Cambridge City Council meeting - May 11, 2020 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Placed on File 9-0
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the FY2021 submitted budget appropriation orders.
Referred to Finance Committee
May 11, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting, pursuant to G.L. c. 44, § 32, the FY2021 submitted budget appropriation orders which state the amounts I am recommending for proposed expenditures of the City for the next fiscal year together with a separate zip drive containing the back-up materials for the budget. The budget book will be available to the City Council later this week.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
CHARTER RIGHT
1. 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. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED IN COUNCIL MAY 4, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
O-9 May 4, 2020 Charter Right - Zondervan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0 (May 11, 2020)
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.ORDERED: That the City Manager review and implement an appeals process for fines issued for non-compliance with the City's Mask Mandate based on financial hardship and further be it ORDERED: That the City Manager provide weekly updates to the Council on any fines issued as a result of non-compliance with the City's Mask Mandate broken down by race, age and gender and to include information on how many appeals were heard and how many were approved.
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]
4. Policy Order Summer Camp Operations. [TABLED IN COUNCIL MAY 4, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
O-10 May 4, 2020 Tabled on May 4, 2020; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0 on May 11, 2020
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.
WHEREAS: The Governor recently ordered the closure of all schools and childcare centers through the end of June, with remote learning for school-age children through the end of the academic year; and
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, youth centers, and after-school programming have hit local families with school-age children particularly hard in recent months; and
WHEREAS: With summer fast approaching, parents of school-age children are seeking clarity as to whether summer camps, youth centers, and youthcentered 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
WHEREAS: These programs, which are currently closed, might be able to open sooner than schools, and may be able to counter the learning losses likely from the extended closures, and will be instrumental in beginning to address the loss of school year programming as well as summer learning loss; and
WHEREAS: Any opportunity to provide summer learning opportunities in a safe manner will be important to address achievement and learning gaps, especially for our most vulnerable students; 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 youthprogramming and the Mayor’s summer youth program 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; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager ensure that if additional city funds are required to address these needs for students and families across the city, funds will be made available.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. 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 Anthony Consigli, CEO, Consigli Construction Co., Inc., in support of the order to resume construction.
2. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding Ramadan Mubarak.
3. A communication was received from Angela Maione, regarding social distancing in Harvard Square.
4. A communication was received from Ari Ofsevit, 10 Lawrence Street, regarding Memorial Drive.
5. A communication was received from Scott Kilcoyne, regarding Memorial Drive.
6. A communication was received from Yonah Freemark, regarding accelerate street openings for residents.
7. A communication was received from Pete Septoff, Hancock Street, regarding open Streets to pedestrians.
8. A communication was received from Robert D. Slate, 6 Traymore Street, regarding Mask Mandate Strong.
9. A communication was received from Carolyn Magid, 71 Reed Street, regarding Policy Order #7.
10. A communication was received from Eric Fritz, regarding support for Policy Order #7.
11. A communication was received from Frank Gerratana, 632 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding profane Police tweet.
12. A communication was received from John Pitkin, regarding a plan for public communication in Cambridge.
13. A communication was received from Kathy Watkins, 90 Fawcett Street, regarding Policy Order #7.
14. A communication was received from David Maher, 120 Appleton Street, regarding Policy Order #4.
15. A communication was received from Danforth Nicholas, 93 Richdale Avenue, regarding support for Policy Order #107.
16. A communication was received from Louise Parker, 1 Warwick Place, regarding Policy Order #107.
17. A communication was received from Michael Monroe, regarding support for Policy Order #107.
18. A communication was received from Ashley Brown, 17 Michael Way, regarding support Policy Order #107.
19. A communication was received from Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, regarding Mask Mandate.
20. A communication was received from George Schneeloch, regarding support restaurants using street space for outdoor seating.
21. A communication was received from Paul Toner, 24 Newman Street, regarding Policy Order #4.
22. A communication was received from Melissa Ludtke, 30 Buena Vista Park, regarding Covid-19.
23. Sundry communications were received in support of Lesley University Workers.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Bill Ellis. Councillor Toomey
2. Resolution on the death of John Percoco. Councillor Toomey
3. Resolution on the death of Mary Albano. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Virginia Ginny Mastrangelo. Councillor Toomey
5. Congratulating Karen Chen on her inclusion on the Boston Magazine “100 Most Influential People in Boston Right Now” list. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
6. Resolution on the death of Pastor Herman Lloyd Greene. Councillor Simmons
7. Resolution on the death of Justice Ismail Laher. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to order the Department of Public Works and any other relevant departments to consider implementing Simple Recycling’s curbside textile recycling program and report back to the Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
2. That the City Manager report to the council with an update on recommendations being discussed by the small business advisory group so the council may be prepared for quick action on items that may properly come before the body. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0
3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and any other relevant City departments to reopen the Recycling Center for a limited time and to place recycling bins strategically across the City for residents who are unable to access the Recycling Center to allow for residents to recycle plastic items such as bags. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)
4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide information to the City Council about social media protocols and what disciplinary action has been taken as result of the Department’s social media use incident. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Charter Right - Simmons [Note: There was an effort to amend by substitution prior to the exercise of the Charter Right.]
5. That the City Council go on record in solidarity with all Lesley University workers and in support of the demands of the community petition. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0
6. Support of COVID-19 Relief for MIT Graduate Students. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee’s Regular Meeting held on May 5, 2020.
Placed on File 9-0
2. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Mallon, transmitting Food Insecurity Work and Resources Update.
Placed on File 9-0
MINUTES APPROVAL
1. City Council - Roundtable/Working Meeting - Feb 11, 2020 5:30pm
Accepted 9-0
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 11
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Mon, May 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting - FY21 Budget Submission (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Tues, May 26
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Mon, June 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Tues, June 2
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Wed, June 3
6:00pm Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 School Department budget (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Thurs, June 4
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (if necessary) (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Mon, June 8
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Mon, June 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Mon, June 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
Mon, June 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, TV, Zoom)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 11, 2020 Amended
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Many local municipalities participate in a program through the contractor Simple Recycling for textile recycling pickup; and
WHEREAS: Only a small portion of unwanted clothing in the United States is donated and recycled while approximately 14.3 million tons of clothing end up in landfills; and
WHEREAS: the 2019 Zero Waste Master Plan includes a textile recycling program, including the possibility of contracting with Simple Recycling in 2020 or 2021; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to order the Department of Public Works and any other relevant departments to consider implementing Simple Recycling’s curbside textile recycling program and report back to the Council on this matter in a timely manner.
O-2 May 11, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been dedicated to supporting locally owned or operated businesses and the character and diversity they bring to our city; and
WHEREAS: The City manager appointed a small business advisory group to develop plans to help support local businesses and develop recommendation for re-opening; and
WHEREAS: A number of ideas for possible consideration including following the lead of cities around the world are preparing space outdoors for restaurants or bars to expand seating capacity;
WHEREAS: The small business advisory group has discussed opening additional sidewalk and/or adjacent parking spaces to utilize for service when the Stay at Home Order is lifted, while maintaining accessibility and safety of workers and customers; and
WHEREAS: The Council wants to support all ideas that would enable a swift and safe return to businesses including restaurants, small farmers’ markets and retail establishments; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Clerk is requested to send a copy of this order to the Small Business Advisory Committee to give strong council support to working on this idea; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager report to the council with an update on recommendations being discussed by the small business advisory group so the council may be prepared for quick action on items that may properly come before the body.
O-3 May 11, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: Throughout the COVID-19 emergency, the City’s Recycling Center at 47 Hampshire Street has been closed leaving residents unable to recycle plastic items such as bags; and
WHEREAS: As a result of the ongoing pandemic, many households across the City are experiencing an increase in recyclable trash items, including plastic bags which have been temporarily reintroduced for groceries, and paper and boxes from home-delivered packages; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and any other relevant City departments to reopen the Recycling Center for a limited time and to place recycling bins strategically across the City for residents who are unable to access the Recycling Center to allow for residents to recycle plastic items such as bags.
O-4 May 11, 2020
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: Whereas on Sunday, May 3, the official Twitter account of the Cambridge Police Department, in response to a tweet about Rep. Joe Kennedy III, replied publicly, “Another liberal f--- (expletive redacted) jerk who just happens to better than the clown he’s running against. Sad for us.”; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Police Department should not make statements attacking public officials, and the police should not publicly insult Massachusetts’ residents they are sworn to protect; and
WHEREAS: The Police Department deleted the tweet soon after, issued an apology, and identified Supt. Jack Albert as the author; and
WHEREAS: The Police Department has said Supt. Albert will be subject to disciplinary action but that “Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, the Department would be restricted from disclosing any specific disciplinary action” publicly; and
WHEREAS: Incidents like this erode confidence in the Police Department during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and raise questions about the Department’s social media protocols for its officers and its official account, which posts official updates about urgent situations including shootings and public safety threats; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide information to the City Council about what disciplinary action has been taken as result of this incident, which may be in executive session if required by state law; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide a report on how social media protocols for the official Police Department account and officers’ personal accounts have been revised as a result of this to prevent future incidents.
O-5 May 11, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Lesley University terminated the contracts of many dining services workers, custodial staff, and public safety staff, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of campus; and
WHEREAS: Attempts to redeploy these workers, who are disproportionately people of color and immigrants, through their subcontractor have not been successful; and
WHEREAS: This tragic decision has left many vulnerable community members without pay or benefits and runs contrary to the University’s mission statement, which claims to prepare students to “… strive for social justice and equity”; and
WHEREAS: The 2020 CARE Act includes $14 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, of which Lesley is projected to receive $1,997,859, and the bill specifically mentions that recipients of these funds must retain current employees to the “maximum extent practicable”; and
WHEREAS: Pay cuts taken by the highest salaried employees, as announced by both Harvard and MIT, could easily pay for retaining some of these workers; and
WHEREAS: During this pandemic, we must do all we can to protect the most vulnerable including the lowest paid workers and contractors; and
WHEREAS: Members of the Lesley University community have drafted a petition calling on President Janet Steinmayer to reverse course; and
WHEREAS: Local 26 was able to secure medical benefits for Lesley dining hall workers according to their existing contract, but not wages, and the union does not represent other types of essential workers on campus including custodial or public safety workers; and
WHEREAS: The petition demands that Lesley University administration protect food service, custodial, and public safety workers through the following steps:
• Guarantee continuity in wages and benefits for Lesley University food service, custodial, and public safety workers through the end of the spring 2020 semester
• Guarantee hazard pay and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the food service, custodial, and public safety workers that remain on campus
• Modify paid leave policies to allow flexibility for workers who become sick, have a dependent become sick, or have otherwise been exposed to COVID-19; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in solidarity with all Lesley University workers and in support of the demands of the community petition; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Lesley University President Janet Steinmayer.
O-6 May 11, 2020
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: MIT graduate students have been instrumental to the university in transitioning to online teaching and learning, and yet still face immense uncertainty about their future, economic stability, and health; and
WHEREAS: Graduate students from every school at MIT have formed MIT for COVID Relief, and written an open letter requesting expanded emergency assistance for graduate students, which has been signed by over 1,100 students and faculty. These requests include guaranteeing internal summer funding for students without full 12-month contracts, guaranteeing enough time to complete degrees, improving aid communication, and diversifying student representation in COVID-19 relief projects; therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in full support of this letter and of MIT graduate students; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge requests the MIT Administration to work with the MIT for COVID Relief group to address their concerns, and to prioritize transparency in their solution so that students can evaluate aid equity; and be it further
ORDERED: That this policy order be sent to Sarah Gallop, Co-Director of the MIT Office of Government & Community Relations and the President of MIT.
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