Cambridge City Council meeting - May 2, 2022 - AGENDA
[Mayor Siddiqui was ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the FY2023 submitted budget and appropriation orders. (CM22#86)
pulled by Nolan; Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for the replacement of existing gas boilers at the Morse and Cambridgeport schools. (CM22#87)
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for the replacement of existing gas boilers at the Morse and Cambridgeport schools, which have reached their useful life, with electric boilers.
This order is being submitted prior to the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget which is scheduled for May 17, 2022 to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 6, 2022, which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY23 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.
If passed to a second reading on May 2, 2022, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 6, 2022. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY23 Submitted Budget for additional information on this project. As noted above, the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for May 17, 2022.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
Agenda Item Number 2 May 2, 2022
ORDERED: That $1,800,000 is appropriated, for the purpose of financing building renovations, including all costs incidental or related thereto, including but not limited to, the following projects:
to provide funds for the replacement of existing gas boilers at the Morse and Cambridgeport schools, which have reached their useful life, with electric boilers; and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $1,800,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $13,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets, sidewalks and bike facilities. (CM22#88)
pulled by Carlone; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $13,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets, sidewalks and bike facilities. $3,000,000 of this loan order is attributable to the improvement project related to sewer infrastructure upgrades in Central Square, which include full depth roadway reconstruction, new sidewalks, new street trees and various other street improvements.
This order is being submitted prior to the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget which is scheduled for May 17, 2022 to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 6, 2022 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY23 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.
If passed to a second reading on May 2, 2022, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 6, 2022. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY23 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. As noted above, the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for May 17, 2022.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
Agenda Item Number 3 May 2, 2022
ORDERED: That $13,000,000 is appropriated for the purpose of financing the repair and/or reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks and bike facilities, including all costs incidental or related thereto; and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $13,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.
4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $78,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port, Alewife and Central Square areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts. (CM22#89)
pulled by Carlone; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $78,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port, Alewife and Central Square 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 FY23 Public Investment Budget which is scheduled for May 17, 2022 to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 6, 2022 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY23 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.
If passed to a second reading on May 2, 2022, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 6, 2022. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY23 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. As noted above, the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for May 17, 2022.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
Agenda Item Number 4 May 2, 2022
ORDERED: That $78,500,000 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 all costs incidental or related thereto, including but not limited to:
Construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port, Alewife and Central Square 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 $78,500,000 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 (the “Trust”) established pursuant to Chapter 29C or the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (the “MWRA”) 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 MWRA and otherwise to contract with the Trust and the MWRA 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.
5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of a multi-use paths Danehy/New Street Path, Linear Park and Grand Junction Path, which runs from Henry Street to Gore Street on both City, MIT and MassDOT property. (CM22#90)
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of a multi-use paths Danehy/New Street Path, Linear Park and Grand Junction Path, which runs from Henry Street to Gore Street on both City, MIT and MassDOT property.
This order is being submitted prior to the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget which is scheduled for May 17, 2022 to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 6, 2022, which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY23 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.
If passed to a second reading on May 2, 2022, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 6, 2022. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY23 Submitted Budget for additional information on this project. As noted above, the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for May 17, 2022.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
Agenda Item Number 5 May 2, 2022
ORDERED: That $15,000,000 is appropriated in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of providing financing to the design and construction of a multi-use paths Danehy/New Street Path, Linear Park and Grand Junction Path, including all costs incidental or related thereto, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $15,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.
6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,600,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. (CM22#91)
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,600,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support upgrades to the City Hall Annex geothermal well system and building envelope improvements, and HVAC improvements at the Moses Youth Center. This appropriation also includes funds toward City Hall facade repairs, electric vehicle charging station infrastructure at several municipal buildings, HVAC upgrades at the Healy Public Safety building and O’Connell Branch Library and additional work at Taylor Square, East Cambridge Fire Houses and other fire stations.
This order is being submitted prior to the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget which is scheduled for May 17, 2022 to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 6, 2022 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY23 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.
If passed to a second reading on May 2, 2022, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 6, 2022. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY23 Submitted Budget for additional information on this project. As noted above, the Finance Committee hearing on the FY23 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for May 17, 2022.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
Agenda Item Number 6 May 2, 2022
ORDERED: That $14,600,000 is appropriated, in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of planning and financing building renovations, including all costs incidental or related thereto, including but not limited to the following projects in the municipal facilities improvement plan: upgrades to the City Hall Annex geothermal well system and building envelope improvements; HVAC improvements at the Moses Youth Center; City Hall façade repairs; electric vehicle charging station infrastructure at several municipal buildings; HVAC upgrades at the Healy Public Safety building and O’Connell Branch Library; and additional work at Taylor Square and East Cambridge Fire Houses and other fire stations; and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $14,600,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.
7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $37,000,000 to provide additional funds for the construction of improvements at the Fire Station Headquarters Building located at 491 Broadway. (CM22#92)
Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $37,000,000 to provide additional funds for the construction of improvements at the Fire Station Headquarters Building located at 491 Broadway.
In FY19 this project was initially planned as an “alteration” and was funded with a $25 million dollar appropriation. However, as the project proceeded it became clear that a larger scope was required as part of a complete rehabilitation of this historic building.
This project now includes a new data center for emergency communications, a net zero emissions building with energy producing solar panels and geothermal wells, a sub-station to accommodate the energy requirements for an all-electric building including charging stations, and construction phasing. These new elements coupled with significant construction escalation, schedule delays and temporary facility siting account for the increased amount required for the project.
The project schedule calls for the construction of the new data center to begin in the fall 2022. As the new data center is switched over, the renovations to the main building will begin mid-year 2023 with an estimated completion date of late 2025.
With the approval of this recommendation, the renovated Fire Headquarters building will be a net zero emissions building with updated training and living quarters, that will also provide for the safety of firefighters with a decontamination system to clean bunker gear and equipment of hazardous materials from a fire; and a new emergency communication data center, which will serve the fire operations for decades to come.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
Agenda Item Number May 2, 2022
ORDERED: That $37,000,000 is appropriated, in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of financing the construction of the Fire Station Headquarters building improvements, including all costs incidental or related thereto; and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $37,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority.
8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $600,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will fund the purchase a training structure to be located in the rear of the East Cambridge fire station. (CM22#93)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $600,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account.
This appropriation will fund the purchase a training structure to be located in the rear of the East Cambridge fire station. The proposed structure would be 24’ wide, 20’ deep and 25’ high. It will be located on the grass area at the rear of station 3 in East Cambridge, on the Gore Street side. This facility is a modular structure made from galvanized steel modular units and clad with brick masonry siding to match the existing fire station.
The training structure will be fabricated by the vendor, then shipped and assembled on-site. It is a modular fire training structure that has been used at many locations throughout the country. There will be no live fire training in this building, but it will have a theatrical smoke distribution system to simulate fire conditions, which will be used occasionally. It will allow the fire department to train the current firefighters in basic firefighting skills including hose line advancement, search and rescue, laddering, ventilation, forcible entry, and a host of other skills. It will also allow us to train in technical skills such as rappelling, confined space rescue, collapse rescue, and high angle rescue. Fire Administration has reached out to direct abutters to inform them of the possible placement of this structure and has received positive feedback.
The Cambridge Fire Department has been an ISO Class 1 fire department since July 1, 1999. Of the more than 47,000 fire departments subject to ISO survey in this country, just over 300 are rated as Class 1 so this is a distinction that we are proud of and that we strive to maintain. This new fire training building will help us to keep our Class 1 rating. Periodically, ISO surveys the fire department for classification purposes. During the past two surveys we have maintained our Class 1 rating by a slim margin. The major factor was the lack of a dedicated training facility so this training building will fill that gap and help us to keep our Class 1 rating. The Class 1 rating also allows the residents and commercial business owners in Cambridge to enjoy the lowest possible insurance rates which provides an implicit savings to our residents and business owners.
The Cambridge Fire Department has hosted a summer Youth Fire Academy for several years at the East Cambridge fire station. This new fire training structure will give the Fire Department a dedicated facility to work with high school students, in a controlled environment, to help teach them about the fire service and hopefully inspire them to become firefighters themselves. Building upon that, we are hopeful that we will launch a Fire Department Cadet program in the near future. This new fire training structure will give the City a facility to train these cadets and prepare them to successfully graduate from the Massachusetts Fire Academy and become Cambridge Firefighters.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $150,000 from the General Fund Electrical Department Salary and Wages Account to the General Fund Electrical Travel and Training Account (Judgments and Damages) to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties. (CM22#94)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
10. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a supplemental allocation from the Office of the Attorney General, Local Consumer Aid Fund for $5,000 to the Grant Fund License Commission (Consumer’s Council) Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to allow the Consumers’ Council to continue the mediation of consumer complaints from individuals in Cambridge as well as in Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown and Waltham which do not have their own complaint mediation program. (CM22#95)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
11. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,500,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account from MIT Development for Volpe Project ($500,000) and Alexandria RE Equities/Design & Construction ($1,000,000) and will be used to support the design and construction of the Grand Junction Multi-use Path. (CM22#96)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $1,500,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account. These mitigation funds have been received from the sources below and will be used to support the design and construction of the Grand Junction Multi-use Path.
Source | Amount |
MIT Development for Volpe Project - Grand Junction Design | $500,000 |
Alexandria RE Equities/Design & Construction of the Grand Junction Path | $1,000,000 |
TOTAL: | $1,500,000 |
The Grand Junction Multi-use Path is currently in design and planned to run alongside the existing railroad tracks in the Grand Junction corridor from the Boston University Bridge to Somerville. The Grand Junction Multi-use Path will provide a continuous off-street path for residents, school children, workers and visitors to stroll, jog, or bike through the eastern half of Cambridge. This path will connect many neighborhoods, MIT, business districts, and regional resources like the Charles River and the Community Path. The project will generally include a 14’ wide path and 2’ buffers on each side, pocket parks, landscaping and trees where space exists, lighting and amenities such as benches, trash/recycling receptacles and wayfinding.
These funds will be added to other funding sources to contribute to design and construction of the Grand Junction Path.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
12. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $253,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account to be used for a City of Cambridge Disparity Study. (CM22#97)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $253,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account to be used for a City of Cambridge Disparity Study.
Funds will be used to contract with a consultant to undertake a Disparity Study in relation to establishing a Sheltered Market for Goods and Services.
In 2021, City Council requested that City staff determine the possible implementation of a Sheltered Market Program and conduct a Spending Disparity Study on City Purchasing with Businesses Owned by Minorities, Women, Veterans, and Other Historically Disadvantaged Groups. This process includes conducting a disparity study to review and analyze the discrimination which such a program would be intended to address in order to determine whether a sheltered market program under G.L. c. 30B, §18 can be implemented in Cambridge.
The final report is anticipated to include: legal requirements, data collection, availability study, utilization analysis, procurement practice review, and information on the items needed for the City to implement a sheltered market program (if warranted). As a part of the study, the Consultant team will also conduct surveys and interviews with historically disadvantaged businesses in the market and talk to City staff.
It is anticipated that the study will begin in Spring 2022 and be completed next year.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
13. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $23,100,176 received from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the new Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to the Grant Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used for a number of projects related to City Council priority areas particularly: homelessness and housing support, COVID testing, mental health services, job training, food insecurity, small business support, and infrastructure including items related to water, and broadband. (CM22#98)
pulled by Zondervan; Charter Right - Zondervan
May 2, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $23,100,176 received from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the new Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to the Grant Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account.
This funding represents the City’s portion of the Middlesex County allocation of ARPA funds and was received in addition to the City’s direct allocation of $65 million which was appropriated in June 2021.
Over the past year, my office and fiscal staff have worked closely with the City Council Finance Committee Co-Chairs, City departments, community and nonprofit organizations, and other stakeholders, to refine funding priorities, in keeping with the commitment made, when the initial funds were appropriated, to have a collaborative process with the City Council.
A portion of the total funds will be used for a number of projects related to City Council priority areas particularly: homelessness and housing support, COVID testing, mental health services, job training, food insecurity, small business support, and infrastructure including items related to water, and broadband.
The Finance Committee held a hearing in April 2022 to review requests received from the public. The Finance Committee will also hold meetings in the future on additional projects related to non-profit support, homelessness, transit, climate issues, and other department initiatives.
Additional information regarding ARPA funds is available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/citymanagersoffice/arpa
Staff are also continuing to work with consultants and the City Solicitor’s Office in order to ensure the eligibility of projects and compliance with reporting requirements.
This appropriation will allow the City to accept the revenue from the grant, and bring the total ARPA funding for the City to $88.1 million.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager
14. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (the “IG”) for the City to use the Construction Manager at Risk (“CMaR”) procurement and construction method (the “CMaR Method”) in connection with the Fire Department Headquarters Project. [Attachment A] [Attachment B] (CM22#99)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the feasibility of providing all Cambridge high school students with free Charlie Cards throughout the school year. [Charter Right – Simmons, Apr 11, 2022]
Simmons motion to refer to Transportation Committee Fails 3-4-1-1 (DS,PT,QZ - YES; DC,MM,PN,AM - NO; SS - ABSENT; BA - PRESENT)
Tabled 7-1-1 (Nolan - NO; Siddiqui - ABSENT)
O-11 Apr 11, 2022 Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City Council stands for equity and seeks to ensure that all students in Cambridge regardless of which school they attend have access to a safe and reliable means of transportation to and from school; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the city Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the feasibility of providing all Cambridge high school students with free Charlie Cards throughout the school year.
ON THE TABLE
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $39,600 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Emergency Preparedness and Coordination office. [Charter Right - Nolan, Mar 7, 2022; Tabled - Mar 21, 2022]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT); Note: Revised to be a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Ronald Santosuosso, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 650 East Kendall Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. One response has been received from the neighborhood association. (AP22#18)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
2. An application was received from Ronald Santosuosso, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 650 East Kendall Street/Linskey Way; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. One response has been received from the neighborhood associations. (AP22#19)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
3. An application was received from the City of Cambridge Budget Office requesting permission for two (2) temporary banners across JFK Street and Mount Auburn Street announcing the Participatory Budgeting Banner from June 13, 2022 through July 3, 2022. (AP22#20)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Mary-Catherine Deibel, regarding bike lanes vs parking.
2. A communication was received from Ivan Gonzalez, regarding Please protect the safety of people on bikes in Cambridge.
3. A communication was received from Danielle Gosdin, regarding Please Build the Porter Square Bike Lanes.
4. A communication was received from Daniel R. Spirer, regarding Bike lanes.
5. A communication was received from Ann Stewart, regarding please vote Alewife District Rezoning Petition to its second reading.
6. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Residents Alliance supports PO #4 Green New Deals for Cities Act.
7. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Residents Alliance support Alewife petition.
8. A communication was received from Chuck Hinds, regarding 650 West Kendall St Curb Cuts.
9. A communication was received from Beth Neustadt, regarding Porter Square and North Mass Ave.
10. A communication was received from Jean E. Jackson, regarding BEUDO BEUDERO.
11. A communication was received from James Mahoney, regarding Restaurant Entertainment Relief Is a Good Start.
12. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Calendar #2, Policy Order #3 and #6, City Council Meeting, 4/25/2022.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to John Carew on his retirement from Cambridge College. Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Resolution Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
2. Resolution on the death of Lawyer Johnson. Councillor Simmons
3. Congratulations to the Cambridge Rotary Club on its 100th Anniversary. Mayor Siddiqui
4. Congratulations to the Outstanding Employee Award Winners. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Mallon; Resolution Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
R-4 May 2, 2022 Amended
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVANWHEREAS: The City of Cambridge strives to provide the very best customer service to those who work and live here, as well as to those who come to enjoy the many attractions Cambridge has to offer, and this could not be possible without the hard work of the hundreds of dedicated City employees who comprise our workforce; and
WHEREAS: Each year, the City seeks to recognize the contributions of those employees who go that extra mile to provide exceptional service, and who inspire those around them to work harder and provide the best possible service to our constituents; and
WHEREAS: This year, the City of Cambridge is recognizing the exceptional work of the following City employees:
• Claudia Cruz, Director/Fuel Assistant & Summer Food Programs, Human Services
• Francesca Gaines, Administrative Coordinator, Executive Office
• Shawn Headley, Supervisor/Solid Waste Operations, Public Works Department
• Robert Hunter, Operational Foreman, Traffic, Parking & Transportation
• Joy Kim, Deputy Director of Libraries, Library Department
• Elana Klein, Licensed Social Worker, Police Department
• Gardy Laurent, Fiscal & Administration Manager, Traffic, Parking & Transportation
• Elizabeth Lyons, ARPA Grants Management Assistant, Finance Department
• Maria Pacheco, Administrative Assistant, Inspectional Services Department;
• Emily Salomon, Associate Planner, Community Development Department
• Jeremy Walsh, Fire Captain/EMS Division, Fire Department
• Meghan White, Division Head/Childcare Family Services, Human Services
and
WHEREAS: Each of these individuals has continually demonstrated a superior work ethic, a dedication to providing the best possible service to those who rely upon them, and they help make the City of Cambridge such an extraordinary place for us all; and
WHEREAS: These individuals shall be publicly recognized at a ceremony on Fri, May 13, 2022, at 10am in the Sullivan Chamber in City Hall, for their exceptional work and their dedication to public service; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record congratulating the individuals who are being recognized as 2022 Outstanding City Employees in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to each of the above individuals on behalf of the entire City Council.
5. That the Cambridge City Council go on record congratulating Bill Kane on this recognition and thanking him for his tremendous and unwavering commitment to those in Cambridge who struggle to meet their most basic needs. Councillor McGovern
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to look into the feasibility of mailing “Watch for Bikes” stickers to residents who have applied for a residential parking permit for the next application cycle in 2023. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern (PO22#72)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan - ABSENT)
2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works to look into the feasibility of placing a covered bike rack at City Hall using FY23 Capital Budget Funding. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (PO22#73)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan - ABSENT)
3. City Council support of H.938 and H.998/S.569, Extended Producer Responsibility for Paint and Mattresses. Councillor Azeem (PO22#75)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan - ABSENT)
4. City Council support of H.R.2644, the Green New Deals for Cities Act of 2021. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#78)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan - ABSENT)
5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to light up City Hall and painting crosswalks for Pride Month 2022. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan (PO22#79)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan - ABSENT)
6. That the City Council go on record supporting Cambridge’s commitment to being an ally of the Wampanoag Nation in The National Movement and declaring Thurs, May 5th, 2022 the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Day of Action. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (PO22#80)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan - ABSENT)
7. That the Cambridge City Council offers its support for a City Council Ordinance requiring prevailing wage rates for private utility construction. Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (PO22#83)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Ordinance Committee met on Mar 9, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on a petition to amend Article 20.90 - Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new section entitled Section 20.94.3 - Temporarily prohibited uses (ORDINANCE #2022-1). [Text of Committee Report #1]
Present: McGovern, Zondervan, Azeem, Carlone, Mallon, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Toner
Report Accepted, Placed on File; 5 Orders Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
Order A. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct City staff to provide the certain information regarding the Alewife Zoning Petition to the City Council for discussion. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#74)
Proposed Order May 2, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
ORDERED: That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct City staff to provide the following to the City Council for discussion:- Update the list of properties that would be impacted in the Alewife Overlay District by a proposed moratorium with additional information requested
- Provide a legal analysis under 40A for inclusion or exclusion of projects approved by the Planning Board, but a Special Permit has not yet been filed.
- what language is appropriate to ensure that new and expansion of existing labs and offices will be subject to the moratorium
- After considering options and the impacts on other Community Development study timetables, what is the department’s well-considered schedule to prepare the Alewife’s continued analysis, urban design plan, and zoning petition?
Order B. That the City Manager be and hereby is requests the City Manager to instruct the Community Development to respond to the Ordinance Committee with a list of projects and where they are in the permitting process. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#76)
Proposed Order May 2, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requests the City Manager to instruct the Community Development to respond to the Ordinance Committee with a list of projects and where they are in the permitting process.
Order C. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to report back to the Ordinance Committee with suggested language and edits to the proposed moratorium. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#77)
Proposed Order May 2, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to report back to the Ordinance Committee with suggested language and edits to the proposed moratorium.
Order D. That the City Manager works with the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion on how the council might, if so desired, allow buildings somewhere along in the process of development to be exempted from the Alewife moratorium and whether the current language applying to office and lab uses is appropriate. Councillor Zondervan (PO22#81)
Proposed Order May 2, 2022
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
ORDERED: That the City Manager works with the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion on how the council might, if so desired, allow buildings somewhere along in the process of development to be exempted from the Alewife moratorium and whether the current language applying to office and lab uses is appropriate.
Order E. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor’s office to report back to the City Council on Community Development’s current zoning workload and how long Community Development would need to it advance Alewife zoning. Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (PO22#82)
Proposed Order May 2, 2022
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor’s office to report back to the City Council on Community Development ‘s current zoning workload and how long Community Development would need to advance Alewife zoning.
2. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 7, 2022 to continue a public hearing on a petition to amend Article 20.90 - Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new section entitled Section 20.94.3 - Temporarily prohibited uses (ORDINANCE #2022-1). [Text of Committee Report #2]
Present: McGovern, Zondervan, Carlone, Mallon, Nolan, Siddiqui (late), Simmons, Toner
Absent:
Azeem
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT), Petition Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended (Siddiqui, Zondervan - ABSENT)
A. That Article 20.90-Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance be amended to insert a new section entitled Section 20.94.3 - Temporarily prohibited uses (ORDINANCE #2022-1). Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem (PO22#2)
Proposed Order May 2, 2022
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEMWHEREAS: In 1979, the City of Cambridge Community Development Department created the Alewife Revitalization plan, intended to fill the Fresh Pond - Alewife area with a mix of residential, business, and industrial structures (as shown in the attached graphic); and
WHEREAS: Forty years later, the 2019 Envision Alewife plan still visualizes Alewife as a mixed-use district, with development promoting the creation of good-paying, low barrier-to-entry jobs, and additional housing with no lab uses (as shown in the attached graphic); and
WHEREAS: Over two years the City Council debated an up-zoning petition for part of the Quadrangle area that included some housing, some retail, and some office/lab space which was voted down out of concerns that it was not aligned fully with the areawide vision as articulated in the plans, and a commitment to connections was uncertain; and
WHEREAS: The climate resiliency issues in this district are important, and this area is the subject of discussions by various departments, committees and task forces, with increasing urgency due to the rapid changes in climate leading to a need for more urgent and aggressive actions in this flood prone area with the visions consistently showing the need for a pond or water retention system/green corridor; and
WHEREAS: In the past two months, Denver real estate investment firm Healthpeak Properties has spent close to $400 million in this part of Cambridge, purchasing to date 19 separate parcels as outlined in the attached chart; and
WHEREAS: All of these purchases are located in the Alewife “Quadrangle” area, where Cambridge has planned a variety of different developments. Future purchases from HealthPeak Properties are expected since an additional LLC, LS Alewife IV, was created and has not yet acquired property, while LS Alewife V has; and
WHEREAS: HealthPeak is known for owning and developing real estate mostly in the healthcare industry, including medical offices and labs; and
WHEREAS: The original plan for Alewife included some office space and labs, though expected a wide variety of development; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge continues to struggle with housing affordability and availability, and therefore housing must be an integral part of all future development; and
WHEREAS: Long-needed public infrastructure, including pedestrian and bicycle connections through and across the district, a rail stop for those commuting to and from the area, publicly accessible open spaces, and urgent municipal needs such as DPW and Fire Department facilities, remains lacking; and
WHEREAS: City staff has not produced new zoning for the district in line with the plans, including the recent Alewife Envision Plan; and
WHEREAS: The City Council passed a Policy Order asking for a moratorium on development in the Alewife Quadrangle area on Nov 18, 2021, yet an Ordinance Committee meeting was not scheduled in time to meet the legal timeline; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That Article 20.90- Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance be amended to insert a new section entitled Section 20.94.3- Temporarily prohibited uses to read as follows:
“No Office or Laboratory Uses as listed in Table 4.34- Office and Laboratory Use shall be permitted within Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 until December 31st, 2023, or until such time as new Alewife District zoning is ordained by the Cambridge City Council, whichever shall be sooner.
“Such new district zoning shall be created in consultation with neighborhood residents from throughout the Alewife District and from each bordering district, including Cambridge Highlands, North Cambridge, Neighborhood Nine, and West Cambridge.
“Specifically, such new district zoning shall be guided by the vision, goals, existing studies, and recommendations contained in the City publications Alewife District Plan:
A report of the Alewife Planning Study Fall 2019 and Alewife Design Guidelines Fall 2020, and shall address the following areas identified in those reports:
• Land Use
• Open Space
• Urban Form
• Mobility
• Climate and Environment
• Housing
• Economy
“In addition, such new district zoning shall also reflect any recent reports and planning recommendations developed by other relevant citizen committees, task forces, and working groups, including but not limited to the following:
• Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees (City of Cambridge Bike Plan 2020, City of Cambridge Pedestrian Plan)
• Climate Protection Action Committee (City of Cambridge Climate Protection Plan)
• Net Zero Task Force (City of Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan)
• Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force (City of Cambridge Urban Forest Report: Healthy Forest Healthy City)
• Climate Change Working Group (final report pending)
• Climate Resilience Zoning Task Force (final report pending)”
Below is amended petition language as recommended by the Ordinance Committee on Apr 7, 2022
Ordered: that Section 20.90, entitled Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6, be amended to insert a new section 20.93.5 to read as follows:
20.93.5 Development Moratorium. For a period beginning from the date of enactment of this Section 20.93.5 and lasting until December 31, 2023, or until the time of enactment of an amendment to or deletion of this Section 20.93.5, whichever occurs sooner, no permits for the building, renovation, or enlargement of any structures to accommodate a new Office or Laboratory Use as listed in Section 4.34 of this Zoning Ordinance shall be issued within the Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6. The purpose of such moratorium is to create and enact amended requirements for the Alewife Overlay Districts in consultation with residents of the Alewife Overlay Districts and surrounding neighborhoods, based on development plans and guidelines published by the City.
COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Anthony Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF22#54)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF22#55)
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Siddiqui - ABSENT)
HEARING SCHEDULE
[Sullivan Chamber & Zoom unless otherwise noted]
Mon, May 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Thurs, May 5
4:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will meet to discuss municipal broadband. (Zoom only)
Mon, May 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Tues, May 10
9:00am The Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 budget
Wed, May 11
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will meet to discuss the report from the Climate Crisis Working Group received by the City Council on Apr 4, 2022.
6:00pm The Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 school budget.
Mon, May 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Tues, May 17
10:00am The Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 budget.
Thurs, May 19
9:00am The Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 budget (if needed).
Mon, May 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Thurs, May 26
5:30pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the state of mental health services in Cambridge.
Thurs, June 2
5:30pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update from the City Manager’s Opioid Task Force.
Mon, June 6
4:00pm City of Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, June 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Aug 1
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting
Mon, Sept 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Sept 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Sept 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Oct 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Oct 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Oct 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Nov 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Nov 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Nov 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Nov 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Dec 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Dec 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting
Mon, Dec 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 2, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City Council adopted Vision Zero in May 2016 to affirm its dedication to safe streets for all by eliminating road collisions; and
WHEREAS: Bicycle safety and sharing the road is paramount to the City achieving its Vision Zero goal; and
WHEREAS: There are many collisions and near misses between bikes and cars that occur daily that can easily be avoided by drivers taking extra precaution to look out for riders; and
WHEREAS: The City has previously mailed “Watch for Bikes” stickers to be applied to drivers side mirror with an accompanying brochure detailing Vision Zero to residents who applied for a parking permit in 2016; and
WHEREAS: These stickers serve as a helpful reminder to drivers to watch for bikes; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to look into the feasibility of mailing “Watch for Bikes” stickers to residents who have applied for a residential parking permit for the next application cycle in 2023; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter in a timely manner.
O-2 May 2, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: Biking has become a popular method of transportation to and from work for many Cambridge residents and employees with 8% of residents and 5% of non-residents included in that number; and
WHEREAS: Bike riders need safe places to store their bikes during the workday; and
WHEREAS: Covered bike racks are optimal for bike riders because they allow bikes to be shielded from inclement weather, making the ride to and from work easier; and
WHEREAS: The covered bike rack at 344 Broadway is consistently filled with employee bikes from both 51 Inman Street and City Hall Annex; and
WHEREAS: There is currently no permanent bike rack at City Hall, and due to construction there has been a loss of 4 parking spaces to allot for construction materials and vehicles as well as a dumpster that occupies 2 parking spaces on Dottie Doyle Way; and
WHEREAS: The City should begin planning to convert one or two of those spaces to be dedicated to a covered bike rack for City Hall and other municipal employees; and
WHEREAS: There is an annual funding allocation under the City’s Capital Budget to fund the construction of several covered bike racks around the City to help us meet our Parking, Transportation and Demand Management goals; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works to look into the feasibility of placing a covered bike rack at City Hall using FY23 Capital Budget Funding; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner on this issue.
O-3 May 2, 2022
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts state legislature has a prime opportunity to improve recycling in the Commonwealth with the passage of H.938 and H.998/S.569, bills that would support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures when it comes to paint and mattresses; and
WHEREAS: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) takes the cost of recycling or safe disposal of products off of taxpayers and puts it where it fairly belongs: on the producers who design and make the goods, the retailers who profit from their sale, and the consumers who benefit from their use; and
WHEREAS: According to a 2021 MassPSC municipal survey, municipalities spend over $11 million managing mattresses and over $2 million on paint annually; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts has lagged behind other states, such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine and Oregon, in implementing effective and cost-efficient EPR laws; and
WHEREAS: Bill H.938, An Act Relative to Paint Recycling, has just made its way out of the Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, and is now on to Ways & Means; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record supporting H.938 and H.998/S.569 in the 192nd Session of the Massachusetts General Court.
O-4 May 2, 2022
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Rep. Cori Bush [D-MO-1] has introduced H.R.2644, the Green New Deals for Cities Act of 2021; and
WHEREAS: H.R.2644 would distribute $1 trillion directly to states, municipalities, and tribes over four years, to be spent on a range of climate justice initiatives including replacing lead pipes, retrofitting water infrastructure, building bike lanes, installing electric vehicle charging stations, testing soil and water for contaminants, and phasing out fossil fuel infrastructure; and
WHEREAS: H.R.2644 also includes support for reparations programs for Black and Indigenous people and communities, and requires that new infrastructure projects create opportunities for people of color, immigrants, women, and formerly incarcerated individuals; and
WHEREAS: H.R.2644 establishes several conditions that must be met as a condition of receiving funding including a local Green New Deal program proposal and a commitment to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 through a fair and just transition for all communities and workers; and
WHEREAS: H.R.2644 would greatly benefit Cambridge’s efforts to implement a Green New Deal, achieve our Net Zero emissions goals, and accomplish a fair and just transition that includes our low-income and minority communities in the benefits of a sustainable economy; and
WHEREAS: H.R.2644 has 46 co-sponsors including Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts but no other co-sponsors from the Massachusetts delegation; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in full support of H.R.2644, the Green New Deals for Cities Act of 2021; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging our Congressional Delegation to fully support this bill, including co-sponsoring it and working hard for its passage; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Rep. Katherine Clark and Rep. Ayanna Pressley on behalf of the entire Cambridge City Council.
O-5 May 2, 2022
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: June is Pride Month, a month in which we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s diversity and strength and raise awareness about issues the LGBTQ+ community faces; and
WHEREAS: Every June, the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate the freedom to be their authentic selves; and
WHEREAS: Pride Month is also a time to celebrate the long history of LGBTQ+ activists who have fought to dismantle prejudice and advocate for equal rights; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record recognizing June 2022 as Pride 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 (1) refresh the rainbow benches outside of City Hall by June 1, 2022, (2) re-paint the crosswalks in colors that represent the Trans Flag, the Pride Flag, the Bi Flag and the People of Color Pride Flag by June 1, 2022, and (3) light City Hall up in rainbow colors in recognition of Pride Month from June 1, 2022 - June 12, 2022.
O-6 May 2, 2022
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge shares a critical concern for missing and murdered indigenous women and a desire to support the needs for justice, awareness, and healing; and
WHEREAS: Native women are murdered and go missing at a higher rate than any other ethnic group, and many of these cases are part of the spectrum of violence against native women; and
WHEREAS: National Institute of Justice reports that more than four in five American Indian / Alaskan adults (83%) have experienced some form of violence in their lifetime; and
WHEREAS: Current estimates suggest that among American Indian/Alaskan Native women, more than 1 in 2 have experienced physical violence by intimate partners or sexual violence in their lifetime, and more than 1 in 12 have experienced it in the past year; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge recognizes systemic barriers that exacerbate efforts to locate missing victims for families, communities, and tribal nations; and
WHEREAS: The Missing and Murdered Indigenous Day of Action by Kinship Heals is part of a National Movement and is designed to raise awareness and improve the responses of friends, family members, and community professionals when a native person goes missing in hopes of a positive outcome; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting Cambridge’s commitment to being an ally of the Wampanoag Nation in The National Movement and declaring Thurs May 5th, 2022 the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Day of Action.
O-7 May 2, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Construction workers deserve to earn family-supporting wages and benefits; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law for public works projects G.L. c.149, §§26-27 (“The Prevailing Wage Law”) establishes minimum wage rates for workers on public construction projects; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge recognizes the importance of prevailing wage laws to protect workers and the public’s investment in construction services; and
WHEREAS: Construction workers installing, rehabilitating, and servicing our underground utility infrastructure on City of Cambridge streets deserve the same minimum prevailing wage standards for wages and benefits as other workers on Commonwealth and City of Cambridge funded projects; and
WHEREAS: The safety of the public and the integrity of utility infrastructure in our City must be protected and maintained by a skilled, trained, safe, and local workforce; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council offers its support for a City Council Ordinance requiring prevailing wage rates for private utility construction; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council recognizes the right for all workers to exercise their Section 7 rights under the National Labor Relations Act to freely join a union.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-111. 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
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
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
19-145. 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
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
20-61. Report on an update on City-Owned Vacant Properties Inventory.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/16/2020
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
21-35. Report on providing options to update the HomeBridge and Affordable Home Ownership Programs to better align with the City’s values, and promote racial equity and socioeconomic justice.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) 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
21-49. Report on making immediate improvements at the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney and Bristol Streets and to all intersections in the city that are similarly malfunctioning, and to implement longer term changes.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-8) 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
21-52. Report on examining stipend models for the City’s multi-member bodies.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-8) from 6/28/2021
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
21-71. Report on placing a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 10/18/2021
21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021
21-90. Report on working with partners including the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and the Central Square Business Improvement District on identifying spaces in Central Square that would support the creation and protection of cultural and human service spaces that align with the City’s goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 11/22/2021
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
21-99. Report on spending plan and possible reallocation for the anticipated GLX refunds, and to report to the City Council on the use of GLX Project Participation Agreement funding in a timely manner.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toomey (O-6) 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
22-9. Report on options for spending ARPA money on direct support for households and individuals facing eviction, housing instability, and/or homelessness.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-5) 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
22-15. Report on looking into specific pedestrian safety interventions that can be placed at the intersection of Broadway and Highland Avenue.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 3/21/2022
22-16. Report on convening an Alewife Overlay District Zoning Proposal Working Group comprised of all stakeholders (community members, commercial property owners, businesses, developers, city staff and other parties as deemed appropriate) to engage stakeholders and City leaders in a process similar to that employed in developing zoning principals for the Volpe Center that will lead towards drafting new zoning for adoption.
Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 3/21/2022
22-17. Report on working with the American Red Cross to establish a workforce development program for life guarding that includes free certification and recertification courses throughout the year for anyone who can pass the swim test and include incentives that may entice qualified applicants including (but not limited to) higher wages, retention and signing bonuses, and the option to work more than 19.5 hours per week if desired.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone (O-3) from 3/21/2022
22-18. Report on working with staff of the BB&N school to provide a solution to cars idling beyond the five-minute legal limit, stalled traffic, blocked driveways, and a forced one-way path up Buckingham Street toward Concord where drivers face the risk of coming head-to-head with a vehicle trying to bypass the pickup line; and, such as a tiered drop-off system, a parking area for parents, or more drop-off and pick-up locations.
Councillor Nolan (O-4) from 3/21/2022
22-19. Report on drafting language to enable the Cambridge Police Department and Department of Public Works to donate abandoned bicycles to charitable organizations as outlined under MGL 30B Section 15(g).
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 3/28/2022
22-20. Report on placing free pet waste bag at other sites around the City and use the municipal signs at City Hall and other locations for an educational campaign on how to properly dispose of pet waste.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 4/11/2022
22-21. Report on considering a guaranteed income program that expands on Cambridge RISE and targets families in poverty.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 4/11/2022
22-22. Report on providing all CRLS students free Charlie Cards throughout the school year.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-7) from 4/11/2022
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
22-25. Report on how the city can meet the goals for diversity and inclusion, while ensuring that any required professional expertise and/or specific knowledge that may be statutorily required will continue to be represented.
(O-2) from 4/25/2022
22-26. Report on devising ways to encourage residents to request the smallest size trash bin needed and to keep waste output low with the rollout of the new bins.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 4/25/2022