Cambridge City Council meeting - May 3, 2021

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update.
Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of The Port Infrastructure Project Working Group, effective May 3, 2021 for a period of 12-15 months.
Placed on File 9-0

May 3, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following persons as members of the Port Infrastructure Project Working Group, effective May 3, 2021. The Working Group will meet over a period of 12-15 months to advise City staff on key issues related to the planning, design, and construction of this important project.

The key issues which the Working Group will advise on, are expected to include:

• Street and sidewalk design, including Implementation of Complete Street features (street trees, green infrastructure, traffic calming, shared street elements, pedestrian amenities, lighting, artwork, etc.) as roadways are reconstructed following utility construction.

• Implementation of sustainable stormwater and other climate resiliency improvements

• Potential improvements to the design of Clement Morgan Park

Tabatha Danyow - Tabatha is a relatively new resident of Cambridge and The Port. She works as a Proofreader and is interested in learning how the City is working to mitigate climate change impacts.

Troy Ellerbee - Troy serves on the Board of Elders of the Pentecostal Tabernacle in The Port. He also serves on the Board of Directors of The Loop Lab, a Port-based non-profit social enterprise specializing in digital storytelling and workforce development.

Divya Errabelli - Divya is a 15-year resident of The Port and is Vice-President of a firm specializing in health care analytics. She recently became a homeowner and is interested in planning related to climate change and environmental issues.

Colin Fleming - Colin is a 10-year resident of The Port and works in the field of higher education. He is interested in urban planning and infrastructure, particularly climate and urban forestry issues. He enjoys community engagement and has served in advisory capacities a number of times in his career.

Randa Ghattas- Randa is a 22-year Port resident and is an architect who works as a Senior Sustainability Project Manager at MIT. She is particularly interested in landscape, water resources, and Complete Streets. She previously served on the City’s Urban Forest Master Plan, Central Square, and Transit Advisory Committees, and as Board Member of the Community Arts Center.

Kessen Green - Kessen is the Director of Outreach and Community Programs for the Cambridge Police Department and is a life-long Cambridge resident. He has specialized in developing and directing programs which engage community members - particularly youth - from traditionally marginalized populations and has been very active in The Port through this work.

Marian Darlington-Hope - Marian is a life-long resident of The Port and for many years has been actively involved in community initiatives addressing issues of social justice. A university professor and administrator for over 25 years, Marian has specialized in teaching adult learners and working to redesign educational structures to become more inclusive and inviting for non-traditional students.

Ming-Tai Huh - Ming has lived in The Port for about 15 years. He is a restaurant owner and tech executive and has an active interest in civic affairs related to the neighborhood, such as affordable housing and infrastructure. He previously was a member of the Area 4 Coalition and served on the City’s Central Square Advisory Committee and Broad Band Task Force.

Clara Joo - Clara is a new resident of Cambridge and The Port, and recently completed her undergraduate degree in Architectural Engineering. She is very interested in the technical aspects of the Port Infrastructure Project and in becoming civically engaged in the neighborhood.

Raghu Krishnan- Raghu is a 6-year resident of The Port and works as a Licensing Specialist in the Biotech industry. He is also co-owner of small business in Boston. He is very interested in urban planning and design issues, particularly around pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure that can enhance neighborhood life for all residents.

Idony Lisle - Idony is a 13-year resident of The Port and works as Assistant Director at Metro Boston Recovery Learning Community. She is a writer, artist and advocate for homeless families and the mentally ill and served as Clerk for the Board of Directors of Homes for Families for about 10 years. She is actively engaged with her neighbors around issues in The Port.

Margaret Fuller House - MFH has been providing integrated services to individuals and families from their home in The Port for over 100 years. They will be represented on the Working Group by a staff member to be designated in the near future.

Newtowne Court/Washington Elms Tenant Council - The Tenants Council is a group of concerned tenants who help residents with issues that may arise within these Cambridge Housing Authority properties. The group works to better the well-being of all tenants of Newtowne Court and Washington Elms and advocates in matters that concern housing rights and responsibilities. City staff have reached out to Council representatives and hope to have a member designated to the Working Group in the near future.

Jack O’Hearn - Jack is the Teen Public Art Manager for the Community Arts Center (CAC). The CAC is a long-term Port institution committed to cultivating an engaged community of youth whose artistic voices transform their lives and their neighborhoods. The CAC has established an excellent track record of providing creative and challenging learning opportunities to youth and aims to develop the next generation of civically engaged, community-minded leaders, and problem-solvers.

James Pierre - James is a life-long resident of The Port, as have been multiple generations of his family. He is a Community Outreach Specialist, with an emphasis on exploring creative methods to increase community participation. James served as Public Arts Manager for the Community Art Center, and as a Board Member of Margaret Fuller House and the Cambridge chapter of My Brother’s Keeper.

Ellis Washington - Rev. Washington is Senior Pastor of St. Paul AME Church in The Port, where he has served for 8 years.

Paul Weaver - Paul has lived in The Port for 12 years and has been a homeowner for 6. He is the owner of a small chocolate company, with a background in Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. He is interested in leveraging his technical expertise, and MIT and local business connections, to ensure a more sustainable future for The Port neighborhood.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers for the calendar year 2021 to operate scales at Boston Sand and Gravel, 118-R Industrial Park, Cambridge.
Placed on File 9-0

5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-25, regarding a report on monitoring drought conditions and an update on demand projections.
Placed on File 9-0

May 3, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-25, regarding a report on monitoring drought conditions and an update on demand projections, Managing Director of the Water Department Sam Corda reports the following:

Drought Monitoring/Reporting:
The Water Department continues to monitor drought conditions within the Cambridge water system. The monitoring consists of: the review and tracking of precipitation data (from our USGS gauging stations) versus local historic average monthly precipitation; review of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)/National Weather Service (NWS) long range (12.5 months) precipitation predictions; review of the US Drought Monitor and Drought Outlook for Massachusetts, New England and the US; Review of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP) drought status and current levels as defined by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA); review of the Cambridge “Risk Based Drought Management Plan (2016); review of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water Supply Status (operating under normal conditions a/o Apr 1, 2021) of which we are a full water member and follow their MADEP Approved Drought Management Plan.

The drought levels are updated on our webpage (please see link below) as they are declared by the Secretary of EEA. During the drought of 2020 we added inserts in the water bills about the drought status. We have restarted the notice with the mid-April 2021 water billing and will continue throughout the drought declaration period. We added drought status “tweets” to our daily water conservation tweets to inform Cambridge residents. Also, we have added the use of Cable TV for our drought information campaign.

<https://www.cambridgema.gov/Water/administration/droughtstatusandwaterconservation/droughtstatus>

Reservoir Monitoring:
The Reservoir System capacity is monitored weekly and tracked monthly. Currently, the Hobbs Brook Reservoir, our largest reservoir, continues to be recharging while we draw only from Stony Brook and Fresh Pond Reservoirs. October through May is the typical time when our water system recharges. The reservoir system storage is above 90% capacity and is continuing to increase. The system capacity is below March 2020 but significantly above the March of 2016 and 2017 - the first and second years of the recent major drought.

The City Manager’s office is updated routinely, and the Water Board is updated monthly on drought, precipitation, water consumption information and the current Reservoir capacity status.

Water Conservation:
The Water Department continues to use social media to inform Cambridge of water conservation methodologies. This is in the form of daily tweets on water conservation tips, and updates to the Department Webpage (please see link below) monthly or more frequently as conditions/information changes.

<https://www.cambridgema.gov/Water/administration/droughtstatusandwaterconservation/waterconservation>

We are adding an indoor/outdoor water conservation pamphlet into the water bills effective the mid-April 2021 billing - the brochures were used last fall as well. The insert will be used twice a year, every Spring and Fall and they are sent to the entire city. We reinserted a water conservation comment on the water bills starting on the mid-April billing cycle.

We have just added the use of Cable TV to send out water conservation information on the cable scroll.

We will continue our water conservation efforts with Universities, large users and with other City Departments. This has included the installation of smart irrigation systems, as well as, when feasible turning them on later and turning them off earlier. We continually recommend the installation of low flow toilets (0.8/1.2 gallons/flush; energy star washing machines; aerators on all faucets; and refer all customers to visit the Cambridge Water Department, MADEP, USEPA and MWRA websites for many tips and techniques to conserve water.

Water Demand Projections:
The Water Department is planning to update the Water Demand Projections from 2011 that projected water demand through 2041. It is anticipated that this effort will take 6-12 months and will include the effects of the pandemic on our water demand.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-66, regarding a report on establishing a Black and Brown-Owned Business Task Force.
Placed on File 9-0

To: Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: Apr 29, 2021
Re: Policy Order POR 2020 #274 dated Nov 23, 2020 on establishing a Black and Brown-Owned Business Taskforce

In response to the above referenced policy order, we submit the following. The City is committed to supporting the vitality of its small businesses, especially its women, people of color, and other historically disenfranchised businesses. The City is also expanding direct work with Cambridge’s Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) business owners and is working toward this citywide priority.

As part of these efforts, we will create a Cambridge BIPOC Business Advisory Committee to begin meeting in summer 2021. The Committee will be appointed by the City Manager and supported by the Community Development Department’s economic development staff and community engagement manager. The committee will be composed of approximately 10-12 members, including Cambridge BIPOC business owners from different industries including retail, restaurant, personal, and professional services and could also include representatives of organizations that represent BIPOC businesses e.g. Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Amplify Latinx, and Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network.

Committee members will be asked to participate in the Committee’s work for one year. It is expected that the group will report back to the City Manager at the end of the year and recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council. Early action recommendations identified sooner, will be reported at the six-month mark so that action to support Cambridge businesses owned by BIPOC individuals is not delayed.

City departments and outside organizations will also be included in Committee meetings, as relevant, based on agenda topics, which will be determined in partnership with committee members. Initial topics could include City programs to support businesses, improving outreach to BIPOC businesses, increasing community awareness of BIPOC owned businesses, access to capital, procurement, mentorship, and networking opportunities. There is also potential for a survey of the Cambridge BIPOC owned businesses to provide City staff and the committee with baseline information to support development of new supportive programs and policies.

The City is committed to supporting its BIPOC owned businesses, as well as all of Cambridge’s small, diverse owned businesses. Staff will continue hosting workshops, providing one-on-one assistance, connecting entrepreneurs to resources in the community, and promoting the City’s grant programs which includes outreach to previously underserved populations. We look forward to this opportunity to engage with the community and improve access pathways for BIPOC owned businesses to thrive in Cambridge.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to present a plan to the City Council to increase 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. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL APR 26, 2021] [Order #3 of Apr 26, 2021]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

O-3 Apr 26, 2021
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Envision Cambridge includes the following goals:

• Racial Justice: End race-based disparities and achieve racial equity

• Affordable Housing: Maintain and expand affordable rental and homeownership opportunities to enable Cambridge to thrive as a mixed-income community that includes very low-, low-, moderate, and middle-income individuals and families.

• Housing Stability: Support the ability for current Cambridge residents and families to remain in Cambridge and contribute to the community.

WHEREAS: Affordable housing is key to supporting and maintaining an ethnically and economically diverse community; and
WHEREAS: We acknowledge that our city is challenged to maintain an ethnically diverse community because of historic discrimination against Black and Brown people by federal, state and local agencies; and
WHEREAS: These racially discriminatory practices denied them access to the housing market; and
WHEREAS: We acknowledge that this discrimination continues to have social, economic, and educational ramifications on the health of our city and our citizens; and
WHEREAS: Increasing the availability of housing that increases affordable ownership opportunities for families denied such opportunities in the past because of their race is a major community need and remains a primary goal of the City Council; and
WHEREAS: The city’s current stock of affordable homeownership units is about 500, or roughly 1% of the total housing stock; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a plan to the City Council to increase 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; and be it further
ORDERED: That the units funded by this bond issue be made available preferentially to first generation, first time home buyers who grew up in Cambridge, so as to maximize the potential for redressing past racial discrimination; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back prior to the relevant FY22 budget hearings.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to report back to the City Council on the total estimated cost of constructing each new home ownership unit; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to establish an aggressive plan to more than double the City’s stock of affordable home ownership units over the next ten years at a rate of at least 100 additional units per year, and to determine the most viable plan for funding this endeavor in such a way as to ensure that the City’s bond rating is not harmed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to review all applicable Fair Housing laws to determine if there is a path towards ensuring that any new units resulting from this new plan be made available preferentially to first generation, first-time home buyers who grew up in Cambridge, so as to maximize the potential for redressing past racial discrimination; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to issue a preliminary report back to the City Council on this matter prior to the relevant FY22 budget hearings, and to commit to presenting a full report back no later than the Special Summer Meeting of the City Council.

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to present a plan to the City Council for demilitarization, including the destruction and recycling of all rifles and shotguns, and elimination of the Lenco Bearcat. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL APR 26, 2021] [Order #5 of Apr 26, 2021]
Order Adopted as Amended by (McGovern) Substitution 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

O-5 Apr 26, 2021 Original Order
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The City Council received a full inventory of the Cambridge Police Department on July 27, 2020; and
WHEREAS: The inventory includes many assault rifles and shotguns, as well as a Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle; and
WHEREAS: The Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle has been used to intimidate peaceful Black Lives Matter protesters; and
WHEREAS: On Jan 6, 2021 the Public Safety Committee heard from community members and subject matter experts, who argued that there is no credible benefit to the Police Department having this type of military-grade equipment, and that its presence does ongoing harm to the community; and
WHEREAS: On Feb 19, 2021 the Police Department announced it would eliminate camouflage materials and reduce its weapon inventory by 20-30%, a concession that does not go far enough to address the calls to demilitarize the police; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to present a plan to the City Council for demilitarization, including the destruction and recycling of all rifles and shotguns, and elimination of the Lenco Bearcat; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to present a response to the City Council ahead of the relevant upcoming FY22 budget hearings.

Substitute Order (McGovern)
WHEREAS: A concern has been raised by some in the community regarding the number and types of weapons and equipment in the possession of the Cambridge Police Department and
WHEREAS: Police Commissioner Bard presented an inventory of such equipment to the Public Safety Committee of the Cambridge City Council earlier this year and
WHEREAS: Police Commissioner Bard has already taken steps to reduce this inventory and has publicly indicated that he is taking steps to further reduce this inventory in the future and
WHEREAS: Some remain concerned regarding the CPD’s possession of such weapons and equipment, therefore, be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with the Police Commissioner and report back to the Public Safety Committee on steps taken to address this concern and issue a status report on how the City is moving forward with reducing weapons and equipment deemed unnecessary by the Cambridge Police Department.

ON THE TABLE
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-64, requesting Home Rule language to allow for acoustic live entertainment performances in small businesses under certain conditions without a license. [TABLED IN COUNCIL FEB 22, 2021]

4. That the City Council shall have its own budget for outside legal research to be utilized at the discretion of the Council when designated by a majority of members in pursuance of the Council’s authority to exercise the legislative powers of the City as specified in the City charter. [TABLED IN COUNCIL APR 26, 2021] [Amended Order #8 of Apr 12, 2021]
Adopted as Amended 7-2 (Simmons, Toomey - NO)

5. A communication was received from City Solicitor, Nancy E. Glowa, transmitting Legal Opinion Regarding Request to Have Legal Resources Committed to Assist City Council with Legal Research and Drafting of Ordinances Pursuant to Orders Voted Upon in Public at Scheduled City Council Meetings. [TABLED IN COUNCIL APR 26, 2021] [Late Communication of Apr 26, 2021]
Placed on File 9-0

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

7. A Zoning Petition has been received from Amy Oliver, regarding that the City require the installation of GREEN ROOFS vegetated or BioSolar on future construction and significant rehab of buildings that are 20,000 square feet and larger. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL APR 12, 2021] [Text as Amended on Apr 26, 2021]
Ordained as Amended 6-0-0-3 (Mallon, Simmons, Toomey - PRESENT)

Amended text as Ordained:

Add the following definitions of “Green Roof Area” and “Green Roof Area, Biosolar” to Article 2.000 Definitions

Green Roof Area. Area atop a roof surface on a building covered by a layer of living vegetation planted in a minimum of four (4) inches of growth medium over a waterproofing system. (Also known as a vegetated roof.)

Green Roof Area, Biosolar. Green Roof Area integrated with a Solar Energy System.

Amend Section 22.30 Green Roofs to read as follows:

22.30 - GREEN ROOFS

22.31 Purpose. The purpose of this Section is to remove potential impediments to the development of green roof systems on new and existing buildings by clarifying that such systems should not count against a building's Gross Floor Area, and by providing for limited access and enjoyment of green roofs by occupants of a building, and to require new buildings of substantial size to include vegetation and/or solar energy roofing systems on much or most of the available roof area.

22.32 Green Roof Area as defined in Article 2.000 of this Zoning Ordinance may be accessible by means of a roof entrance.

22.33 Floor Area Exemptions for Green Roof Area.

22.33.1 Spaces meeting the definition of Green Roof Area, which are to be accessed only for maintenance purposes and are not intended to be used by building occupants or others, shall be exempt from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of a building.

22.33.2 Spaces meeting the definition of Green Roof Area, which are intended to be accessed for use by occupants of the building or others, and which are located above the third floor of the building, may be exempted from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of a building only after the granting of a special permit by the Planning Board. The proponent seeking such a special permit must demonstrate that the Green Roof Area is designed such that the vegetation will withstand the foot traffic associated with its anticipated use. The Planning Board shall also consider the potential visual, noise and privacy impacts of the anticipated use on neighbors. Unless such a special permit is granted, any Green Roof Area located above the third floor of a building that is intended to be accessed for use by building occupants or others shall be counted as Gross Floor Area.

22.34 Floor Area Exemptions for Patios or Decks Adjacent to Green Roof Area.

22.34.1 In non-residential zoning districts and in Residence C-1A, C-2, C-2A, C-2B, C-3, C-3A, and C-3B zoning districts, where a rooftop surface above the third floor includes Green Roof Area, adjacent open-air outdoor space intended for use by building occupants or other persons that does not meet the definition of Green Roof Area, such as a patio or deck, shall be exempted from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of the building, provided that the total space exempted in such a manner shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the amount of Green Roof Area on the building and that all such usable outdoor space shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from all outer roof edges.

22.34.2 In residential zoning districts not listed in Section 22.34.1 above, where a rooftop surface above the third floor includes Green Roof Area, adjacent open-air outdoor space intended for use by building occupants or other persons that does not meet the definition of Green Roof Area, such as a patio or deck, may be exempted from the calculation of Gross Floor Area of the building only after the granting of a special permit by the Planning Board. The total space exempted in such a manner shall not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the amount of Green Roof Area on the building and all such usable outdoor space shall be set back at least ten (10) feet from all outer roof edges. In granting the special permit, the Planning Board shall consider the location and orientation of the patio or deck in relation to adjacent properties and potential visual, noise and privacy impacts of the anticipated use on abutters.

22.35 Green Roofs Requirement

22.35.1   Applicability. This Section 22.35, et. seq., shall apply to any new building or structure of twenty-five thousand (25,000) gross square feet or more, except it shall not apply to affordable housing buildings that either are developed under the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) as defined in Section 11.207 or have a majority of their units permanently reserved for households at or below 100% of AMI.

22.35.2   Requirement. (a) At least 80% of the roof area of the building as measured in plan view, excluding those portions of the roof listed below, shall be devoted to Green Roof Area, Biosolar Green Roof Area, or Solar Energy Systems.

1. Areas having a slope greater than 3 in 12 or twenty-five percent (25%).

2. Areas designed and managed for use by building occupants or the general public.

3. Vehicular parking decks.

4. Chimneys, water towers, air conditioning equipment, elevator bulkheads, skylights, ventilators and other necessary features appurtenant to buildings which are usually carried above roofs and are not used for human occupancy, in addition to conduit, visual and acoustical screening, access routes for maintenance and service, and other areas that must be clear of obstruction to comply with applicable building and safety codes.

(b) In the case of non-residential or mixed-use buildings in which at least half of the Gross Floor Area is devoted to one or more of the non-residential uses listed below (with reference to the Table of Use Regulations, Section 4.30 of this Zoning Ordinance), excluding any municipal buildings, at least 80% of the roof area of the building as measured in plan view, excluding those portions of the roof listed above, shall be devoted to Green Roof Area or Biosolar Green Roof Area:

1. Transportation, Communication & Utility Uses (Section 4.32);

2. Educational Purposes (Section 4.33-b.);

3. Noncommercial Research Facilities (Section 4.33-c.);

4. Other Institutional Uses (Section 4.33-h.);

5. Office and Laboratory Use (Section 4.34);

6. Retail Business and Consumer Service Establishments (Section 4.35);

7. Open Air or Drive In Retail & Service (Section 4.36);

8. Light Industry, Wholesale Business and Storage (Section 4.37); or

9. Heavy Industry (Section 4.38).

22.35.3   Exemption. The Planning Board may grant a special permit to reduce the required Green Roof Area, Biosolar Green Roof Area, or Solar Energy System below the area required by Section 22.35.2, provided that each square foot so reduced be compensated by a unit price contribution to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust. This unit price shall be determined based on the average costs to design, install, and maintain green roofs and rooftop solar energy systems in Cambridge using actual cost figures to the extent possible, shall be subject to annual adjustment based on standard construction cost indices, and shall be calculated, and recalculated approximately every three years, by the Cambridge Community Development Department. All such funds contributed to the Trust shall be dedicated to the design and incorporation of Green Roof Area, Biosolar Green Roof Area, or Solar Energy Systems into new or existing affordable housing developments.

22.35.4   Effective Date. The provisions of this Section 22.35, as adopted on June 1, 2021, shall not apply to structures lawfully in existence or lawfully begun before June 1, 2021, or to a building or special permit issued before June 1, 2021, and shall take effect on June 1, 2021.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Eric Grunebaum, for Friends of Jerry's Pond, requesting permission for two (2) temporary banners to be hung on one light pole in the Russell Field parking lot and the second pole left after the bus shelter announcing Historic Jerry's Pond on Apr 29, 2021 thru Apr 29, 2023.
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding Cambridge MA "Homelessness Trust Fund".

3. A communication was received from Saúl De La Guardia, regarding bringing to your attention a key community-building opportunity in the Port neighborhood that we fear may soon be lost.

4. A communication was received from Allan Sadun, regarding comments on May 3, 2021 City Council meeting.

5. A communication was received from Charles Franklin, regarding comments from the May 3, 2021 City Council meeting.

6. A communication was received from Gleb Bahmutov, PHD, regarding, support of the Cambridge Green Roofs.

7. A communication was received from Hannah Mohoney, regarding Green roof testimony.

8. A communication was received from Henrietta Davis, regarding Rooftop Ordinance.

9. A communication was received from Joshua Pirl, regarding support of CR #2, OtT4, PO #7 and PO #9.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Charles Julien. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons

4. That the City Council go on record congratulating Dr. Maria McCauley for winning the seat of President of the Public Library Association. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons

5. That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy to the family of Dr. Lynda Holstrom at this time of such personal loss. Mayor Siddiqui

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure that additional funding for Housing Stability shall be made available throughout FY22 if the City Council advises that the need is present. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and other relevant City and State departments to explore and implement strategies to enhance safety at the intersection of Memorial Drive and DeWolfe Street. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

3. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with Community Development and Traffic, Parking and Transportation to include an EV requirement in their review of development projects, including that a minimum of 25% of all parking spaces shall be EVSE-Installed, meaning a parking space equipped with functioning Level 2 Chargers, or the equivalent thereof must be provided, and that all parking spaces be EV-ready, meaning raceway to every parking space, adequate space in the electrical panel, and space for additional transformer capacity; the City approved EV Requirement Equivalent Calculator must be used if chargers other than Level 2 Chargers are installed. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department on parking solutions, such as the feasibility of implementing resident parking in this area (Moulton Street) and report back to the City Council. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

5. That the Cambridge City Council goes on record in support of the Bathroom Bill of Rights being sponsored by Free to Flush. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Affordable Housing Trust, and other relevant City departments to provide 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, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

7. Free The Vaccine Resolution. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

8. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to apply for the Shared Streets and Spaces Grant Program and if grants are received to work with the community before implementation of a program. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

9. That the Cambridge City Council go on record standing in solidarity with the MNA nurses campaigning for fair contract negotiations with Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Ordinance Committee met on Dec 9, 2020 to conduct a public hearing on the Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance petition.
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order Adopted 9-0

A. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department and the Law Department to report back to the council with recommendations pertaining to Cannabis delivery ordinance including but not limited to expanding the use beyond B1 and B2 zoning districts, zoning issues, parking requirements and special permits. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, communicating information from the School Committee.
Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and Councillor Quinton Zondervan, communicating information about helping India in this time of COVID-19 crisis.
Placed on File 9-0

5. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting a response from COO Jim Maloney regarding concerns related to the Tobin Montessori/Vassal Lane building project.
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 11
9:00am The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 12
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a hearing on the Cannabis Delivery Zoning Amendments and Municipal Code Amendments. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 18
10:00am The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 19
6:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the School Department Fiscal Year 2022 budget. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 20
9:00am The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2022 budget (if needed) (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Aug 2
5:30pm Special (Midsummer) City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

O-3 May 3, 2021
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: Buildings and parking garages constructed today will last, on average, until between 2061 and 2071, far past the time that Massachusetts will ban gas-powered vehicles (2035) and long after the necessary goal to be net-zero by 2050; and
WHEREAS: Major car manufacturers including GM have committed to phasing out the production of gas powered vehicles by 2030 or 2035, which will make Electric Vehicles (EV) the dominant vehicles sold in the country over the next decade; and
WHEREAS: While efforts are being made and should continue to decrease car use, cars continue to be a means of transportation for many residents and workers, and passenger vehicles are currently responsible for about 27% of statewide emissions; and
WHEREAS: A lack of access to charging points is often cited in people’s hesitation to purchase electric vehicles; and
WHEREAS: Retroactively outfitting a parking garage with the proper electrical connections needed for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) is far more expensive than installing the EV during initial construction; on average, new construction costs $920 per space, while a retrofit costs $3,550 per space; and
WHEREAS: Last year, the City of Boston implemented their EV Readiness Policy, stating that all large developments shall have 25% of parking spaces be EVSE-Installed; and the remaining 75% of parking spaces shall be EV-Ready for future installation, to the maximum extent practicable; and
WHEREAS: Numerous other cities have implemented similar EV Ready policies, and Cambridge should be a part of a growing network of cities mandating EVSE infrastructure in all new developments; and
WHEREAS: A combination of policies that decrease car ridership while encouraging EV usage for those that must drive will be vital in fighting climate change; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with Community Development and Traffic, Parking and Transportation to include an EV requirement in their review of development projects, including that a minimum of 25% of all parking spaces shall be EVSE-Installed, meaning a parking space equipped with functioning Level 2 Chargers, or the equivalent thereof must be provided, and that all parking spaces be EV-ready, meaning raceway to every parking space, adequate space in the electrical panel, and space for additional transformer capacity; the City approved EV Requirement Equivalent Calculator must be used if chargers other than Level 2 Chargers are installed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on when and how this policy will be implemented no later than June 1, 2021.

O-5 May 3, 2021
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a home to a significant number of unhoused community members who suffer from the lack of access to dignified restrooms; and
WHEREAS: Free to Flush, a community organizing group working on increasing bathroom access and rights to unhoused neighbors in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Every person should have the right to safe, clean, accessible bathrooms; and WHEREAS: The ability for unhoused community members to access safe, clean, accessible bathrooms is challenging under normal circumstances, this issue has been exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: Following the pandemic, these issues will persist; and
WHEREAS: The Bathroom Bill of Rights calls for: (Link to Signed Bill)

Amendment One: Right to available restrooms
Within 0.5 mile walking distance of households, schools, workplaces, health centers, shelters, and unhoused congregation areas

Amendment Two: Right to affordable/free restrooms
Private businesses: Meaningfully contribute to free access to restrooms Public: Free access to all restrooms in public facilities supported by city funds

Amendment Three: Right to safe restrooms
Free from health hazards, and in locations that are safe for all users, e.g. where all genders feel safe from harassment and violence; well lit; door is able to lock

Amendment Four: Right to acceptable restrooms
Protect peoples’ privacy and dignity; hygienic and clean, hygiene products: toilet paper, soap/sanitizing gel, hand wash stations, menstruation/menstrual products

Amendment Five: Right to accessible restrooms
Private businesses: unhoused people shall be treated with respect when asking to use a restroom; ADA compliant
Public: 24/7 access, to all, without discrimination; ADA compliant

Amendment Six: Right to be free from persecution for using the restroom
No unhoused person shall be arrested for public indecency when publicly urinating or defecating.
No person shall be persecuted by business security guards or staff on the basis of being unhoused; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council goes on record in support of the Bathroom Bill of Rights being sponsored by Free to Flush; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council direct the City Manager to work with the Department of Human Services Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department and any other relative city departments, as well as Free to Flush, to enact these rights and to make any budget allocations for FY22, as needed.

O-6 May 3, 2021 Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City’s HomeBridge Program assists first-time homebuyers by offering low to moderate income residents up to 50% of the purchase price of their home; and
WHEREAS: In return, participating residents must agree to the City’s Affordable Housing Covenant, which stipulates an equity cap on 2% per year, that homebuyers who have paid off their mortgage cannot pass the home down to their children, and more; and
WHEREAS: In return, participating residents must agree to the City’s Affordable Housing Covenant, which limits the return on an owner’s investment in their home and does not allow for owner’s to pass the home on to their children, and more; and
WHEREAS: The HomeBridge Program was implemented to enhance housing stability as home prices skyrocket, but these provisions currently fail to address the impacts of historic racist housing policies, such as redlining, that have historically shut people of color out of home buying opportunities, and therefore the ability to build generational wealth and housing stability; and
WHEREAS: The HomeBridge Program was implemented to assist income-eligible owners afford homes in the market as home prices skyrocket to help residents stabilize their housing costs by becoming homeowners, however these provisions were not intended to, and do not, address the impacts of historic racist housing policies, such as redlining, that have historically shut people of color out of home buying opportunities, and therefore the ability to build generational wealth; and
WHEREAS: The City’s Affordable Home Ownership Program has similar constraints and stipulations; and
WHEREAS: An affordable homeownership project was recently announced by Just-A-Start involving the donation of a four-family home that focuses on the importance of wealth-building and closing the racial wealth gap, but for true housing justice, we need a broader effort that does not rely on the generosity of private residents; and
WHEREAS: Reforming the HomeBridge and Affordable Home Ownership Programs to enhance generational wealth-building opportunities would better align the program with the City Council’s goals of “[increasing] access to affordable housing for all income groups” and “[ensuring] that Cambridge offers economic [...] opportunity to all”; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Affordable Housing Trust, and other relevant City departments to provide 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; 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.

O-7 May 3, 2021
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: On October 2, 2020, India and South Africa requested a temporary waiver of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) that gives pharmaceutical companies monopoly control over the production of the COVID-19 vaccine; and
WHEREAS: The world celebrated the 1 billionth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on April 24, 2021, but 75% of the vaccines have gone to just ten countries globally, and more than 85 poor countries are projected to not have widespread vaccine access before 2023; and
WHEREAS: Poor nations around the world are experiencing largely unmitigated spread and high death rates while more than 40% of the US population has received at least one vaccine dose; and
WHEREAS: A failure to vaccinate the global population as quickly as possible will allow the virus to continue mutating and developing resistance to existing vaccines, a dangerous reality that Pfizer is already preparing for with plans to sell additional booster shots at high prices in wealthy nations before most people in poor nations will receive even an initial dose; and
WHEREAS: There is a moral imperative to scale up vaccine distribution as efficiently and equitably as possible, and the United States cannot prioritize pharmaceutical greed and vaccine nationalism over the lives and livelihoods of billions of people around the world; and
WHEREAS: Granting the WTO TRIPS waiver would allow for localized manufacturing of the vaccine by ending vaccine originators’ ability to block production and providing the legal certainty needed for governments and investors to start constructing pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and repurposing existing ones, accelerating the global vaccination effort; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is home to the global headquarters of Moderna and a major research campus of Pfizer, two of the companies currently enjoying patent protections over the COVID-19 vaccine; and
WHEREAS: More than 100 countries support granting all or part of the WTO TRIPS waiver, but former President Trump put the US in staunch opposition to even beginning negotiations around the matter; and
WHEREAS: Both Senator Warren and Markey have sent letters urging President Biden and Pfizer to support the waiver; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging President Biden to put the US in full support of the WTO TRIPS waiver; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record urging Moderna and Pfizer to withdraw their opposition to the granting of the TRIPS waiver; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to President Biden, Cambridge’s entire Congressional Delegation, and the CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna on behalf of the entire Cambridge City Council.

O-9 May 3, 2021
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: In January 2019, local nurses who are members of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) union began negotiations with the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) to work towards new contracts at three regional locations—Cambridge Hospital, employing 500 MNA nurses, Everett Hospital, employing 200, and Somerville Hospital, employing 60; and
WHEREAS: In the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19, negotiations halted for six months as nurses served on the front lines of the pandemic, saving lives and risking their own even as they petitioned CHA for more adequate personal protective equipment; and
WHEREAS: Despite this sacrifice, the CHA administration has not paid retroactive pay increases they deserve for their service or settled terms on a number of important issues; and
WHEREAS: CHA nurses and healthcare professionals have asked for patient assignment limits for charge nurses, who are already tasked with coordinating hospital units and their fellow nurses; and
WHEREAS: CHA nurses and healthcare professionals have asked for changes the nurses’ time off accrual systems so that long-serving nurses don’t lose their earned time off; and
WHEREAS: CHA nurses and healthcare professionals (HCPs) have asked to join the nurses’ MNA bargaining unit; and
WHEREAS: As of May 2020, the CHA received nearly $50 million in federal funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which should be shared fairly with the nurses who are the ones responding every day with the lifesaving care that kept the hospitals going; and
WHEREAS: The CHA is led by its CEO and governed by a board of trustees which includes the Cambridge City Manager and Assistant City Manager; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record standing in solidarity with the MNA nurses campaigning for fair contract negotiations with Cambridge Health Alliance at the Cambridge Hospital, Everett Hospital, and Somerville Hospital; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council urges the CHA administration to begin contract negotiations with the MNA nurses as soon as possible, and bargain with them in good faith to meet their demands, which they have more than earned saving lives and administering treatment at the front line of this pandemic; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to members of the CHA administration and the Cambridge MNA union local.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance petition.
Date: Wed, Dec 9, 2020, 5:30pm, Sullivan Chamber

Call to Order
Present: Carlone (late), Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons (late), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Absent: Toomey

Councillor McGovern called the meeting to order. He gave the floor to Councillor Nolan.

Councillor Nolan explained that there is an urgency because of the window for economic empowerment and social equity applicants to have licenses. Cannabis delivery is allowed by the state by Cambridge does not have an ordinance to allow for delivery.

Jeffery Roberts, Director of Zoning and Development, stated…….

Daniel Messplay, Senior Manager Zoning and Development, noted that there is a new version of the state regulations that were approved to the Cannabis Control Commission on November 30, and are expected to be promulgated by the Secretary of the Commonwealth in the near future. He stated that at the planning board hearing on November 24, the members expressed strong support for allowing home delivery of cannabis products within the City of Cambridge, with specific support for home delivery by Cambridge based businesses. He stated that board members recommended considering waiting for the final state regulations before enacting zoning in order to ensure consistency between the local zoning and the state regulations. Board members also recommended considering if zoning can be more permissive for businesses that are only for transportation, such as allowing them in more districts or not requiring a special permit and really applying the bulk of the restrictions to these sort of warehouse uses. Board members also recommended determining whether home delivery can be authorized for permitted cannabis retail stores in Cambridge without requiring amendments to their existing special permits.

Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor, added that some of the changes that the council may wish to do to make to the petition consistent with the Cannabis Control Commission are not currently the subject of this petition, and would not be legally permissible to be amended at this time without filing a new petition because they would alter the fundamental character of the petition.

Councillor McGovern confirmed that if the Council wanted to allowing delivery establishments to be in other zones besides B1 and B2, a new petition would have to be filed.

Councillor Nolan expressed surprise at Solicitor Glowa’s statement. In response to a question from Councillor Nolan about whether to move forward with the current petition, Solicitor Glowa stated that even if this petition passes, the city could quickly put together another petition that includes the pending state regulations.

Councillor Zondervan expressed confusion about the need for a new petition to account for the state’s changes or to include other zoning districts.

In response to a question from Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler about where the use would be allowed, Mr. Roberts confirmed that there are a fairly limited set of districts where the use would be allowed. Those are industrial districts within the city. He added that it is helpful to have this conversation and get input from the council that will help craft a future petition.

In response to a question from Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler about how the districts were determined, Mr. Roberts stated that he could not speak on behalf of the petitioners. He stated that these types of cannabis operations would need on-site parking and these zoning districts provide parking.

Councillor Nolan added that she worked with Councillor McGovern, the Mayor, Councillor Zondervan, the legal department and Community Development to draft the language. The understanding was that the delivery would be considered more like a production facility and current production facilities are very limited about where they are sited.

Councillor McGovern stated that he would prefer to have as many options for locations for these businesses as possible.

Vice Mayor Mallon stated that she did not have a clear understanding of how much product is kept on site. She asked if there had been conversations with other communities that allow this use.

Councillor McGovern stated he did not speak to other communities. He did speak with individuals who may be going into this business, who informed him that these would not be large facilities.

Councillor Zondervan stated that he spoke with Cannabis Control Commissioner Shaleen Title, as well as several community members and entrepreneurs. The best way to think about the warehouse business or the wholesale delivery model, is equivalent to a retail facility, except it just doesn't have a front door.

Councillor McGovern opened the floor to public comment.

Veronica Santarelli, 3300 N. Scottsdale Road, stated that this is a very safe and secure type of business. Her company’s goal to operate in Massachusetts and support a social equity participant. They operate with exactly this model in Arizona. This is a business that can be run out of a very small space. They currently operate in a location of about 500 square feet. There is no smell or security issues with the community. There's no need for cultivating or manufacturing.

Grant Ellis, Center Street, stated that the council is right in trying to expand the locations that both of these businesses can operate in terms of the zoning districts. He stated that the council should consider section 5.50.4 of the business cannabis business permitting ordinance is the equity priority period. If delivery operators and cannabis couriers get added to the equity only priority period, would it be economic empowerment applicants only, as was the case for retailers? The social equity program is open to new cohorts each year.

Devin Alexander, 22 Rock Island Road, is a graduate of the first cohort under the social equity program. Also, CEO and co-founder of Rolling Relief, a prospective marijuana delivery operator and vice president of the Massachusetts cannabis Association for delivery. He commended the city for considering these regulations.

Chauncy Spencer, 53 Roslin street, owner of high-tech farms, hope to do home delivery from their retail location. He asked that the regulations allow for the hours of operation to be the same as retail establishments. He stated that delivery would not have a large footprint.

Daniel Berger, 11 Lincoln St, is a social equity program participant in Cohort Two. He is the owner of grass ventures LLC. He stated that this would be a small footprint operation as little as 500 square feet. He stated that it has been difficult to find landlords willing to rent space. He stated that there would be no lines because there are no onsite sales.

Richard Harding, 189 Windsor Street, wants to maintain a safe space for equity applicants, particularly to be able to operate. We want to make sure that the RMDs, who own or operate cultivation or retail at their locations, do not own any part of the delivery business consistent with the Cannabis Control Commission recommendation.

Shaleen Title, 33 Bowers Avenue, thanked the council for its patience as the Cannabis Control Commission has gone through this process and made sure it had all the feedback needed. She encouraged the council to be as permissible as possible with the zoning.

Motion to close public comment

Councillor McGovern stated that based on the advice from Solicitor Glowa it did not make sense to pass this petition and then submit a new petition that includes the changes from the state. He suggested holding the petition in committee.

Councillor Nolan agreed with Councillor McGovern. Councillor Nolan confirmed that the Cannabis Control Commission adopted revised regulations.

Commissioner Title stated that is typically takes a matter of a few weeks to finalize regulations.

Councillor Nolan stated that she is in favor of us expanding the definitions of location.

Councillor Zondervan suggested allowing delivery businesses in all the same zones that permit retail cannabis.

Councillor McGovern questioned why the city should treat cannabis delivery any differently than other delivery businesses.

Councillor Simmons moved to forward the following policy order to the full City Council:
That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department and the Law Department to report back to the council with recommendations pertaining to Cannabis delivery ordinance including but not limited to expanding the use beyond B1 and B2 zoning districts, zoning issues, parking requirements and special permits.

Yea: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Absent: Toomey

Councillor Carlone moved to adjourn
Yea: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan
Absent: Toomey

1. Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance. REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD IN COUNCIL OCT 5, 2020

2. A communication was received from Jeff Roberts, Director of Zoning and Development, transmitting a report for the Ordinance Committee
Proposed Order May 3, 2021
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Ordinance committee met to consider the Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance petition;
WHEREAS: The committee voted to forward the following policy order to the full city council; Now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Community Development Department and the Law Department to report back to the council with recommendations pertaining to Cannabis delivery ordinance including but not limited to expanding the use beyond B1 and B2 zoning districts, zoning issues, parking requirements and special permits.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018

18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018

18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018

18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019

19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019

19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019

19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019

19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019

19-145. 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

19-146. Report on reviewing the existing internal mechanisms for City staffers in all departments to report grievances, to determine if this system is functioning as it should or whether changes should be considered.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 10/28/2019

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

20-30. Report on establishing a plan designed to provide a thorough, system-wide review of the entire municipal government to identify and remove any vestiges of systemic racism and/or racial bias in any and all City departments, to establish clear, transparent metrics that will help further this critical endeavor.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 6/29/2020

20-31. Report on determining how to best protect and preserve our commercial spaces that support our small business operators and maintain continuity in our commercial districts.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/29/2020

20-36. Report on generating a report detailing the Sole Assessment Process, the Civil Service HRD process, the reason for choosing the Sole Assessment Process over the Civil Service HRD process, and the projected costs associated with both processes.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 7/27/2020

20-37. Report on considering formally renaming the Central Square Library in honor of Maria Baldwin and Rep. John Lewis, with the building being known as “The Maria Baldwin and Rep. John Lewis Library and Center for African American/Black History and Culture” going forward, or to otherwise find another suitable location for this dedication.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-6) from 7/27/2020

20-48. Report on the feasibility of creating an antibody testing program.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 9/21/2020

20-53. Report on how Cambridge might participate in PACE Massachusetts pursuant to the PACE Act including exploring all options for incentivizing participation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 10/19/2020

20-58. Report on creating a comprehensive digital, postal, and traditional media outreach campaign educating residents on the Cambridge eviction moratorium, tenants’ rights, and resources available to at-risk tenants.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (O-3) from 11/2/2020

20-59. Report on the feasibility of posting all applications for building permits online as soon as available.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 11/2/2020

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

20-65. Report on exploring the feasibility of hiring a consultant to perform an Equity Audit on the Cambridge Arts Council.
(O-1) from 11/23/2020

20-66. Report on establishing a Black and Brown-Owned Business Taskforce, to be focused upon strengthening the City’s outreach efforts, information-sharing, assistance mechanisms, and overall relationship with local Black and Brown-owned businesses, and to establish a rolling set of recommendations designed to ensure the City spares no effort in assisting these businesses. See Mgr #6
(O-3) from 11/23/2020

20-69. Report on formulating an RFP for a public arts project that will acknowledge the unfinished work of the 19th Amendment, the importance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and how the two pieces of legislation ultimately complemented one another in helping to shape a more perfect union.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #2) from 11/30/2020

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

21-2. 21-2 Report on providing a report on the possible implementation of a sheltered market program.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 1/4/2021

21-3. Report on parameters on eligible expenses from free cash.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 1/11/2021

21-4. Report on conducting a spending disparity study on City purchasing with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other historically disadvantaged groups.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 2/3/2021

21-6. Report on obtaining written documentation from the Cambridge Housing Authority, Homeowners Rehab, Inc., Just a Start, and the Community Development Department updating the City Council on the locations, unit sizes, number of units, overall costs, populations served, and expected dates of completion for each of the projects they reported on during the Housing Committee hearing held on Jan 12, 2021.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/3/2021

21-7. Report on coordinating with the Public Health Department and the Inspectional Services Department to establish random check-ins and assessments of public and private affordable housing sites currently undergoing renovations to ensure proper compliance with Covid-19 safety protocols.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 2/3/2021

21-8. Report on removing hostile architecture whenever public spaces are designed or redesigned and to create design guidelines that ensure our public spaces are truly welcoming to the entire community and determine how existing bench fixtures can be addressed to support all residents who use them.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #3) from 2/8/2021

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

21-11. Report on providing an update of the June 2020 budget agreement, including which of the positions listed in the agreement have been filled and if savings from leaving some police department positions vacant were used to fund the new positions.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-3) from 3/1/2021

21-12. Report on exploring the feasibility of retrofitting existing municipal vehicles or renting vehicles to create a mobile vaccine clinic program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 3/8/2021

21-13. Report on next steps towards the implementation of universal Pre-K in Cambridge and target a full implementation date.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 3/8/2021

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

21-15. Report on directing the Task Force Co-Chairs to issue monthly updates to the City Council (as part of the “Communications from Other City Officers”) and to the public about the work of this task force.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #2) from 3/8/2021

21-17. Report on initiating a process to begin chronicling the rich and vibrant history of people of color in Cambridge, similar to other City-commissioned books such as “We Are the Port: Stories of Place, Perseverance, and Pride in the Port/Area 4 Cambridge, Massachusetts 1845-2005” and “All in the Same Boat” and “Crossroads: Stories of Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 1912-2000”.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 3/15/2021

21-18. Report on providing a detailing of the City’s annual stationary expenditures, what percentage of that budget is spent at local retailers, and whether this percentage can be increased during the Covid-19 crisis.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 3/15/2021

21-19. Report on providing an update on progress made towards including information from the Cambridge Minority Business Enterprise Program in the Open Data Portal.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 3/22/2021

21-20. Report on coordinating efforts to formally recognize and promote National Black Business Month in August and Women’s Small Business Month in October.
(O-1) from 3/29/2021

21-21. Report implementing traffic-calming solutions, such as speed bumps to be implemented in this area.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-3) from 4/5/2021

21-22. Report on making sure all information on the City's list of neighborhood organizations are updated and that a specific staffer be tasked with ensuring that the information is updated on an annual basis.
Councillor Simmons (O-5) from 4/5/2021

21-23. Report on the concept of permanently extending the ability for members of the public to remotely participate in meetings of the City Council and meetings of the City’s boards and commissions.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/12/2021

21-24. Report on determining ways of making remote participation to the City’s public meetings more accessible and exploring other ways and technologies that can make it easier for members of the public to participate in City Council, board and commission meetings.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 4/12/2021

21-25. Report on plans for monitoring the situation, for early communication on conserving water and for instituting water savings measures, and to inform the Water Board and report on long term projections for the water supply based on post-pandemic conditions and development growth due to increased housing, commercial space and labs. See Mgr #5
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 4/12/2021

21-28. Report on ensuring that no investment of City funds shall be made with banks, money managers, or investment portfolios that have any exposure to fossil fuels or private prisons.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/26/2021

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