Cambridge City Council meeting - May 7, 2018

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a supplemental appropriation of $125,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the revitalization of the Martin Luther King Plaza, the art components and enhance the primary entrance into the Central Square Branch Library.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a supplemental appropriation of $135,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Emergency Communication Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the replacement of consoles in the Emergency Communications Center.
Order Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $34,500 for the UASI Critical Infrastructure Investment Program for the Emergency Communications Department. The funds will be used for replacement and upgrade of controlled server, data security, closet surveillance target hardening for the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility to ensure high risk assets and facilities are maintained to operational continuity.
Order Adopted 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the Ordinance Committee be and hereby is requested to review and consider the proposed amendment to §10.17.070-- “Fees for Residential Parking Stickers” for a hearing and report. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor McGovern on Apr 30, 2018]
Order Adopted as Amended 6-3

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan.

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $650,000 to provide funds for various School building infrastructure projects, and a new boiler at an Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $61,500,000 to provide funds for various water pollution abatement projects, including construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the “The Port” neighborhood, and the River Street neighborhood.

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $21,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An n application was received from MIT Visual Arts Center requesting permission for fifteen temporary banners on Ames Street where the List Center is located, to promote the Center's upcoming exhibitions.
Order Adopted

2. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council requesting permission for two temporary banners across JFK Street at Mount Auburn Street and across Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, and JFK at Mount Auburn Street announcing Cambridge River Festival held on June 2, 2018.
Order Adopted

3. An application was received from Cambridge Arts Council requesting permission for temporary banners across Massachusetts Avenue in front of City Hall from May 28th thru June 11th, 2018. This event will be held on June 10, 2018, announcing the Dragon Boat Festival on June 10, 2018.
Order Adopted

4. An application was received from Central Square Business Association, requesting twelve temporary banners on street light poles along Massachusetts Avenue, announcing Central Square Flea. Permission received from City Electrician.
Order Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding Upzoning Proposal. For a Central Square Arts District.

2. A communication was received from Susan M. Reverby, 238 Pearl Street, regarding a four way stop at Chestnut and Brookline.

3. A communication was received from Wendy Holding, 11 Salem Street, regarding improving the traffic flow on Brookline Street.

4. A communication was received from Noor Johnson, 218 Hamilton Street, regarding traffic calming at Brookline and Chestnut Streets.

5. A communication was received from Frank Shirley, regarding opposition to 4-way stop sign at the intersection of Brookline and Chestnut.

6. A communication was received from Anna Gosline, Chestnut Street, regarding traffic calming at Brookline and Chestnut.

7. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding HSBA's lighted banner on Palmer Street.

8. A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, President, Harvard Square Neighborhood Association, regarding HSBA's lighted banner on Palmer Street.

9. A communication was received from Arthur Strang, 172 Magazine Street, regarding HSBA's lighted banner on Palmer Street.

10. A communication was received from Jeffery Petrucelly, 17 Kenwood Street, regarding boycotting Hewlett Packard companies.

11. A communication was received from Celeb Hurst-Hiller, 77 Pearl Street, regarding slowing down traffic on Brookline and Chestnut.

12. A communication was received from Sarah Foster, 351 Pearl Street, regarding Brookline and Chestnut Streets.

13. A communication was received from Sorin Grama, regarding Brookline and Chestnut Streets intersection.

14. A communication was received from Erin Schrode, regarding BDS Boycott against Hewlett Packard.

15. A communication was received from Steve Sands, 4 Buckingham Street, regarding Hewlett Packard Boycott.

From: Steve Sands <sandsmsteven@gmail.com>
Sent: Tues, May 1, 2018 6:14 PM
To: Devereux, Jan; Carlone, Dennis; Kelley, Craig; Mallon, Alanna; Siddiqui, Sumbul; Simmons, Denise; Toomey, Tim; Zondervan, Quinton; City Council; Lopez, Donna; Crane, Paula
Subject: Proposal Regarding Boycott

Dear Members Of The Cambridge City Council et al.,

What stands out in the proposal regarding the boycott that might come before the City Council is that it addresses only Israel (whose population of course just happen to be Jews) The underlying reason for the boycott is supposed to be Israeli aggression against Muslims who live in the Palestinian territories.

Where aggression against Muslims is a concern, however, would we not also want to mention: the aggression against Muslims in Darfur (200 thousand killed and 2 million made homeless in wretched conditions that make Gaza look luxurious); another 200 thousand killed and many more crippled in a long sputtering civil war in Algeria; the 2 million civilians who were killed in Iraq before 2003; the one million+ soldiers killed in the three wars between Iraq and Iran; the million civilians slaughtered in Indonesia in 1965-6; the four hundred thousand+ civilians killed and 11 million displaced in the ongoing civil war in Syria? The risk in a proposal saying nothing about the far more widespread mass slaughter of innocents while denouncing only Israel (whose aggression is pretty moderate by world standards), is that it would appear not really to be concerned for the victims of unjustifiable violence, but to have some ulterior purpose. Denouncing Jewish aggression while omitting to mention the aggression of others would bear an uncomfortable resemblance to the old anti-Semitic pastime of finding Jewish wealth sinister while respecting the wealth of others. The so-called "greedy Jew" would be replaced by the "aggressive Jew." When the current form of the old prejudice is mixed with self-righteousness, it masks itself as a virtue, making it particularly seductive and intoxicating. I am confident that the Council will not be willfully blind about this, that it understands these issues, and will have the wisdom, as it has in the past, to steer clear of even the more subtle forms of prejudice.

Please make this part of the Council record. If there is a meeting regarding the boycott, I would like to speak at it.

Thank you very much for your attention to this,

Sincerely,
Steven Sands
4 Buckingham Street
Cambridge MA 02138

16. Communication from Kevin Donaher, 225 Chestnut Street, in support of Policy Order # 7 regarding the digital divide.

17. Communication from Nancy Ryan, 4 Ashburton Place, regarding the urgent need to address the digital divide as it relates to reliable, affordable high-speed internet for all households in Cambridge.

18. Communication from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, relating to Committee Report # 1 and any other agenda item that relates to homelessness and neighborhood resiliency.

19. Communication from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, relating to Policy Order # 7 regarding the digital divide.

20. A communication was received from Christopher Schmidt, 17 Laurel Street, regarding Upgrade Cambridge.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to the Central Square Theater on its recent "Dream It. Be It." gala. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Simmons

2. Congratulations to the organizers of the Women in Power conference. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey

3. Congratulations to the Harvard Graduate Students Union-United Auto Workers and all other students who stand to benefit from the election to unionize. Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Toomey

4. Congratulations to Susan Gurry on her retirement after a life-long career as an educator and special needs advocate in Cambridge. Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons

5. Best wishes to Rosalind O'Sullivan on the occasion of her retirement. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon

7. That the City Council go on record recognizing the actions of Cathy Hoffman, Diane M. Martin and all others who protested in the trenches of the West Roxbury Lateral Pipeline and commend them for their action to save the planet from the destructions of climate change. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux

8. Retirement of Stuart Dash from the Community Development Department. Mayor McGovern

9. Retirement of Jane Ellse-Hocking from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Mayor McGovern

10. Congratulations to the Kimbrough Scholars. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan

12. Congratulations to Biogen on celebrating their 40th anniversary. Councillor Mallon

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to work with the Cambridge Public School Administration to provide feedback and requests that will inform Cambridge’s participation in the MBTA Service Plan. Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted

2. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Sergeant E.J. Frammartino for a suitable dedication in the vicinity of Fifth Street in East Cambridge in honor of Dominic Pat Dicardio. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted

3. The City Manager is requested to direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to immediately and permanently repair Rufo Road. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon
Order Adopted as Amended

4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding increased enforcement of speed limits and large trucks on Windsor Street. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to develop a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours. Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - McGovern

6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to work with all Harvard Square stakeholders, including the Harvard Square Business Association, the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association, abutting businesses, and Harvard University to actively engage the community in a design charrette process with a view in mind towards making Palmer Street a more active and inviting pedestrian walkway and public space. Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted

7. That the City Manager is requested to develop a plan to achieve the above policy goals as it relates to the digital divide. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted as Amended

8. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to record and livestream the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee hearing on May 15, 2018 at 1:00pm relating to the sale of adult-use cannabis to ensure members of the public who cannot attend the afternoon hearing are still able to view the discussion. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 12, 2018 to discuss Neighborhood-Based Resiliency.
Report Accepted, Placed on File

2. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from Mayor Marc C. McGovern, transmitting the Highlights from School Committee Meeting May 1, 2018.
Substitute text (McGovern) Placed on File

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 8
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Budget. This Hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 9
6:00pm The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 School Department Budget. This Hearing is to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 10
9:00am The Finance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the FY2019 City Department Budget (if necessary). This Hearing is to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 14
4:00pm 2018 City of Cambridge Scholarship Awards Ceremony. This ceremony to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 15
5:00pm Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, May 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 22
2:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to follow-up on Policy Order #7 of Mar 5, 2018 on the future of dock-less bikes in Cambridge (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, May 23
2:00pm The Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an Arts Overlay District ordinance that would achieve the goals of creating and preserving spaces for the arts in the Central Square Cultural District. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 24
1:30pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City of Cambridge getting to NET Zero Action Plan: Fiscal Year 2017 progress report and to receive a general update on the NET Zero Action Plan. (Ackerman Room)

Tues, June 5
12:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an overview on car sharing. (Ackerman Room)

Mon, June 11
5:30pm The City Council will hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting for the purpose of discussing Envision Cambridge. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 12
3:00pm Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 18
TBD 2018 Volunteer Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chambers)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 7, 2018
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Many CRLS students rely on MBTA busses to commute to and from school daily, as transportation is not provided for High School students; and
WHEREAS: CRLS is a 5-10 minute walk from the Harvard Square T station, so many students are best served by bus routes that take them more directly to CRLS; and
WHEREAS: There are inequities in service to CRLS, with some busses running infrequently and unreliably, such as the 68; and
WHEREAS: Students who are late to school due to a late MBTA bus are recorded as tardy, affecting their own academic success and that of their classmates, a policy which disproportionately impact students of color; and
WHEREAS: It is well-understood that increased frequency and reliability encourages ridership, and the City of Cambridge has a stated goal of encouraging the formation of public transportation habits at a young age; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge School Committee recently adopted a motion asking that the CPS Administration and CRLS Administration provide a description of necessary changes to bus routes, directions and frequencies that would most equitably serve students; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA is preparing to undergo a Bus Service Plan, giving cities a once-in-a-decade chance to improve bus service where needed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to work with the Cambridge Public School Administration to provide feedback and requests that will inform Cambridge’s participation in the MBTA Service Plan; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the above matter.

O-2 May 7, 2018
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Sergeant E.J. Frammartino for a suitable dedication in the vicinity of Fifth Street in East Cambridge in honor of Dominic Pat Dicardio; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication committee for their review and approval.

O-3 May 7, 2018 Amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR MALLON
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Rufo Road in East Cambridge is still in need of critical repair; and
WHEREAS: Rufo Road is a heavily traveled roadway which serves as a connector to important resources for residents such as the Cambridge Health Alliance, the shopping plaza and athletic fields; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has repeatedly requested that the City repair Rufo Road; and
WHEREAS: The City contracted with a surveyor to conduct research on the ownership of Rufo Road where it was established that Cambridge owns the majority of Rufo Road; and
WHEREAS: This recent winter further exasperated the problem; and
WHEREAS: The continued deterioration of Rufo Road presents a danger to pedestrians, motor vehicles, and cyclists; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to immediately and permanently repair Rufo Road and report back to the City Council by the May 14, 2018 City Council meeting.

O-4 May 7, 2018
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that there has been an increasing number of incidents of motor vehicles speeding on Windsor Street, especially MBTA buses and large trucks; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a maximum speed limit of 25 mph; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with MBTA officials on ensuring stricter driver adherence of the speed restrictions of residential streets by MBTA drivers; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Police Commissioner regarding increased enforcement of speed limits on Windsor Street and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-8 May 7, 2018
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning; Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee is scheduled to meet on May 15, 2018 from 1-3pm in the Sullivan Chamber to discuss the proposed Cambridge policy relating to the sale of adult-use cannabis; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to record and live-stream the hearing to ensure members of the public who cannot attend the afternoon hearing are still able to view the discussion.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Apri112, 2018 at 4:04pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to review the 2017 Mayor's Special Advisory Committee on Neighborhood-Based Resiliency Report.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Carlone; Vice Mayor Devereux; Councillor Siddiqui; Councillor Toomey; Councillor Simmons; Councillor Zondervan; Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department Iram Farooq; Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning, CDD, Susanne Rasmussen; John Bolduc, Environmental Planner, CDD; Public Works Commissioner Owen O'Riordan; Assistant Public Works Commissioner John Nardone; Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor; Chief Public Health Officer Claude Jacob; Director of Environmental Health, Health Department, Sam Lipson; Manager of Community Resiliency and Preparedness, Health Department, Kari Sasportas; Nancy Rihan Porter, Viative Practices, Health Department; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present was Steve Wineman.

Councillor Kelley convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that former Mayor appointed the Special Advisory Committee on Neighborhood-Based Resiliency. An Agenda was distributed (ATTACHMENT A). The meeting will review the report and make minor grammatical corrections to the report. The hearing is being audio recorded privately. Introductions were made. He asked all to shut eyes and think about what they thought was normal. "When they opened their eyes, he stated that the normal of today is not the normal of the future. The new normal will not be what is in the past and municipal workers are facing the new normal. He gave a PowerPoint presentation. (ATTACHMENT B). He explained the effort of the committee. He stated that resiliency means different thing to different people. He spoke about demographics change. He spoke about the safety issues that impact people daily. He spoke about the entities that interact with Cambridge. He outlined what a resilient Cambridge is. Massachusetts is a home rule state which means that there is an immense amount of power at the local level. He spoke about all the different forms of government throughout the state. He stated that resiliency is an ongoing discussion. He stated that resiliency was defined, which took a long time. He read the definition of resiliency formed by the advisory committee. He spoke about the makeup of the advisory committee and the experts of the municipality who came to speak. Some answers were reached. In a case of an emergency it is better to rely on neighbors rather than the government. He spoke about how to make resiliency happen. He stated that the resiliency discussion has no easy answers and is costly. He urged taking risk and forgiving failure. He stated that the committee came up with resiliency challenges. He outlined the components of a resilient City. He stated that if the individuals in the City are not personally prepared, resiliency will not occur. He spoke about the need for on-going review. He spoke about traditional stresses and non-traditional stresses. NYC office of emergency management has a ''resiliency girl." He outlined the committee recommendations. He stated that the climate of the future is not friendly to trees and what should be planted that will thrive both now and in the future, is a concern. He spoke about formalizing answers to resiliency questions for city employees. He concluded that resiliency is a never-ending process and is expensive and is time-consuming.

Mr. Gutierrez outlined the corrections to the report (ATTACHMENT C).

Councillor Kelley opened the hearing to the City Council.

Councillor Zondervan stated that this report is needed. The City Council will be considering a zoning petition that will deal with this. He commended the work. There are no easy answers or quick fix and this is expensive. The community aspect is the most difficult part but is very important as illustrated when a neighbor saved his father who was having a stroke. The community relationship is important to the survival of those who live here. Resiliency is expensive and having a credit card is useful, as when he updated his registration and, on the spot, avoided towing. When a hurricane comes to FL you pack up your things and move away. He noted that without a car, which is something Cambridge is emphasizing, people cannot as easily escape in an emergency situation.

Councillor Carlone stated that he was impressed with the substance and the range of issues covered in the report. It raised a lot of urban design issues and included public health issues. The difference between older and newer cities is the scale of the height and the lack of places where people can connect. The more comers that there are in cities the more people get to know each other. He spoke about how multiple entry on streets would help the social cohesion. It is not the design of the building; it is the design of the public space. He spoke about the complexity making sure people are connected the city.

Councillor Simmons stated that the report was a broad view of resiliency. Tills was brought down to a granular level.

Councillor Siddiqui stated that the focus is on the recommendations. The primary recommendation is on a Chief Resiliency Officer (CRO), where is the City on this. Councillor Kelley responded nowhere. He wanted support from the City Council before approaching the City Manager on this. Councillor Simmons asked about the duties and responsibilities are they housed in other departments. Councillor Kelley responded that there is no unifying theme. The City is not centrally organized in approaching the discussion.

Vice Mayor Devereux stated that resiliency is directed to climate change because of uncertain atmospheric conditions. This addresses the life of the city in the 21st century and could apply to other cities. This is not unique to Cambridge. Living alone can be dangerous. And it is a huge challenge to figure out how City staff, with all the other things they are doing, can address these issues. She spoke about the City responsibilities daily and how societal shifts will change this. She stated that it would be smart to have a CRO. She added that this is a broader problem to her.

Councillor Kelley stated that he spoke to those in senior housing buildings. The committee heard that their biggest fear is dying in their room and no one finding them until the smell. He spoke about whose responsibility this is.

Mr. Jacob outlined the work done by the Health Department. He stated that post 911 public health departments have changed. Ms. Sasportas is the Manager of Resiliency and Emergency Preparedness. He explained the work done by the employees present from the Public Health Department, to include injury and violence prevention, mental health first aid, environmental health and safety and resiliency planning. He was in Chicago during the deadly heat wave and understood that social isolation is a big factor in these events. He spoke about senior who are isolated. He outlined the talents of Ms. Sasportas and her work performance. Ms. Sasportas spoke about the scope of the report. She stated that the scope of her work is around resiliency and emergency preparedness. The Public Health Department works with city departments and agencies. A public health consultant is being worked with to reach out to City residents. She spoke about regional outreach for services. Ms. Sasportas spoke about the breakdown of services and how those who need services are being served. The City is preparing for all hazards and is part of a regional coalition that addresses health issues. They are also part of the Cambridge Community Trauma group with the Cambridge Police Department. They are working with a consultant to build climate change preparedness with Port residents, as well as metro-Boston security group on continuity of services to ensure critical agencies can continue to do their jobs. Also working on more of a low-level emphasis on social capital building like Hoops for Health and Meet your Neighbor Day.

Ms. Farooq stated that there was a grant through the Rockefeller Foundation for Cities to hire a CRO for a two-year period. Cambridge did not receive the grant; Boston did receive the grant and hired a CRO. She has left the position which was only grant funded for a few years. The scope of the job is huge. This needs to be implemented with an all hands-on deck mode. She spoke about the strong coordination of all city departments. This is a different model of implementation. Councillor Kelley stated that resiliency is about social equity.

Councillor Carlone noted that his sister was in Hurricane Sandy and all the cell towers went out. The lack of communication in the dark compounded the situation. This is implied in the report. This was a humbling experience. Mr. O'Riordan spoke about the inability to communicate as the learned during a visit to post-Sandy Hoboken. There used community boards to communicate. Cambridge has installed these low-tech options at a few places.

Councillor Zondervan stated that in 2009-2010, the First Climate Congress, it was suggested that a chief sustainability officer should be hired. The City Manager felt that he was the chief sustainability officer so that he could communicate across City department. A CRO is a broader category. He stated that Cambridge does a fantastic job with coordination, but it makes sense to have an overarching coordination of resiliency, a place to park responsibility for public resiliency that may help us to find things that we have otherwise missed. He stated that there were not always hospitals, fire and police departments, but they were established because of the needs and we could do the same thing with a CRO. He stated that CRO needs to be considered.

Councillor Simmons stated that as the Chief Executive Officer the City Manager has the overall responsibility of the City but fine tuning by specifically assigning responsibility may be wise. What do we have and how do we get it in one place. In times of distress there needs to be one focal point. She stated that Mr. Gianetti is the one central person where all get the information needed. She stated that in a stressful situation it is not helpful to call five departments to get information. With the fire in East Cambridge all the services were available. Do we want to put this under one central person and have resources be centralized in case of emergency?

Councillor Zondervan stated that there are two different resiliencies: emergency response, which we have been doing for a while, and the notion of on-going resiliency for building new structures. He stated that community resiliency is already available, although not all that robustly, but how can it be made available when needed.

Councillor Siddiqui asked what has been done since the report was submitted. Councillor Kelley noted that the resiliency is a never-ending discussion.

At 5:10pm Councillor Kelley opened the hearing to public comment.

Steve Wineman spoke about the Rockefeller grant for the CRO and was challenged by the two-year model. The committed wanted a permanent CRO. He stated that the CRO needed to collect information to compile best practices and the Committee suggested starting with a relevant conference to compile best practices. The committee struggled with strategy and implementation. There was a vision of what a resilient city looks like but how do we make this happen. The best strategy to make a resiliency city involves hiring a CRO.

Nancy Rihan Porter noted that she comes to this from a public health perspective and loneliness is a huge issue. She spoke about the unique way that schools and senior centers can be put under one umbrella, of ways to help people think a neighborhood is theirs. This creates resiliency when the community means more, people take better care of the community, it has a stronger 'bottom up' aspect. She stated that there are a lot of little things that can be done. She wanted to know how we can do better now. She stated that climate change is very important but we have cognitive challenges in understanding it because it has not visually happened. It is up to us to figure out how to engage people in this discussion that does not come naturally.

Councillor Carlone thanked Ms. Pm1er for the mental health training she provided to the City Council. He spoke about making areas places. He spoke about places where people are invited. He cited the library as such a place.

Councillor Zondervan spoke about climate change and getting the community more involved. He started Neighborhood Solar. He spoke about going door-to-door to educate people about solar and energy efficiency and having fabulous conversations. He spoke about looking at a CRO as visiting people door-to·door and hearing what is important to them. This could build resiliency. There are opportunities to distribute work and to make sure that the work is done. As an example, he did that in his family when caring for sick dog. There is always an opportunity to distribute work among many people, but you need someone in charge. There is a need for focused coordination.

Councillor Kelley thanked all those present for their attendance.

The hearing adjourned at 5:22pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 4/4/2016

16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016

16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016

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

17-22. Report on the potential growth of next-generation wireless technology in the City, to include: the expected footprint of citywide coverage from just one company and what market competition might produce; the integration of public and private infrastructure to support the network; what local standards the City might hope to maintain relative to aesthetics and safety; and how this new technology fits into our Broadband access plans. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-14) from 2/27/2017

17-33. Report on bringing Massachusetts closer to 100% renewable energy by 2035, and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are realized by Massachusetts residents from all walks of life and supporting a goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy in Cambridge, including in building energy use and transportation, by 2035. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-13) from 4/24/2017

17-53. Report on determining if new facilities are needed by either DPW or CFD to best carry out their respective missions in the future and, if so, what type of facilities they would need and how much space that would require and where they might possibly be located. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 6/26/2017

17-60. Report on the feasibility of making the section of Kinnaird Street between River Street and Western Avenue into a one-way. Referred back to the City Manager to arrange community meeting on motion of Vice Mayor McGovern on Nov 13, 2017. 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 8/7/2017

17-82. Report on possible solutions to regulatory or legislative gaps on the local or state level that would help clarify how emerging types of conveyances can most safely and effectively be incorporated into Cambridge’s Urban Mobility planning and infrastructure investments. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-15) from 9/11/2017

17-87. Report on a schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates clearer wording and/or more clearly explains each section in less technical jargon and is more coherent in its entirety, with the goal of seeing such an Ordinance adopted by the end of this City Council term. On a communication from Councillor Kelley and Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 9/18/2017

17-110. Report on the status of the implementation of the EnerGov software across various City departments to streamline the permitting process. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Sessions.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen (O-5) from 10/16/2017

18-4. Report on exploring mechanisms for achieving greater levels of snow clearing by the city and increase the public response during major snow events or heavy snow winters.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-5) from 1/22/2018

18-6. Report on information regarding electronic device usage by City-elected officials.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 1/22/2018

18-7. Report on the possibility of changing the snow removal exemption to include two and three-family houses.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 1/29/2018

18-9. Report on necessary repairs to the Gold Star Mothers Park and all play and water feature, including drainage issues, with an eye towards mitigating the impacts of local construction and the development of a plan with the community for improving this significant piece of open space.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 1/29/2018

18-10. Report on creating a list of mitigated meeting and conference room private spaces that are available to the public, what the exact eligibility of using these spaces is, and making the list available to the public.
Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 1/29/2018

18-11. Report on the potential of utilizing trenchless technology, micro tunneling and/or pipe jacking to lessen the time and impact on the residents of Gore Street.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 1/29/2018

18-12. Report on maximizing the community benefits from and mitigating the impacts of the Cambridge Crossing sewer construction.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 1/29/2018

18-13. Report on efforts to expand the number of electric vehicle charging stations, the feasibility of appropriately placing electric vehicle chargers on residential streets where there is need, the status of possible City fleet replacement to electric vehicles, expanded outreach and education on available rebates and incentive programs, and the feasibility of requiring developers to include a greater number of electric vehicle charging stations in new or substantially renovated multi-unit buildings.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 1/29/2018

18-14. Report on whether the Community Development Department will apply for the Targeted Brownfields Assessment Grant regarding Jerry's Pond.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-1) from 2/5/2018

18-15. Report on any other relevant City Department to gain a sense of who is purchasing buildings in Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/5/2018

18-20. Report on repairing Rufo Road as soon as possible.
Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 2/5/2018

18-17. Report on the current status of zoning language and public health regulations for the keeping of hens and food cultivation and proposed next steps to advance the Urban Agriculture initiative.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern (O-2) from 2/12/2018

18-21. Report on the feasibility of initiating a formal transit study and action plan of the Alewife area in response to unanimous concerns of the Envision Alewife Working Group.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-7) from 2/26/2018

18-22. Report on the causes of the Cambridge Common drainage problems.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-10) from 2/26/2018

18-24. Report on what further improvements can be made to improve safety for all users of the intersections of Walden Street with Concord Avenue, Garden Street and Sherman Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone (O-14) from 2/26/2018

18-26. Report on providing easily accessible needle safety information, to include emergency needle or syringe removal and disposal contacts, on the City’s website.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley (O-19) from 2/26/2018

18-27. Report on why there continues to be significant audio and video difficulties during live Internet broadcasts of City Council meetings.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 3/5/2018

18-29. Report on the possibility of re-evaluating the fees associated with community block parties, specifically entertainment fees for unpaid, local musicians.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 3/5/2018

18-30. Report on the possibility of Cambridge joining this national suit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon (O-3) from 3/5/2018

18-31. Report on the maintenance issues of the Harvard Square MBTA station public restroom.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 3/5/2018

18-34. Report on what traffic calming measures or actions can be taken such as the installation of speed bumps, installation of crosswalk flashing lights and increased police enforcement of speed limits to discourage the speeding of vehicles along Museum Way.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 3/19/2018

18-36. Report on a funding plan in place to develop and implement protective barriers for Fresh Pond for the FY2018-19 budget.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-12) from 3/19/2018

18-37. Report on the possibility of accepting the City of Boston's invitation to join their intergenerational housing pilot program.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 3/26/2018

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

18-39. Report on placing a commemorative plaque at eye-level at the plaza in Harvard Square dedicated to former judge, Mayor, and City Manager Joseph DeGuglielmo so that it is more prominent to pedestrians.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 4/2/2018

18-40. Report on notifying the owners of the former Harvard Square Theater to provide a firm schedule for when they will submit their application to the Cambridge Historical Commission and a projected timeline for the rest of the process.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 4/2/2018

18-41. Report on working with Trinity Property Management to give the nearly 200 tenants of the EMF building additional time beyond Apr 30, 2018 to find new space, considering the unique circumstances and impact of this eviction.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 4/2/2018

18-42. Report on allowing autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in Cambridge provided certain conditions are met.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-12) from 4/2/2018

18-43. Report on the necessary improvements to the Harvard Square Station Tunnels while they are being renovated.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 4/23/2018

18-44. Report on ensuring an additional commitment of $20 million from the City’s budget is devoted over the next five years toward the City’s efforts to preserve and create affordable housing units.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 4/23/2018

18-45. Report on producing a report for use by the Housing Committee that contains appropriate language for the creation of an Affordable Housing Overlay District.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-12) from 4/23/2018

18-47. Report on the feasibility of installing a stop sign or other appropriate traffic calming measures at the corner of Chestnut Street and Brookline Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-1) from 4/30/2018

18-48. Report on installing signage, either through physical signs or paint on the road, in high-traffic and high-conflict bike lanes that intersect with crosswalks, reminding cyclists that they are required to yield to pedestrians when crossing.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-2) from 4/30/2018

18-49. Report on prioritizing the installation of protected bike lanes and bicycle traffic signals in Porter Square.
Councillor Zondervan