Cambridge City Council meeting - April 1, 2024

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,987 received from the State Department of Early Education and Care to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($4,685) and the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,302). Funds will be used to support the work of the Center for Families and the Community Learning Center in providing services to families at the State Overflow Shelter located in Cambridge. (CM24#65)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the MBTA Track Improvement Program work in February and July 2024 on the Red Line. (CM24#66) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Iram Farooq (CDD), Brooke McKenna (TPT), Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Pickett, Simmons, City Manager Yi-An Huang, Suzanne Rasmussen (CDD), Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

CM24#66 Apr 1, 2024
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached a memorandum regarding the MBTA Track Improvement Program and scheduled closures for the Red Line from Assistant City Manager for Community Development, Iram Farooq and Transportation Commissioner, Brooke McKenna.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Ordinance 2023 #8B Amend Chapter 14.04 – Fair Housing [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 2, 2023; Amended Nov 6, 2023; to remain on Unfinished Business pending legislative approval of Special Act needed prior to ordination] (ORD23-8B)

2. An Ordinance has been received relative to amending Section 3.34.070 Authorized Revolving Funds. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 25, 2024; Eligible To Be Ordained Apr 8, 2024] (ORD24#1)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A petition from Uptown Transport Inc. 1430 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding a Tickets kiosk, 4 feet by 4 feet from Apr 12, 2024 with an end date of Oct 31, 2024, 9:00am-5:00pm. (AP24#13)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Aaron Shakow, regarding Proposed rule on public comment and the MA Declaration of Rights.

2. A communication from Aaron Shakow, regarding The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Cambridge Residents Alliance Proposed rules change on public comment in City Council meetings.

4. A communication from Alexander Zheleznyak, regarding Anti-Corruption Foundation.

7. A communication from Andrew Strassman, regarding PO#4 incentives for car non-owners.

8. A communication from Andy Nash, regarding Charter Right #2 and Application #1.

12. A communication from Bill McAvinney, regarding Strong Support for PO#35 & PO#37.

16. A communication from Catalina Arboleda, regarding Parking Needs of Older Residents and those with disabilities.

17. A communication from Charlene Abebe, regarding Incentives for reducing car ownership.

19. A communication from Christian Moomaw, regarding In appreciation of Cambridge’s street improvements.

20. A communication from Dan Phillips, regarding In support of promoting multi-family housing (1).

21. A communication from Dan Totten, regarding thoughts on equitable zoning reform and critical changes to the rules.

23. A communication from Diana Yousef, regarding Please restore and maintain parking (2).

24. A communication from Doug Baker, regarding please support those not owning cars.

26. A communication from Ed Bacher, regarding Incentives for reducing car ownership.

27. A communication from Elena Saporta, regarding PO#4 - Incentivize alternatives to car ownership.

28. A communication from Zach Kulstad regarding Incentives for no car ownership.

29. A communication from Young Kim regarding Traffic Congestion at Mass Ave & Alewife Brook Pkwy Intersection.

30. A communication from Ethan Frank, regarding PO24#45 is the kind of conversations we should be having.

34. A communication from Gabe Tiberius, regarding Colombo Support incentives for residents without cars.

35. A communication from Todd Chapin regarding Support of incentives for people who don’t own cars.

39. A communication from Sharon Cerny regarding Comments on Item #9 Parking Study.

42. A communication from Robson Goulart regarding Support of incentives for bike owners.

43. A communication from Robin Chase regarding PO#4 on providing incentives for residents who do not own cars.

44. A communication from Robert Bledsoe regarding City Council Rules Changes per PO24#41.

46. A communication from Prabal Chakrabarti regarding Urgent Safety Concern on Appleton Street.

48. A communication from Ned Melanson regarding In support of promoting multi-family housing.

49. A communication from Michael Hoff regarding In support of promoting multi-family housing.

50. A communication from Meredith Moore regarding Support Zoning Petition – Application #1.

53. A communication from Eric Colburn, regarding Incentives for residents to go car-free.

54. A communication from Mary Byrne regarding Comments on Cambridge Parking Plan.

56. A communication from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding Proposed Relief from Zoning restrictions PO24#35 and PO24#37.

59. A communication from Kaleb Strong regarding Support for PO24#45: Providing Incentives for Residents Who Do Not Have Cars.

62. A communication from John Hanratty, regarding 2022 City of Cambridge Parking Study.

63. A communication from Jonathan Ledlie, regarding incentives for residents who do not own cars.

65. A communication from Alex Epstein regarding Please complete the separated bike network on schedule.

67. A communication from Carolyn Shipley regarding Charter Right #2, Mar 25, 2024.

68. A communication from Bjorn Poonen, regarding PO24#37 on promoting multifamily housing.

70. A communication from Corinne Espinoza, regarding Cambridge HEART ARPA spending update.

71. A communication from Dan Totten, regarding police budget abolition and ARPA.

72. A communication from Randy Stern, regarding CBS Strategy Thank you for passing PO#4.

73. A communication from Heather Hoffman, regarding Barron v Kolenda is the law in Massachusetts.

74. A communication from Linda Moussouris, regarding In Response to the new Parking Study, Ongoing Concerns about Mobility, Senior issues in Cambridge.

75. A communication from Patrick W. Barrett III, regarding Awaiting Report #24-10.

76. A communication from Stephanie Guirand, regarding Support for Charter Right #1 & #2.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rindge & Latin’s Culinary Team on winning the 16th Annual Massachusetts Restaurant Association Education Foundation Statewide Culinary Arts Competition. Councillor Toner

2. Gratitude to the Cambridge Public Health Department for their work. Mayor Simmons

3. Congratulations to Reverend Brenda Ann Brown on her 10th Anniversary of pastoral leadership at the Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church. Mayor Simmons

4. Congratulations to Sargeant Michael J. LeVecque on his Promotion to the Rank of Lieutenant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

5. Congratulations to Sergeant Paul J. Gallagher on his Promotion to the Rank of Lieutenant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

6. Congratulations to Sergeant Michael J. Logan on his Promotion to the Rank of Lieutenant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

7. Congratulations to Patrol Officer David P. Tauro on his Promotion to the Rank of Sergeant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

8. Congratulations to Patrol Officer James M. Brown on his Promotion to the Rank of Sergeant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

9. Congratulations to Patrol Officer Andrew Topouzoglou on his Promotion to the Rank of Sergeant with the Cambridge Police. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

10. Congratulations to Sergeant Christopher Ponte on his Promotion to the Rank of Lieutenant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

11. Congratulations to Patrol Officer Robert J. Ciriello Jr. on his Promotion to the Rank of Sergeant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

12. Congratulations to Patrol Officer Jason R. Callinan on his Promotion to the Rank of Sergeant with the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson

ORDERS
1. City Council support of H.3012/S.2027, An Act Authorizing Project Labor Agreements, to strengthen and secure Massachusetts’ long term economic development. Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson (PO24#47)
pulled by Toner; comments by Azeem; Toner motion to add all as sponsors; Order Adopted 9-0

2. Urge all Cantabrigians to pause on Patriots’ Day to pay tribute to those who died for our nation and remember their service and devotion to this country. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson (PO24#48)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Mar 19, 2024 to review and discuss the FY25 Capital Budget and to continue the Dec 12, 2023 City Council discussion on Public Investment Planning and to discuss City Council budget priorities and goals. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Pickett, Siddiqui, Wilson
Remote Present: Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Simmons (late)

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF24#39)
Placed on File 9-0

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

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

Wed, Apr 24
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the Net Zero Action Plan annual report, including review of yearly action items, progress made, and next steps to reach annual goals.
3:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing on the Digital Navigator Pilot Program (DNP), a collaborative effort between the City of Cambridge Information Technology Department, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Public Schools Department, Just A Start, and Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) to discuss how this initiative is designed to support residents’ digital needs.

Tues, Apr 30
3:00pm The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers as referenced in PO24#24.

Wed, May 1
3:00pm The Human Service and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss the progress being made to bring universal afterschool to Cambridge. Public Comment will be allowed.

Tues, May 7
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Wed, May 8
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Tues, May 14
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

Thurs, May 16
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the city and school budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025 (if necessary).

Wed, May 29
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to receive a report and get updates from PRAB on general issues and the implementation of the Procedural Justice Data Board.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Apr 1, 2024 Amended
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR PICKETT
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: Massachusetts State Bill H.3012/S.2027, An Act Authorizing Project Labor Agreements, was filed last year to allow public agencies to require a project labor agreement for any public works or building project when such public agency has determined, on a project-by-project basis and acting within its discretion, that it is in the public’s interest to require such an agreement; and
WHEREAS: Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) are pre-hire collective bargaining agreements negotiated between one or more construction unions and one or more construction employers (contractors/project owners) that establish the terms and conditions of employment for a specific construction project; and
WHEREAS: Due to their effectiveness as a project delivery tool, project labor agreements have been used for decades by the federal government, many states, including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, and major private corporations in various economic sectors; and
WHEREAS: PLAs are beneficial because they include legally enforceable provisions to prevent disputes that can delay projects, establish uniform terms and conditions of employment fostering better project stability, and permit the efficient integration of work schedules among multiple contractors, subcontractors and building trade unions; and
WHEREAS: These advantages that stem from PLAs have become paramount in recent years due to acute, persistent craft labor shortages, which are challenging construction programs across the country; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in strong support of H.3012/S.2027, An Act Authorizing Project Labor Agreements, to strengthen and secure Massachusetts’ long term economic development; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to House and Senate leadership and to the Cambridge delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2 Apr 1, 2024
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: Patriots’ Day has traditionally been celebrated in Massachusetts for more than a century and each year, history is brought to life through reenactments, parades and more; and
WHEREAS: Patriots’ Day commemorates the start of the American Revolution, as marked by the battles of Lexington, Concord and Menotomy, which were also the events following the famous “shot heard ‘round the world”; and
WHEREAS: Those who stood tall and fought for freedom in the American Revolutionary War of 1776 are heralded here today; and
WHEREAS: Today, let us show gratitude for the freedoms their bravery has made possible, and commit ourselves to uplifting our shared ideals in memory of the sacrifices they and those before them have made; and
WHEREAS: Patriots’ Day will be observed on Mon, Apr 15, 2024, at 10:30am, on the Cambridge Common, 1500 Massachusetts Avenue an event which will be highlighted by a reenactment of William Dawes’ historic horseback ride from Boston to Cambridge alerting the colonists of the British threat of 1775; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging all Cantabrigians to pause on Patriots’ Day to pay tribute to those who died for our nation and remember their service and devotion to this country.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
24-6. Report on the research of rules and regulations governing the use of Electric Micromobility Devices and what, if any, authority Cambridge has to introduce its own regulations of these Devices including speed and location of use, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
Councillor Pickett, Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson (O-4) from 2/12/2024

24-8. Report on the recommendations for the refinement and improvement of the housing permitting process to the City Council, with a focus on reducing delays, minimizing costs, and enhancing clarity and accessibility for all stakeholders.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 2/26/2024

24-12. Report on the recommended ordinance amendments to the City of Cambridge Tenant Rights and Resources Ordinance, Chapter 8.71 of the City Code, to ensure that all Cambridge landlords and tenants receive annual notice from the City, for example in October, of these and other rights and resources; include in the FY25 budget amounts sufficient to carry out these policies; report back to the Housing Committee on progress within a reasonable time before filing the city FY25 budget.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 3/4/2024

24-13. Report on meeting with the MBTA and City of Boston in advance of the July Red Line shutdown about the implementation of a fare-free 1 bus program.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-4) from 3/18/2024

24-14. Report on the determination of what measures, if any, can be taken to mitigate the noise impacts of waste management disposal operations on residents in the North Point District while remaining compliant with existing legal requirements.
Mayor Simmons (O-6) from 3/18/2024

24-15. Report back to the City Council with recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with associated costs.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (O-9) from 3/18/2024

24-16. Report back on developing ways to fund support of decarbonization and clean energy projects and technical assistance for property owners of all types especially those with limited resources, with an initial focus on work associated with BEUDO emissions reduction requirements.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Siddiqui (O-10) from 3/18/2024

24-17. Report on whether the City Council could add maximum lot area per dwelling unit, maximum setback requirements, and minimum floor area ratios in some districts or as part of an overlay in the Zoning Ordinance and whether the City Council could require a special permit for a down conversion in developments that would result in a net loss of housing units.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #1) from 3/25/2024

24-18. Report on zoning language that effectively promotes multi-family housing, including income-restricted affordable housing with the goal of having viable housing for everyone especially lower-income residents.
Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #2) from 3/25/2024

24-19. Report on whether the City could provide incentives for residents who do not have cars.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-4) from 3/25/2024