Cambridge City Council meeting - March 4, 2024

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Annual Surveillance Report concerning City Departments’ use of Surveillance Technology or Surveillance Data. (CM24#28)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by McGovern re: residents of public housing wanting to keep cameras, Shot-Spotter; Azeem asks for update on body cameras, Commissioner Elow, Fred Cabral says CPD moving ahead intentionally; Nolan expresses concern about surveillance data on school buses; Referred to Public Safety Committee 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report which describes interim Operations & Case Management Software, requested by the Community Safety Department. (CM24#29)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO24#12 that the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic & Parking Department to take immediate action and make safety improvements to the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Binney St, and Bristol St. (CM24#30)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler, asks why $1 million for a raised intersection, responses by Brooke McKenna and Owen O’Riordan esp. in regard to drainage and stormwater infrastructure; Nolan asks about how safety at this location compares to others, responses by Jeff Parenti; Azeem says Card. Medeiros Ave. most dangerous; Wilson comments; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,266,327 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will be used to purchase equipment to support the hazardous materials response team. (CM24#31)
pulled by Nolan - usual comments about electric vehicles, responses by Chief Tom Cahill; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the final report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF). (CM24#32) [text of report]
pulled by Wilson to announce that there will be a Public Safety Committee meeting on this on Apr 2, 3-5pm; Referred to Public Safety Committee 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Central Square Lots Study Report. (CM24#33) [text of report]
pulled by Wilson - a says outreach was unsatisfactory, loss of Starlight Square; Yi-An Huang responds to questions about representation, nature of process of the study, role of councillors in facilitating community feedback; McGovern questions about Request for Information (RFI), Melissa Peters responds about RFI and planning for Central Square rezoning, trade-offs, housing options; Yi-An Huang refers to Lots Study as a “test fit”, desire for housing, including “affordable”, need to bring Cambridge Redevelopment Authority into process, possibility of joining with adjacent (privately-owned) properties [Note: this was exactly the point I made in the Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) meeting on this - especially in regard to the privately-owned lots at Prospect/Bishop Allen and building on Green Street adjacent to parking lot at Pleasant (currently hosting Needle Exchange)]; McGovern on Starlight (Lot 5) and how its loss would be upsetting to many; Yi-An Huang notes that he has discussed with with CSBID, City financial support for Starlight/Popportunity - uses phrase “square within the square”, possibility of housing, performance space, and parking at this location; Siddiqui expresses disappointment that there will be a limited Starlight season this year with an early end, notes ARPA award to support it, says there is community support to extend it; Pickett wants to reconcile Lots Study and planning for zoning changes; Melissa Peters says Lots Study and zoning planning are parallel processes, RFP will come after the zoning is completed; Pickett asks about continuing community engagement; Nolan concerns about long-term planning [Hey, isn’t there a committee with that name?], suggests citywide survey, impacts on City budget - both capital and operating budgets, quantifying value of Starlight Square; Azeem bemoans loss of Starlight, need for alternatives, offers comments on various lots and properties; Sobrinho-Wheeler uptalks; Simmons wants to refer to NLTP Committee, expresses hope for Starlight, notes decades of studies on Central Square - brings up slide (from CCJ site), Central Square as a cultural district, how this fits in with ongoing MAPC study, shallow referencing of “people of color”, dissatisfaction with degree of outreach, 44 years with 24 studies - “hurry up and wait”; Yi-An Huang notes that this “test fit” utilized past studies; disagreement about whether there is a call for action or additional feedback and study; Yi-An Huang (correctly) notes that Starlight was built as a temporary structure during Covid and that focus now should be on future alternatives; Wilson references long gap between ideas/suggestions and actions; Pickett speaks to how NLTP will take this on; McGovern expresses a “blitz” of meetings on this; Referred to NLTP 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-4, regarding recommendations and legal opinions for adjusting transportation related fees and other considered changes based on the conversations in committee on Dec 6, 2023. (CM24#34) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan - wants to raise resident parking permit fees w/low-income discounts, fees based on vehicle size; City Solicitor Megan Bayer responds; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a communication regarding the American Rescue Plan Act’s (“ARPA”) definition of “Obligation.” (CM24#35) [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler - what happens to unspent ARPA funds; Magan Bayer says these go back to U.S. Treasury if unspent; Matt Nelson provides additional information; Nolan asks if this has been communicated to nonprofit organizations; Yi-An Huang responds in the affirmative; Pickett wants to know what unallocated funds remain; Wilson comments; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-7, regarding a review of the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee. (CM24#36) [text of report]
pulled by Pickett - reminder (from Toner) to councillors to forward their questions to Councillor Toner; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Uptown Transport, Inc’s application for a Jitney License. (CM24#37)
Owen O’Riordan expresses City support for requested Harvard Square stopping/parking; Nolan comments re: possibility of free shuttle service; Pickett supportive but expresses concerns about traffic congestion; Siddiqui, Wilson comments; Brooke McKenna responds; Application Approved 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. 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 Dylan James, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 10 Hazel Street, Cambridge, MA; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association. (AP24#7)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Aaron Shakow, The Gaza Working Group of the Cambridge Residents Alliance Executive Committee regarding Proposed rules change prohibiting debate on foreign policy issues.

2. A communication from Adam Lewandowicz regarding Complete the separated bike lane on schedule.

3. A communication from Alison and Duncan Sanders-Fleming regarding More money needed for trees in Cambridge.

4. A communication from Annie Michaelis regarding please budget more for trees in coming fiscal year!

6. A communication from Carolyn Magid regarding Supporting Agenda Item 5 (on municipally-funded vouchers)

7. A communication from Carolyn Shipley regarding Please Approve More Money for Trees

8. A communication from Catherine Hoffman regarding in-fill housing, foreign policy, and vouchers.

10. A communication from Daniel P. Anderson regarding GARDEN STREET 2/2024 - PLEASE TAKE ACTION.

15. A communication from Gerald Bergman regarding Need to end military funding bring $ home.

19. A communication from Julie Ray regarding More money for trees and their care in budget.

20. A communication from Kavish Gandhi regarding CHJC supports Voucher PO #5 and Transfer Fee PO#6.

21. A communication from Lee Farris regarding Residents Alliance in support of PO#5 (city rental vouchers) and PO#6 (local option transfer fee)

23. A communication from Madeleine Aster regarding Please budget more money for trees.

24. A communication from Margaret Ann Brady and Bob Dall regarding Policy order #24.

25. A communication from Margery Davies and Lowry Hemphill Cambridge Leadership Team, Cambridge Mothers Out Front regarding Funding for climate and environment measures.

28. A communication from Nike Tirman regarding GARDEN STREET 2/2024 - PLEASE TAKE ACTION.

29. A communication from Nonie Valentine regarding Serious funding for trees please.

30. A communication from Patrick Meyer regarding Support For The Cambridge Bicycle Network.

31. A communication from Patrick W. Barrett III regarding Transfer Fee (Against).

38. A communication from Suzanne Blier regarding Add My Voice to Patrick’s - Re Transfer Fee (Against).

39. A communication from Young Kim regarding Policy Order For Adopting Lessons Learned from the Volpe Economic Impact Study Documents.

40. A communication from Adam Ried regarding Please budget more money for trees in Cambridge.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Susan Cohen on her Retirement. Councillor Toner

2. Congratulations to Carol Sidabras on her retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner

3. Congratulations to Robert Carey on his retirement from the Department of Human Services. Councillor Toner

4. Condolences on the death of Paul Ryder. Councillor Toner

R-4 Mar 4, 2024
COUNCILLOR TONER

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened at learning of the death of Paul Ryder on February 26, 2024; and

WHEREAS: Paul was the devoted husband of 45 years to Sheila Briggs Ryder and a proud and loving father to John and Alex; and

WHEREAS: Paul’s passing will leave a void in the lives of all his surviving family and friends; and

WHEREAS: Retiring in 2016 as The Recreation Director with the City of Cambridge after 34 years of dedicated commitment to the City of Cambridge and its residents, Paul made positive impacts on the lives of so many, be it his leadership for the preservation of Fresh Pond Reservation, Cambridge City Run Road Race, Camp Smile, The Cambridge Program, Special Olympics, The Universal Design Playground Project, and Boston Marathon volunteer to name a few; and

WHEREAS: Paul will be sorely missed by all he touched and loved; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of Paul Ryder at this time of such personal loss; and be it further

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

5. Resolution on the death of Mel Hodder. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan - notes Mel Hodder’s role in Cambridge Community Foundation and more; Resolution Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

ORDERS
1. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider a request for a dedication in a suitable location in honor of Paul Ryder. Councillor Toner (PO24#26)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

2. That the City Manager is requested to dispatch the appropriate City personnel to assess the sidewalks in and around Carl Barron Plaza, paying particular attention to those areas that may be hazardous for seniors and those with mobility impediments. Mayor Simmons (PO24#27)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

3. Cancellation of the City Council meeting of Mar 11, 2024. Mayor Simmons (PO24#28)
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

4. In appreciation of Social Workers and National Social Worker Month. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson (PO24#29)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

5. Tenant Protection Resources. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson (PO24#30)
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF24#22)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner Absent)

Wed, Mar 6
12:00pm The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the appointments to the Cambridge Housing Authority, CM24#12 and CM23#238. In addition to the appointments, the Housing Committee will review and discuss any necessary edits to the zoning language that would allow unrelated people to live together in the City of Cambridge, PO24#9.
3:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing on the recent CSO Economic Impact Report.

Tues, Mar 19
3:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to review and discuss the FY25 Capital Budget and to continue the Dec 12, 2023 City Council discussion on Public Investment Planning and to discuss City Council budget priorities and goals.

Tues, Mar 26
3:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to receive a status update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge, as well as to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY25 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040.

O-2 Mar 4, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has been brought to the attention of the City Council that a number of senior residents have reported having increasing difficulty safely walking along Carl Barron Plaza due to uneven walkways, loose bricks, and elevated bricks that are contributing to seniors tripping and falling, and this problem appears to be particularly acute in the area where Magazine Street meets Green Street, near the bus stop; and
WHEREAS: The seniors who have reported these concerns understand that the whole area in question will be undergoing a major renovation in the coming years, but they nonetheless have safety concerns for seniors who must navigate the area in the meantime, and they are requesting that the City establish a near-term solution to this issue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to dispatch the appropriate City personnel to assess the sidewalks in and around Carl Barron Plaza, paying particular attention to those areas that may be hazardous for seniors and those with mobility impediments, and to establish a short-term solution to make these walkways safer as the area awaits a longer-term renovation, and to report back on this matter to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-4 Mar 4, 2024
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: Social Work is a profession truly dedicated to helping people; and
WHEREAS: The primary mission of Social Work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic and complex needs of all people; and
WHEREAS: Social Workers put a particular focus on helping people who are vulnerable, oppressed or living in poverty; and
WHEREAS: Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics that calls on them to fight social injustice, and respect the dignity and worth of all people; and
WHEREAS: Social Workers meet people where they are and help people and communities reach their full potential; and
WHEREAS: The Social Work profession, for more than a century, has worked to improve this society, with Social Workers playing a role in establishing a minimum wage, Social Security, and Medicare and working to ensure equal rights for women, African Americans and people who are LGBTQIA2S+; and
WHEREAS: Social Workers work in all facets of our society, including schools, hospitals, community organizations, the military, mental health centers, social service agencies, corporations, and local, state, and federal government; and
WHEREAS: Social Workers are on the frontlines in helping this nation solve pressing social problems, including an increased demand for mental health services; an opioid addiction crisis; and economic inequality; and
WHEREAS: Social Workers are in high demand, with some states reporting shortages in Social Work staffing and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting Social Work will be one of the fastest growing professions in our nation during this decade; and
WHEREAS: A public opinion survey from Ipsos said Social Work has a public approval rating of more than 80 percent and more than half of Americans say Social Workers deserve higher pay; and
WHEREAS: The 2024 Social Work Month theme, “Empowering Social Workers” embodies the need for society to support Social Workers so they can continue to do the life-affirming work they do and help address societal needs; and
WHEREAS: Social Workers in turn empower people, communities, and our nation, helping everyone achieve their full potential; now therefore be it
RESOLVED That the Cambridge City Council go on record thanking and appreciating Social Workers, not just in Cambridge, but around the country, for their tireless dedication to helping others, improving communities and efforts to make our world a more equitable and just place, and proclaiming the month of March 2024 as National Social Work Month.

O-5 Mar 4, 2024 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: Through its excellent City Manager’s Housing Liaison Office and Multi-Service Center, the City of Cambridge is a leader in providing city resources for protecting tenants; and
WHEREAS: The City can continue to improve these resources by building on the important work of the Multi-Service Center, the City Manager’s Housing Liaison, and others in the City in assisting tenants, as well as the City’s existing contracts with legal services organizations; and
WHEREAS: The number of local evictions has been increasing, partly because pandemic-related policies have expired; and
WHEREAS: State Trial Court data show that statewide, while about 90 percent of landlords are represented by lawyers in eviction court, only about 10 percent of tenants have lawyers, and case outcomes reflect this drastic imbalance; and
WHEREAS: The City must continue to minimize the need for court action by providing adequate landlord-tenant mediation resources and better notice of tenant rights and resources; and
WHEREAS: The City Council is pleased to see a funding recommendation in Governor Healey’s FY25 budget and a favorable state legislative Judiciary Committee report on House bill 4360, to address these issues statewide; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to improve city resources so that every Cambridge tenant who is served with a summary process complaint and has a household income no more than 80% AMI has access to representation by a lawyer in court if the tenant requests, if necessary by expanding existing city contracts with legal services organizations; and be it further
ORDERED: That sufficient mediation services continue to be available to resolve landlord-tenant disputes without court action whenever possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to recommend more flexibility in the MSC’s payment of tenants’ emergency non-rent arrearages in order to prevent evictions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to recommend ordinance amendments to the City of Cambridge Tenant Rights and Resources Ordinance, Chapter 8.71 of the City Code, to ensure that all Cambridge landlords, management companies, and tenants receive annual notice from the City, for example in October, of these and other rights and resources; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to include in the FY25 budget amounts sufficient to carry out these policies; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Housing Committee on progress within a reasonable time before filing the City FY25 budget; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record endorsing the Governor’s budget request and House bill 4360, to address access to eviction counsel statewide.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
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. See Mgr #7
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (O-4) from 1/22/2024

24-6. Report on the research of 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 Nolan, Councillor Wilson (O-4) from 2/12/2024

24-7. A report on a review of 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. See Mgr #9
Councillor Toner (O-5) from 2/12/2024

24-8. Report on the recommendations for the refinement and improvement of the housing permitting process to the City Council, with a focus on reducing delays, minimizing costs, and enhancing clarity and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 2/26/2024

24-9. Report on the conference with the City Manager’s Housing Liaison, Community Development Department, and the Cambridge Housing Authority on the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers.
Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 2/26/2024

24-10. Report to the City Council with the data analysis included in the Economic Feasibility Analysis provided to EOHLC as part of Cambridge’s MBTA Communities final compliance submission.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-6) from 2/26/2024