CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses. (CM23#30)
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

Feb 13, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Attached for your consideration is the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses at 194-196 Prospect Street, received from Executive Director of the Historical Commission Charles Sullivan.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

Jan 12, 2023
To: Yi-An Huang, City Manager
From: Charles Sullivan, Executive Director, Cambridge Historical Commission
Re: Final Landmark Designation Report, 196 Prospect Street

I am submitting the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses at 194-196 Prospect Street with the request of the Cambridge Historical Commission that it be transmitted to the City Council for their consideration.

The Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses comprise a significant Greek Revival structure erected in 1839. Number 196 was the home of Agassiz School Master Maria Baldwin from 1889 until 1905 and was the site of her frequent educational activities among greater Boston’s Black community. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976.

The effect of the designation, which can be accomplished by a simple majority vote adopting the attached Order, will be to protect the publicly visible exterior of the Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses from inappropriate alterations. The Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses would then become Cambridge’s 43rd designated landmark.

Agenda Item Number 1

Feb 13, 2023

ORDERED: That the Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett houses at 194-196 Prospect Street be designated as a protected landmark pursuant to Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.180 of the Code of the City of Cambridge, as recommended by vote of the Cambridge Historical Commission on January 5, 2023. The premises so designated is the land defined as parcels 6 and 7 on assessor’s map 87 and the structures thereon.

This designation is justified by the high level of historical and architectural significance exhibited by the structure and as the home of Black educator and civil rights advocate Maria L. Baldwin.

The effect of this designation shall be that review by the Cambridge Historical Commission and the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, Hardship or Non-Applicability shall be required before any construction activity can take place within the designated premises or any action can be taken affecting the appearance of the premises, that would in either case be visible from a public way. In making determinations, the Commission shall be guided by the terms of the Final Landmark Designation Report, dated January 10, 2023 with respect to the designated premises, by Section VII, Standards and Criteria of said report, and by the applicable sections of Chapter 2.78, Article III, of the Cambridge Municipal Code.

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Cambridge Gas-Light Company Building. (CM23#31)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

Feb 13, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Attached for your consideration is the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Cambridge Gas-Light Company Building at 719-727 Massachusetts Avenue, received from Executive Director of the Historical Commission Charles Sullivan.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

Agenda Item Number 2
Feb 13, 2023

ORDERED: That the Cambridge Gas-Light Company Building at 719-727 Massachusetts Avenue be designated as a protected landmark pursuant to Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.180 of the Code of the City of Cambridge, as recommended by vote of the Cambridge Historical Commission on February 2, 2023. The premises so designated is defined as parcel 8 on assessor’s map 107 and the structure thereon.

This designation is justified by the associations of the building with the architectural, aesthetic and economic history of Cambridge, and by its architectural significance as an example of the Renaissance Revival style designed by the firm of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge.

The effect of this designation shall be that review by the Cambridge Historical Commission and the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, Hardship or Non-Applicability shall be required before any construction activity can take place on the designated premises or any action can be taken affecting the appearance of the premises, that would in either case be visible from a public way. In making determinations, the Commission shall be guided by the provisions of the Final Landmark Designation Report dated February 3, 2023 with respect to the designated premises, and by the applicable sections of Chapter 2.78, Article III, of the Cambridge Municipal Code.

This designation incorporates the Certificate of Appropriateness granted by the Cambridge Historical Commission on March 30, 2022 for renovation and construction of an addition as indicated on drawings by Finegold Alexander Architects titled “727 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge Historical Commission” dated March 3, 2022.

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Erin Muirhead McCarty to the Community Benefits Advisory Committee for a term of three years. (CM23#32)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

Feb 13, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you that I have appointed Erin Muirhead McCarty to the Community Benefits Advisory Committee for a term of three years.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee was established in 2015, under Ch. 2.127 of CMC. This committee is responsible for identifying community benefits needs of the residents of Cambridge based on the priorities established by the City Council, soliciting and evaluating applications from non-profits to provide these services, and making recommendations to the City Manager for the allocation of community benefits funding through grant agreements with non-profit organizations.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee has 13 members who represent the non-profit community, City staff, Cambridge residents, the Cambridge Community Foundation, the business or property development community, and the City’s universities or colleges. The Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition recommends two of the representatives from the non-profit community, and recommended Ms. Muirhead McCarty to fill a vacant position. Ms. Muirhead McCarty is the Executive Director of the Community Art Center, where she has significantly grown the organization and its programming. She has a background in development for non-profit organizations, including at an international non-profit and at the American Repertory Theater. She has served Cambridge in the past as a panelist for the Cambridge Arts Council Grant Program and as a judge for the Cambridge Community Foundation Imagined in Cambridge! Social Innovation Award.

I appreciate Ms. Muirhead McCarty’s willingness to serve her community and look forward to her contributions as members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant in the amount of $100,000 received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts and Culture) Other Ordinary Maintenance account, which will be used to commission artists to design temporary shade pavilions for city parks or other public facilities. (CM23#40)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

Feb 13, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of the Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant in the amount of $100,000 received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts and Culture) Other Ordinary Maintenance account.

Funds will be used to commission artists to design temporary shade pavilions for city parks or other public facilities. Shade structures will help residents stay cool on hot days and create social spaces. The City’s two-year project-titled Shade is Social Justice – is one of the ways Cambridge is engaging the creative perspective of artists and designers to help communities during extreme heat events.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Foundry Advisory Committee for a term of three years: Connie Chin; Barbara Thomas; and Rubén Mancha. (CM23#41)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

Feb 13, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you that I have appointed the following members to the Foundry Advisory Committee (FAC) for a term of three years:

• Connie Chin     • Barbara Thomas     • Rubén Mancha

This committee will ensure that the operation of the Foundry continues to be aligned with the mission defined by the community process of the past ten years.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications on the city website from November 9, 2022, through December 12, 2022. Extensive outreach was done through the City’s traditional outreach channels such as the Daily Update email. More targeted outreach efforts were made by Cambridge Arts through their newsletter and social media channels as well as the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority’s various outreach channels.

A total of 31 applications were received for three vacancies. Applications were shared with the City’s Director of Equity and Inclusion. A panel comprised of representatives from Cambridge Arts, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and DHSP-Workforce Development reviewed applications and conducted interviews. The panelists interviewed six candidates during the second half of January 2023 and made the recommendations above.

I am pleased to have a broad range of expertise and experience that represent the various programmatic needs of the Foundry:

1. Connie Chin, CEO of Global Arts Live, based in Central Square, and 585 Arts, the new performing arts center scheduled to open in Kendall Square in 2026. Connie Chin is a former contemporary dancer performing among many renowned dancers across international stages. Connie brings years of experience managing arts organizations and understands the current landscape of mission-driven fundraising in the art sector. As a FAC member, she brings expertise in youth engagement in the performance arts, an understanding of communications strategies to create an inclusive environment, and a connection to industries in Kendall Square.

2. Barbara Thomas, owner of Artifact Soapworks, LLC, chemist, and soap-making instructor. Barbara Thomas has served the community in various advisory roles such as Cambridge Commissioner on the Status of Women, Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network member, and Cambridge Open Studios Advisory Member. Barbara has shared her artwork in various Cambridge Open Studios events as well as Cambridge Arts’ Holiday Markets. As a FAC member, she brings expertise in facility and equipment needs for community workshops, how to create a space that allows for exploration at the intersection of science, innovation, and art, and an understanding of the efforts needed to sustain the Foundry as a place of belonging for all.

3. Rubén Mancha, assistant professor at Babson College, digital technology researcher, and student mentor. Ruben Mancha has focused on the digital transformations of organizations acknowledging the growing skill gap in the digital economy and the needs of the regional business ecosystem. He has created collaborative environments, designed interdisciplinary educational programs, and mentored startups. As a FAC member, he brings experience in operating inclusive spaces that offer impactful educational programs that integrate technology, art, and science to help with workforce development for the future of local industries.

Cambridge Arts and the City’s Arts & Cultural Planning Director are working in partnership with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to ensure that The Foundry continues to provide workspace and programs for the visual and performing arts, entrepreneurship, technology, and workforce education within its historic, industrial setting.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions to making the Foundry a center for exploration, innovation, and belonging.

In addition, please find attached update on the Foundry from Thomas Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #22-84, regarding report on working with the residents at 931 Massachusetts Avenue to identify and provide a short-term parking spot in front of 931 Massachusetts Avenue. (CM23#42)
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Carlone, Zondervan (who advocates closing main travel lane for moving activities across bike lane!), Simmons, McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

To: Yi-an Huang, City Manager
From: Brooke McKenna,  Acting Chief, Traffic, Parking, + Transportation Department
Date: Feb 9, 2023
Subject: POR 2022 # 84: Report on working with the residents at 931 Massachusetts Avenue to identify and provide a short-term parking spot in front of 931 Massachusetts Avenue.

In response to the Council Order requesting a report on working with the residents at 931 Massachusetts Avenue to identify and provide a short-term parking spot in front of their building, we report the following:

The installation of separated bike lanes in recent years has changed curb uses in many locations across the City. As a rule, most locations have reasonable alternative locations for short-term deliveries and curbside access, such as a nearby cross streets or off-street space. In addition to changes from the installation of separated bike lanes, there have always been locations across Cambridge without curbside access for vehicles, such as on streets where a travel lane is immediately adjacent to the curb and sidewalk.

The Cycling Safety Ordinance requires that bike lanes be separated from vehicular traffic, with two exceptions: provision for accessible parking spaces and bus stops. While bike lanes are designed to provide as much “floating parking/loading” as possible, where the bike lane is adjacent to the curb and parking/loading is located between the bike lane and the travel lane, it is typically only on one side of the street due to street width limitations. In the vicinity of 931 Massachusetts Avenue, the “floating parking/loading” is located on the opposite side of the street. The location of the parking was determined during the public outreach process for the installation of the Mid Mass Ave bike lanes.

We understand that the removal of curb access in front of 931 Massachusetts Avenue was a significant change and inconvenience for residents. A limited number of similar complaints have been raised at other locations. We have evaluated the specifics of each location and determined whether nearby areas provided sufficient alternatives for deliveries and other curb activities or whether an exception needed to be made to allow for very limited closures of the bike lane to accommodate specific deliveries or moves.

We are cognizant of the negative safety impacts that closing a bike lane has on people biking, and it is always our intent to limit the closures of bike lanes for loading activities. Such exceptions to date have included locations where there are no feasible alternative locations for large loading events such as a move, or when the nature of an activity requires that equipment must be adjacent to a building, such as for blown-in insulation or oil deliveries.

We have investigated the vicinity of 931 Massachusetts Avenue and reviewed the request to establish a short-term parking space at this location. We determined that this location does not warrant an exception that would allow for regular closure of the bike lane for such a short-term parking or loading space. At 931 Massachusetts Avenue, there is curb access relatively close by on Hancock Street, which is flat and usable for loading. The distance to this cross street is typical of what we have along bike lanes across the City. Additionally, 931 Massachusetts Avenue has some level, off-street space on the property that could be used for short term needs without significantly inconveniencing the building’s residents.

20. A Late Communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number PO 2023 #28, regarding a legal opinion on the Doug Brown petition. (CM23#49)
Placed on File 9-0

February 13, 2023

Yi-An Huang
City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139

Re: Response to City Council Order No. O-15 of 2/6/2023 Re: Legal Opinion to the Council Regarding the Doug Brown Petition.

Dear Mr. Huang:

I am writing in response to City Council Order No. O-15 of 2/6/2023 which requests that the City Solicitor provide a legal opinion to the Council regarding the Doug Brown Petition.

Douglas Brown filed a zoning petition with the City Clerk on January 4, 2023 (the “Brown Petition”). At that time, the City Clerk asked the Law Department for a legal opinion as to whether the Brown Petition was a valid zoning petition. Specifically, the City Clerk asked: “Doug Brown filed a landowner zoning petition. He is not the exclusive owner of the land in question. Can he file on his own?”

We did not understand all the relevant facts at that time and mistakenly thought that the City Clerk was asking if Mr. Brown could file a petition concerning one parcel of land even if he is not the exclusive owner of that parcel of land. Without understanding all of the facts, we opined that Mr. Brown can file a landowner zoning petition as an owner of the land in question. We further opined as follows;

“Under G.L. c.40A, sec. 5, the petitioner must be, in relevant part, “... an individual owning Land to be affected by change or adoption,...” The plain language of the statute does not state that the owner of the land must be the exclusive owner of the property in fee simple. Instead, the statute only states that the individual must be an “owner.” Based on the statute’s plain language, the individual’s ownership interest need not be exclusive, but could also include joint ownership arrangements recognized under Massachusetts law, such as tenants in common, joint tenants, or tenants by the entirely. As a result, we believe Doug Brown’s petition would likely be deemed valid by a Court due to his joint ownership of the land at issue. Therefore, we recommend that Mr. Brown’s petition be put on the next available agenda.”

However, after issuing that initial opinion we learned that the proposed amendments would affect all Residence A-1, A-2, and B Districts. The proposed amendments to Section 4.22.1 and to Article 8.000 would also affect general standards that apply in all zoning districts. It appears that Mr. Brown is a trustee for a trust that owns 35 Standish Street, which is in a Residence B Zoning District. However, the amendments are not limited to affecting Mr. Brown's property or the district in which his property is located. A single citizen cannot initiate a zoning amendment that would affect a zoning district in which the single citizen has no property interest. Bellingham Massachusetts Self Storage, LLC v. Town of Bellingham, 101 Mass. App. Ct. 1108 (2022) (unreported). Accordingly, the Brown Petition cannot be initiated by an individual landowner. It may be permissible as a zoning petition filed by ten registered voters, but that was not the case here.

At the Council meeting on February 6, 2023, Councillors compared the Brown Petition to another pending zoning petition that was described as being a petition affecting land in North Cambridge that was filed by a developer who does not even own the land in question. Councillors asked why the Brown Petition is defective if the other petition concerning land in North Cambridge is valid. However, the only pending zoning petition affecting land in North Cambridge is the Barrett et al. Petition, which is signed by Patrick Barrett as the first signature, but which is a petition signed by over ten registered voters.

For those reasons, it is my opinion that the Council should rescind the vote to refer the Brown Petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing because the Petition is defective as a matter of law.

Very truly yours,
Nancy E. Glowa
City Solicitor

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document (From the Apr 20, 2022 Ordinance Committee). [Charter Right – Toner, Feb 6, 2023] (PO23#14)
pulled by Toner; comments by Zondervan, Nolan; Mallon notes that CDD has been operating all along as though deadline is 2035; intentions now within Ordinance Committee is to keep 2050 deadline for nonresidential buildings; McGovern comments that there were only 5 members at the meeting that proposed moving deadline to 2035, that Eversource information made clear that ambitious goal was not feasible, wants condos excluded from earlier deadline, wants this referred to Ordinance Committee; Carlone notes that there were 5 votes to move deadline to 2035, calls this an aspirational goal but wants to keep it for all buildings (including condos), notes that incurable diseases will come to us unless 2035 goal is mandated, says “we’re listening to the wrong developers”; Zondervan claims that Eversource is not required to fully electrify city by 2035 (but does not acknowledge the fact that any alternatives would be a tax which the City cannot legally impose); comments by Zondervan, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, McGovern, Carlone, City Clerk, and City Solicitor on procedures; Mallon motion to call the question prevails 9-0; Glowa notes that referring back to Ordinance Committee is proper; Zondervan amendment adopted 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No); Order Adopted as Amended 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No)

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

[Zondervan proposed amendment noting that 2035 deadline would be only for nonresidential buildings - but that will have to wait until Ordinance Committee.]

2. That the City Manager is requested to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement. [Charter Right – Toner, Feb 6, 2023] (PO23#19)
pulled by Toner who offers substitute Order (that was not available to public); comments by Azeem, Nolan, Zondervan, McGovern, Carlone, Toner; Azeem proposes tabling Order; Tabled 9-0

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

Toner proposed substitute Order separating automated traffic enforcement and enforcement by unarmed CPD traffic details:
O-6     Feb 13, 2023  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: The issue of police details is a regular topic of public discourse regarding their purpose, impact on the City budget, and effectiveness; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has raised questions regarding the need for armed police officers working on details versus unarmed officers, or possibly civilian flaggers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask the Commissioner of the Cambridge Police Department to provide a report on the following questions regarding Police Details and any other questions that the Commissioner deems pertinent to the discussion:

• What is the difference between details and overtime assignments?
• Who pays for details?
• Are any City funds used to pay for private details?
• How much is paid in detail pay annually to Cambridge Officers, non-Cambridge Officers, and Retired Police Officers for details in Cambridge?
• How many active CPD Police Officers worked details this year and at what cost to the City?
• How many outside and retired officers do we call upon to cover details?
• Is there any savings to the City to move details to non-police flaggers?
• Does prevailing wage have an impact?
• Are there any other state laws, local ordinances or collective bargaining provisions that play a role in continuing to use sworn police officers on details?
• Is there a benefit to having sworn police officers working details in terms of community safety?
• What are the pros and cons of having a sworn police officer on a detail versus a civilian flagger?
• What are the pros and cons of having an armed versus unarmed officer working on a detail?
• Are there any state laws, ordinances, or collective bargaining provisions that require police officers to be armed while on duty?

and be it further;
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible for future discussion in a joint hearing of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee and the Public Safety Committee.

Azeem noted that Nolan wants to be added as sponsor of the original Order - but discussion ended when the matter was Tabled.

3. That City Council rescind the vote to refer the Brown Petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing because the petition is defective as a matter of law. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 6, 2023] (PO23#27)
pulled by Mallon; Zondervan wants to table this; Mallon opposes tabling so that petition can be re-filed; McGovern notes that Solicitor acknowledged error and time to move on; Zondervan wants “the public” to have time to opine while matter is On The Table - there is a late communication (today) from Solicitor on this matter; Nolan “is torn on this”, favors tabling, and is dissatisfied with Solicitor’s responses; Glowa notes that she gave her opinion orally last week and the late communication is merely supplemental; Toner moves to rescind previous vote; Carlone wants to move forward, says this petition has merit; Siddiqui wants to rescind; Zondervan calls his vote a principled vote; Rescind Vote 7-2 (PN,QZ-No)

O-14     Feb 6, 2023  Charter Right - Zondervan
VICE MAYOR MALLON
ORDERED: That the City Council rescind the vote to refer the Brown Petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing because the petition is defective as a matter of law.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Joyce Levine, regarding BEUDO. (Feb 2)

2. A communication was received from Linda Brion-Meisels, regarding the Net Zero Specialized Stretch Code. (Feb 2)

3. A communication was received from Ann M. Gantz, regarding restoring car towing for street cleaning. (Feb 3)

4. A communication was received from Sam Burgess, regarding support for the Cambridge Affordable Housing Overlay Amendments. (Feb 3)

5. A communication was received from Denise Talarico, regarding restoring Street Cleaning Policy. (Feb 3)

6. A communication was received from Matt Goldstein, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 3)

7. A communication was received from Judy Singer, regarding reversing course on pilot no towing program. (Feb 3)

8. A communication was received from Miranda Pearce, regarding support for expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 3)

9. A communication was received from Aram Harrow, regarding support for affordable housing. (Feb 3)

10. A communication was received from Frank LoGerfo, regarding towing on street cleaning days. (Feb 3)

11. A communication was received from Elise Moore, regarding support for the Charter Right Number 1 - Restore Towing Policy Order. (Feb 3)

12. A communication was received from Dena Stearns, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 3)

13. A communication was received from Dan Sprague, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 3)

14. A communication was received from Lucia Beau, regarding opposition to the PILOT NO towing for a year during street cleaning. (Feb 3)

15. A communication was received from Jeff Peterson, regarding street cleaning. (Feb 3)

16. A communication was received from Candace Young, regarding Policy Order 2022 #312. (Feb 3)

17. A communication was received from Carol Birnbaum, regarding the plan to stop towing on street cleaning days. (Feb 3)

18. A communication was received from Hurst Hannum, regarding the No-Towing Pilot Project. (Feb 3)

19. A communication was received from Patricia McGrath, regarding towing policy order. (Feb 3)

20. A communication was received from Peter Littlefield, regarding Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO). (Feb 3)

21. A communication was received from David Lyon, regarding BEUDO and large condo buildings. (Feb 3)

22. A communication was received from Matt LaRue, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 3)

23. A communication was received from Jennifer Payette, regarding the street cleaning ordinance. (Feb 3)

24. A communication was received from Sharon Britton, regarding Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO). (Feb 3)

25. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding the SeeClickFix process needing to be fixed. (Feb 4)

26. A communication was received from Dan Phillips, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 4)

27. A communication was received from Helen O’Brien, regarding excluding condominiums from the upcoming BEUDO amendment. (Feb 4)

28. A communication was received from Alex Trivella, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 4)

29. A communication was received from Jules Kobek, regarding Charter Right Number 1 - Restore Towing Policy Order. (Feb 4)

30. A communication was received from John Patrick, regarding POR 2023 #14, BEUDO, and condominiums. (Feb 4)

31. A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, regarding the street cleaning pilot. (Feb 4)

32. A communication was received from Ethel Toner, regarding support for the policy order to restore towing cars on street cleaning days. (Feb 4)

33. A communication was received from Jessica S Cianci, regarding expanding Affordable Housing. (Feb 4)

34. A communication was received from Michael Whelan, regarding support for Charter Right Number 1 - Restore Towing Policy Order. (Feb 4)

35. A communication was received from Alison Williams, regarding support for Cambridge Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 4)

36. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio and Betty Saccoccio, regarding reversing the Policy Order on Pilot for Street Cleaning Program Towing, increasing fines, and utilization of leaf blowers. (Feb 4)

37. A communication was received from Larry Borins, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Amendment. (Feb 4)

38. A communication was received from Helen Walker, regarding Policy Order #1: BEUDO Amendments Net Zero Deadline. (Feb 5)

39. A communication was received from Jean Spera and Anna Spera, regarding Policy Order-PO23#12. (Feb 5)

40. A communication was received from Jeannette Miller, regarding Policy Order #1: BEUDO Amendments Net Zero Deadline. (Feb 5)

41. A communication was received from Jeannette Miller, regarding BEUDO amendments – condominium exemption. (Feb 5)

42. A communication was received from Bill Boehm, regarding the expansion of the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 5)

43. A communication was received from Pamela Winters, regarding 1) rejecting the 25 story up zoning amendment, and 2) keeping the current street cleaning including towing. (Feb 5)

44. A communication was received from Suzanne Watzman, regarding opposition to 25 story skyscrapers in various Squares. (Feb 5)

45. A communication was received from Michael Grill, regarding letter opposing BEUDO Policy Order. (Feb 5)

46. A communication was received from Wendy Stone, regarding housing in Cambridge. (Feb 5)

47. A communication was received from Karen Cushing, regarding opposition to the AHO proposal to allow 25-story buildings in squares and 9-13 stories along avenues, without parking. (Feb 5)

48. A communication was received from Karen Cushing, regarding opposition to the no-tow street cleaning. (Feb 5)

49. A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding housing, clean streets, and a missing document. (Feb 5)

50. A communication was received from Lou Fuoco, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 5)

51. A communication was received from Sharon Stichter, regarding request that the Council reject the AHO amendment change that would allow 25 story affordable housing in the squares. (Feb 5)

52. A communication was received from Karen Cushing, regarding opposition to the AHO proposal to allow 25-story buildings in squares and 9-13 stories along avenues, without parking. (Feb 5)

53. A communication was received from Karen Cushing, regarding opposition to the no-tow street cleaning. (Feb 5)

54. A communication was received from Linda West, regarding large condominiums and BEUDO. (Feb 5)

55. A communication was received from Louis Allen Parker, regarding a NO vote on Policy Order #1 regarding BEUDO amendment to enforce it by 2035 - it should be 2050. (Feb 5)

56. A communication was received from Stephen Tapscott, regarding 1) reject the 23-story high-rise building projects, 2) retain the current street-cleaning protocols, and 3) vote no on the acceleration of gas to electric services. (Feb 5)

57. A communication was received from Jacqueline Brown, regarding opposition to the possibility of constructing 25-story buildings in city squares. (Feb 5)

58. A communication was received from Neil Goodwin, regarding street cleaning. (Feb 5)

59. A communication was received from Martha Collins, regarding 1) affordable housing/25-story buildings, 2) no towing policy, and 3) switch from gas to electric. (Feb 5)

60. A communication was received from Robert Camacho, regarding street cleaning. (Feb 5)

61. A communication was received from Robert Camacho, regarding the Upzoning Amendment. (Feb 5)

62. A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding 25 story residential buildings. (Feb 5)

63. A communication was received from Patricia Gold, regarding Policy Order #1: BEUDO Amendments Net Zero Deadline. (Feb 5)

64. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III, regarding PO23#14. (Feb 5)

65. A communication was received from Neil Miller, regarding tackling the housing crisis. (Feb 5)

66. A communication was received from Susan Pintus, regarding BEUDO and large condominiums. (Feb 5)

67. A communication was received from Karen Klein, regarding request for Council to vote against 25 story buildings to be placed in Harvard and Central Squares. Also, to allow the transfer from gas to electricity to follow state guidelines of 2050. (Feb 5)

68. A communication was received from Steven E. Miller, regarding support for expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 5)

69. A communication was received from Claudia Majetich, regarding opposition to the proposed change to the Affordable Housing Overlay that would allow buildings of 9-13 stories to be built in various locations throughout Cambridge. (Feb 5)

70. A communication was received from Sylvia Fine, regarding Affordable Housing Overlay revision. (Feb 5)

71. A communication was received from Vickey Bestor, regarding no-towing policy, BEUDO, and Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 5)

72. A communication was received from Zonda Mercer, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay revision. (Feb 5)

73. A communication was received from Mary Jane Kornacki, regarding no-tow on street cleaning days. (Feb 5)

74. A communication was received from Phyllis Simpkins, regarding 1) AHO upzoning, 2) no-tow on street cleaning days, 3) timeline for gas to electric conversion. (Feb 5)

75. A communication was received from Rob Everts, regarding support for Charter Right #1/PO23#12. (Feb 5)

76. A communication was received from Kathleen Francis, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 5)

77. A communication was received from Robert Everts, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay upzoning amendment. (Feb 5)

78. A communication was received from Margaret Lauritson-Lada, regarding the no-tow street cleaning proposal. (Feb 5)

79. A communication was received from Joe Beck, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 5)

80. A communication was received from Inez Folsom, regarding 1) rejecting massive 25 story AHO skyscrapers in the Squares, 2) keeping streets clean by keeping current towing policy, 3) following state 2050 timeline for switch from gas to electric (BEUDO). (Feb 5)

81. A communication was received from Elizabeth Kon, regarding 1) AHO upzoning amendment, 2) maintaining current towing policy, 3) State 2050 timeline on gas to electric conversion. (Feb 6)

82. A communication was received from Ellen Widmer, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 6)

83. A communication was received from D. Biba, regarding Restore Towing Policy Order: Please support Charter Right #1/PO23#12. (Feb 6)

84. A communication was received from William Bloomstein, regarding opposition to the Affordable Housing Overlay amendment. (Feb 6)

85. A communication was received from Laura Munoz, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 6)

86. A communication was received from Lisa Sebell-Nevins, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay proposal. (Feb 6)

87. A communication was received from Lisa Glover, regarding rejecting the AHO upzoning, supporting the towing for clean street, and following the MA 2050 timeline on gas-to-electric conversion. (Feb 6)

88. A communication was received from Zonda Mercer, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay revision. (Feb 6)

89. A communication was received from Virginia Coleman, regarding the street cleaning program. (Feb 6)

90. A communication was received from Susan Frankle, regarding the proposal to amend the Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 6)

91. A communication was received from Peter Lowber, regarding 25 story zoning amendment, towing policy, and guideline to switch from gas to electric. (Feb 6)

92. A communication was received from Merry White, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay revision. (Feb 6)

93. A communication was received from Caleb Cochrane, regarding support for up-zoning Affordable Housing Overlay amendments. (Feb 6)

94. A communication was received from Kathy Desmond, regarding Charter Right Number 1 – Restore Towing Policy Order. (Feb 6)

95. A communication was received from Ausra Kubilius, regarding proposed Affordable Housing Overlay changes. (Feb 6)

96. A communication was received from John Trever, regarding proposed Affordable Housing Overlay changes. (Feb 6)

97. A communication was received from Percy Tzelnic, regarding support for the CRA petition. (Feb 6)

98. A communication was received from Beverly Seidenberg, regarding input on the AHO up-zoning amendment, towing policy, and timeline for the gas to electric conversion. (Feb 6)

99. A communication was received from Caleb Cochrane, regarding support for Policy Order #1 - BEUDO. (Feb 6)

100. A communication was received from Caroline Bruzelius, regarding opposition to the proposal to build 25 story skyscrapers in Cambridge. (Feb 6)

101. A communication was received from Marc Kessler and Susan Osgood, regarding Policy Order #1 - BEUDO Amendment. (Feb 6)

102. A communication was received from Marc and Madeleine Holzer, regarding objections to tall buildings and to dirty streets. (Feb 6)

103. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III, regarding PO23#14. (Feb 6)

104. A communication was received from Robin Greeley, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay and the towing policy for clean streets. (Feb 6)

105. A communication was received from Jennifer Jones, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay proposal, towing policy, and timeline to switch from gas to electric. (Feb 6)

106. A communication was received from Asako Severn, regarding the BEUDO 2035 timeline (Policy Order #1) and condos. (Feb 6)

107. A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding the no towing ordinance. (Feb 6)

108. A communication was received from Jacquelyn Smith, regarding the proposed new lab petition. (Feb 6)

109. A communication was received from Bjorn Poonen, regarding the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance. (Feb 6)

110. A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding BEUDO. (Feb 6)

111. A communication was received from Robert O’Neil, regarding the AHO amendment, street cleaning policy, and BEUDO. (Feb 6)

112. A communication was received from Nancy E. Donohue, regarding Policy Order #1. (Feb 6)

113. A communication was received from Amy Clarkson, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay upzoning. (Feb 6)

114. A communication was received from Andy Nash, regarding the lab regulation petition. (Feb 6)

115. A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding BEUDO. (Feb 6)

116. A communication was received from Pattie Heyman, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay, towing policy, and the transition from gas to electric. (Feb 6)

117. A communication was received from Stephen Fitzsimmons and Orawan S. Fitzsimmons, regarding 25 and 13 story buildings for Cambridge. (Feb 6)

118. A communication was received from Patrick Barton, regarding support for the policy order to restore towing. (Feb 6)

119. A communication was received from Ann Gantz, regarding Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 6)

120. A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, regarding PO23#14. (Feb 6)

121. A communication was received from Marie Cieri, regarding letter of opposition to condominium inclusion in proposed BEUDO amendments. (Feb 6)

122. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding PO23#14. (Feb 6)

123. A communication was received from Susan Carter, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay upzoning amendment, towing policy, and timeline on the gas to electric conversion. (Feb 6)

124. A communication was received from Francesca Gordini, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay, towing policy, and timeline to switch from gas to electric (BEUDO). (Feb 6)

125. A communication was received from Ann Stewart, regarding support for PO23#14 (BEUDO deadline and language changes). (Feb 6)

126. A communication was received from Annie Dunbar, regarding Charter Right Number 1 – Restore Towing Policy Order. (Feb 6)

127. A communication was received from Thomas Dunbar, regarding support for towing policy order. (Feb 6)

128. A communication was received from Martha C Kingsbury, regarding objection to the building of a 25 story skyscraper in Cambridge. (Feb 7)

129. A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding comments about BEUDO. (Feb 7)

130. A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding comments about 25 story residential buildings. (Feb 7)

131. A communication was received from John Trever, regarding the timeline on the gas to electric conversion. (Feb 6)

132. A communication was received from Elizabeth Rassweiler, regarding support for the Lab Regulation. (Feb 6)

133. A communication was received from Susan Leslie-Pritchard and Bruce Pritchard, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay amendment. (Feb 8)

134. A communication was received from Emily Schatzow, regarding opposition to 25 story skyscrapers in main squares. (Feb 8)

135. A communication was received from Guillemette Simmers, regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay up-zoning amendment. (Feb 8)

136. A communication was received from Karen Cushing, regarding Affordable Housing Overlay zoning. (Feb 8)

137. A communication was received from Karen Cushing, regarding Affordable Housing Overlay zoning. (Feb 8)

138. A communication was received from Laura Chang, regarding expanding Affordable Housing Overlay. (Feb 8)

139. A communication was received from Angela Kimberk, regarding the 25 story Affordable Housing Overlay up-zoning amendment. (Feb 8)

140. A communication was received from Bert Singer, regarding 25 story Affordable Housing Overlay up-zoning amendment. (Feb 8)

141. A communication was received from Meredith Leshkowich, regarding Bay Square and BEUDO. (Feb 8)

142. A communication was received from Kathryn Beers, regarding Policy Order #1: BEUDO Amendments Net Zero Deadline. (Feb 9)

143. A communication was received from Daniel Hidalgo, regarding support for the Affordable Housing Overlay expansion. (Feb 9)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Feb 13, 2023
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Clean Fleet Initiative was initiated in 2006, and formally adopted by the as part of an application for Green Community designation by the Massachusetts Department of Energy resources, with specific targets to reduce GHG emissions from City owned vehicles; and
WHEREAS: The City reported that in 2021, the emissions from the municipal fleet were 19% lower than the 2008 baseline, however, the reductions need to be steeper in order for us to meet our aggressive climate goals; and
WHEREAS: Vehicles in the Cambridge Police, Fire, and Department of Public Works account for 80% of the fleet emissions; and
WHEREAS: The report from the Climate Crisis Working Group (CCWG) included a recommendation that the City “Transition to an all-electric municipal fleet with an aggressive timeline;” and
WHEREAS: Cities including Boston and other large cities have successfully transitioned their fire truck fleets to smaller vehicles, with smaller turning radii which makes navigating tight urban streets safer and faster, and which perform as well or better than larger vehicles while using less energy and emitting less pollution; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is designing a new Fire Headquarters based on the width and height of the current fleet of ladder and pumper trucks and those plans should incorporate the possibility of more appropriately sized trucks; and
WHEREAS: The City will be issuing a new Clean Fleet Policy early this year; and
WHEREAS: It was recently reported that New York City partnered with the U.S Department of Transportation Volpe Center to produce their Clean Fleet Transition plan, an aggressive timeline in which New York City “commits to electrifying its fleet; Light, medium, and nonemergency vehicles will electrify by 2035 and emergency and specialized trucks by 2040;” and
WHEREAS: In 2019, the City of Cambridge engaged the Volpe Center to develop a “2030 GHG Reduction and Scenarios and Proposed Target” report which outlined specific reduction strategies and timelines to achieve a reduction of 55% in emissions which was identified as a completely feasible goal by 2030 with 65% reduction as a stretch target; and
WHEREAS: The report detailed next steps and additional ways the Volpe Center could continue to assist the City of Cambridge develop a Clean Fleet timeline and detailed GHG reduction goals, including “determining and providing technical assistance” and developing “an implementation plan that will annualize incremental capital and operating costs and savings to meet the financial constraints of the selected outcome;” and
WHEREAS: The Volpe Center currently has the capacity, and is willing to continue the next steps with the City of Cambridge on their Clean Fleet goals; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and all other relevant departments to engage the U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center to partner on the next steps of the process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by March 6, 2023.

O-2     Feb 13, 2023  Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: This legislative session, HD.3530, An Act Relative to Automated Enforcement was filed by Representative Steve Owens, and a companion bill SD.1263 was filed by Senator Will Brownsberger, which if passed would establish an automated ticketing pilot in ten municipalities across Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has proposed a policy order to explore an automated ticketing system for the City of Cambridge at the February 6th meeting stating:
“The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that traffic cameras are in place for enforcement in 23 states, however, Massachusetts currently does not permit automatic traffic enforcement for speeding or red light violations under state law;” and
WHEREAS: In order for the City to be able to implement an automated ticketing system, the State first needs to pass these submitted bills in the State House and Senate; and
WHEREAS: If passed, municipalities who apply to participate as one of the 10 cities in the pilot, would be eligible to install one automated traffic enforcement camera per 25,000 residents that will distribute $25 citations for each violation; and
WHEREAS: This pilot program, should it be passed by the State, will help Cambridge determine if automated traffic enforcement is a feasible manner to reduce police involved traffic stops; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the entire City Council go on record in support of HD.3530 and SD.1263; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to our State delegation.

O-3     Feb 13, 2023
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: School meals are an essential part of a balanced diet for students, providing them with the foundation that leads to a productive day at school and supplementing meals they may otherwise be missing at home; and
WHEREAS: 400,000 kids in Massachusetts have already benefited from the extension of universal school meals in the 2021-2022 school year; and
WHEREAS: An additional 53,744 students statewide participated in school meals between March 2019 and March 2022; and
WHEREAS: Universal school meals can save families up to $1,200 per student per year, removing a significant financial burden from families; and
WHEREAS: With inflation at an all-time high, these savings are crucial for many families that are struggling to buy groceries and provide healthy, filling meals for their children; and
WHEREAS: HD766 and SD1013, An Act Relative to Universal School Meals would ensure that all students in Massachusetts have access to free breakfast and lunch at school; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the entire City Council go on record in support of HD766 and SD1013; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to our State Delegation.

O-4     Feb 13, 2023
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: During the pandemic in early 2020, and as schools shifted to online learning, free school meal sites were created that were open to everyone regardless of ability to pay, and successfully demonstrated that means testing is not necessary; and
WHEREAS: Federal funding allowed this practice to continue in the school year 2021/22 even after students returned to school buildings, but discontinued the practice in August of 2022; and
WHEREAS: Every district across the State has reported that there was a huge increase of students who accessed the meals once they were free, as it removed stigma, and allowed students who were not previously participating in the free or reduced lunch program for various reasons, to access much needed nutrition at school; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts State legislators, led by Senator Sal DiDomenico and Representative Andy Vargas, ensured there was state funding in this fiscal year to ensure Massachusetts students would still have access to free school meals for school year 2022/23, but this was a one year commitment and not a permanent solution; and
WHEREAS: This legislative session, bills HD.766 and SD.1013, An Act Relative to Universal School Meals would provide permanent universal school meals for all students across the State; and
WHEREAS: If passed, all students would continue to be able to benefit from free, balanced breakfast and lunch meal options at school; and
WHEREAS: Under Councillor McGovern’s leadership in 2018 when he was Mayor, Cambridge already voted to fund free breakfast as well as eliminate the reduced lunch category in 2018, affirming our commitment to ensuring our students have access to healthy meals, and are at school ready to learn; and
WHEREAS: Should the State Legislature not pass this act, the City should be financially prepared to offer free lunch for all Cambridge Public Schools students in the 2023/24 school year and beyond to ensure our students continue to have access to free, healthy food at school; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager work with the Finance Departments, the Department of Human Service, the Cambridge Public School Department and all other relevant departments to evaluate the feasibility of financially supporting free meals for all students in Cambridge Public Schools for School Year 2023/24, should the House Bill not pass; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter by March 24, 2023.

O-5     Feb 13, 2023  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: Sufficient access to open space is crucial for the health and well-being of Cambridge residents, and a matter of social equity and justice particularly for underserved communities that may have limited access to these amenities in denser neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: The Envision Cambridge Final Report outlines the importance of adding green space that is publicly accessible and improves connectivity; and
WHEREAS: Other cities around the world have made efforts to turn fast-moving roads into accessible and diverse waterfront parks, such as the Paris-Plage along the River Seine which has been in place since 2001; and
WHEREAS: The closure of Riverbend Park along Memorial Drive from Gerry’s Landing to Western Avenue on Saturdays and Sundays during the spring, summer, and fall months provides expanded open space, and has become highly utilized by thousands of residents of all ages and abilities throughout the year; and
WHEREAS: The Riverside Community Conversation report published by the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department in July 2022 found that 94% of Riverside residents make use of Riverbend Park’s open space, but also identified that 10% of Riverside residents indicated that there is unacceptable traffic; and
WHEREAS: During six community meetings from May through October 2022, many community members shared specific ideas to reduce the associated impacts of such closures, including adjustments to traffic signal timings on the weekends, changes to lane markings, detouring traffic away from neighborhood streets, and improving communication with residents about the closures; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and agencies to ensure the continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays with a schedule based on last year’s successful pilot, starting the first weekend of Spring and ending on the last weekend of Fall; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to expand outreach and communication efforts to residents in the Riverside and West Cambridge neighborhoods to inform residents of traffic changes, and to increase community engagement by supporting open space programming in consultation with community organizations and local businesses at Riverbend Park; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate city and state agencies to mitigate any related traffic impacts that are observed during the closures, with a particular emphasis on improving traffic signals and lane markings along Western Avenue at Putnam Ave, Memorial Drive, and Soldier’s Field Road, and to identify opportunities to provide drivers with information about the closures and wayfinding applications to prevent excess traffic into the Riverside neighborhood and reduce incidents of blocking the box at intersections such as Western Avenue and Putnam Avenue with traffic details and intersection markings; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back on this matter to the City Council by March 6, 2023.

Simmons proposed Substitute Order (not yet officially entered due to Charter Right):
WHEREAS: The City Council most recently discussed the pilot program of full weekend closures to vehicular traffic along portions of Memorial Drive on December 5, 2022; and
WHEREAS: During that meeting, the City Manager announced his intention to ask the Massachusetts DCR to open Memorial Drive to motor vehicles on the final Saturdays of the year, with the hopes that the City and the community could determine the most appropriate path forward for this program before Spring 2023; and

WHEREAS: At that time, and in the months since, members of the Riverside neighborhood, in particular, have urged that the City collect data on the usage of Memorial Drive during these weekend closures, as well as data on the impacts of this pilot program upon the Riverside neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: Some of the data points that people have suggested would be most beneficial to obtain includes the following:

• The impacts of the full weekend closures of Memorial Drive upon Putnam Avenue, Western Avenue, and River Street
• Data on who is actually utilizing the closed portions of Memorial Drive, and how many people are utilizing this weekend park
• Data on whether the City is looking at traffic patterns from May (when students are leaving the area), August (when students are moving back to the area), and during large events such as Boston Calling;

now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update on what measures have been taken by the City to engage members of the public in this ongoing discussion since December 2022, what data has been collected thus far, and what, if any, additional information the pertinent City staff feels would be necessary to issue a recommendation to the City Council on whether or not Saturday closures of Memorial Drive should resume, or whether a modified program might be warranted; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-6     Feb 13, 2023  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: The issue of police details is a regular topic of public discourse regarding their purpose, impact on the City budget, and effectiveness; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has raised questions regarding the need for armed police officers working on details versus unarmed officers, or possibly civilian flaggers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ask the Commissioner of the Cambridge Police Department to provide a report on the following questions regarding Police Details and any other questions that the Commissioner deems pertinent to the discussion:

• What is the difference between details and overtime assignments?
• Who pays for details?
• Are any City funds used to pay for private details?
• How much is paid in detail pay annually to Cambridge Officers, non-Cambridge Officers, and Retired Police Officers for details in Cambridge?
• How many active CPD Police Officers worked details this year and at what cost to the City?
• How many outside and retired officers do we call upon to cover details?
• Is there any savings to the City to move details to non-police flaggers?
• Does prevailing wage have an impact?
• Are there any other state laws, local ordinances or collective bargaining provisions that play a role in continuing to use sworn police officers on details?
• Is there a benefit to having sworn police officers working details in terms of community safety?
• What are the pros and cons of having a sworn police officer on a detail versus a civilian flagger?
• What are the pros and cons of having an armed versus unarmed officer working on a detail?
• Are there any state laws, ordinances, or collective bargaining provisions that require police officers to be armed while on duty?

and be it further;
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible for future discussion in a joint hearing of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee and the Public Safety Committee.

O-7     Feb 13, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: In accordance with the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), HUD has awarded Cambridge $2,325,283 to mitigate the health, housing, and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: In October 2022, HUD issued Notice CPD-22-13 which sets a final deadline of March 31, 2023 for cities to submit their allocation plan for this funding; and
WHEREAS: HUD requires that participating jurisdictions hold at least one public hearing and provide “reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on the proposed HOME-ARP allocation plan of no less than 15 calendar days”; and
WHEREAS: On February 9, 2023, Cambridge announced a public hearing on the use of HOME-ARP funds to be held on February 15, 2023 from 5:30 to 6:30pm, and that comments received by February 15, 2023 would be accepted and included in the final submission; and
WHEREAS: Eligible HOME-ARP beneficiaries include (but are not limited to) unhoused people, people at risk of becoming unhoused, and people impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault; and
WHEREAS: HOME-ARP funds must be used primarily to benefit these eligible populations through four activities: tenant-based rental assistance, development and support of affordable housing, acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units, or provision of supportive services; and
WHEREAS: HOME-ARP funds are a tremendous opportunity to advance City Council and Ad Hoc Working Group on Homelessness priorities including (but not limited to) establishing a day shelter with supportive services, expanding low threshold non-congregate shelter capacity, increasing the amount of vouchers available to people experiencing homelessness, and expanding permanent supportive housing options for people with no income or very little income; and
WHEREAS: The city has an urgent homelessness crisis and is challenged by the upcoming closure of the Salvation Army shelter and the expiring contract at the Transition Wellness Center; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to extend the public comment period and work with the co-chairs of the Finance Committee to hold a timely hearing on this topic before the submission plan is finalized, while ensuring that the City is able to comply with the March 31, 2023 deadline; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to use Cambridge’s HOME-ARP funds to expand services and offer new opportunities based on the recommendations of the City Council, the Working Group, and the public; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter as soon as possible.