Cambridge City Council meeting - April 13, 2020

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Placed on File

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees for a term to expires June 30, 2021: James Henderson
Placed on File

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $50,000 from the General Fund Traffic, Parking and Transportation Fund Salary and Wages account to the Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and anticipated medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for the remainder of the fiscal year for Traffic and Parking personnel injured in the performance of their duties.
Order Adopted 9-0

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $215,450 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the Homeless Shelter / Local Restaurant Community Meals Program.
Order Adopted 9-0

Apr 13, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $215,450 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the Homeless Shelter / Local Restaurant Community Meals Program.

With many shelter programs in Cambridge short staffed and currently not having the capacity to prepare meals on site, the City began contracting with local Cambridge restaurants. These meals are delivered to shelters and programs that the Department of Human Services Program has identified having a strong need for meals. To date, over 2,000 meals have been provided weekly to 10 shelters and programs in Cambridge through these efforts.

This appropriation covers meals for the next 9 weeks, however the City is committed to providing these meals through the duration of the declared emergency. If additional funding is needed, I will request that the Council appropriate the necessary funds.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the relevant City departments to give the Council a financial impact summary on how the local Covid-19 response will be impacting the City’s free cash and ability to budget looking into July 1, 2021, and to report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS ON APR 6, 2020]
Order Withdrawn 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]

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

4. 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. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL MAR 30, 2020]

5. 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. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL MAR 30, 2020]
Order Adopted 5-3-1 (Carlone, Mallon, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan - YES; McGovern, Simmons, Toomey - NO; Siddiqui - PRESENT)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. 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 Top Drawer, requesting permission for a external illuminating projecting sign at the premises numbered 5 Brattle Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter mailing has been provided.
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid, regarding Participatory Budgeted Funded Project.

2. A communication was received from Jill Oliver, Murray Hill Road, regarding Policy Order #68.

3. A communication was received from Michelle Phoenix, regarding closure of streets during pandemic.

4. A communication was received from Alisa Lemberg, 25 Loomis Street, regarding Memorial Drive closure.

5. A communication was received from Steve Kurland, 350 Third Street, regarding 585 Third Street.

6. A communication was received from Jason Alves, East Cambridge Business Association, regarding CMA #1 waiver of personal property taxes.

7. A communication was received from Caroline Hodge, 509 Franklin Street, regarding Memorial Drive.

8. A communication was received from Kim Courtney, ESQ., regarding Liquor License.

9. A communication was received from Kathy Watkins, 90 Fawcett Street, regarding house the homeless.

10. A communication was received from Lee Ferris, 269 Norfolk Street, regarding Memorial Drive.

11. A communication was received from Frank Gerratana, 632 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding War Memorial.

12. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, 55 Otis Street, regarding Memorial Drive and War Memorial.

13. A communication was received from Sen McFarland, 52 Pearl Street, regarding War Memorial.

16. A communication was received from Itamar Turner-Trauting, 139 Oxford Street, regarding Housing the unhoused.

17. A communication was received from Alison Sanders-Fleming, Pemberton Street, regarding closing more street for pedestrians.

18. A communication was received from Ben Simon, regarding working with local universities and hotels to house anyone without access to housing during the pandemic.

19. A communication was received from Young Kim, 17 Norris Street, regarding Pilot project to test for COVID-19.

20. A communication was received from Cecilia Viggiano, 96 Hammond Street, regarding closing street to cars.

22. A communication was received from Kit Cali, regarding support for Policy Order #85.

23. A communication was received from Yonah Freemark, regarding the need to close street to cars.

24. A communication was received from Xavier Dietrich, regarding restaurant workers.

25. A communication was received from Bridget Burns, 271 Windsor Street, regarding Memorial Drive.

26. A communication was received from Emma Roberts, 89 Winter Street, regarding closing of Memorial Drive.

27. A communication was received from Stephanie Silva, Sidney Street, regarding Closing of Memorial Drive.

28. A communication was received from Ben Walker, regarding Memorial Drive closure.

29. A communication was received from Silvia Danielak, regarding opening Memorial Drive to pedestrians.

30. A communication was received from Madeleine Daepp, regarding opening the street to pedestrians.

31. A communication was received from Lisa Gulesserian, regarding Memorial Drive for pedestrians.

32. A communication was received from Nathan Arnosti, regarding closure of Memorial Drive.

33. A communication was received from Mary Hannah Smith, 6 Washington Avenue, regarding closure of Memorial Drive.

35. A communication was received from Laure Astourian, regarding Memorial Drive plan.

36. A communication was received from Malcolm David Bliss, 127 Raymond Street, regarding more pedestrian space.

37. A communication was received from Abigail Bliss, 127 Raymond Street, regarding street for pedestrians.

38. A communication was received from Radhika Sing, regarding closure of Memorial Drive.

39. A communication was received from Leslie Bliss, 127 Raymond Street, regarding closing street for pedestrians and cyclists.

40. A communication was received from Charlie Brummitt, 116 Willow Street, regarding closure of city Streets.

41. A communication was received from Daniela Chong, 24 Fayette Street, regarding opening Memorial Drive.

42. A communication was received from Ruben Morgan, regarding closing vehicular travel on Memorial Drive.

43. A communication was received from Franziska Amacher, regarding street closure.

44. A communication was received from Chistopher Mackin, regarding secure shelter from area universities.

45. A communication was received from Louise Parker, 1 Warwick Park, regarding Policy Order #85.

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint and convene a Small Business Recovery Advisory Committee. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint and convene a COVID-19 Advisory Committee to review the impact of the pandemic on local communities of color, to propose ways to better disseminate information on Impact to Communities of Color. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

3. That in absence of revised City Council goals for the new term, the most recent approved goals are used in all Council business, particularly the budgetary process. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Nolan - PRESENT)

4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Health Department to develop and implement stricter public health regulations to protect our grocery store workers. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

5. That the City Council go on record in full support of this petition and of Harvard graduate students as they courageously stand up for their needs in a time of crisis. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to light up City Hall blue to honor all frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fri, Apr 17, 2020. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

7. That the City Manager examine expanding the City’s jobs programs for those unemployed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to repurpose the War Memorial facility into only a COVID-19 testing and temporary quarantine site for unhoused individuals awaiting their test results. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Charter Right - Zondervan [Note: Prior to the Charter Right it appeared that a majority of councillors were opposed based on disruption to existing plan and second-guessing of City staff.]

9. That the City Manager is requested to work with appropriate City staff to determine a streamlined reopening process for restaurants post COVID-19. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

10. That the City Manager work with the Public Health Department, the Cambridge Health Department and our State Delegation to report back on how Partners Healthcare and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital are sharing resources with the Cambridge Health Alliance for the health and safety of CHA patients and Cambridge residents. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, transmitting the 2019 Annual Report.
Placed on File

2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting communicating regarding information from Apr 7 Regular School Committee Meeting and Public Hearing on the FY21 Budget.
Placed on File

3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting communication regarding COVID-19 Response.
Placed on File

4. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting communication regarding COVID-specific Legal Coaching from New Leaf Legal.
Placed on File

5. A communication was received from Anthony Ivan Wilson, City Clerk, responding to a question regarding parliamentary procedure.
Placed on File

6. A communication was received from Councillor Quinton Zondervan, transmitting thoughts on planning for the next phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Placed on File

HEARING SCHEDULE
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. [CANCELLED]

Wed, Apr 15
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. [CANCELLED]

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. [CANCELLED]

Mon, May 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised virtual meeting)

Tues, May 5
9:00am The Finance Committee will meet to conduct public hearings on the FY21 budget. (Sullivan Chamber – televised virtual meeting)

Mon, May 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (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 virtual meeting)

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

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 Apr 13, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge continues to enact a number of emergency measures designed to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, shutting down all but our “essential” businesses, yet it is important that the City begin formulating a clear framework and recommendations that will assist local businesses when the time comes to begin reopening; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint and convene a Small Business Recovery Advisory Committee, a citywide group of business leaders culled from the 11 commercial districts, each of the neighborhood business associations, a business-owner from those neighborhoods that do not have a formal neighborhood business association, the Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge Local 1st, and any other relevant individuals, and that shall be charged with creating a pathway and recommendations on how to re-open businesses, and with disseminating information on how to access relief from the state and federal government and other critical information to the local business community; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-2 Apr 13, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has become clear that the novel coronavirus that has negatively impacted virtually all aspects of our society has been particularly devastating to communities of color; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint and convene an advisory committee to review the impact of the pandemic on local communities of color, to propose ways to better disseminate information, relief, and resources to these communities, to begin collecting data on the neighborhoods that have been hardest hit in an effort to reduce infection rates and improve recovery rates, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-3 Apr 13, 2020
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City Council has a financial responsibility to continue our budget process, even during the present health pandemic; and City business, in particular the annual budget process, continues; and
WHEREAS: The annual City budget is based on City Council goals; and
WHEREAS: On October 16, 2017 City Council provisionally adopted twelve goals that reflect our shared values on issues including, but not limited to affordable housing, economic and educational opportunity, sustainable energy and more; and
WHEREAS: Since 2019, the budgetary process highlights how the proposed budget met each of the above Council goals; and
WHEREAS: Whereas, since the beginning of the current term, the City Council meeting agenda packet has not listed any Council goals; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That in absence of revised City Council goals for the new term, the most recent approved goals are used in all Council business, particularly the budgetary process.

O-4 Apr 13, 2020 Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: On April 7, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker issued an order with stricter guidelines for grocery stores to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: While the order institutes several protections for patrons, there is little emphasis placed on supporting essential grocery store workers, who continue to provide critical, essential services at the risk of their own health; and
WHEREAS: One employee at Whole Foods’ River Street location has tested positive for Coronavirus, and a Market Basket employee in Salem has died after contracting Coronavirus, illustrating just how dire this situation has become for our frontline grocery store employees; and
WHEREAS: Instituting stricter public health guidelines in essential food markets and grocery stores located in Cambridge with an emphasis on regulations that will protect and support workers, such as

Requiring that grocery stores provide masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer to employees for every shift worked
Mandating more frequent store and equipment sterilizations
Requiring larger protective plexiglass barriers for cashiers allowing for maximal protection when within the recommended 6’ distance
Requiring customers wear masks or other face coverings while in-store
Providing signage educating customers on acceptable types of face coverings to be worn in-store
Creating pick up only locations
Rerouting all cash transactions to self-service kiosks
Shutting down a location where a grocery store worker has tested positive for COVID-19 until the site is inspected by relevant City staff, and creating a clearly outlined sanitization program in these cases prior to opening
Encouraging grocery stores to give their workers hazard pay and others that will help ensure these employees are able to safely perform their crucial work, safeguard the health of these workers and their families, and save lives; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Health Department to develop and implement stricter public health regulations to protect our grocery store workers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council in a timely manner; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record as encouraging grocery stores and food markets to give their essential employees hazard pay during the COVID-19 pandemic.

O-5 Apr 13, 2020
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Harvard University recently extended the tenure clocks for tenure track faculty by one year, acknowledging the gravity of the impact of COVID-19 on all forms of academic research; and
WHEREAS: PhD students face the same effects on research as faculty, being unable to enter laboratories, libraries, and field sites, being unable to work collaboratively, and moving to teach students online while taking care of themselves and their families. In addition, crucial conferences for presenting research have been cancelled while universities have begun announcing “hiring freezes,” greatly endangering the ability of PhD’s to produce meaningful research and find employment; and
WHEREAS: The Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU-UAW) and the GSAS Student Council have jointly petitioned the deans of Harvard University for “bridge-funding” of one year to PhD students in guaranteed funding years, other necessities like healthcare for students relying on external grants, fee waivers, and extensions for students taking qualification or general exams; therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in full support of this petition and of Harvard graduate students as they courageously stand up for their needs in a time of crisis; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge echoes the call on Dean Dench, Dean Boodram, and Dean Aloise to expediently agree to the bridge-funding proposal as put forth by graduate student leadership, and to provide their students, whom are integral community members and incredible assets to Harvard University, the support they request.

O-6 Apr 13, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic has expanded the definition of frontline care workers to include grocery and pharmacy clerks, delivery drivers, public works teams, a variety of service-industry and custodial workers, in addition to first responders, nurses, doctors, and medical personnel who face daily risks in order to provide essential services; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is deeply appreciative of the daily sacrifice of these essential workers who are keeping our community safe, clean, supplied, and healthy during this pandemic; and
WHEREAS: Local and national legislators continue to work to advocate for expansion of funds to more appropriately support these frontline workers; and
WHEREAS: Until such a time as we are able to tangibly recognize these workers, the City of Cambridge wishes to recognize them symbolically, as has been done in neighboring communities; and
WHEREAS: In April 2019, the City Council approved the City Manager’s request to install permanent LED lights at City Hall to be able to light the building when merited; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to light up City Hall blue to honor all frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Friday, April 17, 2020, beginning at sundown.

O-7 Apr 13, 2020
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: Thousands of Massachusetts residents have been laid off or furloughed a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, including many in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The extent and duration of the recession caused by the pandemic is still unknown but is likely to impact the jobs of many Cambridge residents for several months; and
WHEREAS: While the federal government has passed relief bills related to the pandemic and is considering others, important provisions for workers have been left out, and the City must be proactive in addressing the pandemic’s effects locally; and
ORDERED: The City of Cambridge coordinates jobs programs for residents including the Cambridge Works Program and the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Human Services and other relevant City departments to examine the possibility of expanding the City’s jobs programs, both in terms of quantity of participants and the scope of resident eligibility; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager shall report back to the Council on this in a timely manner.

O-8 Apr 13, 2020 Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The city is preparing to open an emergency shelter at the War Memorial Recreation Center and Fieldhouse complex on Cambridge Street; and
WHEREAS: The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that preliminary studies have shown pre-symptomatic transmission by individuals up to several days prior to the onset of symptoms, and that transmission by truly asymptomatic individuals is possible; and
WHEREAS: As of April 8, 2020, The Johns Hopkins ABX Guide reports that infected individuals who aren’t yet displaying symptoms may transmit 25-50% of total infections; and
WHEREAS: Recent testing of unhoused individuals in Boston revealed that several hundred individuals tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus even though they were not exhibiting symptoms at the time the test was taken; and
WHEREAS: It was explained during discussion at the March 30, 2020 City Council meeting that Cambridge’s emergency shelter does not intend to test clients during intake except for those who are visibly displaying symptoms; and
WHEREAS: As of April 9, 2020, the council had not yet received enough information about day to day proceedings at the shelter, including hygiene, foodservice, and general downtime, to be confident in the ability of the facility to operate without significant pre-symptomatic transmission between clients; and
WHEREAS: Thousands of dormitory rooms and hotel rooms are now vacant in our city and available for proper isolation for unhoused individuals and anyone else who needs to be isolated from family members or roommates to avoid spreading or contracting COVID-19; and
WHEREAS: Tufts University has been preparing their COVID-19 response for weeks and has segmented their campus into separate zones for the four different types of populations being housed; and
WHEREAS: Cities including San Francisco have changed course to house homeless residents in hotels rooms rather than large, temporary, congregate settings because of the potential health risks; and
WHEREAS: Harvard has made its hotel available and MIT has made two of their dormitories available to house first responders and healthcare workers who need isolation, but the same is not being done for unhoused residents or any other groups in need of isolation space; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to repurpose the War Memorial facility into only a COVID-19 testing and temporary quarantine site for unhoused individuals awaiting their test results; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with Harvard, MIT, Lesley and local hotel operators to procure sufficient rooms to individually house people who lack access to a safe, transmission-free place to shelter; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to put forward any necessary appropriations to fund this level of response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter immediately.

O-9 Apr 13, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: According to the Cambridge License Commission, there are approximately 222 onpremise alcohol consumption establishments in Cambridge that serve food, and approximately 212 establishments that just serve only food without alcohol – this number does not include restaurants in hotels licensed through the hotel license or “take-out only” businesses, as take-out only are permitted by Inspectional Services Department – and Cambridge also has hotels that serve alcohol, along with 15 hotels that do not serve alcohol; and
WHEREAS: Given the large number of restaurants and the amount of time it will take the City’s Investigative team from the License Commission to inspect each establishment prior to re-opening, it would be prudent for the City to streamline the re-opening process this year due to the extraordinary situation impacting our economy and to immediately begin consideration of the following items:

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of immediately enacting the above-mentioned recommendations, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-10 Apr 13, 2020
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Partners Healthcare recently announced a partnership between Mass General and Brigham Hospitals with Spaulding Rehabilitation Center in Cambridge to act as a “step down” facility for patients recovering from the Coronavirus; and
WHEREAS: It is likely that patients in the step down facility at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center may relapse and will need to return to a hospital for more intensive medical care; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Hospital, a Safety Net Hospital which ensures there are no barriers to care and will be the closest hospital for these relapsed patients; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Hospital is additionally in need of step down beds for recovering patients as well, Partners Healthcare should be offering the same collaboration and resources afforded to Mass General and Brigham hospitals; and
WHEREAS: Given the possibility that Cambridge Hospital will be asked to take on previously discharged patients who have relapsed and the need for additional step down beds; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager work with the Public Health Department, the Cambridge Health Department and our State Delegation to report back on how Partners Healthcare and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital are sharing resources with the Cambridge Health Alliance for the health and safety of CHA patients and Cambridge residents; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager report back by Monday, April 27th.

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

20-4. 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 Services 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