Cambridge City Council meeting - May 1, 2023

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY2024 submitted budget and appropriation orders. (CM23#105)
Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation and authorization to borrow $35,350,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support upgrades to the 689 Mass Avenue Interior; upgrades at the Moses Youth Center; Interior fit-out of Rindge Pre-K building; electric vehicle charging station infrastructure at several municipal buildings; and additional work at Inman and East Cambridge Fire Houses; First Street Garage upgrades to stairs and elevator; and other City building upgrades. (CM23#107)
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ - No; AM - Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

May 1, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $35,350,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support upgrades to the 689 Mass Avenue Interior; upgrades at the Moses Youth Center; Interior fit-out of Rindge Pre-K building; electric vehicle charging station infrastructure at several municipal buildings; and additional work at Inman and East Cambridge Fire Houses; First Street Garage upgrades to stairs and elevator; and other City building upgrades.

This order is being submitted prior to the Finance Committee hearing on the FY24 Public Investment Budget which is scheduled for May 16, 2023 to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 5, 2023 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY24 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 1, 2023, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 5, 2023. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY24 Submitted Budget for additional information on this project. As noted above, the Finance Committee hearing on the FY24 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for May 16, 2023.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

Agenda Item Number 3 May 1, 2023
ORDERED: That $35,350,000 is appropriated, in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of planning and financing building renovations, including but not limited to the following projects in the municipal facilities improvement plan: upgrades to the 689 Mass Avenue Interior; upgrades at the Moses Youth Center; Interior fit-out of Rindge Pre-K building; electric vehicle charging station infrastructure at several municipal facilities ; and additional work at Inman and East Cambridge Fire Houses; First Street Garage upgrades to stairs and elevator; and other City building upgrades and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $35,350,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $51,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port and River Street areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts. (CM23#110)
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-1 (QZ - No; AM - Absent); Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

May 1, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $51,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port and River Street areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts.

This order is being submitted prior to the Finance Committee hearing on the FY24 Public Investment Budget which is scheduled for May 16, 2023 to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 5, 2023 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY24 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 1, 2023, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 5, 2023. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY24 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. As noted above, the Finance Committee hearing on the FY24 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for May 16, 2023.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

Agenda Item Number 6 May 1, 2023
ORDERED: Ordered: that $51,500,000 is appropriated, in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of financing the design and construction of various water pollution abatement projects, including but not limited to: Construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port and River Street areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts; including without limitation all costs thereof as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $51,500,000 and issue bonds or notes therefore under G.L. c.44 and/or Chapter 29C of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; that such bonds or notes shall be general obligations of the City unless the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager determines that they should be issued as limited obligations and may be secured by local system revenues as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C; that the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust established pursuant to Chapter 29C or the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or a security agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Trust or the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Trust and the Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection with respect to such loan and for any federal or state aid available for the projects or for the financing thereof; and that the City Manager or any other authorized City official is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection, to expend all funds available for the projects and to take any other action necessary to carry out the projects.

8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $758 from a preschool family fundraiser to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. The funds are being used for field trips and classroom supplies for the program. (CM23#112)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $33,301.72 to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($22,683.34) and to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($10,618.38). Funds from the grant support the Carey Men’s Permanent Supported Housing Program operated by the Multi-Service Center. (CM23#113)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant funded by Friends of the Community Learning Center through individual donations in the amount of $4,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($4,000), funds will support English for Speakers of Other Languages classes at the Community Learning Center. (CM23#114)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant, funded by Friends of the Community Learning Center through a First Literacy mini grant, in the amount of $5,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($5,000), funds will support one or two ESOL part time teachers to offer professional development and develop materials for teachers to use in their classes on a project regarding gender identities. (CM23#115)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

12. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,615 for the Center for Families program received from the Cambridge Public Health Commission, Agenda for Children to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account, funds will be used to provide Family programming and curriculum development, pre-bagged refreshments for outside and in-person events and activity bag giveaways. (CM23#116)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

13. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Adult and Community Learning Services grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in the amount of $12,646 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($6,646) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($6,000), funds will be used to pay for additional hours for professional development, career advising and participation in the Digital Literacy Advisory Group. (CM23#117)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

14. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $255,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account. Funds will be used for snowstorm related expenses associated with snow plowing and snow removal contracts. (CM23#118)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

15. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 845,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the procurement of five pieces of equipment for use in snow and ice operations. (CM23#119)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (AM, DS - Absent)

16. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund snowstorm related street repairs. (CM23#120)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-74, regarding needs assessment of the Danehy Park and recommendations for improvements; and irrigation updates. (CM23#121)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

May 1, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report AR #22-74 and CO-4, October 3, 2022, regarding a needs assessment of the Danehy Park and recommendations for improvements; and irrigation updates.

Danehy Background

Danehy Park was opened in 1990 and is a 50-acre open space that provides sports fields, walking paths, a dog park, and other open space amenities for the community. Prior to its use as a city park, the area was predominately clay, and between 1847-1952, the clay was extracted to manufacture bricks by the New England Brick Company. The result was a deep clay pit that the City used as its landfill between 1952 and 1971. With the capping of the landfill and the creation of the Park in 1990, the city reclaimed what was a waste site and turned it into a significant community resource.

Environmental Monitoring Program for Danehy Park

With the area being a former landfill, the management of the site is controlled by permitting through the MassDEP, Division of Solid Waste. The goal is to ensure that the site is managed in a safe manner and that landfill gases are properly managed and allowed to safely vent. To that end, the City contracts with CDM Smith to conduct quarterly monitoring, inspect the methane trench (which is the stone-filled trench around the perimeter of the park) annually, and develop an annual environmental monitoring report that is submitted to MassDEP. City staff also meet regularly with MassDEP staff and CDM Smith to review the monitoring, and coordinate on projects such as the Universal Playground at Danehy Park, which was completed in 2022; the short-term improvements to the softball field, which are currently underway; the Sports Pavilion, which is currently in design; and a new public toilet, which is also in design. All projects and improvements in and around Danehy Park are closely reviewed and monitored to ensure that they are implemented in a way that is consistent with MassDEP regulations and continue to properly manage the landfill gases.

With the 30-year anniversary of the creation of the park, the City has begun working with MassDEP on a 30-Year Post Closure Evaluation and Report. This report will include an evaluation of the current environmental monitoring program, evaluation of the existing methane trench, and an update to the Post-Closure Plan.

On March 21, 2023, a contractor working for the City performing soil borings identified a methane pocket beneath the clay cap in Danehy Park. Methane is a natural by-product of the biological degradation of organic waste deposited over several decades. The design of the park, with perimeter venting, was intended to allow methane to naturally vent and limit the extent of methane migration beyond the boundaries of the park. Methane itself does not pose an immediate significant health risk to people in an open and well-ventilated area. Like other gases that are not acutely toxic (e.g. CO2) the primary health risk comes from displacement of oxygen in an enclosed space. Methane can be explosive at certain concentration levels (between the Lower Explosive Limit or LEL (5%) and Upper Explosive Limit or UEL(15%) ) if allowed to accumulate in an enclosed space.

City staff from the Department of Public Works, Human Services, the Fire Department and the Department of Public Health are working closely with DEP to install additional venting structures to allow the landfill gases to safely vent and increase monitoring in the park to ensure the effectiveness of the venting modifications. Staff are meeting weekly with DEP on the plan and implementing recommendations on an on-going basis to address locations of concern identified through the monitoring. It is likely that additional monitoring points in Danehy and adjacent properties, as well as additional venting, possibly including vent flares to burn excess methane, will be required.

The City has explored the ability to capture the excess methane for reuse, but safely and effectively capturing and converting the methane (combustible) portion of landfill gas to energy is challenging even at newer landfills where methane gas generation from decomposing waste is relatively high. By generally accepted means of predicting methane generation at landfills over time, the current amount of methane generation potential at Danehy Park is expected to be minimal. Since waste was last placed in the landfill over 50 years ago, biodegradation and methane production are expected to be very low. The recently discovered pocket of landfill gas indicates that some yet to degrade waste may still exist, generating small, localized volumes of methane. However, the volume expected to be available for recovery would be so small that extraction of methane for energy projection would be impractical and very costly. The generation rate with respect to a reuse project may be so low that the methane could end up being depleted before such a project could even be brought online. While we are working with DEP on the methane venting, DEP has asked the city, out of an abundance of caution, to limit construction activities in the park, as well as temporarily remove the charcoal grills and suspend permits for grilling in the park.

Danehy Park Maintenance

There are a number of maintenance improvements presently underway in the park and others that are planned over the next two years:

Girls Softball Improvements

The city has a deep commitment to equity and to the softball community, recognizing that we need to do better providing high quality fields and facilities.

In November 2022, the City Council appropriated $600,000 to support immediate softball field improvements at Danehy Park. The improvements include painted fence posts and new fence fabric, windscreens, replacing the infield, regrading the infields, and 15’of new sod surrounding the infields. That work is on-going and scheduled to be completed in the 2023 season. Currently, 3 softball fields are open for play, weather permitting, and a fourth field is scheduled to be back in service in two weeks. New benches and bleachers are expected to be installed in late spring of 2023. These modifications are improving the conditions of the softball fields, but they do not constitute a full reconstruction of the fields. Drainage during wet periods will continue to be a challenge, as unfortunately happened last week on opening day causing the opening game for the minors for Girls Softball to be canceled because the field was not playable due to the rain and drainage issues. Human Services staff worked throughout the day to try to make the field playable, but it was simply too wet.

During the conversations in the fall of 2022, we heard from the softball community that there are benefits to Danehy (closer to other activities, greater number of co-located fields) that drove the decision for Girls Youth Softball to request use of these fields as their primary location. However, there are also challenges that we will not be able to address such as drainage, wind, and distance from parking. We are committed to making Danehy a viable home for Girls Youth Softball, while also continuing to offer alternative options such as Ahern Field, Donnelly Field, Gore Street Park, Hoyt Field and Larch Road (formerly BB&N field).

Irrigation System Improvements

• Immediate repairs were made in 2022 and included the replacement of an irrigation pump and several lines and irrigation heads.

• Spring 2023 system turn on went well. System is functioning and will require small improvements and repairs that are typically needed on a seasonal basis. A fuller evaluation of the irrigation system is also being undertaken.

• Human Services Staff and the City Arborist are continuing to evaluate the condition of the trees that were impacted by last year’s drought.

Design of Irrigation System, Field Turf 4, Track & Throwing Area

• Replacement of Field Turf 4 that includes PFAS testing of the material prior to installation to ensure consistency with specifications.

• Full irrigation system evaluation and redundancy between zones. 

• Track replacement and potential design for throwing area needed to accommodate home track meets.

• Schedule: Anticipate requesting an appropriation for funding in the fall after the designs are developed and a full cost estimate is available. That would support bidding the improvement in October / November for an early spring 2024 start.

Capital Planning for Danehy Park

In addition to these maintenance activities, there is a need for a fresh look at Danehy as a facility, as the original construction is 30-years old. By the fall of 2023, we plan to contract with a landscape consultant team for planning services to develop a capital improvement plan for Danehy Park to guide the future of the park in the next 10-20 years. Anticipate requesting an appropriation for funding in the fall to support this work.

Capital Improvement Project Goals

The goal of the Capital Planning is for Danehy Park to be an exceptional public park that the citizens of Cambridge will continue to be proud of and cherish. It will be planned and designed with the intent of making an extraordinary contribution to the improved quality of life, health and wellness of its surrounding neighborhoods and the entire City. The capital improvement plan will:

• complement the essential natural, historic, and visual character of the site.

• be based on a strong inclusive public engagement process that prioritizes outreach to traditionally underrepresented groups and informs the park design and creates long-term support of the community.

• integrate ecological design and natural resource management that protect the site’s natural systems while offering visitor experiences in these environments for enrichment, education, health and wellness outcomes.

• incorporate measures from the City’s recent resilience focused planning efforts to protect from, and mitigate, future flooding and heat impacts due to climate change.

• offer a variety of choices for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests who will want to come to the park for relaxation, respite, play, exercise or to connect with other people.

• evaluate the condition and quality of the parks features and systems, and propose a series of distinct projects/phased improvements (with cost estimates) to inform future capital planning. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Landscape and Ecology

• Utilities: drainage, water, electrical, irrigation, etc.

• Bicycle and pedestrian access into and through the park

• Accessibility (park was constructed prior to ADA/MAAB regulations)

• Play: opportunities for multi-generational play as well as traditional fields and tot lots

The plan will be developed within the context of Danehy Park being a former landfill and where additional environmental control measures may need to be incorporated within the facility.

Schedule

The Capital Planning process will begin in winter of 2023 and take approximately 12 months to complete.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of the following persons as a members of the Board of Zoning Appeals. (CM23#122)
Appointments Approved 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

May 1, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to appoint the following Cambridge residents to the Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA):

Members (five-year term)

• William Boehm

• Fernando Daniel Hidalgo

• Virginia Keesler

• Steven Ng

Associate Members (two-year term)

• Carol Agate

• Michael LaRosa

• Thomas Marshall Miller

• Zarya Miranda

I am also writing to reappoint:

Associate Members (two-year term)

• Matina Williams

• Wendy Leiserson

The BZA has an important role in decisions that help shape the use and appearance of buildings in our community. Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a variance, special permit, or a comprehensive permit from the BZA, a quasi-judicial body that conducts public hearings on all applications and appeals before it and issues decisions. The Board also hears appeals of Zoning Determinations made by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the BZA on the City website and via a news release on October 14, 2022. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website. The posting resulted in forty-eight applicants as of its closing date of November 14, 2022. Twelve candidates who applied to an earlier posting from January 2022 were also considered. Ten candidates were interviewed.

The panel to review applications and select the interview slate and the panel conducting interviews were diverse and included representatives from multiple departments. OEI completed a review of both the applicant pool and interview slate to determine that they were sufficiently diverse.

The next anticipated vacancy for regular member of the BZA will come in 2026. With the approval of these appointments, one associate seat remains vacant.

The four members and four associate members I am recommending for appointment and reappointment to the BZA bring a wide range of skills and experience to their role.

• William Boehm is the founding principal of Boehm Architecture. His experience with affordable housing includes time at the City of Boston’s affordable housing division and work with numerous Boston metro area CDCs and non-profits.

• Fernando Daniel Hidalgo is a Political Science professor at MIT. He is the Academic Director of the MIT GOV/LAB, a research group and innovation incubator that aims to change practice around government accountability and citizen voice.

• Virginia Keesler is an urban planner who works in affordable housing finance for The Community Builders, Inc, a non-profit organization that works to create pathways to stable homes, economic opportunities and healthier lives.

• Steven Ng is an architect, construction project manager, and real estate developer with over thirty years of experience in design and construction. He has previously served on the BZA and Planning Board in another community.

• Carol Agate is a retired attorney and former administrative law judge in California. She has served on the faculty of Loyola Law School and as a lecturer at USC and UCLA.

• Michael LaRosa is a life-long Cambridge resident whose general practice law firm in East Cambridge includes a focus on real estate.

• Thomas Marshall Miller is an attorney at a small law firm in Boston, who has prior experience with a public interest law firm focused on land use and planning.

• Zarya Miranda is a long-term resident and graduate of Cambridge Public Schools. She is a realtor, who has volunteered at Margaret Fuller House and is on the board of Transition House.

• Matina Williams is a Leasing Officer II at the Cambridge Housing Authority and an Operations Administrator at the Pentacostal Tabernacle. She has experience as a CHA tenant coordinator and union shop steward. She has been serving as an associate member of the BZA since June 29, 2020.

• Wendy Leiserson is an attorney, a stay-at-home mom, and a longtime resident of Cambridge. She has experience practicing law and working in academia, with a focus on non-profit and environmental law. She has been serving as an associate member of the BZA since April 5, 2021.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the BZA and, with your approval, look forward to their appointments.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on the Michael Monestime et. al. Zoning Petition. (CM23#123) [Monestime Petition - amended]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (AM - Absent); later moved to Suspend Rules for Reconsideration 8-0-1 (AM - Absent); Reconsideration of Referral Fails 0-8-1 (AM - Absent) to allow for immediate ordination

Date: Apr 26, 2023
Subject: Michael Monestime et. al. Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board makes the following report with no positive or negative recommendation.

To the Honorable, the City Council,

On April 25, 2023, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Michael Monestime, et. al. (the “Proponent”), to amend the use regulations in the Central Square Overlay District such that Outdoor Retail or Consumer Service Establishment, not otherwise defined be a special permit granted by the Planning Board rather than the Board of Zoning Appeal; and that Outdoor Entertainment and Recreation Facility be a permitted use within the Business B District of the Central Square Overlay.

The Board heard a presentation from Michael Monestime and received written materials prior to the hearing from staff in the City’s Community Development Department (CDD). Following the presentation, public comment, and discussion among Board members, the Planning Board voted to forward this report to the City Council without making a positive or negative recommendation.

Board members generally supported the goals of the Petition to create opportunities within the Central Square Overlay District for more cultural and artistic programming, which Board members felt have gradually become scarcer throughout the City over time. While the Petition is not strictly limited to the municipal lot hosting Starlight Square, the Board expressed that the benefits that Starlight Square and similar types of events bring to the City are significant.

Board members sympathized with the testimony from neighbors about the observed adverse impacts of living near Starlight Square. Board members believe these impacts are real and serious and may disproportionately affect residents in affordable housing developments who do not possess the resources to be able to modify their homes to be more sound resilient, or have the ability to relocate. Board members also recognized that Cambridge is an urban City, and that living proximate to activity hubs like Central Square will always involve some level of noise and other elements of regular city life. Board members encouraged the proponents of Starlight Square to continue to work to reduce potential noise impacts and collaborate with nearby residents. The Board also suggested that if this is an activity that the City supports, then the City should take a more active role in helping to identify and mitigate its potential impacts.

The Board expressed concern about the Petition review process to date, noting that the Petition is not limited to Starlight Square and that a more robust planning effort should be undertaken to better understand the potential impacts of allowing certain types of outdoor recreation uses by-right within the Central Square Overlay District. Board members noted that a district-wide zoning change may not be the appropriate way of addressing an issue around a singular event or permit application, and that proper zoning should follow a more holistic planning approach.

The Planning Board voted with seven members in favor of transmitting the above report. One member was absent.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Mary Flynn, Chair

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. A Zoning Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge be amended on a Zoning Petition by Michael Monestime, et al., to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by creating new footnotes in the Table of Permitted Uses in Section 4.30 for Outdoor Retail or Consumer Service Establishment, not otherwise defined and Outdoor Entertainment and Recreation Facility” in the Business B, B-1 and B-2 column which read, “For the Central Square Overlay see section 20.304.5 (5)” and “For the Central Square Overlay see section 20.304.5 (6)”; and by amending Section 20.304.5 of the Central Square Overlay District to allow Outdoor Retail or Consumer Service Establishment, not otherwise defined by Special Permit from the Planning Board, with associated approval criteria, and to permit Outdoor Entertainment and Recreation Facility as-of-right within the Business B District of the Central Square Overlay District. [Passed to 2nd Reading Apr 24, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after May 15, 2023; Expires July 12, 2023] (ORD23#1)
Motion to Declare This Matter a “Special Emergency” Prevails 8-0-1 (AM Absent); Ordained 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Lesley University requesting permission for 48 temporary banners on Massachusetts Avenue from Everett Street to Upland Road announcing Lesley University with Student Artwork from May 4, 2023 through May 23, 2023. (AP23#21)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

2. A Zoning Petition has been received from Ian Ferguson, et al. regarding Pitched Roofs Zoning Petition. (AP23#22) [text of petition]
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from David Ward, regarding Municipal broadband study: comments regarding market overview.

2. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Reject City Manager's Agenda #4, Mass Ave Partial Construction Working Group membership.

3. A communication was received from Laura Deford, regarding Skyscrapers in Cambridge.

4. A communication was received from Arthur Strang, regarding In favor of a bridge over the Fitchburg Commuter Rail from North Cambridge and Jefferson Houses.

5. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Follow-Up Re: Reject City Manager's Agenda #4, Mass Ave Partial Construction Working Group membership.

6. A communication was received from Alan Dobson, regarding DCR Letter, Apr 3, 2023 to Cambridge City Manager; PO23#68.

7. A communication was received from Lawrence J. Adkins, regarding DCR Letter, Apr 3, 2023 to Cambridge City Manager; PO23#68.

8. A communication was received from Sheila Headley, regarding DCR Letter, Apr 3, 2023 to Cambridge City Manager; PO23#68.

9. A communication was received from Doug Brown, regarding City Manager's Agenda Item #103: Relative to Jerry's Pond Funding.

10. A communication was received from Hannah Goodwin, regarding Monday Night's City Council meeting 4/24.

11. A communication was received from mrsalwiii, regarding DCR Letter, Apr 3, 2023 to Cambridge City Manager; PO23#68.

12. A communication was received from Catherine LeBlanc, regarding Fully implement the Urban Forest Master Plan.

13. A communication was received from Gabriela Romanow, regarding PLEASE fully implement the Urban Forest Master Plan.

14. A communication was received from Gwen Speeth, regarding Cambridge must honor its word - don't take promised funding away from Jerry's Pond.

15. A communication was received from Constance Devanthery-Lewis and Jean Devanthery, regarding Quality of life improvements in North Cambridge.

16. A communication was received from Suzanna Schell, regarding City Manager's Agenda Item CM23#103.

17. A communication was received from John Doucet, regarding ARRPA Grant redirection from Jerry's Pond to pedestrian bridge.

18. A communication was received from Ruth Ryals, regarding CM23#103 - Jerry's Pond.

19. A communication was received from Eric Grunebaum, regarding ARRPA grant retraction from Jerry's Pond.

20. A communication was received from Pasang Lhamo, regarding City Manager's Agenda Item CM23#103.

21. A communication was received from Diane Martin, regarding Jerry's Pond and more.

22. A communication was received from Catherine Zusy, regarding CM23#103 and PO23#72: Jerry's Pond and BB&N Playing Fields.

23. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding 4/24/23 CMA Agenda #4 Oral Comment.

24. A communication was received from Ann Stewart, regarding comment on CM23#103 (Jerry's Pond).

25. A communication was received from Joan C. Corey, regarding serious staffing shortage in the Emergency Communications Department.

26. A communication was received from Robin Bledsoe, regarding concern about the loss of tree canopy in the city.

27. A communication was received from Steven Nutter, regarding Urban forest master plan comments.

28. A communication was received from Alexi Wright, regarding changing the official city flag of Cambridge.

29. A communication was received from Catherine Zusy, regarding Follow up to preserving NCDs/Stop last minute amendments!

30. A communication was received from John Whisnant, regarding NCD ordinance today at 12:30pm – a confusing and opaque document.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Debra Wise on her appointment as Associate Artistic Director of Revels, Inc. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to promptly draft a zoning petition to be considered for filing by the City Council, based upon the proposed Affordable Housing Overlay amendments now before the Housing Committee. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#75)
Charter Right - Nolan (after numerous speeches by the likes of Zondervan and McGovern who declared that they would prefer even taller heights along all of the declared “Corridors” and Squares, and that anything less that the City obtaining every residential property that goes on the market should be viewed as a failure);
Councillor Toner introduced a Substitute Order that will be reintroduced when this matter comes up at the next regular meeting

2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with the Community Development Department and neighboring cities and agree to a non-binding framework that Cambridge can use to work towards a more diverse real estate development industry. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem (PO23#76)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent) - Zondervan declares that he would also like to codify requirements for union labor and a laundry list of social goals to do business in Cambridge, Siddiqui concurs

3. Recognize Turquoise Takeover Week from May 8-14, 2023 to raise awareness for lung cancer. Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#77)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD, Law Department, the Assessor’s Office, and any other relevant departments to produce final draft ordinance language for the BEUDO amendments based on the CDD proposal as amended by the Ordinance Committee at its Apr 26, 2023 hearing; and that the City Manager report back on this matter, including presenting final draft language to the City Council no later than May 31st, 2023. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (PO23#78)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with DPW and relevant City departments and the Committee on Public Planting to consider ideas proposed during the Health and Environment Committee meeting on Apr 25, 2023, and to prepare a brief report outlining action items within the City’s UFMP which can be implemented as soon as this year and develop recommendations to update regulations regarding native species planting practices in light of climate change affecting the species that should be planted in the City. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem (PO23#79)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

6. City Council support of letter on strong Clean Heat Standards. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (PO23#80)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Economic Development & University Relations Committee held a public meeting on Apr 4, 2023 to the discuss the practical impact of various city policies, regulations and ordinances on commercial and residential development and construction projects in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)
Present: Toner, Nolan, (Siddiqui, Simmons, Carlone, McGovern)
Remote Present: Azeem
Absent: Mallon, Zondervan

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF23#80)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF23#81)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (AM - Absent)

Tues, May 2
3:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing to receive a report on the results of the Cambridge Business Survey conducted from January to February 2023 and to receive an update on the progress of the Economic Impact Study called for in Policy Order 2022 #29.

Wed, May 3
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on Citizens Zoning Petition from Craig Kelley, et al. – Cambridge Transportation Emissions Reduction and Car Sharing Act (APP 2023 #9).

Tues, May 9
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.
5:30pm The Charter Review Committee (Zoom only)

Wed, May 10
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the School Department budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Tues, May 16
10:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Thurs, May 18
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing (if necessary) to discuss the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Wed, May 24
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Charles Jessup Franklin et al., regarding allowing new construction hat is similar in size and shape as existing buildings for the purpose of promoting housing and first floor retail.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 1, 2023 Charter Right - Nolan
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to promptly draft a zoning petition to be considered for filing by the City Council, based upon the proposed Affordable Housing Overlay amendments now before the Housing Committee, with the following changes:
• The maximum height shall be 12 stories in the corridors and 15 stories in the squares, except as provided below
• The height may match the height of existing housing on the existing or an adjacent parcel, as proposed by the Cambridge affordable housing providers
• The zoning petition shall include the following Open Space Correction language:

11.207.5.2.4 Open Space

(a) Except where the District Dimensional Standards establish a less restrictive requirement or as otherwise provided below, the minimum percentage of open space to lot area for an AHO Project shall be thirty percent (30%). However, the minimum percentage of open space to lot area may be reduced to no less than fifteen percent (15%) if the AHO Project includes the preservation and protection of an existing building included on the State Register of Historic Places.

(b) The required open space shall be considered Private Open Space but shall be subject to the limitations set forth below and shall not be subject to the dimensional and other limitations set forth in Section 5.22 of this Zoning Ordinance. Private Open Space shall exclude parking and driveways for automobiles.

(c) All of the required open space that is located at grade shall meet the definition of Permeable Open Space as set forth in this Zoning Ordinance.

(d) The required open space shall be located at Grade or on porches and decks that are no higher than the floor elevation of the lowest Story Above Grade, except that up to twenty five percent (25%) of the required open space may be located at higher levels, such as balconies and decks, only if it is accessible to all occupants of the building.

(e) For the purpose of this Affordable Housing Overlay, area used for covered or uncovered bicycle parking spaces that are not contained within a building shall be considered Private Open Space.

(f) In any AHO project where (a) pre-existing contiguous Green Area Open Space will be preserved and/or expanded in an amount representing 5% or more of the total lot area, including through consolidation and/or relocation of some portion of the Green Area Open Space to another part of the lot, without reducing the size of any contiguous portion or (b) the total Open Space will exceed the minimum amount required for the project, the project may exceed the applicable height limit without restriction, provided that the maximum possible FAR for the lot shall not be exceeded. If the AHO project is not subject to an FAR restriction, maximum gross floor area shall be calculated based on the lot area less the portion of the lot area required to be open space under the AHO multiplied by the maximum number of stories otherwise applicable under the AHO; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the CDD to report back on the new mass timber construction pathways (types IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C) from the 2021 International Building Code (21 IBC) which are currently under consideration by the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulation Standards (BBRS), and potential implications for building construction under the AHO; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter no later than June 1, 2023.

Toner Substitute Order
WHEREAS: The Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) was ordained in October 2020 after an extensive public process over several years; and
WHEREAS: The AHO has a built-in review schedule of flve years to monitor progress and consider improvements; and
WHEREAS: Any amendments to the AHO should be considered in consultation with all stakeholders and City staff; and
WHEREAS: There have been two Housing Committee meetings on this topic; however, no substantive work has been done by the Community Development Department to assess current or previously proposed amendments to the AHO; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to work with the city’s affordable housing developers to consider what obstacles exist to implementing the intended goals of the original AHO in order to meet our affordable housing goals and, if appropriate, what amendments would be recommended; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to bring any amendment proposals to the Housing Committee of the City Council; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by the summer meeting.

O-5 May 1, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: On April 25, 2023, the Health and Environment Committee held a roundtable meeting to discuss the status of the Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) and to discuss how to improve tree health and tree canopy across the city; and
WHEREAS: Councillors, City staff from the Department of Public Works (DPW), and members of community groups including representatives from the Committee on Public Planting (CPP) and Cambridge4Trees were able to discuss shared goals and address areas for improvement among city operations; and
WHEREAS: Participatory budgeting clearly shows us, year after year, that Cambridge is filled with people who feel a great need to invest greater time and money into trees, and consistently we see tree and UFMP initiatives at the top of participatory budgeting results. The city should be matching that energy we see from residents and commit to reinvigorating its already aggressive approach to tree health citywide; and
WHEREAS: During the committee meeting, ideas to improve city operations included: developing a regular newsletter produced by DPW and CPP, increasing tree plantings, developing a native planting ordinance, identifying administrative or structural issues that limit the prioritization of tree infrastructure within the city, and producing a yearly “report card” to increase transparency and effectiveness; and
WHEREAS: Other issues for the city to consider include reprioritizing the tree canopy in the city’s heat islands, revamping the city’s memorial tree program, working to improve the Forest Friends and adopt-a-tree programs to improve accountability and usage, and looking at the structural barriers to protecting open space and urban forest within the Board of Zoning Appeal and the Planning Board decisions; and
WHEREAS: Many of these action items were already developed and recommended by the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force and enumerated in both the Urban Forest Master Plan and the Healthy Forest Healthy City Report; and
WHEREAS: Recognizing that the City does good work to prioritize our urban forest but that given the realities of the growing effects of climate change, the city needs to reinvigorate and redouble its efforts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DPW and relevant City departments to schedule meetings with relevant community groups including but not limited to the Committee on Public Planting, Cambridge4Trees, and Green Cambridge, to identify specific areas where city efforts regarding tree and plant health across the City can be improved in the short and long term; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DPW and relevant City departments and the Committee on Public Planting to consider ideas proposed during the Health and Environment Committee meeting on April 25, 2023, and to prepare a brief report outlining action items within the City’s UFMP which can be implemented as soon as this year; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DPW and relevant city departments and the Committee on Public Planting to develop recommendations to update regulations regarding native species planting practices in light of climate change affecting the species that should be planted in the City; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by the end of June 2023.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
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

19-147. 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

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

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-9. Report on providing an overview of various programs and services that are designed to assist the City’s chronically unhoused population and those in danger of becoming unhoused, along with the metrics by which the City determines the effectiveness of these programs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 2/22/2021

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O1) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-60. Report on reviewing the residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to limit the issuance of residential permits to vehicles that are primarily utilized for personal, non-commercial use.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 9/13/2021

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021

21-94. Report on proposing possible zoning language that would achieve the goals of incentivizing all construction to be fossil fuel free through a possible special permit process.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/13/2021

21-98. Report on Reaffirming Commitment to the Goal of 100% Renewable by 2035.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 12/13/2021

22-2. Report on meeting with the impacted residents and businesses on northern Massachusetts Avenue to discuss their ideas and suggestions for addressing their concerns.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (Calendar Item #2) from 1/10/2022

22-7. Report on providing a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted on the golf course land, information on the history, residency and other demographic information on membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #1) from 1/31/2022

22-8. Report on determining the feasibility of establishing additional compensation for the City’s essential employees in accordance with the considered State legislation framework.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 2/7/2022

22-13. Report on determining how to better integrate more parent response into their decision-making process as they make changes that can have undue impacts upon the families they serve.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 3/7/2022

22-14. Report on the findings of the "Future of Telework" Committee, and to explain the city’s current policy regarding a remote work policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 3/7/2022

22-23. Report on providing an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies, including (but not limited to) an explanation of the administration’s current procedures for notifying and conducting outreach to abutters and neighbors, the criteria for evaluating curb cut applications, and an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 4/11/2022

22-24. Report on determining what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/25/2022

22-29. Report on introducing a pilot program to open two of our youth centers during the evening and weekend hours during the summer.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 5/9/2022

22-30. Report on adding $1.94 linkage fee to Housing Contribution Rate that is specifically targeted for job training.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern from 5/9/2022

22-33. Report on consulting with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services, and the Executive Director of Cadbury Common to determine the feasibility of re-establishing some form of the Kate’s Café Monthly LGBTQ+ Community Dinners either at Cadbury Common or at another suitable location.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 5/16/2022

22-35. Report on ensuring that every possible material used in construction projects are as safe and healthy and free of potential toxins as possible, and ensure that all construction and manufacturing vendors commit to disclosing all ingredients and using non-toxic materials.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 5/16/2022

22-36. Work on Implementing Recommendations from Working IDEAL Report.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/23/2022

22-38. Report on establishing a method of ensuring that anti-bias training is incorporated into the City’s hiring process at all levels.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 5/23/2022

22-40. Report on developing a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the entire, department-wide municipal government.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/6/2022

22-42. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a “community healing initiative” plan to address the issues in our city.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/13/2022

22-43. Report on establishing a notification system to all neighborhood residents, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes, within a set area where neighborhood disruptions such as infrastructure work or demolitions are scheduled to occur.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from

22-46. Report on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (O5) from 6/27/2022

22-49. Report on Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge's African American/Black Residents.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 8/1/2022

22-50. Report on establishing Black Men and Boys Commission.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 8/1/2022

22-55. Report on the status of the long term water projections and on what measures could be taken to conserve water.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O14) from 8/1/2022

22-57. Report on Policy Order to investigate shared EV or Hybrid free bus service.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/1/2022

22-61. Report on communicating to the Cambridge Health Alliance the City Council’s support for the reopening of the Cambridge Birth Center for deliveries as soon as possible and City Council support for the protection of existing birth centers and the creation of new birth centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-64. Report on t detailing how other comparable municipalities handle their street corner dedication processes and on ways to honor those individuals who may not ultimately have a street corner named after them but who nonetheless deserve to have their names and accomplishments recognized.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/19/2022

22-66. Report on a plan to install “Walls of Honor” at each home baseball and softball field honoring past and current coaches and volunteers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/19/2022

22-67. Report on necessary preparations for the next Housing Committee meeting in the discussion on potentially allowing multifamily housing to be built citywide.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 9/19/2022

22-68. Report on touring the facility at 2222 Massachusetts Avenue regarding transitioning the facility into a non-congregate homeless shelter with accompanying services.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-10) from 9/19/2022

22-69. Report on a community process on the future use of 105 Windsor Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 9/19/2022

22-70. Report on the legislation passed by the Somerville City Council banning limited services pregnancy centers.
Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #3) from 10/3/2022 Committee Report

22-71. Report on convening an advisory group to determine ways in which the City can work to lift up the voices and experiences of the descendants of the Indigenous People who currently reside in our community.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/3/2022

22-73. Report on working with the Law Dept., to automatically provide an initial legal opinion to the City Council and the City Clerk at least three business days in advance of the first Public Hearing on any amendment to the Code of Ordinances formally introduced in the City Council.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 10/3/2022

22-74. Report on installing a new irrigation system in Danehy Park as soon as possible and better prepare for tree watering efforts in the future and report on any needed or ongoing irrigation improvements to other parks across the city. See Mgr #17
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 10/3/2022

22-75. Report on receiving input from the Vision Zero, Pedestrian, Bicycle Committee, the Council on Aging, the Transit Advisory Committee, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, promulgate the updated guide throughout the city, and develop recommendations for staffing and methods of improving traffic enforcement.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #2) from 10/17/2022

22-80. Report on providing a comprehensive list of current Cambridge policies that impact the cost of local commercial and residential development and those that are known to be in the pipeline, to note whether similar policies exist in the neighboring cities of Boston and Somerville.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #2) from 11/14/2022

22-83. Report on determining how the City could adopt G.L. c. 40, sec. 60B, created under the Municipal Modernization Act, which allows cities and towns, through their respective legislative bodies, to provide for Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments Zones (WH–STA) as an incentive to create middle-income housing.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-16) from 11/21/2022

23-2. Report on the need for a special permitting process for cannabis dispensaries, special permitting fees and bicycle parking requirements that are required of local recreational cannabis dispensaries, to provide a report on how the special permit process, and these requirements may impact these businesses, to determine whether these requirements may need to be modified or eliminated.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-3) from 1/23/2023

23-3. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing the property located at 37 Brookline Street, former home of Peter Valentine, with the intent of utilizing this as a community arts space.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-4) from 1/23/2023

23-4. Report on establishing the framework that will allow for the immediate elimination of the bicycle parking fees imposed upon Economic Empowerment and Social Equity applicants and cannabis dispensary operators.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #2) from 2/6/2023

23-6. Report on determining the best ways to promote bike safety with a particular focus on expanding the distribution of bike lights throughout the City.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/6/2023

23-7. Report on providing publicly-accessible traffic stop, arrest and citation police data on a new Procedural Justice Dashboard.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 2/6/2023

23-10. Report on engaging with community groups and the City’s existing multi-member bodies to design the next iteration of the Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-11) from 2/6/2023

23-12. Report on options of how to increase overnight resident street parking in the vicinity of Rogers Street.
Councillor Zondervan (O-13) from 2/6/2023

23-13. Report on evaluating the feasibility of financially supporting free meals for all students for the School Year 2023/24.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 2/13/2023

23-15. Report on continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #1) from 2/27/2023

23-16. Report on Police Details and the need for having armed vs. unarmed officers and the possibility of having civilian flaggers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #2) from 2/27/2023

23-17. Report on the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #3) from 2/27/2023

23-18. Report on creating a policy that will ensure the City is notified whenever a high-rise building over six floors experiences elevator failures.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 3/6/2023

23-19. Report on the feasibility of installing Automated External Defibrillator's at all public parks and practice fields, and any other public place as appropriate.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 3/6/2023

23-20. Report on the feasibility of providing municipally-funded housing vouchers similar to programs in Somerville and Boston.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 3/6/2023

23-21. Report on funding the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls.
(Calendar Item #1) from 3/20/2023

23-22. Report on providing a license agreement, as well as direct financial and regulatory support for the continued and uninterrupted operation of Starlight Square.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 3/20/2023

23-23. Report on providing a legal opinion which clarifies the state law on zoning petition signature requirements to ensure clarity and lawful deliberation in the future.
Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 4/3/2023

23-24. Report on providing free menstrual products in all gender bathrooms particularly Public Library branches and all city owned buildings.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-2) from 4/3/2023

23-25. Report on developing a three-year plan to expand and improve After School Care.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 4/3/2023

23-26. Report on reviewing the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District (APP 2023 #12) for form and content.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 4/3/2023

23-27. Report on providing a legal opinion on the earliest possible date that potential changes to the charter could be voted on by the electorate, assuming the Charter Review Committee submits proposed changes to the City Council by the new Dec 31, 2023 deadline.
(O-4) from 4/10/2023

23-28. Report on bringing together a working group to conduct outreach through neighborhood groups including the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance, and any other nearby neighborhood groups and city departments, in order to discuss and review options for use of the BB&N Field.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O4) from 4/24/2023

Amendment	Category from CDD table	Proposed Amendments
1	Threshold	Over 100sf (w/2 or less owners)
2	Exemptions	Charge the Review Board with approving all decarbonization plans and carbon offsets Codify that of the 9 review board members there shall be 2 climate activists and 5 technical experts who understand the urgency of climate change.
3a	Offsets	Insert AVID+/PAVERE framework into the ordinance so that only quality offsets may be used Require that if available, local/regional offsets must be used before any other offsets
3b	Offsets	Develop a pool of local/regional credits (pre-approved by the Review Board with CDD assistance) that BEUDO owners can incorporate into their decarbonization plans.
4	Policy Review	Change completion date of initial review from 2032 to 2028