Cambridge City Council meeting - March 18, 2024

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Safety Net Family Shelter. (CM24#38)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Yi-An Huang, Maura Pensak, JSW, Simmons, Nolan, Azeem; Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Eric Williams as Constable without Power. (CM24#39)
Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Tahir Kapoor as a member of the Cambridge Water Board. (CM24#40)
Appointment Approved 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Larry Ward as an Election Commissioner for a term of 4 years. (CM24#41)
Placed on File 9-0

5. 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. (CM24#42) [text of reports]
pulled by Pickett; comments by Pickett, Claire Spinner, Toner on OPEB, Michele Kincaid, Taha Jennings, McGovern, Nolan, Yi-An Huang, JSW [24 triple AAA cities in USA], Azeem, Simmons (notes what happens when ARPA funds no longer available); Placed on File 9-0

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2024 and ending March 31, 2025. (CM24#43) [text of report]
pulled by Pickett; comments by Pickett on use of ARPA funds for new filter media at Fresh Pond, Owen O’Riordan notes ARPA will again be used next year to keep water rates from rising even more, need for upgrades on our (relatively young) 25-year-old treatment plant, cost of water main replacements; Mark Gallagher (Acting Managing Direct, Water Department) notes increases in labor costs and supply chain cost increases; Pickett asks if any ARPA funds available to be reallocated to these purposes, O’Riordan responds affirmatively; Nolan on PFAS, effects of minerals in water on plumbing fixtures; O’Riordan notes long-term strategy on chlorides, Gallagher concurs re: chlorides, hardness; Toner on problems with plumbing fixtures and remediation, Gallagher reminds that HW heaters should be drained once/year; Order Adopted 9-0

7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,000 to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account, for a donation received from the Kemp family for the Alexander W. Kemp playground at the Cambridge Common. (CM24#44)
Order Adopted 9-0

8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $110,500 to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account. This program provides payments to municipalities that have implemented programs and policies proven to maximize reuse, recycling and waste reduction. The funds will be used to support the City’s recycling programs such as purchasing toters for residential and business recycling. (CM24#45)
pulled by Wilson; comments by DPW Commissioner Kathy Watkins; Order Adopted 9-0

9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $680,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to update equipment associated with winter snow and ice operations. This funding will support replacing two aging dump trucks with plows and salters and the purchase of two sidewalk machines to clear sidewalks and bike lanes. (CM24#46)
pulled by Pickett; comments by Kathy Watkins, Nolan (on electric vehicles), John Nardone, Sobrinho-Wheeler; Order Adopted 9-0

10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $468,295 from the General Fund Public Works Department Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account, for snowstorm related expenses associated with snow plowing and snow removal contracts. (CM24#47)
pulled by Pickett; comments by Kathy Watkins, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account for street repairs required due to significant winter weather damage. (CM24#48)
pulled by Pickett; comments by Kathy Watkins, Wilson, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0

12. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $75,000 from the General Fund Public Works Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover costs related to medical bills and settlements for Public Works personnel injured in the course of their job. (CM24#49)
Order Adopted 9-0

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 MIT Museum requesting permission for a seventy (70) temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue, Sydney Street to Memorial Drive and Main Street inviting visitors to the MIT Museum from April 2024 through Dec 31, 2024. (AP24#8)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. An application from Fernando Dalfior, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 131 Sherman 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 proof of abutters has been provided. (AP24#9)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Alec Rogers regarding Separated Bike Lanes.

3. A communication from Bill McAvinney regarding “I Strongly Support PO#30 & 15 story+ housing on lot 5”.

5. A communication from Carolyn Magid regarding supporting PO#5 (tenant right to counsel/tenant protections).

8. A communication from Cathleen Higgins regarding support PO#5, Tenant Protection Resources; support for as much housing as possible in Central Sq (re: Central Sq Lots Study).

9. A communication from CC LeBlanc regarding [Cambridgeport] Passionate Support for Right to Counsel in Summary Process - PO24#10.

10. A communication from Central Square Tenants regarding Passionate Support for Right to Counsel in Summary Process - PO24#10.

13. A communication from Dan Totten regarding more on central & community engagement.

14. A communication from David Sullivan regarding Please support PO#5, Tenant Protection Resources.

16. A communication from Devon Davidson regarding PO#5, Tenant Protection Resources.

17. A communication from Emiliano Falcon-Morano regarding ACLU Request – 3/4/24 City Council Meeting CM24#28.

18. A communication from Ethan Frank regarding Thank you for Binney Street (PO24#12) and Question on the Report on legal opinions for transportation fees (No. 24-4).

19. A communication from Jeff and Pat Petrucelly regarding Council Meeting Mar 4, 2024 - - Tenant Protections.

21. A communication from John Hanratty regarding EDUR Meeting - Small Business Impact Study is Misleading and Provides No Relevant Results.

23. A communication from Kevin Wilson regarding Please continue to implement the separated bike network on schedule.

24. A communication from Lee Farris regarding Residents Alliance support for tenant protections, PO #5.

27. A communication from Puja Kranz-Howe regarding Cambridge City Council Meeting PO#5 Written Testimony 3/4/24.

28. A communication from Quinton Zondervan regarding Thank you for taking action at Cardinal Medeiros Ave.

29. A communication from Roy Russell regarding Please continue to improve our cycling infrastructure.

31. A communication from Jacquelyn Smith regarding PO#5 and support for House Bill 4360.

33. A communication from Susan Redlich regarding Support PO#5 to increase city resources for tenants facing eviction.

34. A communication from Young Kim regarding Requesting Resolution to Recognize Water Department Staff for exemplary service.

36. A communication from Young Kim regarding 3/6/2024 Committee Meeting on CSO Economic Impact Report.

37. A communication from Young Kim regarding Swift action on PO24#12 re: safety improvements to the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Ave Binney St and Bristol St.

38. A communication from Joseph Hajjar regarding Loving the Bike Lanes in Cambridge.

39. A communication from Katie O’Connor regarding Please continue bike lane build out.

42. A communication from John Hawkinson regarding deferring action on the Council Rules amendments.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Christiana Malgwi on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

ORDERS
1. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider a request from Vice Mayor McGovern for a suitable dedication in the vicinity of Copley Street and Walden Street in honor of Luke B. Santos. Vice Mayor McGovern (PO24#31)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant departments and the United States Postal Service to examine whether a new street name for 91, 93, and 95 Pearl Street and 4 William Street and accompanying sign can be given to these houses. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Siddiqui (PO24#32)
Order Adopted 9-0

3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Animal Commission, the Law Department, and any other City departments, to amend Cambridge Code of Ordinances §6.08.010 (“Regulation of vicious dogs”) to bring into compliance with State law and creation of Kennel Licenses. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Pickett (PO24#33)
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and meet with the MBTA and City of Boston in advance of the July Red Line shutdown about the implementation of a fare-free #1 bus program. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO24#34)
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; uptalking comments by JSW, Siddiqui (notes meet w/JSW and her w/Livable Streets), Toner, Azeem; Order Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and Community Development Department to study whether the City Council could add maximum lot area per dwelling unit, maximum setback requirements, and minimum floor area ratios in some districts or as part of an overlay in the Zoning Ordinance and whether the City Council could require a special permit for a down conversion in developments that would result in a net loss of housing units. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan (PO24#35)
pulled by Pickett; comments by JSW, Nolan, Pickett; Charter Right - Pickett

6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to investigate and determine what measures, if any, can be taken to mitigate the noise impacts of waste management disposal operations on residents in the North Point District while remaining compliant with existing legal requirements. Mayor Simmons (PO24#36)
pulled by Toner; comments by Simmons, Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to work with the chairs of the Housing Committee on zoning language that effectively promotes multi-family housing, including inclusionary units, citywide. Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson (PO24#37)
pulled by Pickett; comments by Azeem, McGovern (connecting this to “Missing Middle” zoning petition), Wilson, Pickett; Charter Right - Pickett

8. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider a request for a dedication in a suitable location to honor Roderick L. “Kito” Jackson. Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons (PO24#38)
Order Adopted 9-0

9. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and report back to the City Council with recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with associated costs. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (PO24#39)
pulled by Toner; comments by Nolan (suggesting doubling fee except for low-income residents, charging more for larger vehicles); Toner, Pickett object to suggestion to charge more based on vehicle size; Azeem complains about increasing size of vehicles; Simmons OK with reviewing fees, concerns about charging more for larger vehicles and effect on families who may need a larger vehicle; Nolan additional concerns about larger vehicles; Order Adopted 9-0

10. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop ways to fund support of decarbonization and clean energy projects and technical assistance for property owners of all types especially those with limited resources, with an initial focus on work associated with BEUDO emissions reduction requirements. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Siddiqui (PO24#40)
Order Adopted 9-0

11. That the City Council Rules be amended to require at least two City Councillors supporting a proposed policy order and/or resolution before filing and including as part of the City Council Agenda. Councillor Toner (PO24#41)
Tabled 9-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Feb 15, 2024, which was recessed, and reconvened on Feb 26, 2024. The Call of the meeting was to review and discuss possible amendments to the City Council Rules. At the meeting on Feb 26, 2024, the Committee voted to send 46 rule changes to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Please see orders within the report. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Toner notes that there are really about 10 changes - mostly suggested by City Clerk, additional comments on codifying how much time allotted for Public Comment and other rules changes; Simmons notes that process requires this to be Laid on Table; Sobrinho-Wheeler addresses Public Comment time limits; Nolan favors longer time limits during Public Comment; McGovern wants 2 minute limit for all meetings, says Public Comment has changed over time from individuals (notes Roy Bercaw) and how it is now dominated by organized groups with many speakers having little or no knowledge of what they are speaking about, problem of same speakers every week; Azeem comments on time limits and predictability of commentary from organized groups and frequent speakers - would prefer a separate meeting just for public comment; Pickett notes value of Zoom as well as the added commitment associated with actually showing up; Wilson also notes changing nature of Public Comment; JSW clarifies that nobody is suggesting different time limits for different people, potential value of separate meeting for public comment; Toner expresses openness to future changes in Public Comment; Simmons notes that Open Meeting Law does not require public comment, and that we allow it under our rules, notes many other opportunities for offering citizen input, notes past practice of sometimes taking City Council meetings to the neighborhoods, allowance for public comment via interpreters, role of time of meeting in access; Late Policy Order from Toner calling for two sponsors for any policy order; McGovern expresses confusion of “Resolutions” vs. “Policy Orders & Resolutions” - amplified by Toner, Simmons; Toner notes that most Resolutions are non-controversial, but controversial Resolutions appear with Policy Orders; Nolan OK w/requiring two sponsors but wants to exercise Charter Right; Simmons, McGovern explain that if Charter Right exercises cannot be part of Rules Changes to be considered at next meeting; City Clerk Diane LeBlanc concurs that this is necessary under current Rules; Tabled 9-0
Present: McGovern, Pickett, Toner
Remote Present: Sobrinho-Wheeler
Absent: Azeem
Also Present: Simmons, Nolan

2. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Feb 28, 2024 to review and discuss the Operating Budget in advance of the FY25 budget season including a discussion of budget obligations and future spending planning and to discuss City Council budget priorities and goals. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Pickett, Wilson, Simmons
Remote Present: Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler
Absent: Azeem, Toner

3. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Mar 6, 2024 to review and discuss the recent Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) Economic Impact Report. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Toner, Wilson
Remote Present: Sobrinho-Wheeler
Also Present: Pickett

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Vice Mayor McGovern and Councillor Wilson regarding the Human Services and Veterans Committee. (COF24#26)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF24#27)
Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication from Mayor E. Denise Simmons, transmitting the announcement of participation in the Mayor’s Alliance to End Childhood Hunger. (COF24#28)
pulled by McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

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.

Wed, Mar 27
12:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss regional coastal flood resilience interventions required to address increased vulnerability due to climate change risk.

Tues, Apr 2
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing on the State of Policing and Community Safety in Cambridge with an update on recommendations from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) report.

Wed, Apr 10
3:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss how the city factors potential street congestion into street re-design, monitors and adjusts for street congestion (especially in newly reconfigured areas such as North Mass Ave., Garden Street, and Inman Square/Cambridge Street) and understand its impacts on residents, businesses, and public safety. In addition, the Committee will review and learn how the city is planning for potential impacts on Cambridge streets of DCR’s plan to reduce Memorial Drive from four lanes to two lanes between the JFK Street and the Eliot Bridge.

Wed, Apr 24
3:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing on the Digital Navigator Pilot Program (DNP), a collaborative effort between the City of Cambridge Information Technology Department, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Public Schools Department, Just A Start, and Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) to discuss how this initiative is designed to support residents’ digital needs.

O-2 Mar 18, 2024
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR PICKETT
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The residents of 91 Pearl Street, 93 Pearl Street, 95 Pearl Street and 4 William Street in Cambridgeport experience difficulty receiving mail, packages, and visitors due to their houses facing inward down a short drive unlike other houses on Pearl and William streets; and
WHEREAS: This creates confusion both for residents and for mail and delivery workers; and
WHEREAS: The residents of these homes have expressed interest in a new street name and sign for the houses on this short drive to help with locating their houses; and
WHEREAS: There is a similarly short drive of houses set-back from Cottage Street nearby in Cambridgeport that has a dedicated street name of “Cottage Court”; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments and the United States Postal Service to examine whether a new street name such as “South William Court” and accompanying sign can be given to these houses.

O-4 Mar 18, 2024
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Fare-free buses speed up bus service, reduce assaults on bus drivers, improve equity, and eliminate the need for fare inspections; and
WHEREAS: Cities and transit authorities across the country have moved to a fare-free model for buses, including the Worcester and Merrimack Valley Regional Transportation Authorities in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: In the MBTA system, the City of Boston currently has three fare-free bus routes for the 23, 28, and 29 buses, which will continue through at least March 2026, and the City of Boston has expressed interest in working with Cambridge on a fare-free 1 bus program; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge City Council have been exploring a fare-free bus program since 2020, including with a Fare-Free Bus Pilot Working Group; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston has funded its fare-free bus program with ARPA funding, which Cambridge can continue to spend until 2026 if it is obligated by the end of 2024; and
WHEREAS: Planned Red Line closures in 2024 – including a closure for most of July that will shut down the Red Line from Alewife to Kendall/MIT – could lead to severe traffic increases unless alternate public transit accommodations are put in place; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA and MassDOT have recently made alternate public transit options free in cases of major construction work, including making the 57 bus free during the Green Line closure and making the Blue Line free during the Sumner Tunnel closures; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments and meet with the MBTA and City of Boston in advance of the July Red Line shutdown about the implementation of a fare-free 1 bus program; 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.

O-5 Mar 18, 2024 Charter Right - Pickett
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s current Zoning Ordinance and the state building code in some cases incentivizes the tear down of existing multi-family homes such as triple-deckers and other types of more affordable housing and the replacement of them with multi-million-dollar single unit dwellings; and
WHEREAS: These down conversions result in a loss of much needed housing and a replacement of homes that are affordable for more Cantabrigians with housing that is out of reach for most residents; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s Zoning Ordinance currently has minimum setback and lot area per dwelling unit and maximum floor area ratio requirements but not maximum setback and lot area per dwelling unit or minimum floor area ratio requirements; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s Zoning Ordinance should incentivize housing affordability rather than the replacement of existing multi-family homes with new, expensive single unit dwellings or the creation of large, single unit dwellings on parcels where more affordable multifamily housing could be built; and
WHEREAS: Adding maximum lot area per dwelling units and setback requirements and minimum floor area ratios in some districts would help disincentivize down conversions and the loss of affordable multifamily housing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department and Community Development Department to study whether the City Council could add maximum lot area per dwelling unit, maximum setback requirements, and minimum floor area ratios in some districts or as part of an overlay in the Zoning Ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department and Community Development Department to study whether the City Council could require a special permit for a down conversion in developments that would result in a net loss of housing units.

O-6 Mar 18, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Residents living near 1 Leighton Street in the North Point District have expressed significant concerns regarding the noise generated by waste disposal operations in their vicinity; and
WHEREAS: These operations, which can take place outside of normal work hours, have been identified as a detriment to the quality of life for many residents in the area, leading to complaints to the Mayor’s Office; and
WHEREAS: The License Commission has acknowledged the issue, yet highlighted the constraints placed by M.G.L. c. 111, § 31A, which prohibits the City from limiting the hours that disposal companies can collect waste in areas zoned for business, commercial, or industrial use, which is applicable to the North Point District; and
WHEREAS: These constraints notwithstanding, it is crucial for the City Council to address this issue responsibly while adhering to legal constraints and considering the well-being of its residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to investigate and determine what measures, if any, can be taken to mitigate the noise impacts of waste management disposal operations on residents in the North Point District while remaining compliant with existing legal requirements; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-7 Mar 18, 2024 Charter Right - Pickett
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: In order to help end the housing shortage our city is facing and provide housing for all, we must encourage the construction of multifamily housing in every neighborhood of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The current zoning in Cambridge prevents the construction of many multi-family homes, to the point that most of our housing stock is currently nonconforming; and
WHEREAS: The current zoning in Cambridge “reflects a preference for socioeconomic exclusionary practices“ such as racism and classism, as is evident when you overlay a redlining map on a zoning map; and
WHEREAS: Exclusionary zoning prevents housing opportunities in certain neighborhoods for many in our city by artificially constraining supply; and
WHEREAS: Inclusionary zoning has provided the majority of new affordable housing in Cambridge since its adoption in 1998, but cannot be effective in areas without zoning that encourages multi-family housing; and
WHEREAS: The Housing Committee has discussed ending exclusionary zoning in previous terms; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to work with the chairs of the Housing Committee on zoning language that effectively promotes multi-family housing, including inclusionary units, citywide, and hereby is requested to report back to the Housing Committee on this matter as soon as possible.

O-9 Mar 18, 2024
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: On December 6, 2023, the Health and Environment Committee and the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing to discuss PO23#137, and to discuss options for amending parking fees and regulations throughout the City in order to further support the City’s goals of low carbon travel; and
WHEREAS: On March 4, 2024, the City Manager delivered a legal opinion, CM24#24, outlining potential pathways to amend the parking permit program; and
WHEREAS: Several ideas were discussed in the committee meeting including raising parking permitting fees to accurately reflect the real costs associated with the permitting system within the city while continuing to support the needs of low-income residents as well as raising the parking permit fees for larger vehicles that take up more space on the public right of way; and
WHEREAS: The current parking permit fee structure only takes age into account, which is not an accurate predictor of financial security, a low-income test could better reflect the needs of residents of all ages; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments and report back to the City Council with recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with associated costs while incorporating a tiered structure that takes into account low-income users and larger vehicles, with the report submitted in time that any recommended fee adjustments may be made for next year’s cycle of resident permit applications.

O-10 Mar 18, 2024
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR PICKETT
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: In 1999 the City of Cambridge joined the Cities for Climate Protection and for more than twenty years has consistently sought to be a leader in sustainability by launching many programs and initiatives to address the need to reduce emission pollution and do all it can to address the ongoing and increasingly dire threat of climate change; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council has gone on record numerous times in support for using 100% clean and renewable energy in Cambridge, including building energy use and transportation, by 2035, including PO17#109 and PO21#272; and
WHEREAS: Regulating emissions of large buildings is the most impactful action we can take at the City level to avert the worst impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emission pollution locally, and to try and achieve progress on previously unmet goals, the City Council passed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO) in June 2023 to require reductions in commercial buildings; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan identifies access to capital and financing as a key barrier preventing many building owners from completing energy upgrades and suggests: “it will be important to identify funding or financing vehicles that owners currently have access to, understand where there are gaps, and, if needed, create a support structure that links retrofit activities to capital,” and the Climate Committee (formerly the Climate Protection Action Committee) has regularly asked for more resources to meet the city’s goals; and
WHEREAS: In order to continue to make progress on decarbonization goals, the city needs to address barriers to success, some of which are identified in the Climate Crisis Working Group Report: “the cultural mindset around climate, lack of funding, an aversion to mandates, and structural challenges;” and
WHEREAS: Environmental justice and equity drive decisions on climate actions, which requires attention to the financial needs and capacity of all stakeholders including those in need of technical and financial assistance, and by providing access to funding and capital resources, Cambridge can incentivize decarbonization, reduce greenhouse gas emissions citywide, and provide a model of equitable access to action against climate change; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop ways to fund support of decarbonization and clean energy projects and technical assistance for property owners of all types especially those with limited resources, with an initial focus on work associated with BEUDO emissions reduction requirements; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide recommendations for funding sources and technical assistance to assist small building owners with necessary retrofits to better comply with energy reduction requirements associated with BEUDO in order to further support the city’s goals of building decarbonization and report back to the City Council in a timely manner before the FY2025 budget is finalized.

O-11 Mar 18, 2024
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee discussed and supported recommending that the City Council Rules require at least two City Councillors supporting a proposed policy order and/or resolution before filing and including as part of the City Council Agenda; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That current City Council Rule 21A be renumbered to Rule 21B; and be it further
ORDERED: That current City Council Rule 21B be renumbered to Rule 21C; and be it further
ORDERED: That a new City Council Rule 21A be added to read: In order for a Policy Order or Resolution to be filed and placed on the council agenda it must have two City Councillors sponsoring the Policy Order or Resolution.

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

24-6. 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 (O4) 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

24-11. Report on dispatching 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 (O-2) from 3/4/2024

24-12. Report on the recommended 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 and tenants receive annual notice from the City, for example in October, of these and other rights and resources; include in the FY25 budget amounts sufficient to carry out these policies; report back to the Housing Committee on progress within a reasonable time before filing the city FY25 budget.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 3/4/2024