Cambridge City Council meeting - March 21, 2016 - AGENDA

RECONSIDERATION
1. Mayor Simmons filed reconsideration of the vote taken on Mar 14, 2016 adopting an order for a curb cut at the premises numbered 41 Gibson Street.
Reconsideration Failed 2-7-0 [Kelley, Simmons YES; others NO]

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $20,000 from the General Fund Electrical Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Electrical Extraordinary Expenditures account which will allow the Electrical Department to continue to expand the fiber optic network for public safety radios. The project is supported by savings from the Electric Streetlight budget.
Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $50,000 from the General Fund Electrical Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Public Investment Fund Electrical Extraordinary Expenditures account to purchase a new bucket truck.
Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant in the amount of $20,904 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($18,192), to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,562), and to the Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($1,150) which will support the Bridge to College Program.
Adopted 9-0

4. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Shannon Grant received from the Metropolitan Mayors Community Safety Initiative through the Executive Office of Public Safety for $12,810 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($11,520) and to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,290) which will be used to support the design and implementation of the City Peace program, a violence peer leadership internship for teens through the Youth Centers.
Adopted 9-0

5. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-15, regarding the curb cut application for 41 Gibson Street.
Placed on File

6. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Peter L. Cohen, et al., Zoning Petition, with a recommendation that the issue be incorporated into a broader study.
Referred to Petition

To the Honorable, the City Council,

On Mar 8, 2016, the Planning Board held a public hearing on the petition by Peter L. Cohen, et al., to amend the Zoning Ordinance by placing restrictions on the location of above-ground garages on certain types of lots in Residence B zoning districts. The Board heard testimony from the Petitioner and from one affected property owner.

The Board appreciates that the Petitioner has brought this issue forward. There was a consensus among Board members that parking garages should not dominate the frontage of residential lots, and that it may indeed be appropriate to further reasonably regulate where parking garages may go in new development. However, since there already are many requirements and physical constraints on development in lower-scale residential neighborhoods, the scope of further regulations on garages in those neighborhoods needs careful review and analysis prior to implementation. Moreover, the Board believes that the issue of parking garage location would be better addressed through a broader study of garage frontage in all of the city’s residential neighborhoods.

Specifically, the Board believes that the scope of the petition is unnecessarily limited. As noted, the impact of parking garages on the public realm is a concern for all residential lots, not just those with the particular existing conditions enumerated in the zoning proposal. Board members also cited examples of parking garages that have raised urban design concerns in other types of development projects, including townhouses, multifamily, commercial and mixed-use buildings. Furthermore, Board members noted that other methods of providing parking, such as on-grade lots and underground structures that require ramping, may also have negative design impacts. Conversely, in some cases, a parking garage at the front of a lot may be designed in a way that is consistent with the neighborhood character and the city’s urban design goals. The Petitioner’s own presentation showed an example of a garage that does not diminish the character of the neighborhood, despite being located toward the front of a residential lot.

Additionally, the Board generally does not favor zoning petitions that are proposed in response to one particular lot or development project; and despite the Petitioner’s stated belief to the contrary, this petition might have an unintended impact on a recently granted special permit that apparently provided the impetus for this petition. At the hearing, Board members and an affected property owner questioned whether the petition could be considered reverse spot zoning.

Since regulations for structured parking can have a significant influence on many other aspects of built form and urban design, the issue of parking location may be best studied as part of the Envision Cambridge citywide planning process. While the issue could be studied and addressed by the Planning Board and CDD staff through a process with a more limited scope, it may be difficult to develop solutions that could be implemented independently of other recommendations that may emerge from the Envision Cambridge process.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
H. Theodore Cohen, Chair

7. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-6, regarding a report on piloting a Tool Library.
Placed on File

8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-12, regarding a report on A-Framed signs.
Placed on File

9. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the 2015 Update of the City of Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan and Policy Order.
Adopted 9-0 (Order #12)

Mar 21, 2016

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, MA established a Committee to prepare the City of Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan 2015 Update; and

WHEREAS: The Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan Update contains several potential future projects to mitigate potential impacts from natural hazards in the City of Cambridge; and

WHEREAS: Duly-noticed public meetings were held by the City on Jan 9, 2013, Jan 10, 2013, and Mar 18, 2014; and

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge authorizes responsible departments and/or agencies to execute their responsibilities demonstrated in the plan update; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council adopts the City of Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan 2015 Update, in accordance with M.G.L. 40 §4 or the charter and ordinances of the City of Cambridge.

10. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the Complete Streets Policy and Council Order.
Adopted 9-0 (Order #13)

Mar 21, 2016

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am pleased to transmit for adoption the attached Complete Streets Policy and Council Order.

Formalizing the City’s commitment to Complete Streets will reinforce existing sustainable transportation policies and plans, including the Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance, the Climate Protection Plan, the Pedestrian Plan, the Bicycle Plan, the Transit Strategic Plan, the Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan, and the City’s Community Health Improvement Plan and enable the City to apply for construction funding from MassDOT under its new Complete Streets Program.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

City of Cambridge
Complete Streets Policy
Mar 21, 2016

Vision & Commitment
Complete Streets are safe and healthy streets for everyone. They are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable road users. People of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street, whether they are walking, bicycling, driving, or taking transit. Complete Streets make it easy to cross the street, walk to shops, and bicycle to work. They make it possible for children to walk or bike to school or to the park, and for seniors to continue to have an active lifestyle. They help buses to run on time and make it safe for people to walk to and from transit stations. They consider the needs of commercial vehicles and emergency vehicles, and facilitate their safe movement through the community.

The City of Cambridge is committed to designing, constructing, maintaining and operating our streets to provide for a comprehensive and integrated street network of facilities for people of all ages and abilities with a commitment to Complete Streets principles.

Projects, Phases and Jurisdictions
Complete Streets principles shall be incorporated into all publicly and privately funded projects. This includes transportation infrastructure and street design projects requiring funding or approval by the City, as well as projects funded by the state and federal government. Complete Streets principles shall also be incorporated into private developments and street reconstruction projects undertaken by private developments. In addition, the City will work with MassDOT, DCR, MBTA and other state entities to incorporate Complete Streets principles into state-owned roadways within Cambridge.

Exceptions to the Complete Streets Policy may be granted by the City Engineer, in consultation with the Community Development Department, Department of Public Works and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, in limited situations where cost or impacts of accommodation is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use.

Design of Complete Streets
Projects will be undertaken in a context sensitive manner in which designs are developed in a collaborative process with a focus on safety, community goals, policies, plans, and input. The latest design guidance, standards, plans and recommendations available will be used, including the most up-to-date versions of:

• Documents and plans created by the City of Cambridge which to date include:

o Pedestrian Plan

o Bicycle Plan

o Transit Strategic Plan

o Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan

o Safe Routes to School Program

o Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance

o Growth Policy Document

o Parking and Transportation Demand Management Plan

o Climate Action Plan

o Urban Forestry Program

• The Architectural Access Board (AAB) 521 CMR Rules and Regulations

• MassDOT Project Design and Development Guidebook

• MassDOT Separated Bike Lane Planning and Design Guide

• The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide

• The NACTO Urban Street Design Guide

• Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards

• The United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Design Controls

• Green Infrastructure Design Guidelines

As appropriate and relevant, other planning and design guidance/manuals developed by local, state, or federal government agencies, or by nationally recognized groups such as NACTO, the American Public Transportation Association, or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

Implementation
The Complete Streets Program will be overseen by the Community Development Department, the Department of Public Works, and the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department. They will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Complete Streets Policy; developing criteria for measuring effectiveness such as linear feet of sidewalk reconstructed, miles of new bicycle facilities, declining crash rates, changes in mode splits and percentage of transit stops that are fully accessible; and, where necessary, altering existing practices and overcoming barriers that may act as impediments to implementation of the Complete Streets Policy. These departments already engage in regular and ongoing coordination activities, and also include other relevant departments such as Police, Fire, and Public Health as needed and appropriate.


Mar 21, 2016
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years been seeking to enhance safety for all users of our public spaces, including people who drive, walk, bicycle, and use public transportation; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years promoted the use of sustainable modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, and public transportation, and more recently established a formal Safe Routes to School Program; and
WHEREAS: A number of communities across the United States and around the world have begun to adopt a formal Complete Streets Policy; and
WHEREAS: Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street; and
WHEREAS: Complete Streets have been a key component to City infrastructure projects and have been a commitment in the City’s Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan for the last eight years; and
WHEREAS: Formalizing the City’s commitment to Complete Streets will reinforce existing sustainable transportation policies and plans, including the Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance, the Climate Protection Plan, the Pedestrian Plan, the Bicycle Plan, the Transit Strategic Plan, the Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan, and the City’s Community Health Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS: The key City departments involved in the design, construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure are supportive of adopting a formal Complete Streets Policy, including Community Development, Public Health, Public Works, and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation; and
WHEREAS: MassDOT has created a new Complete Streets Program and anticipates providing construction funding of up to $400,000 to municipalities; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge goes on record as adopting the attached Complete Streets Policy.

11. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the adoption of a Policy Order committing Vision Zero, a set of goals of eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries.
Adopted 9-0 (Order #14)

Mar 21, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:

For many years, the City of Cambridge has been committed to improving safety for all users of the transportation system, particularly those users who are most vulnerable. As part of this commitment, we have undertaken a wide range of engineering, education, and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing crashes, increasing respect amongst users, and generally creating a safer and more equitable transportation network that meets the needs of users of all ages and all abilities. As a result of these efforts, we have seen an ongoing decrease in crash rates, as well as a reduction in the number of fatalities and serious injuries. Nonetheless, even one fatality or serious injury is more than we want to see, and we are continually seeking out ways to further reduce these types of incidents, and the pain and suffering they cause to individuals and our community at large.

In recent years, a number of communities - first in Europe and now increasingly in the United States - have begun to commit to Vision Zero, which sets a goal of eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries. Vision Zero is both an aspirational goal and a real goal, and we believe that in a community like Cambridge, it is in fact feasible to attempt to eliminate these types of serious incidents, through the types of engineering, education, and enforcement efforts we are already undertaking, with a particular focus on the safety of our system. Vision Zero provides a very helpful perspective on how we improve transportation safety and the actions that we need to take to make the goal a reality.

Through the national Vision Zero Network (http://www.visionzeronetwork.org), many communities have already committed to Vision Zero and have developed action plans that detail how they plan to achieve the elimination of transportation fatalities and serious injuries (see the attached map for communities that have committed to Vision Zero or are considering doing so). The goals and approach associated with Vision Zero are broadly consistent with our existing approach to transportation planning, design, and operations, including the following policies, plans, and programs:

• The Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance

• The Climate Protection Plan

• The Pedestrian Plan

• The Bicycle Plan

• The Transit Strategic Plan

• The Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan

• The Community Health Improvement Plan

• The Safe Routes to School Program

• The CitySmart Program

Based on the policies and plans, we do not expect that committing to Vision Zero will require significant new expenditures. Rather, it will create an enhanced focus on safety as we look at transportation problems and solutions through the lens of public health and harm reduction. In recent years, we have done extensive analysis of crash statistics in Cambridge, which has given much improved data about safety issues and locations where improvements are needed. This data will form the basis of our Vision Zero efforts, allowing us to take a data-driven approach to achieving the Vision Zero goal.

As City Manager, I am prepared to commit to Vision Zero, as are all of the key City Departments involved in transportation, including Community Development, Police, Public Health, Public Works, and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation. I ask that the City Council will join us in this commitment by approving the attached resolution and demonstrating that the City of Cambridge is fully committed to eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager


Mar 21, 2016
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years been seeking to enhance safety for all users of our public streets, including people who drive, walk, bicycle, and use public transportation, and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years promoted the use of sustainable modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, and public transportation, and more recently established a formal Safe Routes to School Program; and
WHEREAS: A number of communities across the United States and around the world have begun to adopt a Vision Zero goal, which involves working towards the elimination of transportation fatalities and severe injuries; and
WHEREAS: These communities have come together under the banner of the Vision Zero Network (http://www.visionzeronetwork.org), which promotes Vision Zero nationally and helps to create information sharing among peer communities; and
WHEREAS: Vision Zero involves focusing on improving transportation safety from a public health and harm reduction perspective, an approach that is broadly consistent with the City’s transportation, public health, and community sustainability goals; and
WHEREAS: Committing to Vision Zero will reinforce existing sustainable transportation policies and plans, including the Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance, the Climate Protection Plan, the Pedestrian Plan, the Bicycle Plan, the Transit Strategic Plan, the Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan, and the City’s Community Health Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS: The key City departments involved in transportation are supportive of a Vision Zero goal, including Community Development, Police, Public Health, Public Works, and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation; and
WHEREAS: These department have jointly performed a detailed analysis of crash statistics to understand the crash rates and safety issues in Cambridge, to provide a data-driven basis for understanding how safety can be improvement, now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge goes on record as committing to Vision Zero, with goals of eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries, as well as continuing to reduce the crash rates for all modes; and
RESOLVED: That the key City departments noted above will develop an initial Vision Zero Action Plan, which will be updated bi-annually (every two years); and
RESOLVED: That the key City departments noted above will continue to develop yearly updates to the crash statistics and safety analysis, which will provide a basis for developing updates to the Action Plan and generally pursue actions aimed at achieving the goals of Vision Zero.

12. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2016 and ending Mar 31, 2017.
Adopted 9-0

Mar 21, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:

RECOMMENDATIONS
The City administration and City Council continue to recognize the importance of minimizing increases in water and sewer rates. I recommend that the City Council approve a 0% increase in the water consumption block rate and a 3.2% increase in the sewer use block rate, resulting in a 2.4% increase in the combined rate for the period beginning Apr 1, 2016 and ending Mar 31, 2017. This is the sixth consecutive year that the City has been able to produce a 0% increase in the water rate.

In last year’s recommendation, the projected FY17 rate increases for water, sewer, and combined were 3.1%, 7.7%, and 6.4%, respectively, based on March 2015 consumption rates and projected budgets. We have been able to produce rates lower than estimated due primarily to lower operating budget projections in the Water Budget, and lower projected Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) assessments in the Sewer Budget. The MWRA provides annual updates to their projected assessments.

In March of each year, the City Council establishes water and sewer rates, which determine water and sewer revenues for the next fiscal year. Because of the timing requirements, water and sewer rates are set prior to the adoption of both the Cambridge budget and MWRA budget; therefore, revenue needs are based upon estimated expenditures. Historically, water and sewer rates have been established so that revenues generated by them, when combined with other related revenue sources, cover projected annual costs.

WATER
Two major factors determine the rate necessary to generate sufficient revenues: water consumption and the budget. The total FY17 Water Budget reflects a $108,815 increase from FY16. Water is able to offset costs related to cost-of-living allowances, pensions, and health benefits in the salaries and wages portion of the operating budget with a decrease in debt service payments.

The planned FY17 capital allocation is $5,000,000 using pay-as-you-go capital funding based on current revenues ($3,500,000) and fund balance ($1,500,000). The major project in the FY17 budget is the second phase of the installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs) to the raw water pump system. An additional $1,000,000 million has been included for the replacement of existing VFDs on the finished water pumps. Installation of the VFDs will substantially improve energy efficiency at the water treatment plant. The total project cost is $5,000,000 over two years, of which $3,000,000 was funded from fund balance. The remainder of the FY17 capital allocation will be used for improvements to the distribution and transmission system, treatment plant equipment replacement, consulting services, and improvements to the watershed. Table 4 on page 5 indicates the details of water fund projected revenues and expenditures for FY16-21. Table 7 on page 8 shows actual water fund balances for FY11-15 and the projected balance for FY16.

To support a 0% water rate increase for the sixth year, $350,000 from fund balance will be used in FY17, bringing the total fund balance used to $1,850,000. We expect to eliminate the use of the fund balance in FY18, as decreases in debt service continue and as long as water consumption remains constant.

Water and sewer charges are directly linked to water consumption, with sewer costs comprising approximately 71.2% of total water and sewer expenditures. When consumption declines, revenues are negatively impacted. In the current fiscal year, water is being consumed at a rate similar to the previous fiscal year. If this trend continues, this would be the second year in which consumption has not decreased.

SEWER
The FY17 sewer budget reflects a 6.0% increase from FY16. This includes the MWRA assessment, debt service payments, and the sewer component of the Public Works budget. Debt service on sewer bonds and the MWRA assessment account for 90.2% of the total Sewer Budget.

FY17 estimated sewer revenues will cover the FY17 estimated MWRA assessment, which is scheduled to increase by $639,184 from the FY16 final assessment. The MWRA rate increase projected for the City is subject to change based on the MWRA budget, which is adopted later in spring 2016. These changes have typically been minor in past years. Unlike the water budget, sewer revenues are credited to the general fund and not to a separate proprietary fund that can be drawn upon if the need arises.

Included in the sewer budget are debt service increases attributable to the $12,740,000 general obligation bonds issued in February 2016 and the February 2016 SRF loan for Concord Avenue for $14,000,000.

The following sewer projects were included in the February 2016 bond issue: Cherry Street / South Massachusetts Avenue; Alewife Watershed; and Harvard Square projects.

The FY17 capital allotment of $1,000,000 in sewer revenues will continue to finance the remedial reconstruction program and development.

The City Council has authorized significant investments in the water and sewer systems to ensure Cambridge continues to benefit from a healthy and environmentally sound water and sewer system. In addition to the projects currently under way, the City’s five-year capital plan (FY17-21) calls for an additional investment of approximately $135,663,000 (primarily sewer, $114,663,000) in the water and sewer systems. The City carefully monitors the issuance of debt to fund authorized sewer projects and makes adjustments to ensure that debt service cost increases, which impact the sewer rate, are moderate.

Subsidies from the SRF loan program will cover only $44,240 or 0.2% of the total debt service of $19,942,737 for all FY17 sewer projects. The City will continue to receive state subsidies on existing debt. The FY18-21 capital plan includes other projects that may be eligible for subsidized loans from the state. As in past years, it is not certain that these projects will receive state subsidies and the debt service on these projects has been calculated based on funding through general obligation bonds. If state subsidies become available to the City, they will be used to lower the sewer rate in future years. Table 5 on page 6 shows the detail of sewer-related expenditures and revenues for FY16-21.

COMBINED WATER & SEWER
The table below reflects the projected combined water and sewer metered revenue requirements needed to cover water and sewer expenditures.

TABLE 1

  FY16 Projected FY17 Budget % Change
Water $17,135,000 $17,137,015 0.0%
Sewer $46,350,000 $47,844,595 3.2%
Combined Water / Sewer Revenue $63,485,000 $64,981,610 2.4%

FY17 projected revenues are based on FY16 projected collections and reflect our practice of conservative revenue projections.

The table below reflects the FY16 actual and FY17 proposed water and sewer rates.

TABLE 2

  Annual Consumption* FY16
Water
Rate
FY17
Proposed
Water Rate
FY16
Sewer
Rate
FY17
Proposed
Sewer Rate
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF $3.02 $3.02 $9.21 $9.50
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF $3.24 $3.24 $9.74 $10.05
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF $3.44 $3.44 $10.46 $10.79
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF $3.65 $3.65 $11.26 $11.62
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF $3.96 $3.96 $11.97 $12.35

*All rates are per CcF. CcF is an abbreviation of 100 cubic feet. One CcF is approximately 750 gallons.

The table below reflects the average change to combined water and sewer residential bills.

TABLE 3

Residential Type FY16 Average FY17 Projected Annual Variance % Change
Single Family $766 $784 $18 2.4%
Two Family $1,070 $1,096 $26 2.4%
Three Family $1,553 $1,590 $37 2.4%

SENIOR DISCOUNT PROGRAM
There are currently 2,620 homeowners who qualify for the age 65+ water/sewer 15% discount (not to exceed $90 annually), which is not tied to the homeowner’s income.

There are also 80 elderly homeowners who qualify for an income-based discount of 30% (not to exceed $180 annually). To qualify for the 30% discount, a homeowner must be 65 or older and must have been granted the Clause 41C elderly real estate exemption. For FY16, the income guidelines are as follows:

single, income of $25,197 with assets of $50,392 or less; married, income of $37,796 with assets of $69,289 or less.

FUTURE OUTLOOK FOR RATES
Overall, the City has been extremely successful over the past five years in producing minimal water and sewer rate increases. The average annual increases for the FY12-16 period were as follows: water, 0.0%; sewer, 3.2%; and combined, 2.3%, which include both the water and sewer rates showing 0% increases in FY12 and FY13. The FY14, FY15 and FY16 water rate increase was also 0%.

Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7 contain five-year forecasts for water, sewer, and combined revenue estimates as well as water fund balances for the past five years and the projected FY16 fund balance. Although the City currently does not project the use of fund balance in the out years, it will continue to review appropriate use of fund balance for a specific project, or to lower the rate. As can be seen in Table 6, the annual combined water / sewer rate is projected to increase by an average of approximately 5.2% for FY17-21.

The projected increase is the result of the City’s commitment to bonding sewer infrastructure improvement projects and increases in the MWRA assessment (based on estimates received from the MWRA). MWRA increases are projected to be 1.4% - 7.1% in FY17-FY21. If increases in the MWRA assessment are more moderate, the rate increases that are shown will be lowered. If consumption increases and therefore revenues increase, rate increases will be affected positively. Conversely, if consumption decreases, there will be a negative effect on water and sewer revenues.

Our water and sewer program is structured to produce reasonable rate increases in the future. The goal of the City Administration and City Council is to minimize the effects of water and sewer rate increases on residents as much as possible, while continuing to invest in our infrastructure.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

Table 4
Water Projections
FY16-21

  FY16
Budget/Recap
FY16
Projected
FY17
Budget
FY18
Projected
FY19
Projected
FY20
Projected
FY21
Projected
Water Expenditures:              
Operating 11,097,610 11,051,280 11,223,705 11,672,653 12,139,559 12,625,142 13,130,147
Existing Debt 2,866,505 2,866,505 2,745,505 2,624,503 2,503,501 471,501 -
Subtotal Operating Budget 13,964,115 13,917,785 13,969,210 14,297,156 14,643,060 13,096,643 13,130,147
Capital 4,900,000 4,900,000 5,000,000 3,500,000 3,500,000 5,000,000 5,000,000
Finance 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000
Conservation 49,085 49,085 52,805 52,805 52,805 52,805 52,805
Public Works 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000 400,000
Community Development 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000
Animal Commission 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000
Total Expenditures 19,578,200 19,531,870 19,687,015 18,514,961 18,860,865 18,814,448 18,847,952
Assumptions:
1) Operating Budget for FY17 is based on City Manager's Submitted Budget and increases 4% for FY18-21.
2) Debt Service decreases according to Debt Service Schedule.
3) Capital as shown.
4) All others remain constant from FY17-21.
Financing Plan              
Beginning Fund Balance 11,687,672 11,687,672 10,190,802 8,340,802 8,340,802 8,340,802 8,340,802
Revenue:              
Meter Revenue 17,128,200 17,135,000 17,137,015 17,814,961 18,160,865 18,114,448 18,147,952
Miscellaneous Water Charges 600,000 900,000 700,000 700,000 700,000 700,000 700,000
From Fund Balance 1,850,000 - 1,850,000 - - - -
Total Revenue 19,578,200 18,035,000 19,687,015 18,514,961 18,860,865 18,814,448 18,847,952
               
Total Expenditures 19,578,200 19,531,870 19,687,015 18,514,961 18,860,865 18,814,448 18,847,952
From Fund Balance 1,850,000 - 1,850,000 - - - -
               
Ending Fund Balance 9,837,672 10,190,802 8,340,802 8,340,802 8,340,802 8,340,802 8,340,802
               
Projected Rate Increase     0.0% 4.0% 1.9% -0.3% 0.2%

 

Table 5
Sewer Projections
FY16-21

  FY16
Budget/Recap
FY16
Projected
FY17
Budget
FY18
Projected
FY19
Projected
FY20
Projected
FY21
Projected
Sewer Expenditures:              
Public Works 3,253,755 3,253,755 3,477,745 3,616,855 3,761,529 3,911,990 4,068,470
Capital 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 2,000,000 2,250,000 2,250,000
Existing Debt 17,786,084 18,029,779 16,745,994 19,262,682 18,084,993 17,205,454 16,135,213
New Debt - - 3,196,743 3,792,750 6,581,250 9,495,750 12,952,000
Finance 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000 225,000
Community Development 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500 44,500
MWRA 23,516,196 23,259,670 23,898,854 24,233,438 25,420,876 27,225,759 28,587,047
Total Expenditures 45,825,535 45,812,704 48,588,836 52,175,225 56,118,148 60,358,453 64,262,230
Assumptions:
1) The FY17 MWRA assessment is based on the preliminary estimate received from the MWRA and reflects a 2.7 % increase from the revised FY16 assessment.
FY18-21 assessments are based on annual rate increases of 1.4%, 4.9%, 7.1% and 5.0% respectively.
2) Public Works allocation increases by 7% in FY17 over the FY16 Budget with increases of 4% estimated in FY18-21.
3) Capital is funded at $1,000,000 in FY16-FY18, $2,000,000 in FY19, $2,250,000 in FY20-FY21.
4) Debt Service increases according to Debt Service schedule.
5) All others remain constant.
Financing Plan              
Revenue:              
Sewer Service Charge 45,181,361 46,350,000 47,844,595 51,430,918 55,373,774 59,614,013 63,517,723
Non-Metered Sewer Revenues 600,000 2,000,000 700,000 700,000 700,000 700,000 700,000
MWPAT Subsidy (existing) 44,174 44,174 44,241 44,307 44,374 44,440 44,507
Total Revenue 45,825,535 48,394,174 48,588,836 52,175,225 56,118,148 60,358,453 64,262,230
               
Projected Sewer Service Charge Increase     3.2% 7.5% 7.7% 7.7% 6.5%

 

Table 6
Combined Water and Sewer Projections
FY16-21

  FY16
Budget / Recap
FY16
Projected
FY17
Budget
FY18
Projected
FY19
Projected
FY20
Projected
FY21
Projected
Metered Water Revenue 17,128,200 17,135,000 17,137,015 17,814,961 18,160,865 18,114,448 18,147,952
Metered Sewer Revenue 45,181,361 46,350,000 47,844,595 51,430,918 55,373,774 59,614,013 63,517,723
Total 62,309,561 63,485,000 64,981,610 69,245,879 73,534,639 77,728,461 81,665,675
               
% Increase - - 2.4% 6.6% 6.2% 5.7% 5.1%

 

Table 7
Water Fund Balances
FY11-16

  As of 6/30/11
(Actual)
As of 6/30/12
(Actual)
As of 6/30/13
(Actual)
As of 6/30/14
(Actual)
As of 6/30/15
(Actual)
Projected 6/30/16
(Projected)
Water Fund Balance 6,988,537 8,410,762 9,076,357 9,741,315 11,687,672 10,190,802

March 21, 2016
ORDERED: That the following block rate for water consumption and sewer use in the City of Cambridge be in effect for the period beginning Apr 1, 2016 and ending Mar 31, 2017.

  Annual Consumption* FY16
Water
Rate
FY17
Proposed
Water Rate
FY16
Sewer
Rate
FY17
Proposed
Sewer Rate
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF $3.02 $3.02 $9.21 $9.50
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF $3.24 $3.24 $9.74 $10.05
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF $3.44 $3.44 $10.46 $10.79
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF $3.65 $3.65 $11.26 $11.62
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF $3.96 $3.96 $11.97 $12.35

*All rates are per CcF. CcF is an abbreviation of 100 cubic feet. One CcF is approximately 750 gallons.

and be it further
ORDERED: That the Senior Citizens Discount Program as established in FY91 be continued. This program gives either a 15 percent or 30 percent discount on water/sewer bills, depending upon certain qualifications. Any resident who owns and occupies his/her own home and who is 65 or older on July 1 qualifies for the 15 percent discount.

This discount may not exceed $90 for the fiscal year. To qualify for the 30 percent discount, a homeowner must be 65 years of age or older and must have been granted the Clause 41C Elderly Real Estate Exemption, which is based on the demonstrated financial need. This discount may not exceed $180 for the fiscal year.


CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure that planning applications and supporting materials are made available via the City of Cambridge’s website. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Devereux on Mar 14, 2016.]
Adopted as Amended

Amended Order     Mar 21, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is a leader in integrating government with technology, notably with the City’s open data initiative and many easily searched City databases; and
WHEREAS: A large goal of better integrating government with technology is increasing citizen’s access to their government; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the Cambridge City Council that some building and renovation projects in the City that have filed planning applications are not freely available for review via the City of Cambridge’s website; and
WHEREAS: The online availability of applications and their supporting documents would allow for residents to more easily stay abreast of changes that might affect their neighborhoods; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to ensure that all applications and related filing that will require review by the Board of Zoning Appeal, Department of Public Works, City Council, or Historical Commission be made available via the City of Cambridge’s website.

ON THE TABLE
2. An application was received from Capital One, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 24 JFK Street. [Placed On The Table on a motion of Councillor Cheung on Jan 25, 2016.]

3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Clerk’s Office and the appropriate departments to implement within three months an electronic public comment display in the Sullivan Chamber, listing the speaker’s name and affiliation as well as a timer. [Placed On The Table as Amended by Councillor Mazen on Jan 25, 2016.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. That the Council go on the record to state that the second Monday of October henceforth be commemorated as Indigenous Peoples' Day in Cambridge, in recognition of the indigenous people of America's position as native to these lands, and the suffering they faced following European conquest of their land. [Order Number Fifteen of Oct 19, 2015 Placed On Table on motion of Vice Mayor Benzan. Motion to Amend by Substitution by Councillor Mazen carried on affirmative vote of 8; substitute text placed on Unfinished Business by Councillor Mazen on affirmative vote of 8.]
Referred to Civic Unity and Neighborhood Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committees for joint hearing

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Capital One, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 24 John F. Kennedy Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.
Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Eudora Olsen, transmitting support for feminine hygiene products available in public restrooms.

2. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid, regarding a local Homeless Trust Fund legislation.

3. A communication was received from Richard B.F. Saunders, transmitting concerns related to CAS Foundation Application for a Registered Marijuana Dispensary.

4. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding posting planning applications.


5. Communication received from Max Tegmark, Department of Physics, MIT, in support of Order # 1 on nuclear divestment together with a financial report summarizing the research done at MIT, Harvard and Boston College.

6. Communication received from Lucas Perry, Project Coordinator, Future of Life Institute, in support of Order # 1 and that divestment from nuclear weapons is a sane and human response to the current nuclear paradigm.

7. Communication received from Viktoriya Krakovna, in support of Order # 1 to divest from companies that produce nuclear weapons.

8. Communication received from Joseph Gerson urging the City Council to adopted Order # 1 encouraging the City’s pension fund to divest from investments related to nuclear weapons production.

9. Communication received from Elaine Scarry, Professor, Harvard University, 634 Green Street, in support of Order # 1 and urging the City Council’s unanimous support.

10. Communication received from Daniel R. Miller in support of Order # 1 calling on the Retirement Board to divest from nuclear weapons manufacturers.

11. Three communications received from Carol O’Hare, 172 Magazine Street, in support of Calendar Item # 1 relating to posting planning applications, Order # 3 relating to lobbying disclosure and Agenda # 8 relating to A framed signs.

12. Two communications received from Jonathan King, 40 Essex Street in support of Order # 1 and that the path to nuclear disarmament and domestic security needs to start amongst the citizenry and divesting is the first step.

13. Communication received from Sylvie de Marrais, 39 Sherman Street, member of the Non-Citizen Advocacy Group, in support of Order # 7, relating to a non-citizen representative.

14. Communication received from Manny Lusardi, 15 Lambert Street, in support of Order # 7 relating to appointing an immigrant representative to the Cambridge City Council.

15. Communication received from Christie Dennis in support of Order # 1 to divest shares in companies that manufacture nuclear weapons held by the Cambridge Retirement Board portfolio.

16. Communication received from Amy Grunder, Director of Legislative Affairs, Massachusetts, Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, 105 Chauncy Street, Boston, in support of Order # 7 concerning the election of a non-voting member to the City Council.

17. Communication received from Genevieve Wagenknecht, 43 Gibson Street, in opposition to the curb cut application for the premises numbered 41 Gibson Street.

18. Communication received from Ted Wagenknecht, 43 Gibson Street, in opposition to the curb cut application for the premises numbered 41 Gibson Street.

19. Communication received from Pavel Chvykov in support of Order # 1 relating to nuclear weapons divestment.

20. Communication received from David Stanley, Postdoctoral Research Association, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, in support of the Cambridge Retirement Board divesting its holdings from companies that manufacture nuclear weapons.

21. Communication received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding Calendar # 4 relating to Columbus Day and Order # 7 relating to a non-citizen representative to the City Council.


RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the CRLS Boys Basketball Team on their hard-earned semifinals victory and best wishes in the upcoming State Championship games against St. John's Shrewsbury.   Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Adopted as Amended

R-1 Amended Order     Mar 21, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Boys Basketball Team defeated St. John’s of Shrewsbury to become the Division 1 State Champs; and
WHEREAS: The CRLS Falcons defeated St John’s 66-51 in the Division 1 Finals in Springfield; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record congratulating the CRLS Boys Basketball Team on winning the Division 1 State Championship; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the CRLS Falcon’s Boys Basketball Team on behalf of the entire City Council.

2. Retirement of Susan Flannery from the Cambridge Public Library.   Mayor Simmons

Resolution #2

Mar 21, 2016

MAYOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: Susan Flannery will be retiring as Director of the Cambridge Public Library system in March 2016 after 22 years and 10 months of service to the City; and

WHEREAS: Prior to coming to work for the City, Susan received her BA in Art History from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MA in Library Sciences from Simmons College; and

WHEREAS: Susan began working for the City of Cambridge in February 1991, when she was hired as Associate Director for Public Services for the Cambridge Public Library; and

WHEREAS: Susan became Acting Director of Libraries in 1992 and one year later, was appointed to the position of Director; and

WHEREAS: Under Susan Flannery’s leadership, the main branch of the Cambridge Public Library completed its renovation, and the main library has received 22 awards, including a LEED Certification in 2010 and, most recently, the National Honor Award for Architecture from the American Institute of Architects; and

WHEREAS: Susan Flannery was involved in the plans for a new library from the very beginning of the project, her vision of a library being one that looked and felt as one, and she strongly believed in a dedicated space for children and youth that would sit in a central location and would nurture not only an interest in reading, but would also make young people feel that their interests and well-being were important, and this sense informed the creation of a teen room in the main floor of the main branch of the Cambridge Public Library; and

WHEREAS: Under Susan’s leadership, major renovations were also undertaken in the Central Square branch and in other branches of the Cambridge Public Library system; and

WHEREAS: Susan Flannery is the recipient of many awards for her work and community service including the John Cotton Dana Award from the American Library Association, Outstanding Library Advocate of the 20th Century, the Friends to Writers Awards, the PEN New England Award 2000, and the CCTV Leading Roles Award; and

WHEREAS: Besides her dedicated service to the City of Cambridge, Susan has been an engaged member of the Cambridge Community, serving as a president of the Cambridge Rotary Club, a Board Member of the Cambridge Guidance Center, and a former president of the Massachusetts Library Association; and

WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Library’s reputation as a vibrant and dynamic community space – a place that provides a variety of literary, artistic and community events for all ages and segments of the Cambridge community – has been greatly enhanced thanks to the vision of Susan Flannery; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking Susan Flannery for her many years of service to the City of Cambridge on the occasion of her retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record declaring Mar 30, 2016 as Susan Flannery Day in the City of Cambridge; and be it further

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

3. That the City Council declare Apr 9, 2016 to be Tom Lehrer Day in the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

Resolution #3

Mar 21, 2016

MAYOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer was born Thomas Andrew Lehrer in New York City on Apr 9, 1928; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer came to Cambridge in 1943, at age of 15, as a Harvard University freshman, he earned his Artium Baccalaureus in mathematics (magna cum laude) by age 18, and his Masters degree one year later; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer found Harvard’s mathematics curriculum less than challenging, so he amused himself by writing and composing an array of humorous and fanciful songs, much to the delight of his friends and classmates; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer continued as a Ph.D candidate until 1953, when he began working for Baird Atomic in Cambridge, and the Los Alamos scientific laboratory in New Mexico; and

WHEREAS: That same year, he became both a recording artist and a record producer, pressing twelve of his favorites on ten-inch vinyl records that eventually sold over 350,000 copies; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer’s penchant for luscious rhymes, poignant satire, and playful portrayals of mayhem in his lyrics made him a legend on three continents and a pop culture icon to multiple generations of fans and followers; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer soon entered the world of show business and celebrity, both of which he found tedious, repetitive, and degrading, and he took a break with a two-year stint in the army before returning to Harvard in 1960 to continue his academic studies; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer demurs at attention to his celebrity, yet he takes pride in “Tom Foolery,” the 1981 off-Broadway play produced by Cameron Mackintosh and based on his songs, and the gold record he was awarded for his album “That Was The Week That Was,” 31 years after its release in 1965; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer was serious when he sang “those eastern winters, I can’t endure ‘em…,” he joined the teaching staff at the University of California, becoming Professor Emeritus and splitting his time between the two cities he loves, Santa Cruz, CA and Cambridge, MA; and

WHEREAS: Tom Lehrer continues to inspire revivals of his work, including the celebration scheduled to take place on Apr 9, 2016 in Santa Cruz; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council declare Apr 9, 2016 to be Tom Lehrer Day in the City of Cambridge, and the City Council encourages its citizens to join in the celebration of the life and songs of Tom Lehrer with a boisterous cheer of “Viva la Lehrer!” and be it further

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

4. Congratulations to Joanne Chang, Maura Kilpatrick and Susan Regis for being nominated for a 2016 James Beard Award.   Councillor Devereux

5. Resolution on the death of Fredrick Caruso.   Councillor Toomey

6. Proclaim May 5, 2016 as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day in Cambridge and support the frank and open discussion of mental health in our community.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons

7. Happy Birthday wishes to a special Cantabrigian.   Councillor Toomey

8. Thanks to the CRLS Alumni Association for sponsoring the Are You Smarter Than A CRLS Student academic challenge and recognizing the achievement of the winners and participants.   Vice Mayor McGovern


9. Resolution on the death of Louise P. (Arslanian) Koulalis.   Councillor Maher

10. Resolution on the death of Kenya Speight.   Mayor Simmons


ORDERS
1. City Council opposition to investing funds from the Cambridge Retirement System in any entities that are involved in or support the production or upgrading of nuclear weapons systems.   Mayor Simmons
Adopted

2. That the City Manager is requested to provide an update to the City Council as to what steps may have already been undertaken to examine the question of the legality of tying the Living Wage Ordinance to the Linkage Ordinance, what additional measures must be taken in order to obtain a definitive answer, and what the timeline for this process is projected to be.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and other relevant City departments to consider the pending State legislation and pending legislation in the City of Boston and any other actions that would allow Cambridge to institute municipal lobbying regulations.   Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen
Charter Right - Kelley

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Managing Director of the Cambridge Water Department for the purpose of creating an online database of lead service lines similar to the one created by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission and to disseminate information to residents about the Cambridge Water Department's free quality testing and lead service pipe replacement services.   Councillor Toomey
Adopted

5. That Chapter 12.12 of the Municipal Code, entitled “Street Excavations and Obstruction,” be amended by adding a new section 12.12.065 entitled “Maintenance of safe passage—proper marking of hazards and trench closure required.”   Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey
Adopted

6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding the status of home invasions in Cambridgeport and how the Cambridge Police Department is addressing this issue.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey
Adopted as Amended

7. That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations Committee and the Civic Unity Committee hold a joint hearing to determine the feasibility of facilitating the appointment of an “Non-Citizen Representative” to the City Council.   Councillor Mazen, Mayor Simmons
Adopted as Amended

8. City Council opposition to raising the cap on charter schools, supporting the improvement of district public schools and the equitable division of educational resources.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Toomey

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Water Department to create an informational web page that will provide plumbing infrastructure installation tips for residents, commercial customers, and contractors in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Cheung
Adopted

10. That the City Manager is requested to update the City Council on the effects of the removal of sidewalk vaults in Central Square.   Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Kelley

11. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the appropriate Community Development Department personnel to reach out to the Cambridge Housing Authority in order to determine how to strengthen the opportunities for CHA tenants with Section 8 vouchers to secure Community Development Department inclusionary units.   Mayor Simmons
Adopted


12. That the Cambridge City Council adopts the City of Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan 2015 Update, in accordance with M.G.L. 40 §4 or the charter and ordinances of the City of Cambridge.   Mayor Simmons

13. That the City of Cambridge goes on record as adopting the attached Complete Streets Policy.   Mayor Simmons

14. That the City of Cambridge goes on record as committing to Vision Zero, with goals of eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries, as well as continuing to reduce the crash rates for all modes.   Mayor Simmons


HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Mar 22
1:00pm   The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to screen the documentary Under the Bridge: the Criminalization of Homelessness and will conduct a discussion of topics raised by the documentary directly following.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Mar 23
10:00am   The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the development of the process for the selection of a new City Manager.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Mar 24
3:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a zoning petition by the Sage Cannabis, Inc. to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 20.7000 Medical Marijuana Overlay Districts by creating an additional Medical Marijuana Overlay District (MMD-3). The new MMD-3 District would be coterminous with the Business B-2 base zoning district on northerly side of Massachusetts Avenue between Dana and Ellery Streets. The amendment would also create a new section 20.705.1. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Mar 28
5:30pm   City Council Roundtable/Working Meeting with the School Committee. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Media Café, 459 Broadway)

Tues, Mar 29
4:00pm   Human Services and Veterans Committee  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 11
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Apr 12
1:00pm   Housing Committee  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Apr 25
5:30pm   City Council Meeting - Budget Overview  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 5
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 10
6:00pm   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 12
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget. This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 16
4:00pm   2016 Scholarship Award Ceremony  (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 17
9:00am   The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting - Budget Adoption  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 6
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 13
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 20
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 27
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Aug 1
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Mar 21, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Nations across the globe still maintain over 15,000 nuclear weapons, some of which are hundreds of times more powerful than those that obliterated Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and detonation of even a small fraction of these weapons could create a decade-long nuclear winter that could destroy most of the Earth’s population; and
WHEREAS: The United States has plans to invest roughly one trillion dollars over the coming decades to upgrade its nuclear arsenal, which many experts believe actually increases the risk of nuclear proliferation, nuclear terrorism, and accidental nuclear war; and
WHEREAS: In a period where federal funds are desperately needed in communities like Cambridge in order to build affordable housing, improve public transit, and develop sustainable energy sources, our tax dollars are being diverted to and wasted on nuclear weapons upgrades that would make us less safe; and
WHEREAS: Investing in companies producing nuclear weapons implicitly supports this misdirection of our tax dollars; and
WHEREAS: Socially responsible mutual funds and other investment vehicles are available that accurately match the current asset mix of the City of Cambridge Retirement Fund while excluding nuclear weapons producers; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is already on record in supporting the abolition of nuclear weapons, opposing the development of new nuclear weapons, and calling on President Obama to lead the nuclear disarmament effort; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record opposing investing funds from the Cambridge Retirement System in any entities that are involved in or support the production or upgrading of nuclear weapons systems; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Peace Commissioner and other appropriate City staff to organize an informational forum on possibilities for Cambridge individuals and institutions to divest their pension funds from investments in nuclear weapons contractors; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Board of the Cambridge Retirement System and other appropriate City staff to ensure divestment from all companies involved in production of nuclear weapons systems, and in entities investing in such companies, and the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council about the implementation of said divestment in a timely manner.

O-2     Mar 21, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: In 2015, following the discussions around raising linkage fees in Cambridge, the City Council determined that attention should next be centered upon examining the legality of tying the Living Wage Ordinance to the Linkage Ordinance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update to the City Council as to what steps may have already been undertaken to examine this question, what additional measures must be taken in order to obtain a definitive answer, and what the timeline for this process is projected to be.

O-3     Mar 21, 2016
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge continually strives to be open, transparent and accountable to the public it serves; and
WHEREAS: Disclosing municipal lobbying efforts is an emerging best practice for municipalities nationwide, as it promotes government transparency, and enhances the public’s trust in their local government; and
WHEREAS: Numerous cities around the country, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Austin, Jacksonville, and San Francisco have implemented disclosure regulations for municipal lobbying to achieve a more transparent government; and
WHEREAS: There are currently two proposals, one in the City of Boston and one in the State Legislature, regarding disclosure requirements; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston is considering municipal lobbying regulations that would require lobbyists in the City of Boston to file twice-yearly reports declaring campaign contributions, the names of their clients, policies that they tried to influence or that they advocated on behalf of, compensation received from clients, and dates of lobbying communications; and
WHEREAS: Mayor Walsh recently filed this legislation with the Boston City Council as a Home Rule petition, and it is currently before the Boston City Council’s Government Operations Committee; and
WHEREAS: The State Senate is also considering Senate Bill 2451, An Act relative to the establishment of a Massachusetts municipal lobbying policy, a local option proposal that would allow municipalities to accept disclosure requirements for municipal lobbyists through the City Clerk’s office; and
WHEREAS: Senate Bill 2451 would require lobbyists receiving more than $2,500 per year to disclose on what issues they are lobbying, who they are lobbying, and would require lobbyists to register annually with the City Clerk’s office; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is known and respected as a national leader in many areas of open government, including its Open Data Initiative, and continually strives to inform and empower the public to engage in civic issues; and
WHEREAS: It would benefit the public to require lobbyists to register and publicly report their work in the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and other relevant City departments to consider the pending State legislation and pending legislation in the City of Boston and any other actions that would allow Cambridge to institute municipal lobbying regulations, and to report back to the Council in a timely manner.

O-4     Mar 21, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The Flint, Michigan water crisis has demonstrated the hazard that lead service lines used for drinking water can pose to public health; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Water Department has significantly reduced lead services and materials in the water system, but some properties in Cambridge may still be connected to the water system by lead service pipes; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Water Department are committed to ensuring that every resident has access to drinking water that meets the highest safety and health standards; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Water Department provides a number of free services to assist residents who receive water to their buildings through lead service lines; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston has recently launched an online database of properties connected to the water system through lead service lines to help educate and inform property owners and tenants; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Managing Director of the Cambridge Water Department for the purpose of creating an online database of lead service lines similar to the one created by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission; and now therefore be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate city departments to disseminate information to residents about the Cambridge Water Department’s free water quality testing and lead service pipe replacement services.

O-5     Mar 21, 2016
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City’s responsibility to keep streets passable and reasonably safe during construction must respond to the growing number of Greater Boston residents that choose biking as their primary or supplementary form of transportation; and
WHEREAS: Depressions, open trenches, vertical features at the intersection of milled and un-milled pavement, as well as gas, water, and sewer access pipes can be truly hazardous to a cyclists; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That Chapter 12.12 of the Municipal Code, entitled “Street Excavations and Obstruction,” be amended by adding a new section 12.12.065 entitled “Maintenance of safe passage – proper marking of hazards and trench closure required,” which reads as follows:

12.12.065 – Maintenance of safe passage – Proper marking of hazards and trench closure required.

A. Whenever any street is opened, occupied, obstructed or encumbered by any department of the City, or any other party to include contractors and subcontractors, workers much ensure that hazards in the work area must be clearly marked and safely managed to mitigate dangers to cyclists by:

1. Mark all vertical surfaces of 1 inch or more that are more than 30 degrees off of horizontal with bright yellow paint on the entire vertical surface(s) and at least ½ of the horizontal surface;

B. At all seam areas, where the roadwork is milled up to existing surface, pavement will be either ground at no greater than a 30 degree angle or have a ramp of asphalt fill ensuring that the contact point between the milled work and the existing surface has a ramp of no more than 30 degrees and the entire length of the seam area will be marked with bright yellow paint;

1. Ensuring that the paint marking hazards is refreshed as needed to maintain the required coverage;

2. Ensuring that all open trench or patching work will be closed by the end of business on Fridays except when weekend work is scheduled.

C. Violations of the paint requirement would be viewed as clear evidence of negligence on the part of whatever party was doing the street work.

ORDERED: That the proposed ordinance amendment be referred to the Ordinance Committee for hearing and report.

O-6     Mar 21, 2016  Amended
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that there has been an increase in house break-ins in the Cambridgeport neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department is working diligently to address these break-ins; and
WHEREAS: Residents of Cambridgeport have contacted members of the City Council inquiring as to what is being done to keep the neighborhood safe; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council regarding the status of home invasions house break-ins in Cambridgeport and how the Cambridge Police Department is addressing this issue.

O-7     Mar 21, 2016  Amended
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Cambridge prides itself on its multi-cultural immigrant communities, welcoming their various contributions to the city, whether through work, camaraderie, and/or community involvement; and
WHEREAS: According to the 2011 Cambridge Statistical Profile, over a quarter of Cambridge’s 103,609 residents are foreign-born with over 61% of that group lacking citizenship; and
WHEREAS: Residents of Cambridge, whether or not they are naturalized United States citizens, do pay state and local taxes, including property, sales, and school taxes, and enroll their children in our public schools, giving them a stake in decisions of the Cambridge City Council that affect them; and
WHEREAS: Without the ability to vote and gain representation through that power, non-citizens are at a disadvantage in ensuring that their views are adequately heard, understood, and represented in City Council discussions and policy decisions; and
WHEREAS: Even if a home rule petition allowing non-citizens to vote in municipal elections were to pass through the State Legislature, the ability to hold public office would still be reserved for U.S. citizens; therefore be it

ORDERED: That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations Committee and the Civic Unity Committee hold a joint hearing to determine the feasibility of facilitating the appointment of a “Non-Citizen Representative” to the City Council, who would: to discuss all issues related to non-citizen representation and outreach in Cambridge.
   1) be elected by Cambridge residents who are ineligible to vote in municipal elections solely on account of their citizenship;
   2) would not have the power to vote in Council meetings;
   3) would be able to speak on agenda items at Council meetings;
   4) would be able to submit policy orders to City Council members for their consideration; and
   5) would be allotted a publicly accessible meeting space for non-citizen Cambridge residents to air grievances and discuss city issues at least once per month.

O-8     Mar 21, 2016
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The creation of charter schools has created a two-tiered educational system that draws resources away from the broad group of public school students to serve a narrow select few; and
WHEREAS: A recent initiative is seeking to expand charter schools in the state by allowing the authorization of up to twelve new charters in a year; and
WHEREAS: Lifting the cap on charter schools would divert even more resources from the traditional public school system – resources such as qualified teachers and money that would improve district schools; and
WHEREAS: Many educational organizations, including teachers’ unions vocally oppose charter expansion; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to raising the cap on charter schools, supporting the improvement of district public schools and the equitable division of educational resources; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the elected Cambridge delegation in the House and Senate, and to Governor Baker on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-9     Mar 21, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Water Department serves more than 100,000 residents and works to provide information and services to the City’s residents, commercial customers, and contractors; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge’s water has naturally occurring mineral content, calcium carbonate, also known as hardness and using this water in any heating system may require treatment according to manufacturers’ recommendations and plumbing systems with corrosion resistant fixtures relating to the specific water hardness; and
WHEREAS: Many in the City from contractors to residents are not aware of the unique challenges posed by water hardness, and having additional information available via the Cambridge Water Department’s website regarding best practices and technical resources for installing plumbing fixtures would be useful when making installation decisions; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Water Department currently provides excellent educational resources via their website and further offers free water testing and other information to City residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Water Department to create an informational web page that will provide plumbing infrastructure installation tips for residents, commercial customers, and contractors in the City of Cambridge.

O-10     Mar 21, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to update the City Council on the effects of the removal of sidewalk vaults in Central Square.

O-11     Mar 21, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) is now in the midst of its second full year of a major, agency-wide renovation project that is forcing the temporary, and in some cases permanent, relocation of its tenants; and
WHEREAS: Many of these tenants are being offered the opportunity to access mobile Section 8 vouchers that would allow them to seek housing outside the CHA portfolio, and due to rising rental costs, many of these tenants will be forced to secure housing in other communities; and
WHEREAS: The City’s Inclusionary Housing program has a number of units that are available for rent each year, and in the interest of allowing as many long-term Cambridge residents to remain a part of this community as possible, it would be a positive development if the Community Development Department could work with the CHA to ensure that CHA tenants who accept Section 8 vouchers as part of the CHA’s RAD program are given greater consideration in securing Community Development Department housing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the appropriate Community Development Department personnel to reach out to the Cambridge Housing Authority in order to determine how to strengthen the opportunities for CHA tenants with Section 8 vouchers to secure Community Development Department inclusionary units.


O-12     Mar 21, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, MA established a Committee to prepare the City of Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan 2015 Update; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan Update contains several potential future projects to mitigate potential impacts from natural hazards in the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Duly-noticed public meetings were held by the City on January 9, 2013, January 10, 2013, and March 18, 2014; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge authorizes responsible departments and/or agencies to execute their responsibilities demonstrated in the plan update; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council adopts the City of Cambridge Hazard Mitigation Plan 2015 Update, in accordance with M.G.L. 40 §4 or the charter and ordinances of the City of Cambridge.

O-13     Mar 21, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years been seeking to enhance safety for all users of our public spaces, including people who drive, walk, bicycle, and use public transportation; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years promoted the use of sustainable modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, and public transportation, and more recently established a formal Safe Routes to School Program; and
WHEREAS: A number of communities across the United States and around the world have begun to adopt a formal Complete Streets Policy; and
WHEREAS: Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transportation users of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across a complete street; and
WHEREAS: Complete Streets have been a key component to City infrastructure projects and have been a commitment in the City’s Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan for the last eight years; and
WHEREAS: Formalizing the City’s commitment to Complete Streets will reinforce existing sustainable transportation policies and plans, including the Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance, the Climate Protection Plan, the Pedestrian Plan, the Bicycle Plan, the Transit Strategic Plan, the Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan, and the City’s Community Health Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS: The key City departments involved in the design, construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure are supportive of adopting a formal Complete Streets Policy, including Community Development, Public Health, Public Works, and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation; and
WHEREAS: MassDOT has created a new Complete Streets Program and anticipates providing construction funding of up to $400,000 to municipalities; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge goes on record as adopting the attached Complete Streets Policy.

O-14     Mar 21, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years been seeking to enhance safety for all users of our public streets, including people who drive, walk, bicycle, and use public transportation, and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has for many years promoted the use of sustainable modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, and public transportation, and more recently established a formal Safe Routes to School Program; and
WHEREAS: A number of communities across the United States and around the world have begun to adopt a Vision Zero goal, which involves working towards the elimination of transportation fatalities and severe injuries; and
WHEREAS: These communities have come together under the banner of the Vision Zero Network (visionzeronetwork.org), which promotes Vision Zero nationally and helps to create information sharing among peer communities; and
WHEREAS: Vision Zero involves focusing on improving transportation safety from a public health and harm reduction perspective, an approach that is broadly consistent with the City’s transportation, public health, and community sustainability goals; and
WHEREAS: Committing to Vision Zero will reinforce existing sustainable transportation policies and plans, including the Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance, the Climate Protection Plan, the Pedestrian Plan, the Bicycle Plan, the Transit Strategic Plan, the Five-Year Street and Sidewalk Reconstruction Plan, and the City’s Community Health Improvement Plan; and
WHEREAS: The key City departments involved in transportation are supportive of a Vision Zero goal, including Community Development, Police, Public Health, Public Works, and Traffic, Parking, and Transportation; and
WHEREAS: These department have jointly performed a detailed analysis of crash statistics to understand the crash rates and safety issues in Cambridge, to provide a data-driven basis for understanding how safety can be improvement, now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge goes on record as committing to Vision Zero, with goals of eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries, as well as continuing to reduce the crash rates for all modes; and
RESOLVED: That the key City departments noted above will develop an initial Vision Zero Action Plan, which will be updated bi-annually (every two years); and
RESOLVED: That the key City departments noted above will continue to develop yearly updates to the crash statistics and safety analysis, which will provide a basis for developing updates to the Action Plan and generally pursue actions aimed at achieving the goals of Vision Zero.


AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-6. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the appropriate City departments to report back with a rough estimate of capital and operating expenditures for a pilot City of Cambridge tool library for the year 2017.  See Mgr #7
Councillor Mazen, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-3) from 1/25/2016

16-8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works and the Community Development Department to work with Eversource and other power providers to plan and implement infrastructure improvements to fully support future development in Cambridge and further to confer with the appropriate departments to draft an amendment to the City’s Zoning Ordinance that would see projects needing a special permit undergo a power needs assessment as part of the permitting process.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 1/25/2016

16-9. Report on organizing a Volpe Task Force made up of representatives from abutting neighborhood groups and Kendall Square residents and businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 2/1/2016

16-10. Report on ways the City of Cambridge can implement such a service with the goal of notifying residents of city-wide and neighborhood events and meetings via automated calls or text messages.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Devereux (O-3) from 2/1/2016

16-12. Report on the current total number and locations of sandwich board and A-frame signs, details on the process and criteria for approval and annual renewal, details on the enforcement of non-compliant and unpermitted signs, whether the annual $75 fee remains appropriate, whether reasonable design guidelines could be encouraged or required in historic districts, and whether the application process could be improved to include more detail to better inform decision makers.  See Mgr #8
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Mayor Simmons (O-8) from 2/1/2016

16-13. Report on the study the benefits of a wellbeing index and plan for how it might be incorporated into various City planning processes, including the citywide Master Plan.
Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-6) from 2/22/2016

16-14. Report on the possibility of closing two lanes to cars (one in each direction) on Memorial Drive on Apr 29, 2016, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Walk/Ride Days, and the kick-off of the 5th Annual Walk/Ride Day Corporate Challenge.
Councillor Mazen, Councillor Devereux, Mayor Simmons (O-17) from 2/22/2016

16-15. Report on issues raised concerning the curb cut application for 41 Gibson Street.  See Mgr #5
Councillor Maher (O-18) from 2/22/2016

16-16. Report on financial impacts and a plan to take Vail Court eminent domain.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-12) from 2/22/2016

16-17. Report on what new measures must be implemented in order to prevent school buses and other large vehicles from accessing Magee Street.
Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 2/29/2016

16-18. Report on preparing a legal opinion on whether the Peter Cohen zoning petition is reverse spot zoning.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-4) from 2/29/2016

16-19. Report on hygiene products in public restrooms.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 3/14/2016

16-20. Report on follow-up to swatting/school bomb threats.
Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 3/14/2016

16-21. Report on the use of shuttle buses to other pools during renovations of Gold Star Mother's Pool.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 3/14/2016