Cambridge City Council meeting - April 11, 2016 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, recommending the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.
Referred to Gov't Operations, Rules & Claims Committee
Apr 11, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby recommending the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) for a 5-year term. Mr. Crawford was first appointed to the CRA Board in 2012.
Mr. Crawford has been an effective advocate for ongoing efforts to further enhance public engagement with the CRA. He has guided the CRA’s efforts to ensure that projects such as the Foundry and Kendall Square Renewal Plan bring about workforce development opportunities for members of the Cambridge community. Mr. Crawford currently serves as the Board’s Assistant Treasurer. His thoughtful insight into long-term financial planning for the CRA has helped position the board to make future strategic investments to the Cambridge community.
Mr. Crawford is raising two young children in East Cambridge and has been an active participant in planning and development issues in the area for years; serving on the K2 Committee and the East Cambridge Kendall Square Open Space Committee along with his service on the CRA Board. Mr. Crawford’s experience working with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, including facilitating the land transactions for the Lynch Family Skate Park at North Point, has made him a well-informed advisor to the CRA on open space and public realm issues.
I have discussed Mr. Crawford’s reappointment with Executive Director Tom Evans and Chair Kathy Born and I’m confident that his experience and commitment to the CRA and the Cambridge community will continue to enhance the forward progress of the CRA Board.
Therefore, in accordance with Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws, I am submitting Mr. Conrad’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 & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee or other suitable committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
2. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, recommending appointment of Naomie Stephen to the Cambridge Housing Authority.
Referred to Housing Committee
Apr 11, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby recommending the appointment of Naomie Stephen to the Cambridge Housing Authority for a term of 5 years.
As a former employee of the Cambridge Housing Authority from 2006 - 2015, Ms. Stephen has formed strong working relationships with various tenant councils, the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants (ACT), Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) and legal services, working on major policy changes such as the Administrative Plan, Federal Public Housing Lease, Smoke-Free Policy and the RAD Conversion. While employed by the CHA, she most recently served as the CHA Senior Program Manager for Customer Service & Communications and managed CHA programs and initiatives focused on improving the quality, comfort and ease of use of CHA’s business interactions among staff, clients, residents and others.
Ms. Stephen grew up in Walden Square and is currently a resident of North Cambridge. She is a graduate of the Cambridge Public Schools and is fluent in Haitian-Creole.
In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 121B, Section 5, I am submitting Ms. Stephens’ name for City Council confirmation as a Commissioner of the Cambridge Housing Authority. I am further requesting that this recommendation be forwarded to the Housing Committee for a public hearing as outlined in City Council Rule Number 32C.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
3. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the recently completed Inclusionary Housing Study.
Referred to Housing Committee
April 11, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am pleased to submit to the City Council the recently completed Inclusionary Housing Study as described in the attached communication received from Assistant City Manager Iram Farooq.
This is a thorough study that proposes bold changes to the inclusionary housing provisions. As the City Council undertakes its review of this study and its recommendations, I would urge the City Council to be mindful of how successful the inclusionary housing provisions have been in creating and providing permanently affordable housing for our community. In the almost 20 years these provisions have been in place, more than 890 affordable units have been or are now being created without the need for any capital subsidy funds. These affordable homes will serve our community for decades to come. Our inclusionary program has been a national model, and we must be sure that changes will build on this success so we can better meet our affordable housing needs.
As we look to strengthen our inclusionary housing provisions, we should be aware of the impact changes will have on residential development if they are not thoughtfully put into place. We want to continue to see new affordable units being built in mixed-income buildings, and therefore must work with housing developers to ensure that new housing continues to be built in our city.
The current inclusionary provisions include a set-aside ratio of 15% and allow for up to a 30% increase in total units through the inclusionary density bonus. This bonus, which allows additional market units for each affordable unit, helps offset the development costs of creating permanently affordable housing units. This important provision was deliberately included to help ensure success and yield an outcome where approximately 11.5% of total units would be affordable in a typical development eligible for the density bonus.
Recognizing the impact of a significant increase in affordable housing set-asides, and being aware of other mitigation, community benefits, and public policy goals we want to address through new development, I would suggest that the City Council consider an increase in the inclusionary standards to be in the range of 17% to 20% of the total of newly-built units. I would also urge the City Council to be mindful of the impact of ordinance changes on developments begun in good faith under the current provisions, and consider how changes might be put into place in a way that does not disrupt developments in process.
The study suggests several policy options for the Council to consider in addition to the change in the affordable set-aside percentage. In considering the recommendations and policy options, we must work collaboratively with residents, housing advocates and housing developers to ensure these benefits can be achieved.
With the long-awaited inclusionary study complete, I will now ask Community Development Department staff to be available to discuss the report and its recommendations with residents, developers, housing advocates, and others who may have comments on the study recommendations. If it would help the City Council, CDD can provide a summary of these discussions to assist in getting comments and ideas to the City Council for consideration. Strengthening the inclusionary housing provisions will yield immeasurable long-term benefits for our community and my staff and I look forward to working with the City Council over the coming months to implement these changes.
Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
ON THE TABLE
1. An application was received from Capital One, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 24 JFK Street. [Placed On The Table on a motion of Councillor Cheung on Jan 25, 2016.]
2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Clerk’s Office and the appropriate departments to implement within three months an electronic public comment display in the Sullivan Chamber, listing the speaker’s name and affiliation as well as a timer. [Placed On The Table As Amended by Councillor Mazen on Jan 25, 2016.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Leland Cheung, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 24, 2016 to discuss a zoning petition by the Sage Cannabis, Inc. to amend the Zoning Ordinance in Section 20.700 Medical Marijuana Overlay Districts by creating an additional Medical Marijuana Overlay District (MMD-3). [Question comes of passing to be ordained on or after Apr 18, 2016. Planning Board hearing held on Mar 15, 2016. Petition expires June 22, 2016.]
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from John Altobello, transmitting support for ZO5.55.
2. A communication was received from Kent Johnson, transmitting support for new street trees.
3. A communication was received from Brian Thompson, 168-170 Appleton Street, transmitting support for Policy Order 2016 #84.
4. A communication was received from Peter Wilson, 451 Huron Avenue, transmitting support for Policy Order 2016 #84.
5. A communication was received from Tancredi Botto, transmitting support for Policy Order 2016 #84.
6. A communication was received from Mark Kon, 872 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding exemptions to maximum height.
7. A communication was received from Davide Zaccagnini, regarding use of flat roofs for a better Cambridge.
8. A communication was received from David and Diane Brancazio, 17 Norumbega Street, transmitting support of POR 2016#84, amending Zoning Ordinance 5.23 to include Height Exceptions for Converting Flat Concave Roofs for Green Uses.
9. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding City Council Policy Order 8 - Street Trees (#89 of 2016).
10. A communication was received from Florrie Wescoat, transmitting support for both Council Orders pertaining to trees.
11. A communication was received from Anthony Zolniik, regarding petition for light weight roof structure on Huron Avenue.
12. A communication was received from John Lynch and Grace Lee, transmitting support of Policy Order 2016 #84.
13. A communication was received from Carlos Rajao, transmitting support to allow home owners to use the flat roof of their houses for the purpose of green roof, and other light weight structure.
14. A communication was received from Jesse Kanson-Benanav, transmitting comments on the Inclusionary Housing Report.
15. A communication was received from Eve Sullivan, 144 Pemberton Street, in opposition to dedication signs and requesting the city do an inventory of existing dedication sign.
16. A communication was received from Sandra Fairbanks, 221 Mount Auburn Street, relating to the unsafe conditions at the intersection of Sparks and Mount Auburn Streets.
17. A communication was received from Alan Greene, 82 Fifth Street, representing the East Cambridge Planning Team regarding the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.
18. A communication was received from Nancy Ryan, 4 Ashburton Place, in support of Policy Order #3 for additional drop off locations for prescription medicine and the Inclusionary Housing Report.
19. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, urging that homelessness and poverty be included in the municipal planning and policy making.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations and thanks to Julie Messina for her dedication and advocacy for children with Down syndrome in Massachusetts. Councillor Maher
2. That the City Council go on record proclaiming Apr 15, 2016 to be Arbor Day in the City of Cambridge. Mayor Simmons
3. Congratulations to Maria Moreira on receiving the Álvaro Lima Award for Outstanding Business Person at the MAPS 2016 Awards Gala. Mayor Simmons
4. Resolution on the death of Dorothy Steele. Councillor Toomey
Charter Right - Toomey
5. Declare the week of Apr 10 – 16, 2016 as National Tele Communicator’s Week in the City of Cambridge, in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our community safe. Mayor Simmons
6. Congratulations to Erinn Pearson, owner of Simply Erinn's Hair Salon, on winning the national "Barbershop: The Next Cut Challenge." Mayor Simmons
7. Resolution on the death of Edward J. Culhane. Councillor Toomey
8. Congratulations to Atwood’s Tavern and Patrick and Ryan Magee on the occasion of their 10-Year Anniversary doing business in Cambridge. Councillor Toomey
9. Resolution on the death of Franklin and Manuela (Couto) Teixeira. Councillor Toomey
10. Happy Birthday wishes to Deborah Colburn. Vice Mayor McGovern
11. Congratulations to Harvard Debate Council members David Herman and Hemanth Sanjeev on becoming champions of the 70th National Debate Tournament. Vice Mayor McGovern
12. Resolution on the death of William A. “Billy” Doucette. Councillor Toomey
13. Resolution on the death of Theresa M. "Tessy" (Malinauskas) Jarosiewicz. Councillor Toomey
14. Resolution on the death of Joan Rose (Morrissey) Travers. Councillor Maher
15. Resolution on the death of Charles T. “Chip” Flaherty. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher
16. Condolences to Elaine DeRosa on the loss of her mother. Mayor Simmons
17. Resolution on the death of Amalia E. Sater. Mayor Simmons
18. Resolution on the death of Paul A. Sullivan. Councillor Maher
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and other appropriate City departments to determine what measures can be taken to provide for a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of Sparks Street and Mount Auburn Street. Councillor Devereux
Adopted
2. That all future Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee meetings related to the selection of a new City Manager be televised. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux
Adopted
3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Department of Public Health, the Police Department and any other appropriate City departments to discuss the feasibility of hosting additional drop-off locations to provide for the safe disposal of unused prescription medications. Councillor Devereux
Adopted
4. City Council support of S.1082 and H.R. 4216 which would allow bond issuing institutions like the City of Cambridge to continue to rely on the stability of money market funds to finance important capital and public works projects. Councillor Cheung
Adopted
5. That the City Manager is requested to write a letter to the Department of Public Health indicating the City of Cambridge's non-opposition for Sage Cannabis Inc., application to operate a RMD in the Business B-2 (MMD-3 Zoning) District within the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor McGovern
Referred to Unfinished Business #3
6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion on the legality of the zoning proposal filed by Sage Cannabis, Inc. for a medical marijuana dispensary and whether it is spot zoning and report back with the opinion prior to the April 25, 2016 City Council meeting. Councillor Maher
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager, Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk and Alessandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council, The Dedication Committee, transmitting their recommendations for dedications to the full City Council for approval.
2. A communication was received from Councillor Craig A. Kelley, regarding the proposed Sage Cannabis, Inc., Letter of Commitment for Operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensary in MMD-3 District.
3. A communication was received from Councillor Craig A. Kelley, transmitting a memo on policies to protect neighbors from dangerous and noxious smoke produced by cook stoves in restaurants.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Apr 12
1:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update from the Cambridge Housing authority on the RAD process. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Apr 14
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a Municipal Code amendment to Title 12 entitled “Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places” in Chapter 12.16 entitled “Street and Sidewalk Use Regulation” in Section 12.16.030 entitled “Trees-Climbing-Signposting-Fastening horses” to add after the word “animal” the following “bicycle, moped, scooter, motorcycle, or any other form of conveyance.” (Sophie Room)
Mon, Apr 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Overview (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Apr 27
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an amendment to the Municipal Code to add in Title 8 entitled “Health and Safety” a new Chapter 8.69 entitled “Running Bamboo Ordinance.” (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Apr 28
5:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the formation of a special working group that will be tasked with developing a framework for the continued stewardship, curatorship and oversight of the Out of Town Kiosk in Harvard Square. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 5
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 10
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 School Department Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, May 11
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a zoning petition by the Richard Avenue Neighbors to amend Section 20.103.2 North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict and Section 20.110 Standards Applicable in the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict on the north side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west and to amend the City of Cambridge Zoning Map by redrawing the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict for the northerly side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west. The proposed change would remove properties in the Business A-2 district north and west of Richard Avenue from the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict; however, those properties would remain within the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, May 12
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 16
4:00pm 2016 Scholarship Award Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, May 17
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2017 City Budget (if necessary). This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, May 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Aug 1
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Apr 11, 2016
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: A number of residents have expressed concern over the safety of pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of Sparks Street and Mount Auburn Street; and
WHEREAS: The intersection of Sparks Street and Mount Auburn Street is located directly next to a dense residential apartment complex, causing significant traffic of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, as well as two major MBTA bus routes; and
WHEREAS: Many pedestrians and cyclists use the intersection of Sparks Street and Mount Auburn Street to connect to the paths and parks along the Charles River and Memorial Drive; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation and other appropriate City departments to determine what measures can be taken to provide for a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists at the intersection of Sparks Street and Mount Auburn Street, and to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
O-2 Apr 11, 2016
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: An important responsibility of the City Council is the selection of a new City Manager; and
WHEREAS: As the City Council embarks on this momentous process, it will be important to involve the public as much as possible; and
WHEREAS: One way to encourage participation in this process is by televising all Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee meetings; and
WHEREAS: This will ensure that the public has an opportunity to stay informed and educated on the work that is being done by their elected representatives; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That all future Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee meetings related to the selection of a new City Manager be televised.
O-3 Apr 11, 2016
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that a number of residents find it difficult to safely dispose of unused prescription medication; and
WHEREAS: Safely disposing of unused prescription medication is critical to protect the environment and the health and safety of the community; and
WHEREAS: There are currently four options to safely dispose of unused prescription medication, including a drop-off location open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the Police Station in East Cambridge; a mailer program where residents can mail prescriptions to a company that properly disposes of them, but does not accept several common medications that can be dangerous if misused (Percocet, OxyContin, Valium and Xanax); four drop-off events hosted annually by the Department of Public Works for household hazardous waste, including prescription medication; and a collection box for syringes at the Public Health Department in The Port; and
WHEREAS: For many residents, especially seniors, it can be challenging to get to these locations, which may mean that medications are improperly disposed of or remain in medicine cabinets where they could be misused; and
WHEREAS: Additional drop-off locations could potentially be located at Fire Houses across the city, the Senior Center, Cambridge Health Alliance facilities, the Water Department, or other locations; and
WHEREAS: The Council is aware that there may be safety concerns about securing medications at additional drop-off locations, but providing additional drop-off locations would benefit the public by ensuring that medications are properly disposed of; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Department of Public Health, the Police Department and any other appropriate City departments to discuss the feasibility of hosting additional drop-off locations to provide for the safe disposal of unused prescription medications, and to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
O-4 Apr 11, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Institutional money market funds were created in the 1970s and have developed into the standard for cash management and financing needs for institutional investors; and
WHEREAS: These funds provide a safe and reliable way to maintain liquidity while protecting the value of cash assets; and
WHEREAS: A new SEC regulation passed in July 2015 will require money market funds, including those containing municipal bonds to switch from a fixed net asset value of $1 to a floating net asset value, while still including other provisions for fees and gates which provide the same protections as a floating net asset value does from future potential market crashes; and
WHEREAS: Given the inclusion of fees and gates, the floating net asset value provision is unnecessary, and will have a large negative impact on money market funds that bond issuing municipalities like the City of Cambridge rely on; and
WHEREAS: S.1082 and H.R. 4216 are currently before the United States Senate and House of Representatives and would preserve the $1 per share value of money market funds while ensuring that the SEC’s careful regulations would otherwise stay in effect; and
WHEREAS: S.1082 and H.R. 4216 would allow bond issuing institutions like the City of Cambridge to continue to rely on the stability of money market funds to finance important capital and public works projects; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of S.1082 and H.R. 4216 which would allow bond issuing institutions like the City of Cambridge to continue to rely on the stability of money market funds to finance important capital and public works projects; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Cambridge’s Congressional Legislative Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-5 Apr 11, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: In 2012, residents of the City of Cambridge voted overwhelmingly in favor of legalizing marijuana for medical use in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: In response to the legalization of medical marijuana, the Cambridge City Council passed comprehensive zoning regulations in 2013 to ensure that patients residing in and around the City have access to critical palliative care treatments; and
WHEREAS: Sage Cannabis is a licensed Massachusetts RMD provider and has submitted a zoning petition to amend the provisions of the Medical Marijuana Overlay district by creating an additional Medical Marijuana Overlay District; and
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee of the Cambridge City Council recently voted to support Sage Cannabis’ proposed Medical Marijuana District overlay, MMD-3; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to write a letter to the Department of Public Health indicating the City of Cambridge's non-opposition for Sage Cannabis Inc., application to operate a RMD in the Business B-2 (MMD-3 Zoning) District within the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to draft and send the letter with all deliberate speed.
O-6 Apr 11, 2016
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion on the legality of the zoning proposal filed by Sage Cannabis, Inc. for a medical marijuana dispensary and whether it is spot zoning and report back with the opinion prior to the April 25, 2016 City Council meeting.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-9. Report on organizing a Volpe Task Force made up of representatives from abutting neighborhood groups and Kendall Square residents and businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 2/1/2016
16-10. Report on ways the City of Cambridge can implement such a service with the goal of notifying residents of city-wide and neighborhood events and meetings via automated calls or text messages.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Devereux (O-3) from 2/1/2016
16-13. Report on the study the benefits of a wellbeing index and plan for how it might be incorporated into various City planning processes, including the city wide Master Plan.
Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-6) from 2/22/2016
16-14. Report on the possibility of closing two lanes to cars (one in each direction) on Memorial Drive on Apr 29, 2016, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Walk/Ride Days, and the kick-off of the 5th Annual Walk/Ride Day Corporate Challenge.
Councillor Mazen, Councillor Devereux, Mayor Simmons (O-17) from 2/22/2016
16-16. Report on financial impacts and a plan to take Vail Court eminent domain.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-12) from 2/22/2016
16-17. Report on what new measures must be implemented in order to prevent school buses and other large vehicles from accessing Magee Street.
Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 2/29/2016
16-19. Report on hygiene products in public restrooms.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 3/14/2016
16-20. Report on follow-up to swatting/school bomb threats.
Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 3/14/2016
16-21. Report on the use of shuttle buses to other pools during renovations of Gold Star Mother's Pool.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 3/14/2016
16-22. City Council opposition to investing funds from the Cambridge Retirement System in any entities that are involved in or support the production or upgrading of nuclear weapons systems.
Mayor Simmons (O-68) from 3/21/2016
16-24. Report on what additional measures can be taken to ensure that pedestrians are able to safely cross at the intersection of Cameron Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue.
Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 4/4/2016
16-25. Report on traffic-calming and safety improvements can be made at the intersection of Bristol Street and Webster Avenue.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 4/4/2016
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-5) from 4/4/2016
16-27. Report on the feasibility of an education campaign that would be available to all property owners through tax bills and other sources to educate residents about watering street trees near their
property, refilling Gator Bags, and other tips for caring for street trees and the possibility of implementing an "Adopt-a-Tree" program.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 4/4/2016
16-28. Report on the possibility of allowing local businesses to voluntarily donate collected bag fees to non-profit organizations, the newly designed Community Benefits Fund, or the Cambridge Non-Profit Coalition.
Councillor Cheung (O-9) from 4/4/2016
16-29. Report on timeline for the implementation of the C2 non-zoning recommendations.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-16) from 4/4/2016
16-30. Report on traffic-calming solutions that could be implemented at the intersection of Lincoln and Windsor Streets.
Councillor Toomey (O-19) from 4/4/2016
16-31. Report on restoring the 4-way STOP sign at the intersection of Charles Street and Second Street.
Councillor Toomey (O-21) from 4/4/2016