Cambridge City Council meeting - March 30, 2020

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $52,890.00 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account for the support of the continued operation of the Y2Y Youth Shelter for the next few weeks.
Adopted 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the recommended reappointment of Christopher Bator as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of 5-years.
Referred to Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee

Mar 30, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby recommending the reappointment of Christopher Bator to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) for a term of 5 years. Mr. Bator was first appointed to the CRA in 2012. Mr. Bator grew up in Cambridge and has raised his three children here.

Mr. Bator has demonstrated a consistent focus on utilizing the resources of the CRA to promote the public benefit of local development and strategic community investments, particularly beyond the boundary of Kendall Square. As the Board Treasurer, Mr. Bator has been highly attentive to the CRA's fiduciary position to ensure that it has the resources to implement projects and programs for all of Cambridge. He has led the effort to transform the investment approach to preserve and enhance the CRA's financial assets, and has helped establish protocols for tracking budget expenses. At the same time, he has encouraged the CRA's thoughtful investment in community capital needs through the Forward Fund, the purchase of 93-99 Bishop Allen Drive, and other strategic partnerships with Cambridge nonprofits.

This request to reappointment Mr. Bator is supported by CRA Executive Director Thomas Evans and Board Chair Kathleen Born.

Therefore, in accordance with Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws, I am submitting Mr. Bator's name for City Council confirmation as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee or other suitable committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-3, regarding the feasibility of purchasing sensory bags for Police vehicles as a pilot program.
Adopted 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the use of the War Memorial Recreation Center and Field House on Cambridge Street, which is adjacent to and part of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School campus, for an emergency shelter for the homeless due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
Placed on File

The City Manager will brief the City Council on consideration of the use of the War Memorial Recreation Center and Field House on Cambridge Street, which is adjacent to and part of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School campus, for an emergency shelter for the homeless due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

ON THE TABLE
1. 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]

2. That the “2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation. [TABLED ON MAR 23, 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]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Sam Kachmar, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 207 Lakeview Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Charter Right - Zondervan

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Risa Mednick, 20 Maple Avenue, regarding a report that makes clear recommendations regarding shelters during the COVID crisis.

2. A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, regarding Remote Participation.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church on their 130th Anniversary. Councillor Simmons

2. Moratorium on rent payments, mortgage payments, evictions and foreclosures. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone
This "Resolution" appears to have been recategorized in the Final Actions for this Council meeting as Order #8.

R-2 Mar 30, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE

WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic and necessary containment protocols implemented to flatten the curve and keep people safe have resulted in a reduction or elimination of income for many Cambridge residents; and

WHEREAS: The necessary closure of businesses, institutions, construction sites, and more has created financial hardship for many individuals and families; and

WHEREAS: The necessary closure of schools has required parents to either stay home or spend money on childcare; and

WHEREAS: These containment protocols could continue well past the next few weeks and nobody truly knows when it will be safe to lift them; and

WHEREAS: Massachusetts housing courts have suspended most eviction proceedings until at least April 22; and

WHEREAS: On March 16 alone, there were 19,884 new unemployment claims filed with the state; and

WHEREAS: Italy and California have suspended mortgage payments due to the crisis; and

WHEREAS: A suspension on rent payments, mortgage payments, evictions, and foreclosures would provide housing security and great relief for residents while allowing social distancing and other containment protocols to remain in place without such a harsh economic impact; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record calling for the Federal Government and/or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to issue an immediate moratorium on rent payments, mortgage payments, evictions, and foreclosures until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the entirety of Cambridge’s legislative delegation.

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Cambridge Housing Authority and other appropriate personnel to enforce compliance with this order in publicly owned housing, publicly subsidized housing, and federally assisted housing. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler [Note: This summary does not reflect the substance of the Order.]
Adopted 9-0 as Amended

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation on streets in each neighborhood that could be closed to all non-essential traffic for the duration of the Health Emergency and report back to the council as soon as possible. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Charter Right - Simmons

3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DCR to explore closing Memorial Drive for the duration of the Stay at Home order to give people in Cambridge a safe space to exercise and be outside without violating social distancing practices. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Charter Right - Simmons

4. That the City Manager explore short-term solutions to expand essential internet access to Cambridge residents who lack it during the pandemic until such time that a municipal broadband network can be implemented. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant City departments to give the Council a financial impact summary from April 1 to June 30, 2020 and how it may impact this current year’s/next year’s budget and free cash. Councillor Toomey
Adopted 9-0

6. That the Council stands in solidarity with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe against the disestablishment of their reservation. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted 9-0

7. City Council support of SD.2888: An Act Concerning Business Interruption Insurance. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Adopted 9-0

8. That the City Council go on record calling for the Federal Government and/or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to issue an immediate moratorium on rent payments, mortgage payments, evictions, and foreclosures until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Adopted 9-0 as Amended (Note: This was originally listed as Resolution #2)

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Mar 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised virtual meeting)

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)

Mon, Apr 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised virtual meeting)

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)

Mon, Apr 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised virtual meeting)

Tues, Apr 14
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. (Sullivan Chamber - televised virtual meeting)

Wed, Apr 15
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. (Sullivan Chamber - televised virtual meeting)

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)

Mon, Apr 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised virtual meeting)

Tues, Apr 28
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the Harvard Square Conservation District Study Committee report. (Sullivan Chamber - televised virtual meeting)

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

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

Mon, May 18
4:00pm Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Mar 30, 2020 Amended
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis with far-reaching effects on Cambridge residents. A State of Emergency has been declared at the city, state, and national level, and the City must take unprecedented action to address this crisis; and
WHEREAS: Local businesses and workers are facing immediate and serious economic hardship, with many workers laid off, and many more residents with reduced or eliminated income. The recent Massachusetts Stay-at-Home Advisory will only exacerbate these hardships, while expenses continue to pile up for members of our community; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, residents, and homeowners have a vested interest in preventing an increase in homelessness and protecting our community during an emergency by providing temporary financial relief while protecting vulnerable homeowners; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge requests that all landlords and property managers forego rent increases for all properties for a period of sixty (60) days; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge requests that all landlords and property managers forego evictions of tenants with demonstrated, substantial loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis for a period of sixty (60) days; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge requests that all landlords and property managers allow tenants with demonstrated, substantial loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis a 120-day grace period from the enacting of this order to become current with rent; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with all relevant city departments to reach out to landlords to encourage compliance with this order.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Cambridge Housing Authority and other appropriate personnel to enforce compliance with this order in publicly owned housing, publicly subsidized housing, and federally assisted housing; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Water Department, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and other appropriate personnel to provide relief to unpaid landlords in compliance with this order regarding property taxes, utility bills, mortgages, and foreclosures.

O-2 Mar 30, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has declared a Health Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: On March 23, Governor Charlie Baker issued a “stay-at-home” advisory, in an effort to increase social distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS: Playgrounds, basketball courts, ball fields, and fitness areas have been closed to ensure social distancing; and
WHEREAS: It is imperative that Cambridge residents are able to safely go outside while keeping a distance of 6+ feet from others; and
WHEREAS: The length of time that residents will be asked to distance themselves from others is unknown at this time; and
WHEREAS: New York City has already implemented street closures to decrease density and reduce crowding in the city’s parks; and
WHEREAS: The “stay-at-home” advisory has drastically reduced car traffic in Cambridge, now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation on streets in each neighborhood that could be closed to all non-essential traffic for the duration of the Health Emergency and report back to the council as soon as possible; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager will ensure that all neighborhood groups are invited to give suggestions and input into any recommendations for how to best select streets for closure.

O-3 Mar 30, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Governor has issued a Stay at Home order for the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: The order urges residents not to leave the home except to do essential jobs, shop for groceries, buy medicine, or take a walk; and
WHEREAS: It is impossible to maintain proper distance from other individuals when talking a walk or going for a run on narrow Cambridge sidewalks, creating an unsafe situation for anyone who leaves the home; and
WHEREAS: Closing Memorial Drive to vehicular traffic would create a space for residents to go for a walk or get some exercise while maintaining recommended social distancing practices; and
WHEREAS: Traffic volumes are down significantly in the City of Cambridge during the Stay at Home order; and
WHEREAS: As the temperature gets warmer, the demand for safe outdoor space will only continue to increase; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DCR to explore closing Memorial Drive for the duration of the Stay at Home order to give people in Cambridge a safe space to exercise and be outside without violating social distancing practices; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible.

O-4 Mar 30, 2020
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents have been encouraged to socially distance and many are working from their homes; and
WHEREAS: Approximately half of all low-income households in Cambridge do not have access to broadband, making working from home and staying connected to friends and loved ones more difficult; and
WHEREAS: Students at Cambridge Public Schools and university students whose campuses have closed are now required to conduct much of their education online; and
WHEREAS: The City has closed its public libraries and school buildings, two common internet access points for low-income residents; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Housing Authority has closed off its common spaces, and with them, access to the internet-connected computers many low-income residents and high-risk elderly residents have; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager explore what short-term solutions may be taken to expand essential internet access to Cambridge residents who lack it during the pandemic until such time that a municipal broadband network can be implemented.

O-5 Mar 30, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The city is acting as a leader to address the many impacts of the coronavirus; and
WHEREAS: The coronavirus is impacting spending and revenue collections; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant City departments to give the Council a financial impact summary from April 1 to June 30, 2020 and how it may impact this current year’s/next year’s budget and free cash.

O-6 Mar 30, 2020
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: On March 27, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread across Massachusetts and the country, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt ordered that the reservation of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe would be disestablished and its land taken out of federal trust; and
WHEREAS: This order was delivered despite ongoing and unresolved litigation over the status of the Tribe’s land in federal court, defying the independent jurisdiction of the judiciary; and
WHEREAS: This is the first order to disestablish a reservation since the federal government’s colonialist policies of termination and forced assimilation were left behind in the 1960s; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council acknowledges that it governs a municipality on land stolen from the indigenous peoples of Massachusetts, and therefore has a very basic responsibility to defend and expand the rights and autonomy of Native Americans in whichever ways it can; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record stating its opposition to the Interior Secretary’s disestablishment of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s reservation, and its solidarity with the members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council urges Governor Baker and its legislative delegations to the state legislature and US Congress to oppose this order by any means at their disposal, including legal challenges, pursuing options to recognize the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe at the state level, and passing new legislation to create a legal framework and funding mechanisms for Massachusetts’ Native American tribes to continue to hold their land in autonomy; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Cambridge Legislative Delegation and the State Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7 Mar 30, 2020
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: On March 23, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses across Massachusetts for two weeks, forcing many vulnerable small businesses to close their doors, and resulting in lost revenue for them; and
WHEREAS: It is estimated that 15,000 stores could permanently close across the country in 2020, a number significantly higher than the 9,548 stores that permanently closed in 2019, highlighting just how devastating this lost revenue will be for businesses, particularly for small businesses that have less savings than larger businesses; and
WHEREAS: Small business owners often invest their personal savings into their businesses, indicating possibly severe consequences for small business owners, as they generate less revenue, and may not have extensive personal savings; and
WHEREAS: Nevertheless, insurance companies have largely denied business interruption policy claims, preventing business owners from accessing much-needed and much-deserved financial relief; and
WHEREAS: State Senator James Eldridge recently filed SD.2888: An Act Concerning Business Interruption Insurance; and
WHEREAS: This legislation would require insurance companies to pay business interruption policyholders that have experienced an interruption to their business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, if they have 150 or fewer employees; and
WHEREAS: The bill would apply to hotels, restaurants, arts organizations, and other businesses that have been hit hard by this public health crisis, and emphasizes uplifting small businesses during these challenging times; and
WHEREAS: Supporting SD.2888 would align with the City Council goal of “[ensuring] that Cambridge remains an Innovation Hub that integrates businesses of all sizes into a thriving ecosystem”; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of SD.2888: An Act Concerning Business Interruption Insurance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge legislative delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8 Mar 30, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic and necessary containment protocols implemented to flatten the curve and keep people safe have resulted in a reduction or elimination of income for many Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: The necessary closure of businesses, institutions, construction sites, and more has created financial hardship for many individuals and families; and
WHEREAS: The necessary closure of schools has required parents to either stay home or spend money on childcare; and
WHEREAS: These containment protocols could continue well past the next few weeks and nobody truly knows when it will be safe to lift them; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts housing courts have suspended most eviction proceedings until at least April 22; and
WHEREAS: On March 16 alone, there were 19,884 new unemployment claims filed with the state; and
WHEREAS: Italy and California have suspended mortgage payments due to the crisis; and
WHEREAS: A suspension on rent payments, mortgage payments, evictions, and foreclosures would provide housing security and great relief for residents while allowing social distancing and other containment protocols to remain in place without such a harsh economic impact; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record calling for the Federal Government and/or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to issue an immediate moratorium on rent payments, mortgage payments, evictions, and foreclosures until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the entirety of Cambridge’s legislative delegation.

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. See Mgr #3
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