Cambridge City Council meeting - March 6, 2023

Cambridge City Council meeting - March 6, 2023 - AGENDA
[Azeem, Simmons, Toner REMOTE]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $325,000 in the General Fund between School Department statutory accounts as follows: $325,000 from the Salary and Wages account to the School Travel and Training account ($205,000) and to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account ($120,000). The transfer will be used to fund current and anticipated workers’ compensation settlement costs related to School Department personnel injured in the performance of their duties. The transfer will also be used to fund the purchase of a new electric van for the Rindge School of Technical Arts (RSTA). (CM23#66)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of transfer of $205,000 in the General Fund between School Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the School Extraordinary Expenditures account. The transfer will fund the purchase of a new electric vehicle for Facilities Maintenance; the installation of new garage doors at the King Open School and CRLS; and to purchase a new CRLS Crew Sculling boat to replace a boat which is at the end of its cycle. (CM23#67)
Order Adopted 9-0

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order 2022 #181, regarding convening a North Mass Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group. (CM23#68)
pulled by Toner; remarks by Toner, Iram Farooq, Carlone on urban design, Nolan, Simmons on outreach and who will Chair committee - Farooq says City staff; Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern Absent)

CM23#68 Mar 6, 2023
In response to Policy Order 2022 #181, regarding convening a North Mass Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group, please find attached a response from Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq.

To: Yi-An Huang, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: Mar 2, 2023
Re: Policy Order-O-3, dated Oct 3, 2022, related to convening a North Mass Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group

As requested by the above referenced Policy Order and recommended in Envision Cambridge, the Community Development Department will commence a planning study for the Massachusetts Avenue corridor from Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway in spring of 2023. The planning study will develop a vision for the future of North Mass Ave. and result in zoning and non-zoning recommendations on topics of land use, urban design, housing, climate resiliency, small business support, mobility, and public space. The plan will aim to realize the following goals expressed by Envision Cambridge and the City Council:

• Address housing supply shortage by allowing additional housing density along North Mass Ave.

• Promote sustainable and safe transportation choices.

• Focus on small business retention and growth.

• Improve open space resources to better support the public realm.

• Preserve the unique qualities of the area, including business and resident diversity.

• Incorporate—and adjust for local context—the relevant recommendations from the City’s recent resilience focused planning efforts.

Working Group

CDD will lead a representative community engagement process to co-develop a shared vision for the future of the Mass Ave study area. As part of a multi-faceted engagement strategy, CDD will convene a working group to guide the planning process and recommend zoning and non-zoning recommendations. Additional engagement strategies will include focus groups, surveys, in-person and virtual workshops, and engagement with the CDD’s new Community Engagement Team to reach underheard communities in Cambridge.

The working group will be comprised of community stakeholders, including residents from the surrounding neighborhoods, representatives of the business community, local institutions and community organizations, property owners, and developers. A multidisciplinary staff and consultant team led by CDD will provide support to the group.

Working Group Charge

The charge of the working group will be to formulate zoning and non-zoning recommendations based on the community’s planning and urban design priorities. Additional analyses on the scale and type of development, urban design principles and guidelines, public open spaces, transportation infrastructure, and other community needs will be discussed. The planning study will provide zoning recommendations to City Council. It is expected the entire process will take approximately 18 months to complete.

The work will build on past neighborhood studies, recent feedback into changes in the area, and recommendations from relevant citywide planning initiatives, including Envision Cambridge, Retail Strategic Plan, Resilient Cambridge, Urban Forest Master Plan, and the Bicycle Network Plan. The working group will not be explicitly planning for the roadway design of Mass. Ave. in this corridor but will be coordinating with the Mass Ave Partial Construction Working Group.

https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/publicworks/news/2022/11/memberssoughtfornewmassavepartialconstructionworkinggroup

The Mass Ave Partial Construction Working Group is currently being established and will be working on implementing separated bicycle lanes, improving crossing opportunities for pedestrians, evaluating curb use regulations, and analyzing options for bus priority for Mass. Ave. between Waterhouse St and Alewife Brook Parkway.

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to be used for professional services for a planning study for Massachusetts Avenue from Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway. Funds will be combined with existing balances from prior related projects. (CM23#69)
pulled by Carlone; Farooq says $400,000 estimated total cost; Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern - Absent)

CM23#69 Mar 6, 2023
I am hereby requesting an appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to be used for professional services for a planning study for Massachusetts Avenue from Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway. Funds will be combined with existing balances from prior related projects.

The City is preparing to hire a consultant to co-lead the planning study with city staff. The planning study will develop a vision for the future of North Mass Ave and result in zoning and non-zoning recommendations on topics of land use, urban design, housing, climate resiliency, small business support, mobility, and public space. The plan will aim to realize the following goals expressed by Envision Cambridge and the City Council:

• Address housing supply shortage by allowing additional housing density along North Mass Ave.

• Incentivize sustainable and safe transportation choices.

• Focus on small business retention and growth.

• Improve open space resources to better support the public realm.

• Preserve the unique qualities of the area, including business and resident diversity.

• Incorporate-and adjusting for local context-the relevant recommendations from the City’s recent resilience focused planning efforts.

CDD will lead a representative community engagement process to develop a shared vision for the future of the corridor. As part of a multi-faceted engagement strategy, CDD will convene a working group to guide the planning process and recommend zoning and non-zoning recommendations. Additional engagement strategies will include focus groups, surveys, in-person and virtual workshops, and engagement with the CDD’s new Community Engagement Team to reach underheard communities in Cambridge. The goal of this project is to facilitate a holistic planning process that results in mutually beneficial outcomes for the community.

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund, Emergency Communications Extraordinary Expenditures account. This appropriation will fund the replacement of critical infrastructure to support the City of Cambridge radio system. (CM23#70)
pulled by Nolan; Huang responds that fee cash used for some capital items in addition to Operating Budget; David Kale, Christine Giacobbe explain; Zondervan asks why radio and Kale explains about interoperability, Giacobbe explains about reliability of radio; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern Absent)

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-78, regarding safety concerns at the LBJ Apartment building. (CM23#71)
pulled by Simmons; Commissioner Elow responds; Zondervan objects to deploying Police rather than a security service at public housing; Huang notes that private security don't play as engaged a role as Police and commends Cambridge Police; McGovern notes that tenants often let people in building who should not be there; Simmons notes that residents (correctly) equate Police with safety and security; Placed on File 9-0

CM23#71 Mar 6, 2023
In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-78, regarding safety concerns at the LBJ Apartment building, please find attached a response from Police Commissioner, Christine Elow.

To: City Manager, Yi-An Huang
From: Police Commissioner, Christine Elow
Date: Feb 13, 2023
Ref.: Awaiting Report 2022-277 – LBJ Apartment Building & Safety

The purpose of this response is to address Awaiting Report #22-78, whereby the City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to convene a meeting with the LBJ tenant community to address their concerns about undesirable and threatening behavior in and near the LBJ Apartment building.

The Police Department has taken the following measures in response to this order:

• The Cambridge Police Department has been investing additional resources, time, and energy into the increased safety and wellness of the greater Central Square area, including the LBJ Apartments and Erie Street, following a recent increase of reported crimes and concerns in the area.

• Several members of the Cambridge Police have connected with residents at the LBJ Apartments and other Cambridge Housing Properties through a series of recent events, including a Tenant Council meeting on July 5, a holiday lunch with residents on November 22, and a monthly birthday celebration on December 14.

Additionally, 62 residents at the LBJ Apartments received gift bags from CPD’s annual Secret Santa for Seniors donation drive. This annual outreach has proved to be another important forum for our officers and staff to build relationships and trust with LBJ residents.

• These efforts are supplementing patrol operations and the department’s “Park and Walk” program, in which officers are dispatched by Emergency Communications to LBJ Apartments at various times during the morning, afternoon, and night in between other calls for service. Overall, 163 “Park and Walks” took place in November and December through 2022. In addition, there have been 78 “Park & Walks” since the beginning of the year. These patrols are in addition to foot patrol officers assigned to Central Square every shift (7 days a week) and officers assigned to both Central and Harvard Square. For further visibility, another officer has been recently hired for our late afternoon/evening shift 7 days a week to enhance our visibility in Central Square’s high-activity locations.

• Furthermore, officers in the Family and Social Justice Section have been conducting random check-ins multiple times a week at the apartment complex. While on-scene, officers have been seeking to locate and help anyone who may need services, as well as looking to identify any active substance use, abandoned property, trespassing violations inside and outside the building, and other quality-of-life issues. Check-ins are being conducted in the exterior of the building as well as in the lobby with check-ins taking place with employees working the front desk and property management.

• The number of calls for service at the LBJ Apartments has declined in December compared to November following these concerted efforts. This has continued in 2023.

We recognize that outreach and education are key aspects of any prevention strategy. The Police Department will continue to coordinate with the Cambridge Housing Authority, as well as our other city agency partners (particularly Cambridge Emergency Communications, Fire, Public Health, and Pro EMS) that communicate and/or work with the LBJ Apartments to make them aware of ongoing concerns. As always, if residents are ever suspicious or have been victimized by a crime, they are strongly encouraged to contact the Cambridge Police Department immediately.

The Emergency Communications Department has met with Cambridge Housing Authority and Cambridge Police to strategize and plan for outreach efforts and community meetings at LBJ apartments and other CHA properties. They have committed to begin scheduling these meetings and look forward to continuing to build relationships and provide education on ways to contact the police and emergency services.

We hope that this background provides sufficient insight into the work being done at this important building and their residents, what outreach has been conducted, and direction moving forward. If there are any additional questions, information needed or concerns regarding this matter, please let me know.

Respectfully,
Christine Elow
Police Commissioner

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its AAA rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. [S&P] [Moodys] [Fitch] (CM23#73)
pulled by Carlone; David Kale (Finance) explain about savings of $1.4 to $2 million interest; McGovern asks about ability to issues bonds, Kale says you can bond anything but the market decides the rates (recently 3.06%); Nolan notes ESG ratings in each of the reports; Toner notes value of stability in staff with change in City Manager, asks about effect of commercial vacancies and possible effects, Kale notes range of revenues and healthy reserves and notes what may happen with office space as leases expire and uses possibly change, $1 billion in new growth last year in lab space, uncertainty in office space (Gayle Willett - Assessing); Azeem about limitations on spending that might occur w/o AAA ratings, Kale explains value of strong and consistent management, long-term capital plan, ongoing leadership and bench strength in financial team, strength of local economy; Huang relates City budget to personal budgets, what might happen if City simply spent a lot more money - financial stewardship and optimization; Azeem notes about trade-off of pay-as-you-go vs. borrowing; Simmons remarks on potential downturn, Kale notes that revenues support expenditures, stable tax rates, managing debt, scheduled to pay off pension liabilities by 2026, more to do with long-term pension liabilities, history of bond ratings from Prop 2½ (early 1980s) until today; Zondervan dismissive of AAA ratings and focuses on the negatives of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and equity; Kale thanks Manager and Finance team, CDD, and other department heads and staff - echoed by City Manager Huang; Placed on File 9-0

9. 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. (CM23#74)
pulled by Zondervan (who has issues with Shot Spotter); Reports Approved and Placed on File 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Ender Saricay, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 112 Hampshire Street; 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. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 27, 2023] (AP23#10)
Siddiqui again says this was “charterwritten”; Application Approved 9-0

2. That the joint Economic Development and University Relations and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committees forward the amended proposed Policy Order regarding Labs and Neighborhood Planning to the full City Council. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 27, 2023] (PO23#39)
Siddiqui again says this was “charterwritten”; Zondervan amendments Approved 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

O-4 Feb 27, 2023
COUNCILLOR TONER
ORDERED: That the joint Economic Development and University Relations and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committees forward the amended proposed Policy Order regarding Labs and Neighborhood Planning to the full City Council.

Proposed Policy Order for referral to the Cambridge City Council regarding Labs and Neighborhood Planning
Feb 7, 2023
Councillors Toner, Carlone, Azeem, and McGovern

WHEREAS: The City Council has been discussing the need to develop recommendations to balance the needs of our residents and lab community along our main corridors and squares outside, with the exception of Kendall Square and the Alewife Quadrangle; therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager instruct the Community Development Department to establish a working group comprised of CDD and the Inspectional Services Department staff, representatives from the various business associations (Kendall Square Business Association, Harvard Square Business Association, Central Square Business Improvement District, East Cambridge Business Association, Cambridge Local First, and Cambridge Chamber of Commerce), lab developers and owners, diverse community ~~members~~ representation totaling at least one-third of the overall working group, and representatives of the Affordable Housing Trust to develop recommendations on the following issues:

1. Consider where housing production of all kinds should be prioritized in these areas and develop strategies, including any changes to zoning and design guidelines necessary to ensure an appropriate balance of commercial and residential development. Include consideration of the economic competitiveness of both market and 100% affordable housing in relation to commercial development.

2. 1. Addressing Nuisances (Noise, light, mechanicals, etc.) – Address the concerns surrounding commercial buildings and labs through design guidelines in zoning code, strengthening the building code where needed, and review other local and state regulations.

3. 2. Reasonable restrictions on commercial building and lab size and use: Avoid any restrictive definitions of “labs” to prevent unintended consequences of hampering innovation and new trends in the very fluid lab, office, commercial, and technical workspace environment. Where appropriate, recommend some restrictions on the size and intensity of use and/or hazard level (i.e., prohibit BSL ~~BLS~~ 3 or 4) in certain neighborhoods to address concerns about health, safety and the impact of commercial and large lab buildings being built in or adjacent to smaller scale residential districts. Issue separate guidance for conversion of existing space versus ground-up new construction, especially as it relates to any potential size restrictions.

4. 3. 1035 Cambridge Street: Allow all current uses at 1035 Cambridge Street to continue by establishing a new zoning district encompassing 1035 and surrounding parcels. ~~However, due~~ Due to the nature of current uses at 1035 and the rapidly changing landscape in Somerville around the new Union Square T station and Boynton Yards, 1035 Cambridge and the surrounding parcels should be looked at more closely ~~differently~~. ~~The~~ Explore whether the area should move forward as its own zoning overlay district with added height and density for housing along Cambridge Street and nearby. ~~with a possible housing overlay district for added height and density at a 100-foot depth along Cambridge Street using the Our Cambridge Street Study as a starting point.~~

5. 4. Address the need for more housing through a pro-active discussion on mixed use and mixed income development of lab, housing, and retail: CDD should use the research and planning that has resulted from Envision Cambridge, Alewife Quad Study, and Our Cambridge Street Study along with future discussions of Central Square and North Massachusetts Avenue to identify concepts and best practices in urban planning to develop strong design guidelines and zoning and other possible recommendations that harness the economic dynamism of labs and the innovation economy to support the creation of co-located retail and housing via mixed-use developments (i.e., residential above lab above ground floor retail) of all scales.

And be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council with working group appointments no later than May 1, 2023, and recommendations no later than March 1, 2024.

3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City Departments to work with Eversource to include in their annual reporting, updates on their work to move forward with providing the infrastructure required to move Cambridge toward electrifying the city. [Charter Right – Nolan, Feb 27, 2023] (PO23#40)
Siddiqui again says this was “charterwritten”; Nolan added as sponsor and McGovern amendments Adopted 9-0; Carlone comments on monopolies like Eversource; Adopted as Amended 9-0

O-5 Feb 27, 2023 Charter Right - Nolan [with proposed amendments by McGovern]
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The world is facing an existential crisis with climate change, and it is incumbent on individuals, cities, states, and countries to make every effort to address this crisis head on and with urgency; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has been meeting to discuss the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) with the goal of moving Cambridge away from fossil fuels and to green energy; and
WHEREAS: Economic Development and University Relations Committee meetings held on Nov 2, 2022, and Jan 24, 2023, Eversource, who is the supplier of energy to the City of Cambridge, indicated that in order to provide the infrastructure needed to move Cambridge to 100% green energy, it would require the development of 4 additional substations and 16 additional transformers, [which will not be in place by 2035] ~~placed~~ throughout the City; and
WHEREAS: Eversource indicated that from start to finish, including site identification, community process, permitting and construction, each sub-station can take between 8 and 12 years to build; and
WHEREAS: Eversource indicated that in addition to approval from the City of Cambridge, they would also need approval from the Department of Public Utilities, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and permits from neighboring communities to run the required infrastructure through their communities to supply the Cambridge substations; and
~~WHEREAS: Eversource made it clear that even if Cambridge passes BEUDO, the infrastructure is not in place to meet the ordinances goals and would not be in place by 2035; and~~
WHEREAS: In response to the City Council’s request, in 2020, the City created regular coordination with utilities such as Eversource, and an annual public presentation at the Planning Board similar to the annual Town Gown reporting by educational institutions; and
WHEREAS: Since 2021, the Eversource annual presentation at the Planning Board includes service demand projections, load forecasting, infrastructure improvement plans, energy conservation programs, and other relevant topics; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City Departments to work with Eversource to include in their annual reporting, updates on their work to move forward with providing the infrastructure required to move Cambridge toward electrifying the city, including identifying the locations of the required substations and transformers, plans to hold community meetings, the status of necessary permitting, including status of conversations with neighboring communities, and that these annual reports be submitted to the City Council.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition (Ordinance #2022-20) [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 9, 2023; Expires Mar 6, 2023; Ordinance Amended Feb 27, 2023] (ORD22#20)
Comments by (Abundant Housing Treasurer) Azeem on embedded emissions accounting such as materials used in construction, proposes amendments exempting some housing; Zondervan prefers version w/o amendments saying it has been fully vetted and that Planning Board wants this accounting for all projects w/o special exemptions for housing; Toner supports Azeem amendments; (Sky is Falling) Carlone says software already out there for embodied emissions accounting and that this is all just common sense and wants version w/o amendments; Nolan now trying to appear as a “moderate” and will support amendments; Siddiqui aligns with Zondervan, Carlone; Azeem amendments Adopted 5-4 (BA,MM,PN,DS,PT - Yes; DC,AM,QZ,SS - No); Ordained as Amended 9-0

ORDERED: That section 22.25.1(c) of Article 22, entitled Sustainable Design and Development, be amended to read as follows.

(c) Net Zero Narrative: A written description of how the Green Building Project is being designed in response to the City's Net Zero Action Plan, which seeks to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions resulting from buildings by reducing their energy use intensity and promoting renewable sources of energy. This information is provided for advisory review by CDD staff, and CDD may provide a questionnaire template to the developer for completing this narrative. At a minimum, this narrative shall include the following information:

1. Anticipated building envelope performance, including roof, foundation, walls and window assemblies, and window-to-wall ratio;

2. Anticipated energy loads, baseline energy simulation tool assumptions, and proposed energy targets, expressed in terms of site energy use intensity ("EUI"), source EUI (expressed as British Thermal Unit (BTU) per square foot per year), and annual greenhouse gas emissions projected until 2050, expressed as Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents (MTCO2e), and calculated in accordance with the standards and requirements established in Chapter 8.67 of the Municipal Code (“Building Energy Use”) and associated regulations. If anticipated tenant plug loads (EUI and emissions) are provided, they shall be separately broken out and clearly identified as such;

3. A description of ways in which building energy performance has been integrated into aspects of the Green Building Project's planning, design, and engineering, including building use(s), orientation, massing, envelope systems, building mechanical systems, on-site and off-site renewable energy systems, and district-wide energy systems;

4. A description of the technical framework by which the Green Building Project can be transitioned to net zero emissions prior to 2050 (acknowledging that such a transition might not be economically feasible at first), including future net zero emissions options for building envelope, HVAC systems, domestic hot water, interior lighting, and on- and off-site renewable energy sources;

5. A description of programs provided by local utility companies, government agencies, and other organizations that provide technical assistance, rebates, grants, and incentives that can assist in achieving higher levels of building performance, summarizing which entities have been contacted and which programs could be utilized in the Green Building Project; and

6. An assessment of the technical and financial feasibility to meet the projected HVAC and domestic hot water demands of the building (as set forth in Paragraph (2) above) using energy systems that do not consume carbon-based fuels on-site (to include solar photovoltaics and hot water, ground source, water source or air source heat pumps, district energy, geothermal systems, and/or similar systems) compared to code-compliant energy systems that consume carbon-based fuels on-site (including, where applicable, the construction or expansion of energy plants controlled by the developer that may be necessary to produce energy for that specific building), which shall include the cost of installation, maintenance and upkeep of the energy system and its components (incorporating programs and incentives as set forth in Paragraph (5) above). This paragraph will become effective on February 23, 2021.

7. Embodied Emissions: A whole building lifecycle analysis of the estimated emissions generated by the construction of the Green Building Project. The Assistant City Manager for Community Development shall promulgate regulations for how these estimated emissions are to be reported. Such regulations shall include at minimum the required reporting of estimated lifecycle emissions generated by the use of major building materials, including but not limited to wood, concrete, steel, aluminum and glass, using embodied emissions modeling software and industry standards acceptable to CDD staff. This paragraph will become effective on the date of final promulgation of the regulations for Green Building Projects that have not yet completed the initial stage of administrative review by such date, and shall not impose a requirement on any Green Building Project that is a project of the Affordable Housing Trust or otherwise for the construction of low and moderate-income housing meeting the standards established pursuant to any City, State or Federal housing program designed to assist low and moderate-income households. building project that does not meet the standard threshold for project review special permit of 50,000 square feet or includes housing units.

5. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Ordinance #2022-6 Article III Green Jobs 2.66.100 Definitions. [Passed to 2nd Reading Feb 27, 2023] (ORD22#6)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Mary Kane, regarding BEUDO.

2. A communication was received from Sharon Britton, Kathy Dalton, Marilee Meyer, John Patrick, and Helen Walker, regarding CCA Update: Simmons’ Town Meeting for Condos Reveals BEUDO Worries, Frustrations.

3. A communication was received from Patricia Harris and David Lyon, regarding response to CCA update.

4. A communication was received from Georges Atallah, regarding exempting affected condominiums and co-ops from proposed BEUDO amendments.

5. A communication was received from Alex Khachaturian, regarding objections to BEUDO amendments.

6. A communication was received from Lisa Sebell-Nevins and Bill Nevins, regarding exempting affected condominiums and co-ops from proposed BEUDO amendments.

7. A communication was received from R Cohen, regarding expanding the Affordable Housing.

8. A communication was received from Alka Agrawal, regarding exempting affected condominiums and co-ops from proposed BEUDO amendments.

10. A communication was received from Peter Littlefield, regarding response to the CCA update.

11. A communication was received from Helen Snively, regarding planting more trees.

12. A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni, regarding support for more Affordable Housing and Municipal Broadband, etc.

13. A communication was received from Kathryn Beers and Peter Holloran, regarding exempting affected condominiums and co-ops from the proposed BEUDO amendments.

14. A communication was received from A Better Cambridge, regarding statement in support of Policy Order 1: In Support of HD. 3252 and SD. 2006, An Act to Promote Yes In My Backyard.

15. A communication was received from Allan Sadun, regarding proposed labs and housing mixed-use zoning working group.

16. A written protest was received from Zvi Gordon and Avery Bush, representatives for GH Holdings (Mass Ave) LP, the property owner of 1420-1440 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, regarding written protest to the Citizen’s Zoning Petition from Suzanne P. Blier, et al. Harvard Square Zoning Petition Modification regarding Frontage of Financial Institutions - AP22#46.

17. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding comments on items from 2/27/23 City Council meeting agenda.

18. A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding Policy Orders 3 and 4 on Feb. 27, 2023.

19. A communication was received from Eric Grunebaum, regarding support for Craig Kelley, et al. Cambridge Transportation Emissions and Car Sharing Act petition.

20. A communication was received from Suzanne Preston Blier, regarding support for the HSNA zoning petition on bank facades.

21. A communication was received from Donald Grossman, regarding negative recommendation on Callender Petition and PO22#161.

22. A communication was received from Donald Grossman, regarding the proposed lab Policy Order from the joint committees, PO23#39.

23. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding comments on Lab Regulation petition – PO #3 and #4.

24. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding support for the HSNA zoning petition on bank facades.

25. A communication was received from Elizabeth and John Gilmore, regarding support for Committee Report #4 Harvard Square Neighborhood Petition (the Blier Petition) to limit the ground floor footage of banks.

26. A communication was received from David Deng, regarding the BEUDO Ordinance.

27. A communication was received from Micher V. Kaze, regarding exempting affected condominiums and co-ops from proposed BEUDO amendments.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Robert Steck on his retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Carlone who lauds Rob Steck as a playground designer and more

R-1 Mar 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE

WHEREAS: The City Council has learned that Robert Steck retired on Feb 4, 2023, after more than 37 years of dedicated service to the City of Cambridge and its residents; and

WHEREAS: Rob Steck began his career with the City of Cambridge as a Landscape Architect in the Community Development Department in 1985; and

WHEREAS: In this role, Rob worked on over 200 park and open space projects transforming the city’s open space network from underutilized lots into prized community assets; and

WHEREAS: Rob was instrumental in setting a design vision for Cambridge Parks leading a community process in 2009 resulting in the Cambridge Healthy Parks and Playground Task Force Report, underscoring the value of play and learning for both the young and old; and

WHEREAS: A strong advocate for the integration of public art into all open space projects, Rob worked closely with the Cambridge Arts Council to expand the percentage of park budgets devoted to arts; and

WHEREAS: Rob’s innovative design approach has won awards from local and national organizations, including the American Society of Landscape Architects; and

WHEREAS: Of significance, the Alexander Kemp playground on the Cambridge Common remains on the top ten list of the best playgrounds in America; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking Robert Steck for his 37+ years of service to the City of Cambridge, for his skill, dedication, and for making Cambridge a better place, and wishing him a truly happy and joyful retirement; and be it further

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

2. That the City Council recognize March as National Social Workers Month. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui

3. Congratulations to Sam Corda on his retirement from the Cambridge Water Department. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons

R-3 Mar 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has learned that Sam Corda will retire from the City of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: Sam began working for the City of Cambridge in 1991 in the Engineering Department for a few years before taking a job in the private sector, returning to the City in 2000 as the Managing Director of the Cambridge Water Department; and

WHEREAS: As Sam retires, he will be the second longest tenured Managing Director in this history of the Water Department, wearing many hats during his years of service and overseeing a significant portion of the construction of the Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility; and

WHEREAS: Not long after Sam took over as Managing Director, a 36” pipe fitting failed, flooding the plant and causing a river to flow out of the building and down Fresh Pond Parkway, not daunted he continued on for another 23 years; and

WHEREAS: Sam “the engineer” monitored pumps and mechanical equipment, the structural integrity of dams, dealing with building HVAC, electrical and plumbing issues; and

WHEREAS: As a grade 4 licensed treatment plant operator, Sam could be tasked with the job of running the treatment plant as lead operator, making adjustments to our water treatment process to always ensure the highest quality of water was going out to the residents of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: Sam “the accountant” was responsible for managing the Water Department budget and ensuring that the operating costs did not exceed revenues received, not only meeting goals but exceeding them; and

WHEREAS: With a staff of over 60 people at the Water Department, Sam strived to treat all staff members in a fair and equitable manner while dealing with the many complexities of a staff that large consisting of both union and non-union members; and

WHEREAS: Serving on many boards, Water Board, Fresh Pond Advisory Board, and MWRA Advisory Board, Sam often had to navigate the waters between the many requests, but he always kept his composure to find a happy medium for all concerned parties; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record congratulating Sam Corda for his 23 years of dedicated service to the City of Cambridge and its residents and wishes him good health and happiness in his retirement, to enjoy time with his wife, four children, his horses, and his dog; and be it further

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

4. Resolution on the death of David Leslie. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon

R-4 Mar 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON

WHEREAS: David Robert Leslie, 75, resident of Cambridge for over 45 years, passed away at his home in Cambridge surrounded by his family on Feb 25, 2023; and

WHEREAS: David attended Harvard College (class of 1969) and the Heller School at Brandeis University (class of 1984), and met his wife Clare Walker Leslie in 1972 in Harvard Square; and

WHEREAS: David was an avid skier and hiker, ardent Boston sports fan, lover of his Scottish ancestry, and devoted to two things: service to others and to his family; and

WHEREAS: David was deeply involved with the Cambridge community, serving as the Executive Director of the Cambridge Civic Association, Executive Director of Food For Free, and on several nonprofit boards dedicated to education and protecting democracy; and

WHEREAS: David was known for his kindness and his service, and he will be sorely missed in the Cambridge community; and

WHEREAS: David is survived by his loving wife Clare; two children, Eric and Anna; their respective spouses Dr. Jenny Chiang and Jules Williams; his grandchildren, Hazel and Lydia Leslie; and his sister-in-law Evelyn Leslie and her family, who all reside in Cambridge and carry on his legacy; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and David Leslie’s community for their 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 David Leslie’s family on behalf of the entire City Council.

DAVID LESLIE OBITUARY

LESLIE, David Robert
Educator, Community Builder, Friend David Robert Leslie, 75, resident of Cambridge, MA, and Granville, VT, for over 45 years, passed away at his home in Cambridge surrounded by his family on Feb 25, 2023, from myelodysplastic syndrome. Born in Lowell, MA, in 1947, David was the younger son of Roger and Evelyn Leslie. He grew up with his older brother, Roger in Chelmsford, MA, the Philadelphia area, and Burrillville, RI. David was an alum of Harvard College (1969), and the Heller School at Brandeis University (1984). He met his wife, Clare Walker Leslie on the streets of Harvard Square in 1972 and they wed in 1975. David was an avid skier and hiker, ardent Boston sports fan, lover of his Scottish ancestry, and devoted to two things: service to others and to his family. He gave of himself as an educator teaching at the Landmark School and Charles River Academy, principal at the Palfrey Street School, and Executive Director of the Threshold Program at Lesley University. He gave to his community serving as the Executive Director of the Cambridge Civic Association, Executive Director of Food For Free, and sat on several non-profit boards dedicated to education and protecting democracy. Above all else, was his love of and dedication to his friends and his family. He loved spending time with all of them at his house in Vermont, affectionately called “Redmont,” making campfires and sitting by the pond listening to bluegrass with a nice cigar. He is survived by his loving wife, Clare; two children, Eric and Anna; their respective spouses, Dr. Jenny Chiang and Jules Williams; his grandchildren, Hazel and Lydia Leslie; and his sister-in-law, Evelyn Leslie and her family. A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of David this spring. For information about the Celebration, please email drlremembrance@gmail.com. In remembrance of David’s charitable work, the family requests donations be made in his honor to Solutions at Work in Cambridge at solutionsatwork.org/donate

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to explore the feasibility of crafting a policy that will ensure that the City is notified whenever a high-rise building over eight floors experiences elevator failures. Councillor Simmons (PO23#42)
pulled by Simmons; Carlone says this should be over six stories; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Health and the Parks Department to determine the feasibility of installing Automated External Defibrillators at all public parks and practice fields, and any other public place as appropriate. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (PO23#43)
pulled by Mallon; remarks by McGovern, Toner, Carlone; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

3. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct CDD to provide language that would amend the Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition to include the amendments proposed by the petitioner and report back to the City Council by Mar 13, 2023. Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon (PO23#44)
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Council go on record in support of the Tenant Protection Act HD.3922/SD.2368. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (PO23#45)
pulled by Toner; Zondervan notes that this is about rent stabilization and “just cause” evictions; Siddiqui says this is similar to one Council previously supported; Toner will vote NO because he does not want to bring back divisiveness of rent control and observes that this will cause preemptive rent increases and thwart housing production; Nolan wants local control and says that (20 years ago) Cambridge voted overwhelmingly against rent control; McGovern will also support this with double-talk about how this is not actually rent control (which it obviously is); Mallon also double-talks and stresses “local control” rather than what this is really about, lauds Rep. Connolly; Siddiqui adds to the double-talk about “options; Order Adopted 8-1 (Toner NO)

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to assist BAY-CASH as they begin working with unhoused youth in Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon (PO23#46)
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Manager’s Housing Liaison, Community Development Department, ~~and~~ the Cambridge Housing Authority [and the City Solicitor] on the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#47)
pulled by Simmons; remarks by Siddiqui, Simmons, Mallon about how Somerville is doing this (with ARPA funds) but without any estimate of how costly this would be; Toner asks about legal issues and wants opinion of City Solicitor; Carlone (aggressively) suggests this should be made unanimous; McGovern says this would eliminate homelessness of veterans; Adopted as Amended 9-0

7. That the City Manager is requested to fund the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (PO23#48)
pulled by Nolan; remarks by Zondervan, Nolan; Charter Right - Nolan

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure multi-family properties on the market are reviewed as quickly as possible as potential affordable housing acquisitions. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (PO23#49)
pulled by Nolan; Amendments proposed to add MM,DC; Charter Right - Simmons

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Finance Committee conducted a public meeting on Thurs, Feb 2, 2023 to discuss the FY24 Capital Budget, and future investment priorities in Cambridge’s physical infrastructure ahead of the FY24 budget cycle. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Carlone, Nolan, Mallon, McGovern, Siddiqui, Zondervan
Remote Present: Azeem, Simmons (late)
Absent: Toner

2. The Civic Unity Committee held a public meeting on Thurs, Feb 2, 2023 from 5:00pm-7:00pm, to discuss the Oct 3, 2022 policy order pertaining to the Indigenous People in our community. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Simmons, Mallon, Zondervan
Remote Present: Toner (late)
Absent: Carlone

3. The Housing Committee met on Wed, Feb 8, 2023 from 12:30-2:30pm to discuss potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; remarks by Simmons (meeting recessed, not adjourned, so no public comment), Carlone (NLTP meeting on Mar 22), Azeem says time needed for robust discussion; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Simmons, Azeem, Mallon, McGovern
Remote Present: Carlone, (Siddiqui)
Absent: None

4. The Ordinance Committee, chaired by Councillor Zondervan, met on Feb 28, 2023 to continue the discussion of Citizens Zoning Petition from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition – AP22#52. The Committee voted favorably to request that the City Manager direct CDD to provide language that would amend the Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition to include the amendments proposed by the petitioner and report back to the City Council by Mar 13, 2023. This action appears as a Policy Order on this agenda. The Committee voted favorably to pass the Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,PN,DS,PT - Yes; DC,QZ,SS - No)
Present: Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Zondervan, Siddiqui, Simmons (late)
Remote Present: Azeem, Carlone, Toner
Absent: None

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF23#41)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF23#42)
Placed on File 9-0

Tues, Mar 7
12:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on potential changes to Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, Proposed Ordinance #2022-11.

Wed, Mar 8
3:00pm The Housing Committee will hold a public meeting to continue the recessed meeting from Feb 8, 2023 to continue discussing potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. No Public Comment.

Tues, Mar 22
3:00pm City Council Special Meeting
5:30pm The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay.

Thurs, Mar 23
1:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public meeting to review the FY24 police departments budget before it is submitted to the City Manager, and to review any budget proposal items related to body cameras.

Tues, Apr 11
12:30pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public meeting on Tues, Apr 11, 2023 from 12:30pm to 2:30pm to review plans for solar and renewable energy installations in the city, including report on solar expansion and works by the CEA (Cambridge Energy Alliance) and potential for solar on city owned water supply land, and any other items related to renewable energy.
5:30pm The Charter Review Committee (Zoom only)

Wed, Apr 12
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public meeting to continue the discussion on the proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance, Ordinance #2021-26.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: In recent years, a number of residents living in high rise buildings in the City have reported issues with their elevators being out of service, which can result in extended periods of time without easy access to their homes and which can pose significant difficulties for residents – particularly those with serious health issues, mobility issues, or seniors – who reside on the upper floors; and
WHEREAS: In some buildings, there may be only one functional elevator at a time, and in those instances when even that elevator is out of service, those who live on the upper floors can become virtual prisoners in their own homes until elevator service is restored; and
WHEREAS: Reports of recent elevator outages have tended to come to the City from the building residents, rather than from management companies, and it is important that the City be immediately notified when high-rise buildings over ~~eight~~ six floors experience such outages so that appropriate steps can be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of those who live in these buildings; and
WHEREAS: Having a mechanism in place to temporarily re-locate those with serious health issues, mobility issues, or those who are seniors into accessible units or hotel rooms in those instances when elevator service has become completely disrupted, and until the elevator service has been restored, would be an important tool for helping to mitigate the worst impacts of these elevator failures; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to explore the feasibility of crafting a policy that will ensure that the City is notified whenever a high-rise building over ~~eight~~ six floors experiences elevator failures, and that requires that the City work to work with management companies to temporarily relocate those with serious health issues, mobility issues, or those who are seniors into accessible units or hotel rooms until the elevator service has been restored; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter within 90 days with recommendations on how to implement this policy, including any necessary changes to existing ordinances or regulations, and with a timeline for implementation.

O-2 Mar 6, 2023 Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices when readily available and used properly; and
WHEREAS: Many youth and adult sports teams practice and play at parks around the City, and a heart event such as the Damar Hamlin incident during the Jan 2, 2023 Cincinnati Bengals vs Buffalo Bills game, is well within the realm of possibility; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has installed AEDs in all Cambridge Public Schools, Municipal Buildings, and other public places, yet not public parks; and
WHEREAS: Many medical journals have cited the importance of AED availability, especially at youth practice fields in light of over 23,000 youth suffering from cardiac arrest per year; and
WHEREAS: AEDs are simple devices that can be used by non-CPR trained individuals; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Health and the Parks Department to determine the feasibility of installing AEDs at all public parks and practice fields, and any other public place as appropriate; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter by May 1, 2023.

O-4 Mar 6, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections, also known as the Tenant Protection Act, has been refiled as HD.3922 with a companion bill in the State Senate SD.2368; and
WHEREAS: The City Council previously voted to support the Tenant Protection Act, which would lift the statewide prohibition on rent stabilization measures and provide municipalities with a toolbox of flexible options to stabilize rents; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s rent control program survived numerous local referenda before it was banned statewide via a 1994 ballot referendum, even though the city’s electorate voted to keep the program in place; and
WHEREAS: Chapter 40P of the General Laws is a broad prohibition that has effectively prevented the city from protecting tenants in any meaningful way, even though housing affordability is the biggest issue for Cambridge residents and there are more than 20,000 applicants on the city’s affordable housing waitlist; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has among the highest percentage of tenant-occupied housing units in the state at 65%, there are just 12 municipalities statewide with a population greater than 50,000 with a percentage of tenant-occupied housing units greater than 50%, and most municipalities have below 20% tenant-occupied units; and
WHEREAS: HD.3922/SD.2368 both incorporate feedback received during the previous legislative session to exempt all new construction for the first time, in addition to the exemption for owner-occupied buildings of 3 units or less; and
WHEREAS: An Act Enabling Local Options for Tenant Protections is supported by a broad coalition of organizations that prioritize housing issues in Cambridge, including A Better Cambridge, the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants, the Cambridge Residents Alliance, and Our Revolution Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Governor Healey has indicated support for “the right of communities to implement their own policies on rent stabilization”; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council once again go on record in support of the Tenant Protection Act HD.3922/SD.2368; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Governor Maura Healey, Senate President Karen Spilka, House Speaker Ronald Mariano, and Cambridge’s entire legislative delegation on behalf of the City Council.

O-6 Mar 6, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The City of Boston Voucher Program (“CBVP”) was established with a $2.5m appropriation from the city’s general fund, which was increased to $5m in the FY22 budget and is administered by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA); and
WHEREAS: CBVP focuses on Project Based Vouchers tied to a particular site or development and aims to leverage city resources by deepening the affordability of both existing and in-development income-restricted housing; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is also starting a new fully municipally funded voucher program with a priority for Somerville families who have kids in the public schools and who are ineligible for federal housing resources; and
WHEREAS: Funding for Somerville’s program will come from ARPA dollars to begin with, and likely pivot to funds from the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust when necessary; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has passed multiple policy orders regarding the use of city financed vouchers, including PO #581 in 2015 and PO #78 in 2016; and
WHEREAS: As outlined in the Envision Cambridge report, “both home values and rents nearly doubled between 2000 and 2015,” requiring a household income of $100,000 to rent a 1 bedroom apartment, although the median household income in Cambridge is $75,000, and prices have only risen since the time the report was published; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge should explore the feasibility of this municipal resource and pros and cons of adopting a similar program to Boston; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Manager’s Housing Liaison, Community Development Department, ~~and~~ the Cambridge Housing Authority, and the City Solicitor on the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-7 Mar 6, 2023 Charter Right - Nolan
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The presence of an armed police officer during a non-violent encounter, especially with a person experiencing a severe mental health crisis, can potentially escalate tensions and lead to injury or death; and
WHEREAS: In response to the murder of George Floyd in 2020, The Black Response Cambridge worked with local community members and national experts to create the Holistic Emergency Alternative Response Team (HEART), which has commenced services in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The City Manager has committed to funding HEART through the ARPA funds being allocated by the City, and through a potential contract for services to be mutually agreed upon; and
WHEREAS: Separately, the new Community Safety Department (CSD) was funded in the FY23 budget, but has yet to hire any first responders; and
WHEREAS: Even with both CSD and HEART operational and responding to crisis calls, the police would still likely be the primary first responders in situations that involve a person holding an object that could be considered a weapon; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to fund the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls, as quickly as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a plan for how the city will ensure the safety and well-being of community members when CSD and/or the police are dispatched as first responders to persons in crisis; 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.

O-8 Mar 6, 2023 Amendments Proposed; Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
[COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN]
[COUNCILLOR CARLONE]
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has demonstrated commitment to providing high quality, affordable housing for residents; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has urged the city to consider any available properties, and explore opportunities to purchase properties that might be used for affordable housing, and leading to assurances that all future opportunities would be considered; and
WHEREAS: Opportunities have been lost in the past, including two properties identified last year with potential that were not purchased; and
WHEREAS: The City Council is on record asking that more affordable housing units the city develops should include home ownership opportunities, which are a necessity to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to build wealth and have a place to call their own; and
WHEREAS: Multi-family properties that would make excellent candidates for homeownership opportunity are on the market currently -- for example on the market now is a 13 unit building for $7.7 million, and a building with 6 residential units and 3 retail units for $5.4 million; and
WHEREAS: The per unit price in the listing prices of these two examples of about $600K/unit is below many recent affordable housing projects which have been as high as $900K/unit; and
WHEREAS: If purchased by the City, these properties could expand access to affordable housing, and likely homeownership for residents and possibly add community space on the ground floor; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure multi-family properties on the market are reviewed as quickly as possible as potential affordable housing acquisitions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019

20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-9. Report on providing an overview of various programs and services that are designed to assist the City’s chronically unhoused population and those in danger of becoming unhoused, along with the metrics by which the City determines the effectiveness of these programs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 2/22/2021

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O1) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-60. Report on reviewing the residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to limit the issuance of residential permits to vehicles that are primarily utilized for personal, non-commercial use.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 9/13/2021

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

21-71. Report on placing a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 10/18/2021

21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021

21-94. Report on proposing possible zoning language that would achieve the goals of incentivizing all construction to be fossil fuel free through a possible special permit process.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/13/2021

21-98. Report on Reaffirming Commitment to the Goal of 100% Renewable by 2035.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 12/13/2021

22-2. Report on meeting with the impacted residents and businesses on northern Massachusetts Avenue to discuss their ideas and suggestions for addressing their concerns.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (Calendar Item #2) from 1/10/2022

22-7. Report on providing a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted on the golf course land, information on the history, residency and other demographic information on membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #1) from 1/31/2022

22-8. Report on determining the feasibility of establishing additional compensation for the City’s essential employees in accordance with the considered State legislation framework.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 2/7/2022

22-13. Report on determining how to better integrate more parent response into their decision-making process as they make changes that can have undue impacts upon the families they serve.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 3/7/2022

22-14. Report on the findings of the “Future of Telework” Committee, and to explain the city’s current policy regarding a remote work policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 3/7/2022

22-23. Report on providing an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies, including (but not limited to) an explanation of the administration’s current procedures for notifying and conducting outreach to abutters and neighbors, the criteria for evaluating curb cut applications, and an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 4/11/2022

22-24. Report on determining what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/25/2022

22-28. Report on looking into the feasibility of placing a covered bike rack at City Hall using FY23 Capital Budget Funding. Report Received and Accepted In Council Feb 27, 2023
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (O-2) from 5/2/2022

22-29. Report on introducing a pilot program to open two of our youth centers during the evening and weekend hours during the summer.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 5/9/2022

22-30. Report on adding $1.94 linkage fee to Housing Contribution Rate that is specifically targeted for job training.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern from 5/9/2022

22-33. Report on consulting with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services, and the Executive Director of Cadbury Common to determine the feasibility of re-establishing some form of the Kate’s Café Monthly LGBTQ+ Community Dinners either at Cadbury Common or at another suitable location.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 5/16/2022

22-35. Report on ensuring that every possible material used in construction projects are as safe and healthy and free of potential toxins as possible, and ensure that all construction and manufacturing vendors commit to disclosing all ingredients and using non-toxic materials.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 5/16/2022

22-36. Work on Implementing Recommendations from Working IDEAL Report.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/23/2022

22-38. Report on establishing a method of ensuring that anti-bias training is incorporated into the City’s hiring process at all levels.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 5/23/2022

22-40. Report on developing a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the entire, department-wide municipal government.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/6/2022

22-42. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a “community healing initiative” plan to address the issues in our city.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/13/2022

22-43. Report on establishing a notification system to all neighborhood residents, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes, within a set area where neighborhood disruptions such as infrastructure work or demolitions are scheduled to occur.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/13/2022

22-44. Report on working with DCR and all relevant City departments to expand Memorial Drive closures in the summer and fall of 2022. Report Received and Accepted In Council Dec 5, 2022
Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 6/13/2022

22-46. Report on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (O5) from 6/27/2022

22-49. Report on Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 8/1/2022

22-50. Report on establishing Black Men and Boys Commission.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 8/1/2022

22-55. Report on the status of the long-term water projections and on what measures could be taken to conserve water.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O14) from 8/1/2022

22-57. Report on Policy Order to investigate shared EV or Hybrid free bus service.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/1/2022

22-61. Report on communicating to the Cambridge Health Alliance the City Council’s support for the reopening of the Cambridge Birth Center for deliveries as soon as possible and City Council support for the protection of existing birth centers and the creation of new birth centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-64. Report on detailing how other comparable municipalities handle their street corner dedication processes and on ways to honor those individuals who may not ultimately have a street corner named after them but who nonetheless deserve to have their names and accomplishments recognized.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/19/2022

22-66. Report on a plan to install “Walls of Honor” at each home baseball and softball field honoring past and current coaches and volunteers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/19/2022

22-67. Report on necessary preparations for the next Housing Committee meeting in the discussion on potentially allowing multifamily housing to be built citywide.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 9/19/2022

22-68. Report on touring the facility at 2222 Massachusetts Avenue regarding transitioning the facility into a non-congregate homeless shelter with accompanying services.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-10) from 9/19/2022

22-69. Report on a community process on the future use of 105 Windsor Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 9/19/2022

22-70. Report on the legislation passed by the Somerville City Council banning limited services pregnancy centers.
Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #3) from 10/3/2022 Committee Report

22-71. Report on convening an advisory group to determine ways in which the City can work to lift up the voices and experiences of the descendants of the Indigenous People who currently reside in our community.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/3/2022

22-73. Report on working with the Law Dept., to automatically provide an initial legal opinion to the City Council and the City Clerk at least three business days in advance of the first Public Hearing on any amendment to the Code of Ordinances formally introduced in the City Council.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 10/3/2022

22-74. Report on installing a new irrigation system in Danehy Park as soon as possible and better prepare for tree watering efforts in the future and report on any needed or ongoing irrigation improvements to other parks across the city.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 10/3/2022

22-75. Report on receiving input from the Vision Zero, Pedestrian, Bicycle Committee, the Council on Aging, the Transit Advisory Committee, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, promulgate the updated guide throughout the city, and develop recommendations for staffing and methods of improving traffic enforcement.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #2) from 10/17/2022

22-78. Report on meeting with the LBJ tenant community to address their concerns about undesirable and threatening behavior in and near the LBJ Apartment building. See Mgr #6
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 10/31/2022

22-80. Report on providing a comprehensive list of current Cambridge policies that impact the cost of local commercial and residential development and those that are known to be in the pipeline, to note whether similar policies exist in the neighboring cities of Boston and Somerville.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #2) from 11/14/2022

22-83. Report on determining how the City could adopt G.L. c. 40, sec. 60B, created under the Municipal Modernization Act, which allows cities and towns, through their respective legislative bodies, to provide for Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments Zones (WH–STA) as an incentive to create middle-income housing.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-16) from 11/21/2022

23-2. Report on the need for a special permitting process for cannabis dispensaries, special permitting fees and bicycle parking requirements that are required of local recreational cannabis dispensaries, to provide a report on how the special permit process, and these requirements may impact these businesses, to determine whether these requirements may need to be modified or eliminated.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-3) from 1/23/2023

23-3. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing the property located at 37 Brookline Street, former home of Peter Valentine, with the intent of utilizing this as a community arts space.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-4) from 1/23/2023

23-4. Report on establishing the framework that will allow for the immediate elimination of the bicycle parking fees imposed upon Economic Empowerment and Social Equity applicants and cannabis dispensary operators.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #2) from 2/6/2023

23-5. Report on beginning the process of obtaining police body worn cameras for the Cambridge Police Department, and to work with all appropriate Departments to produce policy recommendations that would allow body worn camera usage while also not violating civil liberties in compliance with the City’s Surveillance Ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 2/6/2023

23-6. Report on determining the best ways to promote bike safety with a particular focus on expanding the distribution of bike lights throughout the City.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/6/2023

23-7. Report on providing publicly-accessible traffic stop, arrest and citation police data on a new Procedural Justice Dashboard.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 2/6/2023

23-8. Report on exploring additional less-than-lethal alternatives that pose the smallest risk of injury when deployed for standard issue in the Cambridge Police Department.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 2/6/2023

23-9. Report on engaging a third party, independent firm/consultant or university partner to review and examine the Cambridge Police Department’s policies and practices regarding de-escalation methods, mental health calls for service, training, and more.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-10) from 2/6/2023

23-10. Report on engaging with community groups and the City’s existing multi-member bodies to design the next iteration of the Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-11) from 2/6/2023

23-11. Report on reviewing the current state of mental health resources, particularly for underserved communities, within the Cambridge Health Alliance.
(O-12) from 2/6/2023

23-12. Report on options of how to increase overnight resident street parking in the vicinity of Rogers Street.
Councillor Zondervan (O-13) from 2/6/2023