bodies to actively work on moving these measures out of their respective committees on toward adoption. Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted

2. City Council support of legislation that protects children. Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted

3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department, along with any other relevant department, to evaluate the appropriateness of installing a raised intersection at Windsor Street and Market Street, or projecting the ramps out into the intersection to shorten the crosswalks and standardize turning habits, and if deemed suitable, to include the project in future street improvement. plans. Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted

4. Cancellation of the Regular City Council Meeting Mar 11, 2019. Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted

5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to take an inventory of the empty tree wells in the Port and to establish a plan for replenishing these throughout the spring season and determine where additional "smart" trash receptacles can be placed throughout the Port. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley
Order Adopted as Amended

6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the Apr 23, 2018 Policy Order seeking additional funding for affordable housing concerns. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted

7. That the City Council go on record in support of an “Act relative to the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program” and an “Act to ensure right to counsel in eviction proceedings". Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted

8. That the City Manager is requested to commend the Cambridge Police Department on bringing the new Cambridge Cadet Program to fruition and to continue to support initiatives to recruit more Cambridge youth, especially women and minorities, in public safety careers. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted as Amended

9. That Rule 39, "Rules of Travel" under the “Rules of the City Council” hereby be amended to be titled "Rules of Travel and Other Council-Related Expenditures." Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted

10. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to ensure that the Housing Committee meetings scheduled to be held on Mar 5, 2019, Mar 20, 2019 and Mar 28, 2019 be televised. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended

11. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion on whether the tree located at 32 Vineyard Street, which is the subject of a curb cut application, is a public shade tree pursuant to the state law. Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM OTHER CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez transmitting a communication from Vice Mayor Devereux regarding the curb cut application located at 32 Vineyard Street.
Referred to Charter Right (Calendar Item) #1

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Feb 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 12
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting between the City Council and School Committee to conduct a preliminary discussion on the Cambridge Public School Departmental budget for FY20. THIS MEETING WILL BE TELEVISED. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 13
12:00pm Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on the progress to date on the retail strategy plan and vacant storefront initiative. THIS HEARING WILL BE TELEVISED. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Feb 14
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code to amend Chapter 8.66 entitled “Tree Protection” in section 8.66.055 entitled “Procedure for Other Significant Tree Removals” by adding new sentences at the end which reads, No such permits will be issued for one year subsequent to ordination except for dead, diseased or dangerous trees. Any tree removed in violation of this section shall require a payment into the tree replacement fund as per section 8.66.060. THIS HEARING WILL BE TELEVISED. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Feb 26
10:00am Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the lessons learned from the death of Laura Levis, and to discuss what measures are being enacted to instill a greater level of confidence in local Cambridge Health Alliance centers to prevent another occurrence of this nature. THIS HEARING WILL BE TELEVISED. (Sullivan Chamber)
2:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the MBTA’s Better Bus Project report as it relates to proposed changes to bus lines and service throughout Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm Roundtable/ Working Meeting between the City Council and School Committee to discuss plans for the Tobin/VLUS school design and construction process. THIS MEETING WILL BE TELEVISED. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Feb 27
2:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review unsolved and/or aging homicide investigations in Cambridge, to include “cold” case work and limitations, legal or tactical, on sharing relevant information with the general public. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Title 12 entitled “Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places” by adding a new chapter 12.22 entitled “Cycling Safety Ordinance”. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 6
1:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss how Transit Benefits Ordinance are used in other cities to further sustainable transportation goals, and whether Cambridge could benefit from implementing a Transit Benefit Ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 13
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss under what circumstance the City of Cambridge might be interested in submitting a home rule petition to allow the City Council or another branch of Municipal Government to define, if, where and how public consumption of cannabis might be allowed in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 20
4:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the implications of identity theft and cybercrime on local residents and businesses to include Cambridge Police Departmental responses to these events and possible proactive measures to help people protect against such crimes. (Ackermann Room)
5:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 27
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a zoning petition filed by Melissa and Christopher Grippo et al to amend the Zoning Ordinance by adding at the end of section 5.30.11 a sentence that reads; notwithstanding the foregoing, in Industry B District, a hotel use (Section 4.31.2) shall be governed by the second number (4.0) for purposes of determining the maximum ratio of floor area to lot area. THIS HEARING WILL BE TELEVISED. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Mar 28
5:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Submission (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 1
9:00am Finance Committee hearing to discuss proposed FY20 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 7
9:00am Finance Committee hearing to discuss proposed FY20 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 8
6:00pm Finance Committee hearing to discuss FY20 School Department Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 9
9:00am Finance Committee hearing to discuss proposed FY20 City Budget (if necessary) (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Feb 11, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: A Policy Order “Advancing Homelessness Issues Docket,” stating the City Council’s support for various bills before the Massachusetts legislature, was unanimously passed on June 4, 2018; and
WHEREAS: The previous legislative session ended without final action on the items listed in the policy order, and have been refiled by their cosponsors for the current legislative session, to include those listed herein with their new docket numbers; and
WHEREAS: An “Act to provide identification to homeless youth and families,” HD.1263 and SD.667 would make accessing a Massachusetts identification card easier for certain individuals experiencing homelessness by eliminating fees that some may find prohibitive; and
WHEREAS: An “Act to further provide a rental arrearage program,” HD.2395 would reestablish a rental arrearage program for families, individuals, and unaccompanied youth with incomes up to 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (the Council reaffirmed its support of this legislative item on Jan 28, 2019); and
WHEREAS: An “Act creating a Bill of Rights for people experiencing homelessness,” HD.2776 and SD. 1952 would prevent discrimination based on housing status, and expand rights to move freely in public spaces, receive equal access to municipal services, and to vote; and
WHEREAS: An “Act relative to the safety, dignity, and civil rights of persons experiencing homelessness,” HD. 3764 and SD. 1950 similarly declares the right of persons experiencing homelessness to use public spaces, enjoy a reasonable expectation of privacy, interact with public officials, and to rest, eat, and pray in public spaces; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record reaffirming its support of the aforementioned bills awaiting action in the House and Senate, and entreats its elected delegation in both bodies to actively work on moving these measures out of their respective committees on toward adoption; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the members of Cambridge’s Legislative Delegation.

O-2 Feb 11, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Our greatest duty as a progressive society is to ensure that children have equal opportunity to realize their potential, lessening the burdens that circumstance and fortune may place upon their journeys; and
WHEREAS: There are still gaps in meeting the basic needs of Massachusetts’ children, chief among these are housing security and hunger—that most ancient enemy of children; and
WHEREAS: There are several bills before the Massachusetts legislature that would help to close some of those gaps; and
WHEREAS: An “Act to lift the cap on kids,” HD.3043 and SD. 1452, put forward by Representative Marjorie Decker and Senator Sal DiDomenico, would expand welfare benefits to children conceived while, or soon after, the family begins receiving benefits, correcting a practice that leaves some 8,900 of the most vulnerable children in Massachusetts without public benefits; and
WHEREAS: An “Act to lift children out of deep poverty,” HD. 2367 and SD. 1328, also put forward by Representative Decker and Sen. DiDomenico, would increase state benefits to children and families to 50 percent of the federal poverty level for household size; and
WHEREAS: An “Act to protect families experiencing homelessness from having to sleep in unsafe places,” HD.2406 submitted by Representative Decker, removes the requirement that families spend a night in an unsafe place, such as a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, or camping ground before they are eligible for emergency housing assistance form the Department of Housing and Community Development; and
WHEREAS: An “Act to end child homelessness,” HD. 1356 sponsored by Representative Denise Provost, prevents families with children under the age of 18 from being evicted from public housing, publicly subsidized housing, or a shelter funded in whole or in part with public funds, unless all children can be suitably housed in a different location; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That in recognizing that health and wellbeing of children is a priority, the City Council adds its support to an “Act to lift the cap on kids” H.3042/SD.1452, an “Act to lift children out of deep poverty” HD. 2367/SD.1328, an “Act to protect families experiencing homelessness from having to sleep in unsafe places” HD.2406, and an “Act to end child homelessness” HD.1356; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this Policy Order to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-3 Feb 11, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Windsor Street is a well-trafficked public way that bisects densely populated communities in the Port Neighborhood, and Market Street is a mixed-income street with many families and students who utilize the sidewalks and crosswalks at the intersection; and
WHEREAS: Speeding enforcement on Windsor Street has been the subject of three policy orders since 2016, speaking to residents’ concerns regarding safety for pedestrians; in a report to the Council Mon, Feb 4, 2019, the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department recommended that the speed limit on Windsor Street be reduced to 20 MPH; and
WHEREAS: The corner of Windsor Street and Market Street is a busy intersection for both vehicles and pedestrians and is proximate to the Fletcher-Maynard Academy school safety zone; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department, along with any other relevant department, to evaluate the appropriateness of installing a raised intersection at Windsor Street and Market Street, or projecting the ramps out into the intersection to shorten the crosswalks and standardize turning habits, and if deemed suitable, to include the project in future street improvement plans; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to collect feedback from the abutting neighborhoods as part of its evaluation process.

O-4 Feb 11, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the Regular City Council Meeting on Mon, Mar 11, 2019, be and hereby is cancelled as members of the City Council and City Staff will be at the National League of Cities spring conference in Washington, D.C.

O-5 Feb 11, 2019 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: At the Safe Streets, Safe City meeting held at the Pisani Center on Feb 6, 2019, a number of concerns were raised about various issues in the Port, including the fact that numerous tree wells have long sat empty, and the fact that there may be an insufficient number of trash receptacles in the area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to take an inventory of the empty tree wells in the Port and to establish a plan for replenishing these by maximizing the size of the sidewalk opening, increasing the amount of soil replacement with a healthy mixture and improved maintenance throughout the spring season; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to determine where additional “smart“ trash receptacles (those which send an electronic alert to the DPW when they are full) could be placed throughout the Port neighborhood, and to establish a plan to distribute these throughout the Port no later than the first day of summer; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on these matters within one month.

O-6 Feb 11, 2019
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MALLON
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: On Apr 23, 2018, the City Council passed a Policy Order calling upon the City Manager to commit to allocating an additional $20 million per year over the next five years, for a total of $100 million, for the creation and preservation of affordable housing, and to date there has been no formal response from the City Manager’s Office on this Policy Order; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the Apr 23, 2018 Policy Order seeking additional funding for affordable housing concerns within 30 days from today.

O-7 Feb 11, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: In pursuing its stated goal to “increase access to affordable housing for all income groups,” the City Council is frequently confronted with the reality that state action is needed to support and enable the City’s efforts to confront the housing crisis; and
WHEREAS: Several items currently before the legislature advance key housing policy goals established by the Council and Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: An “Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program,” HD.3872/SD.864 would ensure the continuation of the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) by codifying it into the General Laws of Massachusetts, increase the funding from $100 million to $130 million, and allow tenants to use subsidies in units at the current fair market rent rather than at 2005 levels; and
WHEREAS: An “Act to ensure right to counsel in eviction proceedings,” SD.625 would establish a right to legal counsel in eviction cases, demonstrated to be a major determining factor in the outcome of such cases; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in support of an “Act relative to the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program” and an “Act to ensure right to counsel in eviction proceedings;” and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8 Feb 11, 2019 Amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department has officially unveiled a new Cambridge Cadet Program which is expected to begin in late 2019; and
WHEREAS: The program is designed for Cambridge residents between the ages of 18-24 who are interested in pursuing a career in policing and will offer on-the job and classroom training; and
WHEREAS: Careers in public safety offer excellent salaries, benefits and provide a meaningful way to serve our community; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to commend the Cambridge Police Department on bringing the new Cambridge Cadet Program to fruition and to continue to support initiatives to recruit more Cambridge youth, especially women and minorities, in public safety careers.

O-9 Feb 11, 2019
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: City Councillors are given a budget to be used in travel and training events that further their abilities to serve the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Sometimes Councillors find it useful to purchase specific equipment, such as special keyboards or electronic equipment, not available through traditional City channels, to do their jobs; and
WHEREAS: Not all opportunities to better serve the City of Cambridge are related to travel and training but may include bringing residents, businesses, visitors, institutions or other parties together to discuss City issues such as bike safety, development, public safety, taxes, infrastructure and so forth; and
WHEREAS: It is common to offer people at public meetings or workshops some limited amount of refreshments; and
WHEREAS: City Councillors have no ready ability to provide such refreshments during public meetings and workshops they may organize; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That Rule 39, "Rules of Travel" under the “Rules of the City Council” hereby be amended to be titled "Rules of Travel and Other Council-Related Expenditures" and that a Paragraph 5 be added that states:

"City Councillors may spend their allotted budgeted funds for equipment, light refreshments at meetings that are open to the public, and other related items or activities that are in furtherance of their public duties.”; and be it further

ORDERED: That this matter be referred to the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee for a hearing.

O-10 Feb 11, 2019 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: On March 5, March 20 and March 28, 2019, the Housing Committee is scheduled to meet, with the official call of each meeting being “The Housing Committee shall meet to continue discussions on the Affordable Housing Overlay District”; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to ensure that the Housing Committee meetings scheduled to be held on Mar 5, 2019, Mar 20, 2019 and Mar 28, 2019 be televised.

O-11 Feb 11, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion on whether the tree located at 32 Vineyard Street, which is the subject of a curb cut application, is a public shade tree pursuant to the state law.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 4/4/2016

16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016

16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016

16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

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

17-22. Report on the potential growth of next-generation wireless technology in the City, to include: the expected footprint of citywide coverage from just one company and what market competition might produce; the integration of public and private infrastructure to support the network; what local standards the City might hope to maintain relative to aesthetics and safety; and how this new technology fits into our Broadband access plans. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-14) from 2/27/2017

17-87. Report on a schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates clearer wording and/or more clearly explains each section in less technical jargon and is more coherent in its entirety, with the goal of seeing such an Ordinance adopted by the end of this City Council term. On a communication from Councillor Kelley and Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 9/18/2017

18-6. Report on information regarding electronic device usage by City-elected officials.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 1/22/2018

18-15. Report on any other relevant City Department to gain a sense of who is purchasing buildings in Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/5/2018

18-21. Report on the feasibility of initiating a formal transit study and action plan of the Alewife area in response to unanimous concerns of the Envision Alewife Working Group.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-7) from 2/26/2018

18-37. Report on the possibility of accepting the City of Boston's invitation to join their intergenerational housing pilot program.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 3/26/2018

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

18-44. Report on ensuring an additional commitment of $20 million from the City’s budget is devoted over the next five years toward the City’s efforts to preserve and create affordable housing units.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 4/23/2018

18-53. Report on an updated schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates suggestions from the Light Cambridge Committee by June 11, 2018.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 5/14/2018

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

18-61. Report on commissioning a public art piece, statue, or memorial that would commemorate the dedication of women in Cambridge to passing the Nineteenth Amendment.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/4/2018

18-65. Report on working with the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program and other appropriate City departments to organize a Town Hall Meeting for Cambridge youth.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-5) from 6/18/2018

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

18-68. Report on determining the permitting and legality issues of Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-11) from 6/18/2018

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

18-83. Report on an action plan to work with the City’s Community-Based Organizations to create a network of summertime evening programming to reduce the threat of violence in the City’s public spaces in 2019 and beyond.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon (O-9) from 7/30/2018

18-85. Report on the feasibility of appointing an advisory committee to work through resiliency elements raised during the Envision process and through the Brown petition.
Councillor Toomey (O-13) from 7/30/2018

18-86. Report on the feasibility of adopting a policy of replacing any failed 4000K LED streetlights with warmer alternatives as opportunities arise, and offering shielding/filtering upon request from nearby residents whenever possible.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-14) from 7/30/2018

18-87. Report on the navigational editing capabilities of the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-16) from 7/30/2018

18-90. Report on the feasibility of establishing a crosswalk at the intersection of Soden Street and Western Avenue.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #3) from 9/24/2018

18-91. Report on drafting a plan that shall allow the Mayor’s Annual Harvard Senior Luncheon to be held regardless of the weather conditions.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #4) from 9/24/2018

18-93. Report on the sale of The Constellation Center's Parcel C in Kendall Square.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey (Calendar Item #7) from 9/24/2018

18-94. Report on considering to work with consultants and other available resources to help incorporate data access and management concerns into discussions, permits and licenses for new mobility platforms.
Councillor Kelley (Calendar Item #8) from 9/24/2018

18-96. Report on how the City views internet-based platforms as opportunities for outreach and communication and what sort of guidelines have been, or are being, developed to help everyone understand how the City’s various departments do or do not utilize these communication resources and how any communications on these platforms are managed so that the messaging and information is kept up-to-date.
Councillor Kelley (Calendar Item #10) from 9/24/2018

18-99. Report on the creation and implementation of a survey or other feedback mechanism for individuals who have been in contact with the Human Rights Commission.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon (O-2) from 9/24/2018

18-100. Report on taking all possible immediate actions to preserve and restore Linear Park.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley (O-3) from 9/24/2018

18-101. Report on identifying ways to raise awareness about the prevalence of food allergies and decrease the level of risk posed by food remnants left in public parks and playgrounds. See Mgr #9
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 10/1/2018

18-103. Report on seeking a formal response from CVS as it relates to a racial profiling incident.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 10/1/2018

18-105. Report on the feasibility of placing a condition in the public bidding documents prohibiting municipal contractors from displaying any signage other than company markers and contact information on vehicles.
Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-1) from 10/15/2018

18-107. Report on prioritizing the Public Safety outreach measures in the FY20 budget.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-5) from 10/15/2018

18-108. Report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 10/29/2018

18-109. Report on the feasibility of fencing off an area on the North side of the Joan Lorentz park for a dog park or at another suitable location in Mid-Cambridge. See Mgr #12
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-2) from 10/29/2018

18-111. Report on addressing the increase of TNC-associated vehicles stopping in the middle of streets and bicycle lanes. See Mgr #6
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 10/29/2018

18-112. Report on determining what measures would best serve to prevent vehicles from blocking the Fresh Pond Mall's driveway onto Alewife Brook Parkway. See Mgr #8
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-8) from 10/29/2018

18-113. Report on coordinating a walk down Rindge Avenue, covering at least from Haskell Street to Sherman Street, to analyze the congestion and intersections with interested residents to try to find mitigating solutions or to explain why mitigation may not be possible. See Mgr #7
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/29/2018

18-114. Report on opportunities and plans to increase signage or other communication efforts to help ensure that all users of Brattle Street between Eliot and Mason Streets understand the cyclists may be using Brattle Street in the opposite direction of prevailing motor vehicle traffic.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-14) from 10/29/2018

18-115. Report on the current status of the Surveillance Technology Ordinance and a date the City Council can expect an updated version of the proposed Ordinance.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone (O-16) from 10/29/2018

18-118. Report on funding additional City summer food sites and collaborate on creative and innovative ways to engage participants in programming that will increase the use of open food sites. See Mgr #3
Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 11/5/2018

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.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

18-122. Report on the possibility of posting a "no trucks" sign on Hancock Street.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-3) from 11/19/2018

18-123. Report on ensuring funding for our municipal media services.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern (O-9) from 11/19/2018

18-124. Report on contacting the owners of Twin City Plaza about the leasing of parking spaces for construction vehicles instead of storing the vehicles on Gore Street. See Mgr #10
Councillor Toomey (O-10) from 11/19/2018

18-127. Report on providing a timeline when the City Council can expect to receive the draft zoning and public health regulations for urban farming.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 11/26/2018

18-129. Report on conducting a comprehensive, independent planning, and parking study of the neighborhood and use of the First Street Garage within 6months.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #1) from 11/19/2018

18-130. Report on working with the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee, the Director of the Cambridge Library, the Director of 22-CityView, the Director of the Women’s Commission, and any other appropriate City personnel to begin planning for a public discussion in recognition of 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-3) from 12/3/2018

18-131. Report on the use of the cigarette disposal box program, how they are functioning, how many the City has installed, how often they are emptied, if the program will be expanded, and any other relevant program details. See Mgr #11
Councillor Kelley, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mallon (O-4) from 12/3/2018

18-132. Report on the negative traffic impact regarding the Davis Square Neighborhood Plan.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-5) from 12/3/2018

18-133. Report on raising the fines for blocking both loading zones and bike lanes to a comparable rate to Boston for the 2020 fiscal year.
Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-9) from 12/3/2018

18-134. Report on creating a more inclusive city website, including an Open Meeting Portal registration form that does not require the use of gendered pronouns, salutations or titles.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon (O-11) from 12/3/2018

18-136. Report back on submitting a proposal that candidates would agree to not accept donations from person outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 12/3/2018

18-137. Report on reviewing the FCC Regulations on Small Cell Technology.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-18) from 12/3/2018

18-138. Report on Improving Pedestrian Safety and all relevant traffic calming measures to reduce speeding, implementing different paving surfaces, narrowing traffic lanes, installing pedestrian crossing placards affixed to the ground and adding raised intersections.
Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 12/10/2018

18-139. Report on the possibility of planting a substantial-sized tree at the corner of Inman Street and Massachusetts Avenue, directly on the front lawn of City Hall.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-2) from 12/10/2018

18-140. Table of Uses
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 12/17/2018

18-141. Safe way to bring power across sidewalks.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-2) from 12/17/2018

18-142. Targeting advertising efforts to education cyclists.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 12/17/2018

18-143. Business entity's beneficial ownership.
Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 12/10/2018

18-144. Process for obtaining and analyzing Eviction data.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 12/17/2018

19-1. Report on the recently adopted regulations of the short-term rental revenue and the necessary steps to impose and access the revenue from the excise and community impact fees.
Mayor McGovern (O-4) from 1/7/2019

19-2. Report on allocating a percentage of hotel/motel tax revenue and adult use cannabis tax revenue to the arts in the FY20 budget.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-5) from 1/7/2019

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

19-4. Report on the City's 1% for arts ordinance, which projects have met the threshold and which have fallen short, and whether it can be adjusted to account for ensuring that all mediums and disciplines of art, including live performance art, receive funding.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 1/7/2019

19-5. Report on how to provide public representation to the major project Selection Committees.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-14) from 1/7/2019

19-6. Report on outlining how a prolonged Federal Government shut-down may impact the people of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 1/14/2019

19-7. Report on Boston’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station Home Rule Petition and propose similar language for the City Council to consider.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 1/14/2019

19-8. Report on whether the department is monitoring aged pipelines to prevent unexpected breaks and if information on the age of the pipes is readily available. See Mgr #1
Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 1/14/2019

19-9. Report on determining what facilities, parking changes, and other improvements to the pavement conditions are possible to make Cambridge’s stretch of Webster Avenue a Complete Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 1/14/2019

19-10. Report on establishing a system of information-sharing and/ or alternative method for making available that data which may be of beneficial use to the City in analyzing displacement.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 1/14/2019

19-11. Report on the feasibility of eliminating the use of plastic water bottles at City and School events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Mallon (O-4) from 1/28/2019

19-12. Report on the legality and constitutionality of the proposed “Cambridge Publicly Financed Municipal Election Program” and the “Cambridge Municipal Election People’s Pledge.”
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley (O-8) from 1/28/2019

19-13. Eversource Substation.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/4/2019

19-14. Arts Organization and Funding Inventory.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-4) from 2/4/2019

19-15. Bed Bug Assistance Program.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 2/4/2019

19-16. Super Sunday road race.
Councillor Toomey (O-13) from 2/4/2019