Cambridge City Council meeting - March 19, 2018

Cambridge City Council meeting - March 19, 2018 - AGENDA
[Councillor Carlone was ABSENT, Councillor Siddiqui REMOTE via phone]

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2018: Jean Rogers
Placed on File

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the recommendation to reappointment Margaret Drury as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board for a term of five years.
Referred to NLTP Committee

Mar 19, 2018
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In accordance with Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws, I am hereby requesting City Council confirmation on the recommendation to reappointment of Margaret Drury as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) Board for a term of five years. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee or other suitable committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.

Ms. Drury has been the Vice Chair of the CRA Board for the past 6 years and has worked collaboratively with its members. She is a dedicated, strong advocate for affordable housing and other essential services for under-represented populations in Cambridge and has inspired the CRA to apply its resources in these areas. She was an early advocate for the CRA's involvement in the Foundry and has been a leader for the CRA as it considers how to expand its role into the arenas of workforce development, housing and neighborhood investments beyond Kendall Square.

Ms. Drury's knowledge of parliamentary procedures, relevant municipal ordinances and state law has been invaluable to guiding policy as well as partnering with the City on interagency projects. She has been instrumental to the re-creation of the CRA as a community-minded, responsive agency.

Additionally, Ms. Drury's reappointment is strongly supported by Thomas Evans, CRA Executive Director and Kathy Born, Chair of the CRA.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Shannon Grant for $18,531.11 received from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition’s Community Safety Initiative through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account ($15,377.27) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,153.84) which will fund hot spot patrols, Metro Gang Task Force participation, the Focused Deterrence program and the Sion Chambers Area IV Late Night Basketball League at the Community Art Center.
Adopted 8-0-1

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's (EOPSS) Traffic Enforcement Grant Program in the amount of $9,151 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account which will fund high-visibility traffic enforcement of motor vehicle laws, including but not limited to impaired driving and occupant protection.
Adopted 8-0-1

5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-28, regarding Housing Choice Designation.
Placed on File

MEMORANDUM
To: Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: Mar 13, 2018
Re: Policy Order O-2 dated Mar 5, 2018 regarding applying for the Housing Choice Designation

Community Development Department staff have been tracking the rollout of the Commonwealth’s new Housing Choice Initiative.

Through the Housing Choice Initiative, communities that have met certain housing production benchmarks can be designated as Housing Choice Communities. Designated communities will have access to grant funds for infrastructure improvements through the Housing Choice Grant Program, and will also receive bonus points or other preferred consideration for certain other state grant programs.

The application for Housing Choice designation is now available. To receive the Housing Choice designation as a High Production community requires demonstrating an increase in year-round housing units of 5% or 500 units over the last 5 years. Cambridge meets this housing production threshold, and we will provide information to demonstrate that.

CDD staff are now completing the application for Housing Choice Community designation, and will submit it to the Commonwealth ahead of the Apr 30, 2018 application deadline so that the City can be designated as a Housing Choice Community. The application for the Housing Choice Grant Program is not yet available. Staff have contacted the State to request additional information about the Program, and will continue to monitor funding opportunities that become available through this program.

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 17-108, regarding posting signboards at development sites.
Placed on File

7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-25, regarding a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Study.
Placed on File

MEMORANDUM
To: Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: Mar 13, 2018
Re: Policy Order O-18 dated Feb 26, 2018 regarding a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Study

In response to the above-mentioned policy order, we provide the following information.

BACKGROUND
On Sept 28, 2015, the City Council voted to adopt an amendment to the City’s Incentive Zoning Ordinance which significantly expanded the list of nonresidential uses subject to the Incentive provisions and increased the Housing Contribution Rate to $12.00 per square foot of non-residential floor area, with three annual increases and annual CPI adjustment.

The Housing Contribution Rate is now $14.95 per square foot, with provision for a final $1.00 annual increase scheduled in September 2018 and continued annual CPI adjustment.

The 2015 amendment allows for a reevaluation of the Housing Contribution Rate three years from the time the rate was last amended by the City Council.

TIMELINE AND NEXT STEPS
Community Development Department Housing staff are now preparing to revisit the Incentive Zoning Nexus Study beginning in fall 2018, as allowed by the 2015 amendment. Funding for this study will be included in the City Manager's FY2019 budget submission.

If the FY2019 funding is approved, we will initiate the procurement process to select a consultant for the Nexus Study in summer 2018, with a goal of initiating the study in fall 2018.

We anticipate that the Nexus Study will take six to eight months, consistent with the duration of the 2015 study. A more specific schedule to complete the study will be detailed in coordination with the study consultant, once they are selected.

For the 2018 Nexus Study we plan to follow a methodology similar to that used in the 2015 study, which reviewed economic factors, housing trends, and the nexus between new non-residential development and the demand for affordable housing. We would be pleased to discuss the approach prior to issuing an RFP for the study to be sure that it is consistent with the City Council's goals.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from EFEKTA Group, Inc., requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 10 North Point Blvd.; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Adopted 8-0-1

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Ann George, 1 Normandy Avenue, regarding Tenant Right of First Refusal.

2. A communication was received from Vincent Mili, 87 Rindge Avenue, regarding diverse working group.

3. A communication was received from Mary Byrne, 41 Linnaean Street, regarding bike path and traffic flow.

4. A communication was received from Helen Snively, Fayette Park, regarding working group on bike lanes.

5. A communication was received from Elizabeth Meyer, 30 Chilton Street, regarding Block party fees.

6. A communication was received from Young Kim, 17 Norris Street, regarding Tenants right to first refusal.

7. A communication was received from David Levitt, regarding support for tenant's right of first refusal.

8. A communication was received from Hannah Edsall, regarding support for right of first refusal.

9. A communication was received from Ann Stewart, 31 Wheeler Street, regarding support for Cambridge right of first refusal.

10. A communication was received from Becky Sarah, regarding against Tenants right of first refusal.

11. A communication was received from Nancy Weissman, regarding the revise proposal for right of first refusal.

12. A communication was received from Dave Slaney, 237 Norfolk Street, regarding Tenants right to purchase.

14. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding heading for an ice age.

15. A communication was received from Kevin T. Cronin, 1508 Hampton Hill Circle, VA, expressing appreciation for the Resolution passed in honor of his sister.

16. A communication was received from Mayor Marc McGovern, regarding the transmission of the 2017 Annual Report of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

17. A communication was received from Charles Hinds (ECPT), regarding parking spaces in the First Street Garage.

18. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding official Language is the English language.

19. A communication was received from Carolyn Moore, 1699 Cambridge Street, regarding no handicapped access during snow storm.

20. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding outrages at Magazine Beach becoming worse.

21. Communication received from Mike Nakagawa, 51 Madison Street, relating to Policy Order # 12 and transmitting the FEMA 100 and 500-year flooding for the Fresh Pond area and an excerpt from the Alewife Preparedness Plan regarding a flood wall.

22. Communication received from George Schneeloch, 81 School Street, Somerville in support of Policy Order # 5 on implementing bike lanes on the Longfellow Bridge.

23. Communication received from Gary Mello, 324 Franklin Street, relating to Policy Orders # 3, #11 and #12.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Recognizing Zakir Hussain as one of the world's greatest tabla players. Mayor McGovern

2. Congratulations to Mohamad El Zein and Radouan Ouassaidi on the successful opening of Pita Cambridge in Inman Square. Councillor Mallon

3. Congratulations to the special women being named as this year’s Trailblazing Women of Cambridge, recognizing each of them for the distinguished work they have engaged in, and thanking them for serving as inspirations for the next generation of Cantabrigians. Councillor Simmons

7. Congratulations and best wishes to the Families of the Cambridge Program on their upcoming "Trivia Night Extravaganza" on Apr 7, 2018. Councillor Toomey

ORDERS
1. City Council support of S. 2306, “An Act to promote and enhance civic engagement.” Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon
Adopted as Amended 8-0-1

2. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Misty Ponte for a street corner dedication in the vicinity of 14 Third Street in honor of John “Jackie” Graham. Vice Mayor Devereux
Adopted 8-0-1

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission regarding the possibility of instituting early voting in the 2019 municipal election. Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern
Adopted 8-0-1

4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and any other relative City departments to review what traffic calming measures or actions can be taken such as the installation of speed bumps, installation of crosswalk flashing lights and increased police enforcement of speed limits to discourage the speeding of vehicles along Museum Way. Councillor Toomey
Adopted 8-0-1

5. City Council support of implementing protected bicycle infrastructure on the Longfellow Bridge. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Adopted 8-0-1

6. City Council support of S.2302 "An Act to Promote a Clean Energy Future." Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux
Adopted 8-0-1

7. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant City Departments to help facilitate the associated activities with the "Affordable Housing Week of Action." Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
Adopted 8-0-1

8. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to apply for a federal Opportunity Zone designation on behalf of the City of Cambridge. Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Adopted 8-0-1

9. City Council support of S.548 "Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017." Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux
Adopted 8-0-1

10. That the City Manager is requested to sign off on any Host Community Agreement for the purposes of filing an application with the State for an adult use cannabis retail establishment within the City of Cambridge, provided that said Host Community Agreement includes the maximum allowable taxation and relevant provisions that are substantially similar to or the same as those under which current medical cannabis establishments operate in the City. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons
Amended and Referred to City Manager as Amended 8-0-1

11. That the Chair of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee be and hereby is requested to schedule a meeting to discuss parking options for City and School employees who do not get jobs that come with parking. Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right - Devereux

12. That the City Manager is requested to have a funding plan in place to develop and implement protective barriers for Fresh Pond for the FY2018-19 budget. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Devereux
Adopted as Amended 8-0-1

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM OTHER CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a communication from Councillor Carlone regarding his absence from the Mar 19, 2018 City Council Meeting.
Placed on File

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 20
5:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive a general overview on the state of affordable housing throughout Cambridge, and to receive updates from the Community Development Department, the Cambridge Housing Authority, Homeowners Rehab, Inc., and Just a Start on the work they are currently engaged in. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 21
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the implementation of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. (Ackermann Room)

Thurs, Mar 22
4:00pm The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning; Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to gain a better understanding of the extent of the City’s digital divide and to explore possible ways to increase digital access, including the Cambridge Broadband Task Force recommendations and Tilson Report (options 1, 2, and 3) and any other suggestions made in Policy Order #7 of Feb 12, 2018 or any other related matters. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 27
2:00pm The Civic Unity Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss whether the City’s Boards and Commissions adequately reflect the demographic makeup of the community, the proposed Office of Faith Based Initiatives, and the City’s ongoing cultural competency trainings. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 28
12:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the implementation of several aspects of the Retail Strategic Plan, including pop-up activation of empty storefronts and an update on the potential for an empty storefront ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 9
5:30pm City Council will hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting for the purpose of discussing the draft version of the Climate Change Preparedness and Resilience Plan for Alewife. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed Apr 11
3:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss topics related to the MBTA bus service, including Cambridge’s participation in the upcoming MBTA Service Plan, a brief update on upcoming pilot projects of dedicated bus lanes and transit signal prioritization, and a brief update on the upcoming construction of the bus tunnels in the Harvard Square MBTA station. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 1
9:00am Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 8
9:00am Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 9
6:00pm Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 School Department Budget (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 10
9:00am Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Department Budget - if needed (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 14
4:00pm 2018 City of Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This ceremony to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 18
TBD 2018 Volunteer Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 19, 2018 Amended
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts State Legislature is currently considering S. 2306, “An Act to promote and enhance civic engagement”; and
WHEREAS: This bill was recently reported favorably from the Committee on Education, and currently sits before the Committee on Senate Ways and Means; and
WHEREAS: This bill would ensure that in all public schools, “American history and civics education shall be taught as required subjects for the purpose of promoting civic service and a greater knowledge thereof, and of preparing students, morally and intellectually, for the duties of citizenship…”; and
WHEREAS: The bill focuses on student education of American history, the Constitution of the United States, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the Commonwealth and local history and government; and
WHEREAS: The bill would also include in curriculum frameworks discussions of the function and composition of branches of local, state, and federal government, the electoral process, the responsibilities of residents in a democracy, media literacy skills, the critical role of diversity in the democratic process, and knowledge about ways in which civic participation has been restricted throughout history; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts is one of only eight states that does not require civics education; and
WHEREAS: Civic education, history, and general awareness is more critical now than ever, as involvement in all levels of government from all people must be encouraged and enhanced; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting S. 2306, “An Act to promote and enhance civic engagement”; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this order to the Cambridge State Delegation and to the Cambridge School Committee through Mayor McGovern on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2 Mar 19, 2018
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Misty Ponte for a street corner dedication in the vicinity of 14 Third Street in honor of John “Jackie” Graham; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-3 Mar 19, 2018
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City Council discussed early voting at length throughout the 2016-2017 term; and
WHEREAS: The City Council adopted a policy order on June 13, 2016, requesting that the Election Commission establish at least five polling locations to be open during the 11 day early voting period allowed by state law in time for the 2016 general election; and
WHEREAS: The Election Commission successfully executed this request, creating five early voting locations available for the 11 days prior to the 2016 general election; and
WHEREAS: This early voting period required an appropriation of $93,000 to cover costs associated with early voting, and a second appropriation of $33,500 to cover wages associated with early voting, both of which the City Council approved; and
WHEREAS: Early voting allows registered voters to cast their ballots at one of five sites throughout Cambridge before Election Day, providing them flexibility that often results in higher voter turnout; and
WHEREAS: Early voting was only executed for the 2016 State/Presidential general election, and not for the following 2017 municipal election; and
WHEREAS: The right to vote in elections for all levels of government is a critical foundation of our democracy, especially in today’s political climate in which voting rights are under attack; and
WHEREAS: Early voting in the 2019 municipal election would be an important effort to increase engagement, participation, turnout, and understanding of the importance of local government; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Election Commission regarding the possibility of instituting early voting in the 2019 municipal election and what actions would be required by the City Council to do so; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter to the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee at a hearing to be scheduled in June.

O-4 Mar 19, 2018
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: A number of residents have voiced concerns about the rising number of speeding motorists on Museum Way; and
WHEREAS: The new playground at that location is utilized by many Cambridge children and local child-care facilities and has posed a significant increase in foot traffic and the need for safe access to cross the street in this neighborhood; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and any other relative City departments to review what traffic calming measures or actions can be taken such as the installation of speed bumps, installation of crosswalk flashing lights and increased police enforcement of speed limits to discourage the speeding of vehicles along Museum Way, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-5 Mar 19, 2018
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: It was recently announced that the Longfellow Bridge is scheduled to reopen in May 2018 after nearly a decade of planning and construction; and
WHEREAS: Cars regularly travel at 35 MPH or faster on the Longfellow Bridge, yet current plans include two lanes for vehicular travel and no protected lane for cyclists; and
WHEREAS: It is clear that preferred transit modes have shifted since the Longfellow Bridge Task Force process began in 2009: According to data recently published by the Boston Transportation Department, cyclists comprised 34.9% of inbound traffic on the bridge during the morning commute in 2017, a nearly 10% increase from the previous year, and the bridge was among the top 10 busiest cycling locations in the entire city of Boston during 2017, despite the lack of a safe bicycle lane during construction; and
WHEREAS: The bridge has been limited to one lane of inbound (to Boston) vehicular traffic for the past 5 years during construction, and predictions of heavy backups did not come true; and
WHEREAS: The incline on the first half of the inbound side of the bridge makes it particularly challenging to accommodate cyclists of varying abilities without a dedicated passing lane; and
WHEREAS: It is much easier for cyclists to dismount and get out of the way than it is for cars to make enough room for emergency vehicles to get by, a double-wide protected bicycle lane could also function as an emergency travel lane for ambulances on their way from Cambridge to MGH hospital; and
WHEREAS: Implementing protected bicycle infrastructure is in line with the stated Vision Zero goals of both Cambridge and Boston as well as the state’s Healthy Transportation Compact; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge State Representatives Mike Connolly and Jay Livingstone have already signed on in support of this effort; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of implementing protected bicycle infrastructure on the Longfellow Bridge before it reopens this May and urging the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to work with advocates and stakeholders to ensure the new bridge works for commuters of all transit modes; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver, MassDOT secretary Stephanie Pollack, as well as all members of Cambridge’s State Legislative Delegation and Governor Baker.

O-6 Mar 19, 2018
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: Climate change is primarily caused by the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels, specifically oil (including gasoline), methane gas, and coal, and is resulting in heating of the atmosphere and the oceans; and
WHEREAS: The impacts of climate change on Cambridge already are and will continue to be severe and threaten our health and safety, as documented in the Cambridge Climate Vulnerability Assessment, including: flooding, sea level rise, heat waves, and droughts; and
WHEREAS: Senate bill S.2302 “An Act to Promote a Clean Energy Future” would expand the Global Warming Solutions Act and provide a multitude of ways for the Commonwealth to protect our public health, create jobs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS: S.2302 would, among other things:
• Increase the Renewable Portfolio Standard, which dictates the amount of renewable energy to be added to our electricity supply, from an annual increase of 1% to 3%
• Set more immediate greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets
• Eliminate the cap on net metering, which currently limits the amount of solar photovoltaic systems that can be deployed in the state
• Divest the state pension system from investment in fossil fuel companies
• Prohibit a “pipeline tax” on consumers, which would otherwise be used to build more fracked gas pipelines and increase methane consumption
• Reverse the recent increase in the electricity rates that Eversource is allowed to charge consumers
• Reform public utilities and modernize the electric grid, prioritizing local clean energy
• Ensure that low-income communities would benefit from solar energy and other environmentally-focused projects
• Expand Electric Vehicle usage through new incentives
• Establish a Green Infrastructure Bank to fund increasing green space
• Move the state towards a price on carbon by requiring a “market-based compliance mechanism”; and
WHEREAS: The passage of S.2302 would greatly assist the City of Cambridge’s climate change and renewable energy procurement goals; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in strong support of S.2302 and in urging the Massachusetts Legislature to pass S.2302; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation in the House and the Senate, Acting Senate President Harriette Chandler, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, House Majority Leader Ronald Mariano, Chairs of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Anne M. Gobi and Smitty Pignatelli, and Governor Baker on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7 Mar 19, 2018
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Affordable housing is a primary focus of the City Council this term; and
WHEREAS: The National Low-Income Housing Coalition, through its “Our Homes, Our Voices” campaign, has designated the week of May 1-8, 2018 as an “Affordable Housing Week of Action”; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge will soon be celebrating its 1,000th unit of affordable housing produced; and
WHEREAS: The “Affordable Housing Week of Action” may include activities such as block parties, city-wide common reads, teach-ins, and panel discussions, all to help foster a community conversation about greater investments in affordable housing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all relevant City Departments to help facilitate the associated activities with this Week of Action; and be it further
ORDERED: That week of May 1-8, 2018 be designated as the “Affordable Housing Week of Action.”

O-8 Mar 19, 2018
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Baker-Polito Administration opened the process for Massachusetts cities and towns to apply for federal designation as an Opportunity Zone on Mar 9, 2018; and
WHEREAS: The recently passed U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 created the Opportunity Zone Program to provide incentives for investment in low income communities throughout the country, allowing the Governor of each state to nominate up to 25 percent of its low-income census tracts (LICs) to be designated as Opportunity Zones; and
WHEREAS: The Opportunity Zone designation will serve as an economic development tool for municipalities and will incentivize investment in low income areas by offering favorable federal tax treatment for investors; and
WHEREAS: The designation would support and encourage affordable housing and economic development in designated parts of the City, and would allow local governments to propose a single tract, or a set of tracts, for designation; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct with the Assistant City Manager for Community Development to apply for this designation on behalf of the City of Cambridge by the Mar 22, 2018 deadline and report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-9 Mar 19, 2018
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
MAYOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: Cambridge specifically and the Boston Metro Area in general are experiencing an affordable housing crisis that is leading to gentrification and displacement in our neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: US Senate bill S.548 “Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act of 2017”, House version is H.R.1661, provides significant opportunities to increase funding for affordable housing construction and preservation through federal tax credits; and
WHEREAS: The recent corporate tax rate reduction from 35% to 21% will lead to a significantly lower return on investment for tax credit financing of affordable housing, putting negative pressure on this important financing instrument; and
WHEREAS: S.548/H.R.1661 include other provisions such as income averaging and other beneficial improvements to help finance affordable housing construction and preservation that could help ameliorate the affordable housing crisis in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Both members of Cambridge’s congressional delegation have signed on as co-sponsors of the House bill, but neither Massachusetts Senator is listed as a co-sponsor of the Senate bill; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of S.548/H.R.1661; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging our Senators to join Congressman Capuano and Congresswoman Clark in cosponsoring this important bill; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation consisting of Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Congressman Mike Capuano, and Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-10 Mar 19, 2018 Amended
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission has finalized regulations for the cannabis industry in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: The Commission will begin accepting applications for licenses to operate adult use cannabis establishments on Apr 1, 2018 and successful applicants will be allowed to open their doors as early as July 1, 2018; and
WHEREAS: Applicants will have to demonstrate to the Commission that:
1. they have held a community outreach meeting within the last 6 months
2. they have executed a Host Community Agreement with the municipality where they wish to operate
3. their proposed establishment is compliant with zoning bylaws and ordinances in effect at the time of application; and
WHEREAS: Under current zoning, the sale of adult use cannabis could be considered an approved retail use; and
WHEREAS: Regulations allow the municipality to levy an additional 3% tax through the Host Community Agreement; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has already invested significant time and effort in writing and approving reasonable zoning bylaws and regulations for the operating of medical cannabis establishments in the city Ordinance 1387; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge currently has ~~three~~ two medical cannabis dispensaries in successful operation; and
WHEREAS: No adult use cannabis establishment can open nor operate in Cambridge until the operator’s application is approved by the relevant City departments and the operator is granted a Certificate of Occupancy upon determination that the proposed establishment is in compliance with all zoning and other ordinances and bylaws in effect at the time of granting, including but not limited to any required changes to the Host Community Agreement; and
WHEREAS: Any delay in signing Host Community Agreements delays the ability for an operator to apply to the state by Apr 1, 2018, which potentially delays the opening of potential adult use cannabis retail establishments in Cambridge past July 1, 2018, even though plenty of time remains between now and then to establish zoning and other bylaws and ordinances regulating adult use cannabis sale in Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to sign off on any Host Community Agreement for the purposes of filing an application with the State for an adult use cannabis retail establishment within the City of Cambridge, provided that said Host Community Agreement includes the maximum allowable taxation and relevant provisions that are substantially similar to or the same as those under which current medical cannabis establishments operate in the city; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-11 Mar 19, 2018
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge Public School teachers have been expressing concern with a lack of parking availability at or near Cambridge Public Schools reserved for, or able to be utilized by, teachers; and
WHEREAS: Some schools, such as the Amigos School, have small teacher parking lots that can only accommodate less than a dozen vehicles, have no public parking lots or garages within a reasonable distance, and cannot utilize metered on-street parking spaces because they cannot leave children unattended to move their vehicles or “feed the meter”; and
WHEREAS: Teachers often “circle the block” looking for parking, contributing negatively to traffic congestion and climate change; and
WHEREAS: Some schools, such as Graham and Parks, have designated on-street parking for teachers during the day and open to visitors and residents at night; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Chair of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee be and hereby is requested to schedule a meeting to discuss parking options for City and School employees who do not get jobs that come with parking; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee be and hereby is requested to discuss the feasibility of offering on-street parking permits to school staff during business hours, among other parking option solutions.

O-12 Mar 19, 2018 Amended
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: The 155-acre Fresh Pond Reservoir is a vital part of the drinking water supply system for the residents and businesses of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Fresh Pond is a low-lying area with a high risk for flood-related contamination; and
WHEREAS: One of the infrastructure recommendations for building a resilient city in the report of the 2017 Mayor’s Special Advisory Committee on Neighborhood-Based Resiliency is to budget, design, build and install a removable flood barrier(s) to span any low-lying gaps between Alewife Brook and Fresh Pond to keep flood water from getting into Fresh Pond; and
WHEREAS: Other cities are completing comparable projects, and possible models exist at the National Mall by the Washington Monument and by the Brooklyn waterfront; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested ~~to have a funding plan in place to develop and implement protective barriers for Fresh Pond for the FY2018-19 budget~~ to review flooding concerns related to Fresh Pond and report back to the City Council on plans to provide the city with drinking water in the face of sea level rise, extreme storm events and other challenges.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 4/4/2016

16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016

16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016

16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016

17-22. Report on the potential growth of next-generation wireless technology in the City, to include: the expected footprint of citywide coverage from just one company and what market competition might produce; the integration of public and private infrastructure to support the network; what local standards the City might hope to maintain relative to aesthetics and safety; and how this new technology fits into our Broadband access plans. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-14) from 2/27/2017

17-33. Report on bringing Massachusetts closer to 100% renewable energy by 2035, and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are realized by Massachusetts residents from all walks of life and supporting a goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy in Cambridge, including in building energy use and transportation, by 2035. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-13) from 4/24/2017

17-53. Report on determining if new facilities are needed by either DPW or CFD to best carry out their respective missions in the future and, if so, what type of facilities they would need and how much space that would require and where they might possibly be located. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 6/26/2017

17-60. Report on the feasibility of making the section of Kinnaird Street between River Street and Western Avenue into a one-way. REFERRED BACK TO THE CITY MANAGER TO ARRANGE COMMUNITY MEETING ON MOTION OF VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN ON NOV 13, 2017 . On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 8/7/2017

17-70. Report on the status of the City’s plans to review and possibly implement a municipal Broadband system. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley (O-22) from 8/8/2017

17-71. Report on a proposal to design, fund and implement a bike and electric personal vehicle transportation study to provide the City with a comprehensive explanation of who is going where, why and under what conditions via bike or personal electric vehicle. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley (O-23) from 8/7/2017

17-77. Report on the intersection of Cedar Street and Rindge Avenue with the goal of clarifying traffic patterns through the intersection. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 9/11/2017

17-82. Report on possible solutions to regulatory or legislative gaps on the local or state level that would help clarify how emerging types of conveyances can most safely and effectively be incorporated into Cambridge’s Urban Mobility planning and infrastructure investments. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-15) from 9/11/2017

17-87. Report on a schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates clearer wording and/or more clearly explains each section in less technical jargon and is more coherent in its entirety, with the goal of seeing such an Ordinance adopted by the end of this City Council term. On a communication from Councillor Kelley and Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 9/18/2017

17-95. Report on the status of the all-electric, leaf-blowing park pilot, the effectiveness of the battery-operated equipment, the potential for expanding the all-electric park program, and steps being taken on enforcement and training and to inquire the feasibility of requiring or advising landscape companies to provide or require safety masks for workers. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-6) from 9/25/2017

17-108. Report on the feasibility of requiring developers to post a signboard at development sites requiring Large Project Review or a Special Permit with contact information for a site manager, a brief description of the project (including whether it is residential, commercial, or mixed-use, and, if residential, the total number of units and inclusionary units, an expected completion date, and a rendering of the street-facing elevation), and a web link where more information is available. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session. See Mgr #6
Councillor Devereux (O-2) from 10/16/2017

17-110. Report on the status of the implementation of the EnerGov software across various City departments to streamline the permitting process. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Sessions.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen (O-5) from 10/16/2017

18-4. Report on exploring mechanisms for achieving greater levels of snow clearing by the city and increase the public response during major snow events or heavy snow winters.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-5) from 1/22/2018

18-5. Report on contacting Sira Naturals for the purpose of gathering information regarding sales figures, customer demographics, and other relevant operational information.
Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 1/22/2018

18-6. Report on information regarding electronic device usage by City-elected officials.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 1/22/2018

18-7. Report on the possibility of changing the snow removal exemption to include two and three-family houses.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 1/29/2018

18-9. Report on necessary repairs to the Gold Star Mothers Park and all play and water feature, including drainage issues, with an eye towards mitigating the impacts of local construction and the development of a plan with the community for improving this significant piece of open space.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 1/29/2018

18-10. Report on creating a list of mitigated meeting and conference room private spaces that are available to the public, what the exact eligibility of using these spaces is, and making the list available to the public.
Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 1/29/2018

18-11. Report on the potential of utilizing trenchless technology, micro tunneling and/or pipe jacking to lessen the time and impact on the residents of Gore Street.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 1/29/2018

18-12. Report on maximizing the community benefits from and mitigating the impacts of the Cambridge Crossing sewer construction.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 1/29/2018

18-13. Report on efforts to expand the number of electric vehicle charging stations, the feasibility of appropriately placing electric vehicle chargers on residential streets where there is need, the status of possible City fleet replacement to electric vehicles, expanded outreach and education on available rebates and incentive programs, and the feasibility of requiring developers to include a greater number of electric vehicle charging stations in new or substantially renovated multi-unit buildings.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 1/29/2018

18-14. Report on whether the Community Development Department will apply for the Targeted Brownfields Assessment Grant regarding Jerry's Pond.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-1) from 2/5/2018

18-15. Report on any other relevant City Department to gain a sense of who is purchasing buildings in Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/5/2018

18-19. Report on the possibility of reconfiguring the traffic lights and pedestrian signals at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Prospect Street, and River Street to stop all traffic and allow for an “ALL WALK” pedestrian signal and further to review improvements to the No Left Hand signage.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 2/5/2018

18-20. Report on repairing Rufo Road as soon as possible.
Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 2/5/2018

18-17. Report on the current status of zoning language and public health regulations for the keeping of hens and food cultivation and proposed next steps to advance the Urban Agriculture initiative.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern (O-2) from 2/12/2018

18-18. Report on the success of the Polystyrene Ordinance, including implementation, enforcement, and remaining concerns among the business community.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui (O-3) from 2/12/2018

18-21. Report on the feasibility of initiating a formal transit study and action plan of the Alewife area in response to unanimous concerns of the Envision Alewife Working Group.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-7) from 2/26/2018

18-22. Report on the causes of the Cambridge Common drainage problems.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-10) from 2/26/2018

18-23. Report on why it took so long to repair the public toilet in Harvard Square and what proactive methods are being taken into consideration to prevent this interruption of service from happening again, at either the Harvard Square or the Central Square public toilet.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-13) from 2/26/2018

18-24. Report on what further improvements can be made to improve safety for all users of the intersections of Walden Street with Concord Avenue, Garden Street and Sherman Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone (O-14) from 2/26/2018

18-25. Report on a timeline to be developed for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study. See Mgr #7
Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-18) from 2/26/2018

18-26. Report on providing easily accessible needle safety information, to include emergency needle or syringe removal and disposal contacts, on the City’s website.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley (O-19) from 2/26/2018

18-27. Report on why there continues to be significant audio and video difficulties during live internet broadcasts of City Council meetings.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 3/5/2018

18-28. Report on a request to instruct the Community Development Department to apply on behalf of the City of Cambridge for the Housing Choice Designation before the Apr 30, 2018 deadline. See Mgr #5
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/5/2018

18-29. Report on the possibility of re-evaluating the fees associated with community block parties, specifically entertainment fees for unpaid, local musicians.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 3/5/2018

18-30. Report on the possibility of Cambridge joining this national suit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon (O-3) from 3/5/2018

18-31. Report on the maintenance issues of the Harvard Square MBTA station public restroom.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 3/5/2018

18-32. Report on producing a document that can be presented at the City Council Housing Committee to provide a better perspective on the City's current efforts to address the housing issues facing Cambridge.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 3/5/2018

18-33. Report on the Inman Square Reconstruction Project Timeline.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 3/5/2018