Cambridge City Council meeting - April 27, 2020

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Children’s Trust Fund grant for the Center for Families program in the amount of $36,750 to the Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($31,053.00) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,697.00) which will be used by the Center for Families to support family programs targeting parents of children up to eight years, which include a variety of family support and parent education programs and resources.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the additional appropriation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program Grant in the amount of $309,676, funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development, to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($15,425), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($293,551), and the Travel and Training account ($700) to allow the operation of the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.
Order Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $114,359 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account for the support of the continued operation of the Y2Y Youth Shelter from April 16 through May 31.
Order Adopted 9-0

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used for snowstorm related expenses associated with snow plowing and snow removal contracts, salt, and other materials.
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of $230,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the procurement of equipment for use in snow and ice operations.
Order Adopted 9-0

6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of $400,000 from Free Cash to the Public Works Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund snowstorm related street repairs.
Order Adopted 9-0

7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 donated to the City by Harvard University ($250,000) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($250,000), to the Grant Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the construction and operation of the War Memorial Temporary Emergency Shelter at 1640 Cambridge Street.
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

Apr 27, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $500,000 donated to the City by Harvard University ($250,000) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology ($250,000), to the Grant Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the construction and operation of the War Memorial Temporary Emergency Shelter at 1640 Cambridge Street. Funds will be used to help cover construction, primarily for a new quarantine area located in the garage, as well as costs and maintenance for 3 months of operation (starting March 27, 2020), furnishing and supplies, and demolition and deep cleaning at closeout.

The War Memorial Recreation facility has been transformed into a temporary emergency shelter for Cambridge residents who are experiencing homelessness or are unable to shelter in their homes during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The work to transform the recreation facility began in late March 2020, and has resulted in a facility that can provide accommodation for up to 200 people, including separate quarantine and shelter areas.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Placed on File 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. 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. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN IN COUNCIL APR 13, 2020.]
Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Toomey - NO; Simmons - PRESENT)

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]
Order Adopted 6-3 (McGovern, Simmons, Toomey - NO)

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

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Catz LeBlanc, 14 Tufts Street, regarding capping delivery fees and greater transparency.

2. A communication was received from Christopher Mackin, 17 Story Street, regarding restaurant deliveries.

3. A communication was received from Fitz Donovan, 42 Irving Street, regarding temporary Emergency Center Plan.

5. A communication was received from Steven Nutter, regarding concern about the up-zoning petition to be pursued by Cabot.

6. A communication was received from James Cunningham, regarding the current strategy to use the War Memorial as a temporary shelter.

7. A communication was received from Shola Friedensohn, regarding keeping delivery fees down.

2. Congratulations to Rui Domingos on his new position as the CEO/President of the MIT Federal Credit Union. Councillor Toomey

8. Resolution on the death of Donald Reed Herring, Brother of Senator Elizabeth Warren. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon

16. Resolution on the death of Luis Almeida. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan

17. Resolution on the death of David F. Noonan. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to restrict third party delivery services fees to restaurants and disclose to customers of how delivery charges are allocated. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to issue an emergency order to make wearing a cloth face covering in public mandatory for all persons in the City of Cambridge, and that such a covering must be worn outdoors, inside essential businesses, and when entering and exiting residential buildings. Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey
Placed on File 9-0

3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish what specific steps will be made to ensure the safety of the workforce upon the re-opening of City offices, and what specific options will be made available to those City workers who are more susceptible to severe covid-19 infections and may require the ability to work remotely until such time as this crisis passes. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

4. Mental Health Awareness Month - May 2020. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Information Technology Department to utilize videoconferencing technology for City Council committee meetings. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

LATE ORDER
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the recommendations listed above with the appropriate City personnel with a view toward establishing clear guidelines that will allow for the re-opening of construction projects across the City, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Zondervan

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting a communication regarding information from the School Committee’s Public Hearing on the FY21 Budget & Budget Workshop, Curriculum & Achievement Subcommittee Meeting, and Special Education & Student Supports Subcommittee Meeting.
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Apr 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised + Zoom)

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

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

Mon, May 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised + Zoom)

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

Mon, May 18
4:00pm Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
5:30pm City Council Meeting - FY21 Budget Submission (Sullivan Chamber – televised + Zoom)

Tues, May 26
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (Sullivan Chamber – televised + Zoom)

Tues, June 2
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (Sullivan Chamber – televised)

Wed, June 3
6:00pm Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 School Department budget (Sullivan Chamber – televised)

Thurs, June 4
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (if necessary) (Sullivan Chamber – televised)

Mon, June 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting – Expected Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber – televised)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Apr 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been dedicated to supporting locally owned or operated businesses and the character and diversity they bring to our city; and
WHEREAS: The Governor’s “Stay at Home Advisory” on March 23rd declared that all restaurants may only be open for takeout and delivery in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS: Restricting restaurants to takeout and delivery has placed a sudden and severe financial strain on small businesses that already operate on thin margins under normal circumstances; and
WHEREAS: Third party delivery services, with which local restaurants have very little bargaining power, charge restaurants commission fees of up to 30% of the revenue from any order placed on their application or website; and
WHEREAS: Restaurants already struggling have experienced an increase in orders through delivery apps from a low percent of total sales (5%-20%) to as much as 80% of total sales, which leads to an inability to cover costs and multi-billion companies getting excess fees from small local businesses; and
WHEREAS: Some recent promotions put on by third party delivery services lack transparency; including some advertised as supporting local business during the COVID-19 crisis, which are deceptive since the promotions do not lower the fees charged to the restaurant; and
WHEREAS: San Francisco’s supplemental COVID-19 emergency declaration capped fees for delivery apps to 15% and New York City lawmakers are proposing a cap of 10%; and
WHEREAS: If immediate action is not taken, the City of Cambridge is in danger of losing the diverse range of its local restaurants to the COVID-19 crisis; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to determine the feasibility of restricting third party delivery services from charging restaurants a fee per online order for use of its services that totals more than 10% of the purchase price of such online order; and further be it
ORDERED: That all delivery services be required to disclose how the dollars for each purchase is allocated, to ensure that consumers know where their money is going; and further be it
ORDERED: That any restriction would last at least through the duration of the “Stay at Home Advisory,” until restaurants are allowed to serve customers dining in their establishment at full capacity, at which point the cap of 10% will be reassessed.

O-2 Apr 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The CDC recommends that all persons in public should wear face coverings to protect people around them from contracting COVID-19, which spreads through water droplets produced by talking, sneezing, coughing, and more. This disease is contagious even when an infected person does not experience symptoms, and wearing face coverings is an addition, not a replacement, for social distancing to protect other people when in public; and
WHEREAS: Other cities in Massachusetts, including Salem, Brookline and Everett have mandated masks and face coverings in public; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge residents continue to gather in public places and must be able to stay safe while buying groceries and other necessities. Resident and business efforts to maintain social distancing are greatly endangered by many refusing to wear face coverings and exposing passersby to the virus; therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with relevant departments to evaluate the feasibility of issuing an emergency order to make wearing a cloth face covering in public mandatory for all persons in the City of Cambridge, and that such a covering must be worn outdoors, inside essential businesses, and when entering and exiting residential buildings; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager address enforcement, mask inventory, and community education, such as, but not limited to posting large, clear signage around the city and how such a policy would be implemented. The City manager should specify in the emergency order that people may use cloth face coverings like fabric masks, scarves, or bandanas, and must wear them over one’s nose and mouth. People are discouraged from using surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which should be left for medical professionals and first responders; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager specify in the emergency order an exception for young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance, as recommended by the CDC; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

O-3 Apr 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has continued taking aggressive actions over the past several weeks to protect our community from the worst impacts of the covid-19 virus outbreak, including but not limited to closing all but our essential businesses, coordinating food deliveries to house-bound seniors, coordinating economic relief efforts, and closing all City offices and buildings to the public until further notice; and
WHEREAS: While the City has done an admirable job in formulating a citywide response to this public health crisis, and while there understandably remains many unknowns as to how and when the City will be able to begin re-opening City offices to resume some level of normal operations, the more than 3,000 individuals employed by the City have largely remained in the dark in terms of when and how they might be able to resume their duties, or as to how they may otherwise participate in the City’s covid-19 response; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate personnel to serve as the primary liaison to the City’s workforce, to ensure that all members of the City’s workforce are alerted to any opportunities to participate in the City’s covid-19 response efforts and are appraised on a continual basis as to the latest news on when and how the City may be resuming its operations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish what specific steps will be made to ensure the safety of the workforce upon the re-opening of City offices, and what specific options will be made available to those City workers who are more susceptible to severe covid-19 infections and may require the ability to work remotely until such time as this crisis passes; 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-4 Apr 27, 2020 Amended
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the City of Cambridge is focused on supporting and promoting mental wellness to all its residents; and
WHEREAS: Every May, mental health organizations encourage individuals, organizations, and cities to expand their efforts to provide resources and support aimed at helping break the stigma associated with mental health disorders; and
WHEREAS: During this particularly difficult time, the importance of mental health resources is of outstanding significance, as individuals and families deal with a variety of impacts related to the ongoing pandemic; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Health Department, mental health service and advocacy organizations are dedicated to reach all residents and underscore the universal importance of mental health; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge continues to look for ways to raise awareness about mental health while promoting empathy and care to change the perception of mental illness, encouraging those who may struggle with mental health issues to seek help; and
WHEREAS: That the City Council go on record recognizing May 2020 as Mental Health Awareness Month in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to light City Hall up green for no less than one week in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

O-5 Apr 27, 2020
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Cambridge City Council committees are significant avenues for conducting city government and will be important in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects; and
WHEREAS: Much of the City Council and City staff are working remotely as a result of the pandemic; and
WHEREAS: On March 12, the Governor issued an Executive Order relieving public bodies from the requirement that meetings be held in a public space that is physically accessible so long as meetings have public access through adequate, alternative means; and
WHEREAS: Municipalities including Somerville and Boston have been holding committee meetings using videoconferencing technology; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge City Councillors should be conscious of the emergency responsibilities of some staff members during the pandemic when requesting their virtual presence at committee meetings; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Information Technology Department and report back to the City Council on the status of Open Meeting Law compliant videoconferencing technology as it relates to City Council committee meetings.

LATE ORDER
O-6 Apr 27, 2020 Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge took numerous aggressive measures at the outset of the covid19 outbreak that were designed to curb the spread of the virus, including but not limited to mandating the cessation of the hundreds of construction projects that had already been underway across the city; and

WHEREAS: As the City begins to look ahead to a time when the local economy can begin to reopen, it would be wise to establish guidelines that would allow for the safe resumption of construction activity, and these guidelines would need to balance incorporating the City’s new safety measures with a streamlining of the City’s inspection process to ensure that construction projects can find a viable path forward in a very changed environment; and

WHEREAS: Any guidelines established by the City must make the safety of the construction workers paramount, with the understanding that moving forward under the new safety guidelines will likely increase the length of any given project by as much as 30 percent – yet having a scaled-back, phased-in approach will allow for a continuation of both the work necessary to complete these construction projects and of the City’s current social-distancing measures; and

WHEREAS: Any steps taken to allow for the resumption of construction in Cambridge must require that all contractors strictly adhere to the rules outlined by the City’s April 2, 2020 Construction Guidelines; and

WHEREAS: Among the further recommendations that the City should consider for allowing the resumption of construction are the following:

• Utilizing emails, video chats, and “as-builts” to enable swift responses from the Inspectional Services Department.

• Allowing inspections to be conducted via video conference calls and other electronic measures whenever possible.

• Allowing greater latitude for coordinating final inspections (and for determining what constitutes a “final inspection”) being jointly conducted by all relevant City Departments, to enable swift turnaround on construction projects.

• If the CDD has already submitted substantial conformance documents to the Inspectional Services Department, further re-inspection by the CDD should be waived in favor of allowing this department to grant final approval via email with photos, with turnaround time of no more than 5 business days.

• The City should allow all paused projects to submit their covid-19 safety plans to the City now for review, to decrease the anticipated backlog; a lack of formal response from the City within 3 days should be considered an approval from the City – with the City reserving the right to request further review of any safety plans and the ability to revoke a project’s approval if additional safety measures mandated by the City are not immediately enacted.

• The City, which has previously granted permission for construction of 1-3 Family Homes to continue during the covid-19 response, has not allowed construction of Town Homes to continue – this oversight should be amended and construction on Town Homes should be allowed at this time; and

WHEREAS: On a case-by-case basis, the City should allow projects past the “rough inspection” stage to resume construction immediately while following the guidelines outlined above, which would allow the kind of phased-in resumption of construction activities that would still allow for the social distancing the City continues to require; and

WHEREAS: In those construction projections that are essentially a “fit-out” (such as smaller operations that are 3,000 square feet or less), the City should allow the resumption of activities as the work on these projects is typically light, crew sizes should be limited to no more than 10 workers, and operations that are less than 1,000 square feet should be required to limit the crew size to no more than 5 people; and

WHEREAS: In those larger construction projects (such as on the larger hotels in Harvard Square), construction operations should be allowed to continue in accordance with the guidelines established by the City on April 2, 2020 with the City providing some additional guidelines beyond those issued on April 2, 2020 for occupant safety when projects include construction in occupied residential or business spaces; and

WHEREAS: By taking the recommendations listed above under consideration, the City can begin to formulate an actionable plan that will allow construction projects to safely and responsibly resume operations, streamlining the City’s process of moving construction projects forward, and providing a critical portion of the local economy a roadmap of how to move forward as the City continues to respond to the challenges posed by covid-19; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the recommendations listed above with the appropriate City personnel with a view toward establishing clear guidelines that will allow for the re-opening of construction projects across the City, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

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