Cambridge City Council meeting - March 23, 2020

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $20,000 from the General Fund Reserves Other Ordinary Maintenance Account to the General Fund City Clerk Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to cover higher than expected printing and advertising costs.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Homeland Security Grant from the City of Boston for $7,047.00 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account, received as reimbursement for trainings performed in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) and will be used to cover the City's costs for participation in the trainings.
Order Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of to an order authorizing the City Manager for transfer appropriations of available balances prior to the close of the books for FY19-20.
Order Adopted 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2020 and ending Mar 31, 2021. [Manager's Letter]
Order Adopted 9-0

Mar 23, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached for your consideration, my recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2020 and ending Mar 31, 2021.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

Agenda Item Number 4 Mar 23, 2020
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, 2020 and ending Mar 31, 2021:

	Annual Consumption*	FY20 Water Rate	FY21 Proposed Water Rate	FY20 Sewer Rate	FY21 Proposed Sewer Rate
Block 1	0 – 40 CcF	$3.02	$3.02	$11.77	$12.51
Block 2	41 – 400 CcF	$3.24	$3.24	$12.44	$13.22
Block 3	401 – 2,000 CcF	$3.44	$3.44	$13.36	$14.20
Block 4	2,001 – 10,000 CcF	$3.65	$3.65	$14.39	$15.30
Block 5	Over 10,000 CcF	$3.96	$3.96	$15.30	$16.26

*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 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 “2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER ON MAR 16, 2020.]
Tabled 9-0

ON THE TABLE
2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings. [TABLED ON JAN 27, 2020]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-108, regarding a report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections. [PENDING RESPONSE FROM LEGISLATURE]

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding decision in PB #288.

2. A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, 49 Gore Street, regarding proposed Real Estate Transfer Fee.

3. A communication was received from Alfred Disidoro, 49 Gore Street, regarding proposed Real Estate Transfer Fee.

4. A communication was received from Genevieve Coyle, 230 Lakeview Avenue, regarding affordable housing.

4. Resolution on the death of Jimmy Albert Smith. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Adopted

R-4 Mar 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jimmy Albert Smith Jr. on Mar 11, 2020; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy was born in Cambridge on Aug 14, 1953 and was the proud son of the late James and Evonon Smith; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy is the distinguished graduate of Cambridge High School and Latin High School in 1972 and later studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston; and

WHEREAS: Upon Jimmy’s graduation in 1972, he was hired by the Cambridge Music Department where he taught music for forty-three years and was a beloved teacher and mentor who positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy will long be remembered for his funny, supportive and outgoing personality which made him a favorite among students and faculty alike regardless of whether he was teaching, singing, performing, directing student musicals or leading the band during football games; and

WHEREAS: In the early 1980’s, Jimmy turned to performing comedy and at the Comedy Connection in Boston where he co-hosted an open mic night with fellow comedian Jack Gallagher where a typical lineup would include comedians such as Steven Wright, Paula Poundstone, Denis Leary, Bobcat Goldthwait, Steve Sweeney, Barry Crimmins, Lenny Clarke and many more young comics who later would become household names both locally and nationally; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy worked his way up the comedy ladder from open mic performer to headlining clubs and colleges all over New England and he credited his success to the support and advice he got from fellow comics and booking agents Paul Barkley and Billy Downes of the Comedy Connection; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy was a consummate entertainer, both gracious and collaborative, he could sing, scat like the wind, dance, compose music and, write and perform original comedic monologues; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy’s charismatic stage persona exuded warmth and charm and he was an instant crowd pleaser and the first time he performed at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles, he received a standing ovation; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy was a mainstay on the Boston and New England comedy and music scenes for over thirty years opening for such national acts as Ray Charles, Roberta Flack, The Smothers Brothers, Grace Jones, Kool and the Gang, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Stephanie Mills and many more; and

WHEREAS: As a singer, percussionist and trombone player for the Chris Rhodes Band, Jimmy opened for Bette Midler, Dr. John, The Chambers Brothers, Ike and Tina Turner and many other marquee performers; and

WHEREAS: Over the last decade, Jimmy battled diabetes, heart and kidney disease, amputation of both legs and a host of other medical issues that greatly limited his physical mobility nevertheless he displayed great strength, courage and optimism and stayed active to the utmost of his ability regularly performing with Cambridge’s Eric Blues Band, treating audiences to his upbeat vocals, musical expertise and on-stage improvisational antics; and

WHEREAS: Jimmy’s passing will lead a void in the lives of all his surviving family; his beloved wife Susan; his dear brother Steven and sister-in-law Darlene; his aunt Marcia; and a host of extended family and friends; and

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

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of Jimmy Albert Smith Jr. at this time of such personal loss; and be it further

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

5. Congratulations to Eleanor Boudreau for being named the 2019 winner of the Agnes Lynch Starrett Poetry prize. Councillor Simmons
Adopted

ORDERS
1. City Council support of Senator Ron Wyden’s forthcoming legislation calling for the delay of federal REAL ID requirements until September 2021. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted 9-0

2. That the Cambridge City Council requests that brokers, landlords, and real estate agents not to show housing units with current occupants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons
Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Toomey - PRESENT)

3. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of using vacant properties and hotels as emergency shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to present emergency appropriations to the City Council in order to provide appropriate financial relief to businesses and organizations in the city, especially those which are not receiving sufficient state or federal assistance. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Information Technology Department and other relevant departments to develop a hotline dedicated to providing updated local information about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in as many languages as possible and implement an audio/video bridge between the Zoom platform and the city's existing audio/video streaming and recording platform in the Sullivan Chamber. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel to develop and implement an online portal designed to allow senior citizens who are house-bound due to the coronavirus outbreak to sign up and notify the City that they require assistance with receiving grocery deliveries, other services delivered, and/or wellness checks throughout this crisis. Councillor Simmons
Adopted 9-0

7. The City of Cambridge has declared a Health Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That the City Manager and the Chief Public Health Officer immediately execute a ‘Stay at Home’ order for the City of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Adopted 9-0

2. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting COVID-19 Ideas and Suggestions.
Placed on File 9-0

MEMORANDUM
To: Cambridge City Council
From: Quinton Y. Zondervan, City Councillor
Date: Mar 19, 2020
Subject: COVID-19 ideas and suggestions

Dear Colleagues,

These are trying times and we will get through this by working together. The following is a non-exhaustive list of ideas and suggestions from my office for strengthening our response to the coronavirus epidemic in Cambridge. As we combine our ideas and diversity of expertise we will produce the best outcomes that we collectively can.

In terms of our own function as a legislative body, I think the Council should prioritize these three things:

1. Avoidance of all possible in-person interactions for the next 2 to 3 weeks.

The next few weeks are most critical for flattening the curve. Any effort put into social distancing tactics over the next few weeks will protect our most vulnerable residents by reducing their risk of contracting the virus and having to seek treatment in overcrowded hospitals. It is essential that the Council model this behavior by conducting our own business entirely online using the Zoom video conferencing platform, as several other cities are doing, including Newton. While I fully respect and commend the efforts that have already been made to reduce everybody’s risk, health experts simply do not recommend physical gatherings of the size we saw at the March 16 regular council meeting at this time. When the public sees councillors and staff in close physical proximity during our council meetings, they are receiving mixed messages about the importance of taking precautions to protect against the spread of COVID-19. It makes no sense to have any part of our council meetings be in-person during this critical period when we have the technology to completely avoid that.

2. Continuing to function as the legislative body that directs the city administration’s efforts

It is essential that the council continue to meet and conduct business related to the COVID-19 outbreak, even over these next few weeks. The rapidly-changing nature of the situation will only continue, and it is important that we have regularly scheduled opportunities to discuss and approve any appropriations that the City Manager puts forward, uplift the concerns of our residents, and have frank discussions about necessary policy changes as we respond to the pandemic. We need to work together to fill in the gaps that have been created in the lives of all our neighbors and give everyone as much stability as possible, especially the most vulnerable and those with the most essential needs. This emergency has exposed how thoroughly unprepared we are to deal with situations like this, and it is going to take considerable time, effort and attention for us to catch up to it.

3. Maintaining transparency and the public trust

We are fortunate to have the ability to continue conducting business in the age of COVID-19 using online technologies, but we must also be mindful of the downsides. The integrity of our public process is at stake when residents are not able to give public comment or even watch us conduct business. I have already spoken with residents who are concerned about council meetings moving online because they do not have internet access at home. Other residents have struggled to adjust to the online system for giving public comment, and public comment was not audible to me last Monday night through the remote participation audio link. The city should provide a low-stakes training session for residents who would like to learn and practice using these technologies, in order to be as accommodating, inclusive, and transparent as possible. While the level of transparency and accessibility we usually enjoy may not be possible for now, we should avoid advancing significant non-emergency legislation until we have made adjustments to this new normal, so as to not lose the public trust which is so essential to our democracy. At some point in the hopefully not too distant future, we will reach a “new normal” that is more stable, and we may find that we have capacity and ability to work transparently on other important priorities. We can always reevaluate at that time, but for now working on other detailed policies will only distract from what we must be most focused on, which is responding to the immediate crisis.

To accomplish the above I recommend that we do the following:

1. Conduct all city council meetings entirely via the Zoom platform starting Mon, Mar 23, while continuing to stream the meetings to the general public via all existing channels.

2. Limit our meeting agendas to our response to the coronavirus pandemic, and anything else that is time sensitive and urgent.

3. Ensure maximum public participation via Zoom, including public comment.

4. Ensure city websites are accessible to the maximum range of devices and internet connection setups possible.

In addition, the most important thing we can do is to educate the public on the need for maximal social isolation. It is important to stay home except for walks/fresh air, and to keep a distance of 15 feet from other people when outside of the home (minimum 6 feet but a small risk of transmission remains even at that distance).

Here’s a list of suggestions/ideas that have been communicated to us that are worth considering further:

1. Large apartments: Many residents live in large apartment buildings and aspects of social distancing are logistically challenging. The city should work with the CHA, non-profit housing providers, and private landlords to minimize the risk of transmission in shared spaces. The city should develop guidance from both the landlord and tenant perspective. New York City has already begun this work. Here are some examples of things to include:

a. Guidance for minimizing risk in communal laundry rooms, washrooms, mailrooms, elevators, stairwells, and other shared spaces.

b. Guidance for times when it is necessary for a landlord to enter the home of a tenant.

c. General infection prevention strategies and disinfection guidance.

d. Additionally, the city should work with building managers to ensure that first responders know where people with special emergency/medical needs live in each building, and that any especially vulnerable residents of each building are receiving the protection and attention they need.

2. Small businesses: Many are concerned about the impact of social distancing on our small businesses, restaurants, and bars. Here are some steps we should consider immediately (some may already be in the works):

a. The city should use its platform to exert pressure on both the federal and state government to implement significant relief, including tax relief and extensions, deferred payment plans for rents, mortgages, utility bills, grants, providing bailout funds, and emergency zero-interest loans

b. The city should leverage its considerable resources to supplement as necessary the financial relief provided by state and federal authorities.

c. The city should create a centralized resource for employers and employees to provide assistance and guidance, as San Francisco already has done.

d. The city should work with Cambridge Local First and other business associations to develop centralized resources for members of the public interested in supporting local businesses during the emergency. This could include a list of restaurants and other businesses offering delivery services, online goods for purchase, or gift cards for sale.

e. The city should work with Cambridge Local First and other business associations to provide special assistance to and promotion of businesses that are newly transitioning to a takeout and delivery model. Residents won’t necessarily know that these services are even being offered.

3. Taxation, billing, and fees: With economic forecasts looking bleak and many residents already out of work, the city should do what it can to defer or eliminate taxes, billing, and fees, including the following:

a. Defer collection on any taxes, bills, or fees that it possibly can, including excise taxes, water bills, and parking permit fees for the time being.

b. Waive the additional fee burden that is presented when making an online payment to the city.

c. Provide access, education and training for anyone who is not used to paying bills online.

d. Continue with street cleaning, but not ticket or tow cars for the next month or two.

Tues, Mar 24
5:30pm Roundtable/Working Meeting for members of the City Council and School Committee to continue discussion regarding the school budget for Fiscal Year 2021. [CANCELLED]

Thurs, Mar 26
10:00am The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the timeline, scope, and budget of the Tobin/Vassal Lane School Project and how it fits into the long term plan for all school buildings in the city to accommodate expected enrollment changes over the next 10 to 20 years and an update on the legislative office plans. [CANCELLED]

Tues, Mar 31
3:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will meet for a hearing to discuss challenges and opportunities that exist in City purchasing, procurement and programs for MWBEs and other historically disadvantaged businesses and non-profits in Cambridge. [CANCELLED]

Thurs, Apr 2
11:00am The Human Services and Veterans Committee of the City Council will hold a public hearing to discuss harm reduction in Cambridge, hear input from community partners and legal scholars, and host a mock-SIS demonstration, and discuss a policy order out of committee asking the City to move forward with approving a supervised injection services location. [CANCELLED]

Tues, Apr 7
3:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will meet for a hearing to discuss a report back from the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department on steps the City of Cambridge has taken towards developing a vacant storefront registration policy. [CANCELLED]

Tues, Apr 14
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. THIS MEETING WILL BE TELEVISED. (likely web-only)

Wed, Apr 15
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. THIS MEETING WILL BE TELEVISED. (likely web-only)

Thurs, Apr 16
5:30pm The Health and Environment Committee to hear a progress report and recommendations from the Climate Resilience Zoning Task Force. [CANCELLED]

Tues, Apr 28
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the Harvard Square Conservation District Study Committee report. THIS MEETING WILL BE TELEVISED. (likely web-only)

Tues, May 12
9:00am The Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 budget. (likely web-only)

Wed, May 13
5:00pm The Finance Committee will meet for continued public hearings on the FY21 budget. (likely web-only)

Mon, May 18
4:00pm Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony. (likely to be web only or cancelled)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (likely web-only)

O-4 Mar 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 crisis poses great risk to many Cambridge organizations and the people who run them, including but not limited to arts & culture institutions, nonprofits providing essential services, restaurants and foodservice establishments, bars and nightlife, and more; and
WHEREAS: Many such organizations rely on revenue streams such as ticket and item sales, which are no longer available because of necessary social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS: Some organizations have necessarily shut down completely or partially in order to comply with regulatory changes and social distancing recommendations from health experts; and
WHEREAS: Organizations both large and small will be challenged by social distancing and limits on large gatherings for weeks and months to come; and
WHEREAS: For some of these organizations, losing weeks or months of revenue may end up being an impossible hurdle to overcome without assistance; and
WHEREAS: The positive, uplifting power of art and music will be an important component of our healing process in the months to come; and
WHEREAS: State and federal funding is becoming available for certain businesses and organizations, but not others; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present emergency appropriations to the City Council in order to provide appropriate financial relief to businesses and organizations in the city, especially those which are not receiving sufficient state or federal assistance, in proportion to need; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and local business associations to provide and promote a centralized resource with ways that residents can continue to support local organizations and businesses in the weeks and months ahead, including when applicable takeout and delivery, online merchandise, donations, and the sale of gift cards; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on these matters as soon as possible.

O-5 Mar 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The city cannot possibly over-communicate essential information during the COVID-19 crisis; and
WHEREAS: The city set up a website dedicated to providing information related to the crisis, but some residents do not have access to the internet, and it is essential that this information is universally accessible; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts has set up a telephone hotline dedicated to information about the crisis via 2-1-1, but callers are often placed on long holds after pressing 2-6; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Department of Public Health has set up a telephone hotline dedicated to information about the crisis but it currently does not provide any information and only invites the caller to leave a message; and
WHEREAS: It is important to reduce language barriers to this information as much as possible; and
WHEREAS: As the City Council continues to meet during the crisis, we will need to proactively work to maintain integrity and public trust; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Information Technology Department and other relevant departments to develop a hotline dedicated to providing updated local information about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis in as many languages as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all city departments to ensure that any communication materials provided by the city about the ongoing COVID-19 crisis are offered in as many languages as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to implement an audio/video bridge between the Zoom platform and the city’s existing audio/video streaming and recording platform in the Sullivan Chamber so that all City Council meetings can be conducted entirely via Zoom without anyone needing to be physically present in the Sullivan chamber, including council members, city staff and members of the public, all of whom should be able to participate via Zoom including during public comment; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide detailed instructions and training for the public on new systems of participation in council meetings, including public comment, as they are implemented.

O-7 Mar 23, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: As of March 23, 17 Cambridge residents had tested positive for COVID-19, more than doubling the known cases in 4 days, with many more cases expected due to sustained community spreading of the virus; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has declared a Health Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: In the last week, the City of Cambridge has led the way in the fight against COVID-19 and enacted several policies including the closures of hair, tanning and nail salons, barber shops, gyms, tattoo and body-piercing studios and more, as well as closed municipal buildings and schools, tot lots, basketball courts, and tennis courts, and playgrounds, in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, which has a current global death toll of over 15,000; and
WHEREAS: As we have reached a critical tipping point, local hospitals are already seeing an increase in cases of COVID-19, and are in danger of being overwhelmed, which will result in an unprecedented demand on medical personnel and supplies, ultimately leading to many more deaths as we have seen in other countries; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has received reports that residents are still not practicing medically advised physical distancing, particularly in grocery stores, public parks, pick-up food establishments; and
WHEREAS: On March 23, Governor Baker ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses in the state and issued a “stay-at-home” advisory, beginning Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at noon, effective until April 7, 2020 at noon; and
WHEREAS: ‘Stay at Home’ orders are critical interventions which have been instituted across the United States; and
WHEREAS: A ‘Stay at Home’ order would not apply to those going to work in an essential business; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager and the Chief Public Health Officer immediately execute a ‘Stay at Home’ order for the City of Cambridge; and
ORDERED: That the City Manager work with the appropriate city departments to ensure that proper social distancing is being practiced by all shoppers at essential businesses that remain open, including by those procuring items for delivery orders; and be it further
ORDERED: That this order goes into effect no later than Tuesday, March 24th at noon.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
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

18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018

18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018

18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018

18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019

19-21. Report on the process for establishing a formal, thorough review of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership programs, incorporating a plan for obtaining and analyzing substantial quantitative data inclusive of all types of units.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/25/2019

19-22. Report on the feasibility of allowing small businesses to host live acoustic music performances without a license, and if feasible, present the City Council with a proposal to allow such performances.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019

19-45. Report on compiling a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 4/8/2019

19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019

19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019

19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019

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

19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019

19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019

19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019

19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019

19-106. Report on conducting City directed environmental testing on the Sullivan Courthouse building and water in basement, to determine the risk posed to the public, and provide a timeline of completion and to establish an operational understanding directly with DCAMM officials and ask for a state designee for communication/coordination on how the building will be secured and monitored.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 9/9/2019

19-123. Report on the feasibility of closing some portion of Harvard Square to vehicular traffic on a select number of days during the summer of 2020 to have open market-style events.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/7/2019

19-127. Report on instituting regularly scheduled public conversations between Public Utilities' representatives from Eversource, the Water Dept. Comcast, Verizon and any other appropriate entities to keep the City and public informed.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 10/7/2019

19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019

19-132. Report on planting new trees in Magazine Beach Park in the Spring of 2020 with a special focus on the eastern end of the park and the grove area.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-18) from 10/7/2019

19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019

19-137. Report on determining if ISD can be given the authority to issue citations for smoking in non-smoking buildings and to report back to the City Council.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) from 10/7/2019

19-139. Report on determining whether it would be possible to allow a permitted area for serving alcoholic beverages on Danehy Park property during special community-wide events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019

19-141. Report on looking into the idea of hiring a social worker in the FY2021 budget for the Central Square Library branch.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019

19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019

19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019

19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019

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

19-151. Report on the feasibility of making Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue between Roseland Street and Beech Street a quick-build Complete Street with bus priority.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019

19-153. Report on plans designed to mitigate the impact of the closing of Windsor House upon Cambridge seniors.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 11/4/2019

20-1. Report on the work that has been done to Support Small Business and the Arts through Tourism.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/13/2020

20-3. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing sensory bags for Police vehicles as a pilot program and report back to council for FY21 Budget.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/27/2020

20-4. Report on the feasibility of instituting and funding a fare-free pilot bus program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 1/27/2020

20-5. Report on the potential for implementing sufficient traffic-calming solutions on Upton Street.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 1/27/2020

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

20-7. Report on reviewing the roles, responsibilities, and compensation of City Council Aides with an eye toward designating this as a full-time position.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 2/3/2020

20-8. Report on working with the residents in the vicinity of Eustis Street to implement traffic calming measures on this street.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 2/3/2020

20-9. Report on allocating the necessary funds, and develop a comprehensive public safety plan, including contingency plans so that the event can take place in a secure time and place, even in the presence of significant threats that can be anticipated.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #2) from 2/3/2020

20-10. Report on renaming the Agassiz neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 2/10/2020

20-11. Report on the process for renaming the maintenance area within the Ryan Garage at 147 Hampshire Street in honor of Sydney Cox, with this becoming known as the “Sydney James Cox Maintenance Facility.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 2/10/2020

20-12. Report on the feasibility of instituting a program to install rings on parking meters to expand bicycle parking options.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 2/10/2020

20-13. Report on expanding the Head Start program hours and adding additional scholarships to improve access to high-quality, early childhood educational resources.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 2/10/2020

20-15. Report on the feasibility of limiting the number of Saturdays and holidays any one developer can be permitted for any one construction project.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 2/24/2020

20-16. Report on the feasibility of eliminating Library fines.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-3) from 2/24/2020

20-18. Report on the feasibility of implementing additional dedicated bus lanes, as well as fully separate protected bicycle lanes.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) from 2/24/2020

20-19. Report on producing a Request For Proposal for the municipal broadband feasibility study that was called for by the City's Broadband Task Force in August 2016.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 2/24/2020

20-21. Report on preparing a report on any steps the city has taken to work towards developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 3/2/2020

20-22. Report on working with the Inspectional Service Department to increase the fines for absentee property owners who continue to have violations stemming for rodent infestations.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 3/16/2020