Cambridge City Council meeting - February 12, 2024

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $229,126.03, received from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, State 911 Department, to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($159,393.03), and the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Travel and Training account ($69,733). This formula-based reimbursement grant will support training of Emergency Communications Center personnel, classroom fees, and training materials. (CM24#11)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the re-appointment of Elaine M. DeRosa as a member of the person as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. (CM24#12)
Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

CM24#12 Feb 12, 2024

I am pleased to recommend the re-appointment of Elaine DeRosa to the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners for a term of 5 years.

Ms. DeRosa spent four decades working at Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. (CEOC) and retired after 30 years as the CEOC’s Executive Director. Elaine provided individual tenant advocacy and developed and advocated for public policy for the preservation and development of affordable housing in Cambridge and statewide.

Since her retirement from CEOC, her commitment to the development of affordable housing has continued. Elaine is currently a member of the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust and the Trust’s appointee to the Community Preservation Act Committee. Elaine has played a critical role on the CHA Board of Commissioners focusing on the development and preservation of affordable housing.

Ms. DeRosa brings decades of commitment and passion to the necessity of insuring affordable housing for low-income individuals and families throughout Cambridge. Therefore, in accordance with M.G. L. Chapter 121B, Section 5, I am submitting Ms. DeRosa’s name for City Council confirmation as a Commissioner of the Cambridge Housing Authority. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Housing Committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Mayor Simmons’ recommended appointments to the Family Policy Council: City Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui, City Councillor Ayesha Wilson, and School Committee Member Caroline Hunter. (CM24#13)
Placed on File 9-0

CM24#13 Feb 12, 2024

I am hereby notifying you of the appointments of Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui, City Councillor Ayesha Wilson, and School Committee Member Caroline Hunter as members of the Family Policy Council for the 2024-2025 City Council term based on the recommendations of Mayor Simmons.

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,620 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account. In addition to the ESOL and ABE teaching, this federal grant provides funding for advising (education and career advising), civics education, digital literacy instruction and assessment, for Math, ELA (English Language Arts) and ESOL curriculum development and coordination, technology and digital literacy coordination, volunteer coordination, outreach activities and professional development for teachers and staff. (CM24#14)
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $10,000, to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($9,500), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($500). These donations will be used to support services for Cambridge Seniors, including gift cards for strategic planning focus groups, transportation for special senior center events and trips, and support of social groups. (CM24#15)
Order Adopted 9-0

6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $264,810, funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($162,692), to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($88,118), and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($14,000). (CM24#16)
Order Adopted 9-0

7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($5,000). The funds will support the career advising of the CNA training program with some instruction to support CNA graduates who need review prior to taking the state exam. (CM24#17)
Order Adopted 9-0

8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $150,469, received from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($150,469). (CM24#18)
Order Adopted 9-0

9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $104,830.24 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($94,347.24) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($10,483). These funds will be used to reimburse the City for salary and program costs associated with enrolling income-eligible youth in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. (CM24#19)
Order Adopted 9-0

10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-01, regarding Lesley University’s ARPA-funded training program with the City of Somerville. (CM24#20)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Siddiqui, Wilson, Ellen Semonoff; Placed on File 9-0

11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) Economic Impact Report. (CM24#21) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Azeem, Pickett, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Simmons, Iram Farooq, Yi-An Huang, Owen O’Riordan; Placed on File 9-0

12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department Update. (CM24#22) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; introduction of CSD staff by Liz Speakman, description of start-up of the new department, collaboration with CPD, CFD; ready to launch in March; Toner asks about how large staff will eventually be; Toner asks about liability in the event of mistakes; City Manager notes significance of rapidly-evolving situations; responders not being sent into dangerous situations; opportunities to free up police officers; Nolan comments include H.E.A.R.T., asks about CSD staff members who were let go; Simmons and City Manager make clear that personnel questions are not appropriate for City Council; McGovern expresses concern about CSD collaboration with CPD, CFD; Speakman explains that theirs is not a “co-response model” and protocols for when responders may feel unsafe in a given situation; response via 911 and hope for an alternative for direct access; Sobrinho-Wheeler (ah-ah-ah) asks about background skills of CSD staff, Speakman explains some of the training; JSW desperately trying to inject H.E.A.R.T. into discussion; City Manager notes that H.E.A.R.T. not doing emergency response, City has tried hard to work with them, calls it a challenge how City might work with H.E.A.R.T., only submitted their proposal 2 months ago and without an operational budget, suggestion that they focus on how to use the ARPA money previously allocated; McGovern asks what happens to ARPA money if H.E.A.R.T. does not spend it; Manager notes that funds must be drawn down by the end of the year and that funds could be re-allocated to other programs; Siddiqui says allocated money can continue for additional 2 years; Manager says that ARPA money must be allocated and spent by Dec 31, 2024; Wilson comments, wants to support H.E.A.R.T.; Toner asks if H.E.A.R.T. has done same training, Speakman assumes so but cannot speak for them; Azeem says badges and uniforms can yield respect, Speakman says there are multiple perspectives on this; Placed on File 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Foreign Policy in Council. [Charter Right – Siddiqui, Jan 29, 2024] (PO24#13)
Siddiqui says she wants to “speak my truth”, would not support an outright ban on foreign policy issues; notes many people who spoke on Ceasefire resolution who had never spoken before [but this may largely be due to their not living in Cambridge]; Azeem notes that Cambridge is an attractive target for activists to press their issue that relates little to Cambridge or not at all; Pickett notes many emails that say focus should be on municipal affairs; McGovern notes that Ceasefire issue took up a lot of time but that this is not the norm, notes that that resolution was sent to our elected officials (reps, senators, president) and that this is appropriate; Toner notes that we all have our own opinions and that the city is divided on this issue - not eager to be hearing from people all around the country; Nolan says it’s important to take this up in committee, but how do we represent the people of the city and not just the super-organized groups; Wilson calls this resolution unique [really?]; Siddiqui says she heard opposite of Pickett in emails; Simmons makes distinction between the message and the messenger - the disruptive nature of “by all means necessary” - people in City Hall visibly shaken; Toner notes that Thursday meeting will be on various issues and not just this issue; Order Adopted and Referred to Gov't. Ops. 9-0

O-5 Jan 29, 2024 Charter Right - Siddiqui
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: There has been ongoing discussion regarding the appropriateness and methodology of addressing foreign policy resolutions within the scope of the City Council’s responsibilities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the topic of discussing foreign policy resolutions by the City Council be referred to the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. Ordinance 2023 #8B Amend Chapter 14.04 – Fair Housing [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 2, 2023; Amended Nov 6, 2023; to remain on Unfinished Business pending legislative approval of Special Act needed prior to ordination] (ORD23-8B)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application from Michael Driscoll, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 136-138 Rindge Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. (AP24#5)
Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Aaron Shakow regarding Residents Alliance Supports PO24#10 for a Ceasefire in Gaza

2. A communication from Aaron Shakow regarding Support PO24#10 without amendment - Dire humanitarian conditions demand local action.

4. A communication from Allie Shepard regarding Vote YES on Ceasefire Resolution.

6. A communication from Amy Pollard regarding Pass Ceasefire Resolution without any amendments.

7. A communication from Andrew King regarding Please Support PO24#10 Ceasefire in Gaza.

9. A communication from Ann Stewart regarding public comment suggestion and new resolution amendment.

15. A communication from Carolyn Magid, Matthew Schreiner, and Henry Wortis regarding Our Revolution Cambridge supports an Immediate Negotiated Ceasefire.

16. A communication from Carolyn Marar regarding Support for ceasefire resolution.

17. A communication from Catherine Zusy regarding Please support PO24#11: An Act Establishing a Municipal Reforestation Program.

19. A communication from Cecelia Crumlish regarding Vote YES on a complete and unambiguous CEASEFIRE.

20. A communication from Christine Bustany regarding vote in support of ceasefire – PO24#10.

22. A communication from Claire Cooley regarding From Cambridge Resident – Ceasefire Resolution - Vote YES!

23. A communication from Dan Phillips regarding In support of removing the restriction on unrelated people living together.

28. A communication from Derek Etkin regarding Please support ceasefire PO24#10 without weakening amendments.

30. A communication from Elizabeth (minga) Claggett-Borne regarding support PO24#10.

31. A communication from Elizabeth Rassweiler regarding Please Pass PO24#10 and send it to President Biden and to Congress.

32. A communication from Elsie Stickler regarding Ceasefire Resolution Vote 1-29-24.

33. A communication from Eric Cao regarding Support for POR Calling for an Immediate Negotiated Ceasefire.

37. A communication from Hannah Shaby regarding Please Support Ceasefire Resolution Tonight 1-29

38. A communication from Helen Gibbons regarding Comment re Ceasefire resolution.

41. A communication from Isa G. regarding Condemning Jews on Holocaust Remembrance Day.

42. A communication from Jacqueline King regarding Support PO24#10 with no amendments.

48. A communication from Jodi Ekelchik regarding Comment - Jan 29 Council meeting.

49. A communication from Joel T. Patterson regarding Policy Order on Ceasefire in Gaza.

51. A communication from Jordan Jakubovitz regarding Comment on PO24#10 Calling for an Immediate Negotiated Ceasefire in Gaza.

55. A communication from Kathy Watkins regarding Support for PO24#10, Cease fire in Gaza.

59. A communication from Laurie Friedman regarding Support of Israel/Gaza Ceasefire Policy Order.

60. A communication from Lee Farris regarding Pass PO24#10 for a Gaza ceasefire.

61. A communication from Leija Helling regarding Vote YES on the ceasefire resolution.

63. A communication from Linda Caswell regarding Support for clean CEASEFIRE in Gaza Resolution.

65. A communication from Linda Jenkins regarding Necessity for Cambridge to pass a clean ceasefire resolution today.

67. A communication from Madeline Lee Support a Ceasefire Resolution (Council Agenda Item: PO24#10)

68. A communication from Maggie Schulz regarding Please support ceasefire PO24#10 without weakening amendments.

70. A communication from Margaret Ann Brady and Robert Dall regarding Support for PO24#10.

71. A communication from Margaret Studier regarding I support all efforts to immediately initiate and maintain a ceasefire in Gaza!!

72. A communication from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding CMA #3 update on Conditions of Migrants at Middlesex Courthouse.

73. A communication from Marilyn Frankenstein regarding Please pass the ceasefire resolution without any clauses.

76. A communication from Mary Akerson regarding Policy Order #2 (Calling for an Immediate Negotiated Ceasefire in Gaza PO24#10).

79. A communication from Naila regarding Cambridge for a Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza.

84. A communication from Pamela Gudino regarding Resolution calling for a ceasefire.

85. A communication from Patricia Cantor Petrucelly and Jeffrey Petrucelly regarding PO24#10.

86. A communication from Perri Sheinbaum regarding Ceasefire Resolution in Cambridge.

87. A communication from Rachel Rosenbloom regarding Please vote yes on PO24#10.

90. A communication from Rajita Menon regarding Public comment on PO24#10 - YES TO CEASEFIRE NOW.

91. A communication from Rep. Mike Connolly regarding Support for ceasefire in Gaza (Policy Order #2)

93. A communication from Sarah Horsley regarding Please vote yes on a clean ceasefire resolution.

94. A communication from Sheli Wortis regarding Please support the Policy Order #9 and PO24#10.

96. A communication from Sophie Brill Weitz regarding In Support of a Ceasefire Resolution, PO24#10.

100. A communication from Susan Redlich regarding Approve PO24#10 Calling for a Ceasefire.

102. A communication from Tasha Coughlin regarding Support for PO24#10 - Israel/Gaza Ceasefire Policy Order.

103. A communication from Tom Moseley regarding Please Vote Yes on the Ceasefire Resolution.

105. A communication from Young Kim regarding Final Charter Review Committee Report to the Cambridge City Council.

107. A communication from Jeremy Warnick regarding Re CMA #3 update on Conditions of Migrants at Middlesex Courthouse.

108. A communication from Allan Sadun – Cambridge residents are asking for housing supply.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Kenneth Pitts on his retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner

2. Congratulations to Steven Smith on his retirement from the Cambridge Public Schools. Councillor Toner

3. Congratulations to Clay Halajian on his retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner

4. Congratulations to the recipients of the Dr. Edward Leitão Memorial Scholarship Fund. Councillor Toner

6. Congratulations to Firefighter Craig W. Yearwood on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner

8. Congratulations to Bernard Pollack on the production of “Little Peasants”. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern

9. Congratulations to Tracy Chang for being nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

10. Congratulations to Conor Dennehy being nominated as a semifinalist for the James Beard Award. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

11. Congratulations to Patricia Estorino on being nominated as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

ORDERS
1. Declare March 2, 2024, as Cambridge Youth Hockey Day in Cambridge. Councillor Toner (PO24#14)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to commence the process of drafting updated district maps and development processes, along with the zoning language and relevant ordinances to allow for and encourage the continued growth, redevelopment, and evolution of Central Square. Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner (PO24#15)
taken up early by Nolan; Azeem briefly describes the order; McGovern comments; Nolan asks if target dates are achievable noting timeline for Alewife; City Manager speaks optimistically about how this could mesh with Central Square Lots Study; suggests Feb 26 or Mar 4 for first update; Siddiqui asks when Lots Study will come back to City Council; O’Riordan estimates 4-6 weeks; Toner wants more community input but notes all the past Central Square studies; McGovern notes that this is not only about heights and densities. desire that it should be exciting and lively; Order Adopted 9-0

3. That the City Manager is requested to facilitate the participation in a public hearing(s) and or working session(s) to address Racial and Gender Disparities in City contracting and procurement. Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (PO24#16)
taken up early by Wilson; Wilson calls results of the study “disgraceful” to the Black community, blames “systemic racism”; Siddiqui says civil rights lawyers are now scrutinizing City practices; Manager says City has been contacted by Lawyers for Civil Rights but that they are misreading the report especially in regard to public companies such as Staples, notes that such companies can submit lower bids and provide faster delivery; City is now wrestling with the report; Siddiqui suggests we can be “intentional” [but it’s not at all clear how that relates to being “legal”]; Nolan says only 1% going to women and BIPOC-owned companies; Toner will schedule a committee meeting on this topic; Simmons recalls “Buy Cambridge” initiative and how money was directed to BIPOC-owned companies during Covid, need to talk to people in departments about how they choose contracts; Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Solicitor in collaboration with the Commissioner of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Community Development Department and the Police Department research rules and regulations governing the use of Electric Micromobility Devices and what, if any, authority Cambridge has to introduce its own regulations of these Devices including speed and location of use, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. Councillor Pickett, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan (PO24#17)
taken up early by Wilson; Pickett notes need for streets to be safe for everyone, need for clarity on how these devices are used, state allows municipalities to regulate e-bikes appropriately, but not necessarily other micromobility devices, expect mid-March response from Law Department; Toner notes that City Council is not trying to limit options for people, but also capabilities of some of these devices, need for updated rules of the road; Nolan notes need to understand the limits of our legal authority; Wilson expresses need for safety for all; Manager says speed limit for e-bikes is 18mph; Azeem notes that he owns an e-bike and cannot get speed up to 15mph; Order Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager direct the Solicitors Office, Election Commission and any other department deemed necessary, to review the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee and its proposals and provide written feedback on the legality, and practicality of the proposals in advance of future discussion. Councillor Toner (PO24#18)
Order Adopted 9-0 as Amended

6. The Final Report of the Charter Review Committee be referred to the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee. Councillor Toner (PO24#19)
Charter Right - Simmons

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Charter Review Committee held their final meeting on Jan 23, 2024 to review and discuss the Final Report. [all agendas, minutes, and video links]
Nolan thanks committee; notes goals, says current Charter no longer a permitted form [that’s not true]; lauds committee’s outreach [really?]; Nolan wants whole Council to be involved in evaluating the recommendations, and ensuing process, suggests having this go before voters in a special election; Minutes Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Feb 6, 2024 to discuss the potential for business corridors and squares to promote urban scale, mixed use development in which the provisions of innovation space subsidizes the delivery of housing and ground-floor retail. [text of report]
comments by Toner, Wilson; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Toner, Wilson
Remote Present: Sobrinho-Wheeler
Also Present: Pickett, Azeem

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF24#14)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication from Kathleen Born, Charter Review Committee Chair, transmitting the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee. Please note that this report was received by the City Clerk on Jan 31, 2024. (COF24#11)
pulled by Toner; Motion #1 to refer to Solicitor, Election Commission, others; Nolan, Azeem, Siddiqui wants this referred to committee of the whole rather than just Gov't Ops.; Pickett notes this will be a lengthy process; Wilson thanks committee for their volunteer time, wants a structure for this discussion; (2) Motion #2 to refer to Gov. Ops.: Charter Right - Simmons; Motion #1 amended 9-0; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Thurs, Feb 15
12:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:00pm-2:00pm to discuss the current lab, office, and retail vacancies in Cambridge and their expected impact on City revenues in the near and long term.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Feb 12, 2024
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: The All-volunteer-run organization that is Cambridge Youth Hockey has been in operation for several decades, operating out of The Simoni Ice Rink in East Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Youth Hockey provides a fun and inclusive introduction to the great sport of hockey for kids in Cambridge and neighboring communities running programs beginning at age 4 for those looking to learn to skate, learn to play hockey, competitive teams and adults; and
WHEREAS: Team sports are said to “bolster the five C’s, competence, confidence, connections, character and caring” and through the self-discipline of training and the balance provided by working together with a common goal, life skills are instilled in all involved and the foundation for a positive impact on society is created; and
WHEREAS: At practices and games, diverse members of our Cambridge community come together at the Simoni Ice Rink to celebrate our Cambridge youth hockey players as they make new friends across schools and neighborhoods, work hard building their skills, and have fun playing hockey; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record declaring March 2, 2024, as Cambridge Youth Hockey Day in Cambridge as an opportunity to thank the many volunteers who have given time and talent to countless youth and as a way to promote the many benefits and positive impact instilled by the participation in programs like Cambridge Youth Hockey.

O-2 Feb 12, 2024
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: Increasing the availability of housing is a major community need and remains a primary goal of the City Council; and
WHEREAS: The City’s comprehensive plan, Envision Cambridge, identifies Central Square as a key area for growth as the City’s traditional downtown, center of civic life, cultural district, and vibrant heart of local business; and
WHEREAS: Central Square is well positioned to accommodate a mix of uses and increased density as a primary MBTA transportation hub connected to local and regional job centers and amenities; and
WHEREAS: There is a proven need to increase housing development; support retail and, cultural, and non-profit diversity; enhance the Square’s public realm; and support community interaction and social cohesion as documented in the recent Central Square City Lots Study; and
WHEREAS: The City has previously completed studies that create a vision for Central Square and several that include recommendations to adopt updated zoning for the Square, including the Mayor’s Red Ribbon Commission on the Delights and Concerns of Central Square (2011), and the C2 Planning Study (2013), the Central Square Commercial District Assessment Survey (2018)), and the ongoing study of Central Square City /Lots; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to commence the process of drafting updated district maps and development processes, along with the zoning language and relevant ordinances to allow for and encourage the continued growth, redevelopment, and evolution of Central Square, in alignment with the prior planning processes undertaken by the Community Development Department, with a focus on increasing housing, creating public spaces to build community, and supporting our diverse retail, cultural, and nonprofit community, and creating additional public open spaces as well opportunities for centralized parking; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by Feb 26, 2024, with an outline describing the process needed to submit zoning for adoption by the end of this calendar year, including an update Summer 2024 and ordinance language introduced no later than September 2024.

O-3 Feb 12, 2024
COUNCILLOR WILSON
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: At the direction of City Council Policy Order 15 in 2021, the City commissioned Griffin & Strong to conduct a Disparity Study on the City’s issued contracts; and
WHEREAS: The study’s findings show a severe racial and gender disparity in the allocation of City Contracts that does not reflect the demographics or values of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: In the previous session of the Cambridge City Council, the Economic Development & University Relations Committee held an initial hearing on the Disparity Study’s findings and draft recommendations on September 27, 2023; and
WHEREAS: The completed Disparity Study recommends a number of remedial steps and additional lines of inquiry the City could pursue in any effort to address this gross disparity; and
WHEREAS: These steps may require numerous authorizations by the City Council and the coordinated efforts of multiple City departments; and
WHEREAS: The City Council believes that these disparities in contracting, the most severe being to the detriment of the Black Community, are a manifestation of systemic racism that is within the City Council’s purview to address; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the findings, research, and completed report of Griffin & Strong be referred to the Economic Development & University Relations Committee to develop the appropriate policy suite to address this disparity directly in a timely manner; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to facilitate the participation in a public hearing(s) and or working session(s) of any City administrators deemed relevant to this effort.

O-4 Feb 12, 2024
COUNCILLOR PICKETT
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: There has been a dramatic increase in the number and type of Electric Micromobility Devices, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, e-skateboards on Cambridge Streets and their usage is expected to increase; and
WHEREAS: These newly affordable technologies are a very promising form of sustainable personal transportation that can reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles and our reliance on fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS: Many residents, especially seniors and mobility impaired persons, have expressed concern about their safety as pedestrians, and cyclists and drivers have also raised concerns about the possible problems and conflicts due to the increased presence of Electric Micromobility Devices on city streets; and
WHEREAS: Electric bikes are regulated at the State level; and
WHEREAS: State law allows the City to adopt ordinances or regulations for the operation of electric bicycles on a bike path, bikeway, or trail for which it has jurisdiction in addition to the State regulations, after public notice and a public hearing, including but not limited to, the imposition of speed limits; and
WHEREAS: It is unclear in State law whether the City has authority to regulate electric scooters, electric skateboards, and other electric micromobility devices; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager requests the Law Department, in collaboration with other relevant city departments, to determine what authority the City has to regulate electric bicycles on bike paths, bikeways, trails and public ways and to research what ordinances or regulations other Massachusetts municipalities have adopted for electric bicycles; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager requests the Law Department, in collaboration with other relevant city departments, to determine whether the City has the ability to regulate all electric micromobility devices including electric scooters, electric skateboards on bike paths and public ways or whether such regulation is preempted by State law; and be it further
ORDERED: Report back on both matters to the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee on or about March 18th, 2024.

O-5 Feb 12, 2024
COUNCILLOR TONER
ORDERED: That the City Manager direct the Solicitors Office, Election Commission and any other department deemed necessary, to review the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee and its proposals and provide written feedback on the legality, and practicality of the proposals in advance of future discussion.

O-6 Feb 12, 2024 Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR TONER
ORDERED: That the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee be referred to the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
24-1. Report on the consideration of using remaining ARPA funding to create a similar opportunity with Lesley University for Cambridge employees and residents. See Mgr #10
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 1/8/2024

24-3. Report back after conferring with relevant City departments on potential public renewable energy projects that could receive funding through the IRA Direct Pay provision.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (O-3) from 1/22/2024

24-4. Report on recommendations and legal opinions for adjusting transportation related fees and other considered changes based on the conversations in committee on Dec 6, 2023.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (O-4) from 1/22/2024