Cambridge City Council meeting - May 4, 2020

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $20,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Executive Department/Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative (DGBVPI) Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support additional emergency services related to the COVID-19 crisis in partnership with Transition House.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Larry Ward as an Election Commissioner for a term of 4 years, effective April 1, 2020.
Placed on File

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

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the recommendations listed above with the appropriate City personnel with a view toward establishing clear guidelines that will allow for the re-opening of construction projects across the City, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. [EXERCISED CHARTER RIGHT IN COUNCIL APR 27, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 7-2 (Carlone, Zondervan - NO)

O-6 Apr 27, 2020 Charter Right - Zondervan; Order Adopted May 4, 2020 as Amended 7-2 (Carlone, Zondervan - NO)
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge took numerous aggressive measures at the outset of the covid19 outbreak that were designed to curb the spread of the virus, including but not limited to mandating the cessation of the hundreds of construction projects that had already been underway across the city; and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ORDERED: That this order be forwarded to the Cambridge Construction Advisory Group.

ON THE TABLE
2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings. [TABLED ON JAN 27, 2020]

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

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

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Michael J. Johnston, expressing support for resumption of construction in Cambridge.

2. A communication was received from Adrian Jewell, requesting an explanation of the City's recent COVID 19 response.

3. A communication was received from Sanjoy Mahajan, 950 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding Policy Order #89 on wearing masks in public.

4. A communication was received from Helen Abraham, 34 Winslow Street, regarding making masks a requirement for all persons outdoors and shopping.

5. A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, 106 Berkshire Street, regarding support for Policy Orders 1 and 2 and Calendar item 4 that will protect the health and welfare of the citizens if enacted.

6. A communication was received from Andrew Kurban, regarding letter of support for BioMed, 585 Third Street.

7. A communication was received from James Zall, 203 Pemberton Street, regarding POR 2020 #88.

8. A communication was received from Susan Johansen, 150 Cambridge Street, regarding mandatory face masks.

9. A communication was received from Kathy Roberts and John Roberts, 321 Huron Avenue, regarding mandatory masks.

10. A communication was received from Tom Shea, President and COO, Briar Group, regarding support for BioMed Realty and their proposal for 585 Third Street.

11. A communication was received from Mary Ann Donofrio, 120 Gore Street, regarding wearing mask in Cambridge.

12. A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, 49 Gore Street, regarding mandatory face coverings.

13. A communication was received from Farshad Sayan, regarding support for BioMed Realty and their proposal for 585 Third Street.

14. A communication was received from James Huang, Vice President of Redevelopment, Aimco, regarding support for construction resumption order.

15. A communication was received from Liz Pawlak, Vice President, Design Museum Foundation, regarding BioMed Realty and their proposal for 585 Third Street.

16. A communication was received from Kale Rogers, Co-Founder and COO, Spyce, regarding construction resumption.

17. A communication was received from Xavier Dietrich, regarding restaurant workers affected by COVID lockdown.

18. A communication was received from Xavier Dietrich, requesting an amendment to policy order O-4 as it relates to the safety of restaurant workers as well as the general public.

19. A communication was received from Kim Courtney, Esq., regarding the late policy order submitted by Councillor Simmons in regard to liquor license establishments.

20. A communication was received from Xavier Dietrich, regarding data indicating that Cambridge is achieving extraordinarily positive results with regards to saving lives amid COVID-19.

21. A communication was received from Xavier Dietrich, regarding keeping restaurant workers safe.

22. A communication was received from Anthony Consigli, regarding resuming construction.

23. A communication was received from John Pitkin, 18 Fayette Street, regarding continue social distancing.

24. A communication was received from Adrian Gottschalk, regarding efforts to protect the community.

25. A communication was received from Joseph Maguire, regarding establish guidelines for the resumption of construction.

26. A communication was received from Tien-Yi Lee, regarding Cambridge Libraries.

27. A communication was received from Kimberly S. Courtney, Esq. regarding loosen the face mask order.

28. A communication was received from Mary McDavitt, 90 Amory Street, regarding keep Mask Order.

29. A communication was received from Dana Quin, regarding leaving the Mask Order as it is.

30. A communication was received from Doriana Chialant, regarding support for the current Mask Order.

31. A communication was received from Doriana Chialant, regarding keep and enforce mandatory Mask.

32. A communication was received from Henry and Gretchen Kronenberg, Pleasant Street, regarding Mask Mandate.

34. A communication was received from Joel Lerner, 94 Trowbridge Street, regarding support for current Mask Mandate.

35. A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, 49 Gore Street, regarding support for current order of mandatory masks.

36. A communication was received from Richard and Rhea Lesage, 20 Alberta Terrace, regarding save the mask mandate.

37. A communication was received from Robert Slate, 6 Traymore Street, regarding Public Health Mask Mandate.

38. A communication was received from Stephen Hantman, regarding Policy Order #10.

39. A communication was received from Sarah Becky, regarding keeping the Mask Mandate.

41. A communication was received from Tamara Elliot Rogers, regarding save the Mask Mandate.

42. A communication was received from Kathy and John Roberts, 321 Huron Avenue, regarding Mask Mandate.

43. A communication was received from Jennifer Kastner, Clifton Street, regarding Mask Mandate.

44. A communication was received from Maggie Cummings, regarding save the Mask Mandate.

46. A communication was received from Cynthia Broner, 246 Brattle Street, regarding keep Mask Mandate.

47. A communication was received from Sharyn Bahn, 92 Fayerweather Street, regarding keep Mask Mandate.

48. A communication was received from Anne Marie Plasse, regarding keep fine for not wearing masks.

49. A communication was received from Brenda Stanfield, 64 Inman Street, regarding support for Policy Order #10.

50. A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, regarding support for order of Mask Mandate.

52. A Communication was received from Rebekah Bjork, 20 Concord Avenue, regarding support for Policy Order #10.

53. A communication was received from Helen Abraham, 34 Winslow Street, regarding Mask Mandate.

54. A communication was received from Jenna Moskowitz, 1 Foster Street, regarding Mask Mandate.

56. A communication was received from Maria Lindberg, regarding Save the Mask Mandate.

57. A communication was received from Andrew Groh, Columbia Street, regarding Policy Order #10.

59. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding Construction Moratorium.

62. A communication was received from Helen Abraham, 34 Winslow Street, regarding Mask Mandate.

63. A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding Policy Order #10.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of James Garballey. Councillor Toomey

2. Resolution on the death of Wayne Travers. Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern

5. That the City Council go on record expressing its deepest and heartfelt appreciation to all the Nurses. Mayor Siddiqui

6. That the City Council go on record expressing its deepest and heartfelt appreciation to all the Teachers. Mayor Siddiqui

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department to create a plan for how the City will support small, local businesses in recovering from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including use of existing city resources and CARES Act funding to provide additional support, such as individual coaching to support businesses as they are allowed to return to work. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Cambridge Public Libraries to explore ways in which physical library materials can be made available to Cambridge Public Schools students and other Cambridge residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

3. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Arts Council and other relevant departments to determine an appropriate public memorial for members of the Cambridge community who have been lost as a result of this COVID-19 virus. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

4. That the City of Cambridge declares May 4, 2020, “Kent State Martyrs Remembrance Day,” and declares May 15, 2020, “Jackson State Martyrs Remembrance Day,” and invite all Cambridge residents to learn about and reflect on the tragic events that occurred on those days. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager enhance the data center to include information which the City Council deems essential to facilitating our collective response to the COVID-19 crisis. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager restart Planning Board meetings virtually and prioritize the completion of any special permits that are in process. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

7. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to devise a plan that will place Cambridge on a path to offer free covid-19 tests to all Cambridge residents, similar to that recently enacted by the City of Somerville, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

8. That the City Manager work with the IT Department to design a system for video conferencing and public comment during the City Council and other official meetings that allows the administrator of the meeting to prevent, eject, and recover from any bad actors attempting to disrupt the meeting. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

9. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to review the order and align it with guidelines promulgated by the CDC, WHO, Dr. Fauci, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to make clear face coverings are required in public settings only when physical distancing is not possible. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right - Zondervan

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

Tues, May 5
9:00am The Finance Committee will meet to conduct public hearings on the FY21 budget [cancelled]

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

Tues, May 12
9:00am The Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 budget. [cancelled]

Wed, May 13
5:00pm The Finance Committee will meet for continued public hearings on the FY21 budget. [cancelled]

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

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

Mon, June 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, virtual, televised)

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

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

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

Mon, June 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, virtual, televised)

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

Mon, June 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, virtual, televised)

Mon, June 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, virtual, televised)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 4, 2020
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Stay at Home Advisory and continued closure of non-essential businesses has had a devastating impact on our local business community; and
WHEREAS: In a District Impact Study conducted by the Central Square Business Improvement District, 96% of businesses surveyed reported being affected by the COVID-19
pandemic, and 78% reported a decrease in sales, demonstrating just how desperately small businesses need assistance during these difficult times; and
WHEREAS: While different programs to provide financial relief to small businesses have been created at each level of government, there is often confusion on how to apply for these funds, with 70% of small businesses identifying “information on financial assistance over the next 90 days” as a critical need; and
WHEREAS: These financial aid programs do not necessarily address knowledge gaps in technical areas, which can be a significant barrier as more businesses move their services online; and
WHEREAS: In response to these issues, Cambridge has modified its Small Business Enhancement program to respond and has modified the Business Coaching program that provides individual assistance to businesses and pairs them with a coach who fits their specific needs to tele-coaching and has expanded it to include COVID-19 specific coaching; and
WHEREAS: As the closure of non-essential businesses winds down and the small business community prepares to return, this is the optimal time to assess the issues that small businesses will face in a post-pandemic environment and plan for how to reopen the small business economy and plan for recovery; and
WHEREAS: Having readily available access to business coaching, technical assistance, hands-on support, and related wrap around services would greatly benefit Cambridge’s small business community, and would give them the tools they need as they adapt to the challenges and ever-changing circumstances that this public health crisis presents; and
WHEREAS: Supporting the recovery of Cambridge’s small businesses would align with the Envision Cambridge goal of “[ensuring] local businesses of different types, sizes, and growth stages are able to start, grow, and remain in Cambridge”; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department to create a plan for how the City will support small, local businesses in recovering from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including use of existing city resources and CARES Act funding to provide additional support, such as individual coaching to support businesses as they are allowed to return to work; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-2 May 4, 2020 Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Schools have been closed since March 13th, and Governor Charlie Baker recently announced that schools will remain shut for the rest of the academic school year; and
WHEREAS: Most Cambridge Public Schools students are continuing their education by participating in remote learning; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Public Libraries, which also closed on March 13th, typically serve as an invaluable resource to our students, offering picture books and early readers that spark an interest in reading in young children, providing chapter books for middle and high school-aged residents to encourage their love of learning, supplying reference materials for students’ use in school projects, and more; and
WHEREAS: While e-books and other e-materials are available online, distance learning and an overall increase in time spent inside have resulted in students spending more and more time looking at screens, which can cause eye strain and sleeping problems; and
WHEREAS: It is imperative that physical library materials be made available to students to ensure they have the educational resources they need to succeed in school while minimizing additional screen time; and
WHEREAS: Low-income students could especially benefit from having physical library materials, as they may have more limited access to computers or internet service, limiting their access to e-materials, and as stocking an at-home private library may be a financial burden; and
WHEREAS: Utilizing the online library reservation system with specified material pick-up windows would allow our students to access these crucial library resources while preventing any additional risk for COVID-19 transmission; and
WHEREAS: A gradual phase-in process could be utilized to ensure our students are prioritized in receiving library materials, as having expanded access to library materials would directly enhance their education, while adult Cambridge residents could be included during a later phase; and
WHEREAS: Expanding access to physical library materials would align with the City Council goal of “[ensuring] that Cambridge offers economic and educational opportunity to all”; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Cambridge Public Libraries and the Cambridge Library Staff Association to explore ways in which physical library materials can be made available to Cambridge Public Schools students and other Cambridge residents during the COVID-19 pandemic; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely fashion.

O-4 May 4, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that exactly 50 years ago today, on Monday, May 4, 1970, four unarmed students were killed and nine unarmed students were wounded at Kent State University in Ohio by members of the Ohio National Guard while engaged in a largely peaceful protest of the continuing War in Vietnam, the invasion of Cambodia, and the presence of the National Guard on their campus; and
WHEREAS: The protests were sparked at Kent State and nationwide when President Richard Nixon, who had been elected claiming he had “a secret plan to end the Vietnam war,” went on national television on the night of April 30, 1970, and announced the invasion of Cambodia, which was in reality an expansion of that war; and
WHEREAS: Ten days later, on May 15, 1970, two African American young men were killed and twelve people were wounded by Mississippi State Police in protests at Jackson State University in Mississippi, in a similarly inexcusable armed assault on unarmed students and bystanders; and
WHEREAS: On this day, May 4, 2020, we remember the two young men and two young women who were killed at Kent State, Jeffrey Miller, Allison Krause, Sandy Scheuer, and Bill Schroeder, as well as the two young men who were killed at Jackson State, Phillip Lafayette Gibbs and James Earl Green, and the 21 students who were wounded across both campuses; and
WHEREAS: It is important to remember these historic events and use them to teach the importance of civil rights, civil liberties, non-violent protest, and proportionate response in the hope that, as the guardsmen responsible for the deaths at Kent State themselves wrote, “Better ways must be found to deal with such a confrontation”; now therefore be it
RESOVLVED: That the City of Cambridge declares May 4, 2020, “Kent State Martyrs Remembrance Day,” and declares May 15, 2020, “Jackson State Martyrs Remembrance Day,” and invite all Cambridge residents to learn about and reflect on the tragic events that occurred on those days.

O-5 May 4, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Data shows disparate impacts of COVID-19 on black and Hispanic Americans across the country as well as here in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Timely, accurate, and thorough data is needed to respond to these impacts and mitigate them; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s new COVID-19 data center is much improved and has begun to include racial and ethnic information, but demographic data is still very limited overall; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager enhance the data center to include information which the City Council deems essential to facilitating our collective response to the COVID-19 crisis, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Links to downloadable data in the open data portal for all data shown on the COVID-19 dashboard

2. Information on deaths by age and by race and ethnicity similar to the state’s data reports

3. Total number of tests performed in facilities and in the community

4. Any other data that is available that can be safely reported without violating privacy; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to release these enhancements and report back to the City Council as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager direct additional resources to mitigate the racial disparities already apparent in the data, including, but not limited to, increased provision of testing to impacted communities, increased outreach to those communities, and any other efforts to maximally limit the spread and severity of Covid-19 in these communities.

O-8 May 4, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The City Council has been using Zoom for public comment for weeks due to the COVID-19 crisis; and
WHEREAS: The FBI first warned about “Zoom bombing” more than a month ago; and
WHEREAS: Precautions to take to protect against this phenomenon are widely established, but have not yet been implemented during the public comment portion of City Council meetings; and
WHEREAS: It’s not possible to completely prevent against bad actors joining a publicly accessible meeting and using the audio channel to cause mischief during the public comment period, the damage they cause can be limited by quickly muting the individual; and
WHEREAS: There is no need to allow the public to use video or screen-sharing during public comment; and
WHEREAS: Zoom or a different video conferencing application can be configured so that Council and Staff can conduct the non-public comment portion of the meeting with the public able to listen and view the proceedings via the video conferencing platform (in addition to the cable broadcast) without the public being able to interfere at all during that portion of the meeting; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager work with the IT Department to design a system for video conferencing and public comment during the City Council and other official meetings that allows the administrator of the meeting to prevent, eject, and recover from any bad actors attempting to disrupt the meeting. Potential preventive measures to consider include:

1. Everyone entering the meeting is muted and has video and screen sharing disabled upon entry.

2. The administrator individually unmutes the person who is next allowed to speak.

3. That person's video is not enabled (we can have other criteria such as enabling video upon request for someone who is recognized by the admin).

4. Councillors/officials participating in the meeting are given separate privileges and are required to log in to the meeting so that they can mute/unmute themselves and turn on/off their own video.

5. The Zoom meeting is left on for the duration of the meeting so that people can listen to the audio and see the video via Zoom in addition to the cable broadcast which is less universally accessible.

6. If Zoom cannot be made to behave this way, a different platform should be used that meets these requirements.

7. The conference URL can be disguised via tinyurl or a similar mechanism to make it harder for hackers to identify.

8. Several test runs should be conducted with councillors, staff and members of the public to ensure seamless operation during actual meetings; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible.

O-9 May 4, 2020 Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge issued a face covering order that supports the health of Cambridge residents in public places who must be able to stay safe while buying groceries and other necessities or outside when in close proximity to people such as waiting in line, and ensures that fines will only be issued as a last resort, and makes it clear that people may use cloth face coverings like fabric masks, scarves, or bandanas, and must wear them over one’s nose and mouth; and
WHEREAS: Entities including the Center for Disease Control, World Health Organization, Mass. Department of Public Health, other states, and other cities in Massachusetts, including Salem, Brookline and Everett have mandated masks and face coverings in public settings where distancing is not possible and in public indoor settings especially commercial establishments and public transportation and without the imposition of fees, which differs from the Cambridge order thereby causing some confusion; and
WHEREAS: The city has received donations allowing for a commendable and welcome distribution of a suitable mask to residents who don't have one and amended the order to clarify and improve it; and
WHEREAS: Though it is essential for public health at this time that everyone have a mask available, there is potential for bias in enforcement, and a fine of $300 is excessive given the financial state of so many Cambridge residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to review the order and align it with guidelines promulgated by the CDC, WHO, Dr. Fauci, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to make clear face coverings are required in public settings only when physical distancing is not possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager review and amend the order to reduce or eliminate the fines per incident; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager provide regular updates to the Council on any fines issued as a result of the Order, which should include demographic summaries by race, age, and gender for any fines issued; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council by the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

O-10 May 4, 2020 Tabled
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Uncertainties remain over how deep into the year cancelations and closures due to the covid-19 pandemic will last in Cambridge, and the closures of our public schools, our youth centers, and our after-school programming have hit local families with school-age children particularly hard in recent months; and
WHEREAS: With summer just around the corner, parents of school-age children are understandably seeking clarity as to whether summer camps, youth centers, and youth-centered programming will be available this summer, and what contingency plans the City may be offering in the event that these camps and programs must be scaled back or altered due to the covid-19 pandemic; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services and other relevant City personnel to determine whether summer camps and youth-programming will be allowed to proceed this summer, to put together contingency plans for Cambridge youth in the event that these programs must be scaled back or canceled due to the covid-19 response, and to report back to the City Council and the community on this matter in a timely manner.

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

16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016

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

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

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

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

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

19-21. Report on the process for establishing a formal, thorough review of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership programs, incorporating a plan for obtaining and analyzing substantial quantitative data inclusive of all types of units.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/25/2019

19-22. Report on the feasibility of allowing small businesses to host live acoustic music performances without a license, and if feasible, present the City Council with a proposal to allow such performances.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019

19-45. Report on compiling a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 4/8/2019

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

19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019

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

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

19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019

19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019

19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019

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

19-106. Report on conducting City directed environmental testing on the Sullivan Courthouse building and water in basement, to determine the risk posed to the public, and provide a timeline of completion and to establish an operational understanding directly with DCAMM officials and ask for a state designee for communication/coordination on how the building will be secured and monitored.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 9/9/2019

19-123. Report on the feasibility of closing some portion of Harvard Square to vehicular traffic on a select number of days during the summer of 2020 to have open market-style events.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/7/2019

19-127. Report on instituting regularly scheduled public conversations between Public Utilities' representatives from Eversource, the Water Dept. Comcast, Verizon and any other appropriate entities to keep the City and public informed.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 10/7/2019

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

19-132. Report on planting new trees in Magazine Beach Park in the Spring of 2020 with a special focus on the eastern end of the park and the grove area.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-18) from 10/7/2019

19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019

19-137. Report on determining if ISD can be given the authority to issue citations for smoking in non-smoking buildings and to report back to the City Council.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) from 10/7/2019

19-139. Report on determining whether it would be possible to allow a permitted area for serving alcoholic beverages on Danehy Park property during special community-wide events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019

19-141. Report on looking into the idea of hiring a social worker in the FY2021 budget for the Central Square Library branch.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019

19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019

19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019

19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019

19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019

19-151. Report on the feasibility of making Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue between Roseland Street and Beech Street a quick-build Complete Street with bus priority.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019

19-153. Report on plans designed to mitigate the impact of the closing of Windsor House upon Cambridge seniors.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 11/4/2019

20-1. Report on the work that has been done to Support Small Business and the Arts through Tourism.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/13/2020

20-4. Report on the feasibility of instituting and funding a fare-free pilot bus program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 1/27/2020

20-5. Report on the potential for implementing sufficient traffic-calming solutions on Upton Street.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 1/27/2020

20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020

20-7. Report on reviewing the roles, responsibilities, and compensation of City Council Aides with an eye toward designating this as a full-time position.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 2/3/2020

20-8. Report on working with the residents in the vicinity of Eustis Street to implement traffic calming measures on this street.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 2/3/2020

20-9. Report on allocating the necessary funds, and develop a comprehensive public safety plan, including contingency plans so that the event can take place in a secure time and place, even in the presence of significant threats that can be anticipated.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #2) from 2/3/2020

20-10. Report on renaming the Agassiz neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 2/10/2020

20-11. Report on the process for renaming the maintenance area within the Ryan Garage at 147 Hampshire Street in honor of Sydney Cox, with this becoming known as the “Sydney James Cox Maintenance Facility.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 2/10/2020

20-12. Report on the feasibility of instituting a program to install rings on parking meters to expand bicycle parking options.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 2/10/2020

20-13. Report on expanding the Head Start program hours and adding additional scholarships to improve access to high-quality, early childhood educational resources.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 2/10/2020

20-15. Report on the feasibility of limiting the number of Saturdays and holidays any one developer can be permitted for any one construction project.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 2/24/2020

20-16. Report on the feasibility of eliminating Library fines.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-3) from 2/24/2020

20-18. Report on the feasibility of implementing additional dedicated bus lanes, as well as fully separate protected bicycle lanes.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) from 2/24/2020

20-19. Report on producing a Request For Proposal for the municipal broadband feasibility study that was called for by the City's Broadband Task Force in August 2016.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 2/24/2020

20-21. Report on preparing a report on any steps the city has taken to work towards developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 3/2/2020

20-22. Report on working with the Inspectional Service Department to increase the fines for absentee property owners who continue to have violations stemming for rodent infestations.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 3/16/2020