Cambridge City Council meeting - May 18, 2015 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-142, regarding a report on the City and the Retirement Board divesting from all engagement with Dow Chemical Company.

2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the proposed Open Data Ordinance.
Referred to Ordinance Committee

May 18, 2015
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am submitting the proposed Open Data Ordinance for your consideration.

The proposed ordinance is borne out of the work of the 2013/2014 City Council’s Cable TV, Telecommunications, and Public Utilities Committee chaired by Councillor Cheung and the City Council’s 2014/2015 Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee chaired by Councillor Mazen.

The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to ensure that, in an increasingly technological age, the City of Cambridge remains committed to providing the public with a high level of transparency, engagement and collaboration in City government.

The City has made its Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data available to the public for years and my administration launched the City’s Open Data Portal in July 2014. By making data available in easy to find and usable formats, the City and members of the public can work collaboratively to generate new ideas and solve complex challenges.

The proposed ordinance balances the City’s obligation to protect private and confidential information and to ensure public safety and security, with the goal of making the City’s data open to the public. Additionally, the proposed ordinance will create an Open Data Review Board, which will included a member of the public, that will recommend to the City Manager rules and standards for implementation of an Open Data policy, including a means by which to determine the Data or Data Sets that are appropriate for public accessibility and a timeline for policy implementation. A one page summary of the draft ordinance is attached.

Should the Council approve this ordinance, Cambridge will join the growing list of municipal governments with open data ordinances or local legislation including: New York City, NY; Minneapolis, MN; Salt Lake City, UT; Portland, OR; San Francisco, CA; and Houston, TX.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-122 and 15-13, regarding North Mass. Ave.

4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-12, regarding a report on the Cambridge Common/Flagstaff Park Enhancement Project.

5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-37, regarding a report on procuring a Natural Gas Analyzer for the City Arborist.

6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-78, regarding a report on the feasibility of launching a homeless donation meter program.

7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-05, regarding shelter beds.

8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation from the Children’s Trust in the amount of $400 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to pay stipends to parents who participate in a Children’s Trust Peer Review.

9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the New England Orienteering Club in the amount of $2,512 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account and will be utilized to support the cost of salaries for instructors who will teach classes in Orienteering at six Community School sites.

10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Flatbread Benefit Night donation in the amount of $575 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account and will be utilized to support activities at the King Open Preschool.

11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of user reimbursements received from Cambridge Homeless Service Provider Agencies to support the Cambridge Homeless Management Information System in the amount of $7,590 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,590) and to the Travel and Training account ($2,000).

12. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an additional appropriation of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance grant funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $3,858.66 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to purchase items and supplies related to the Carey Men’s Transitional Program operated by the Multi-Service Center.

13. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Metro North Regional Employment Board (MNREB) grant received from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Adult and Community Learning Services through MNREB in the amount of $15,200 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($7,079) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($8,121) which will be used by the Community Learning Center (CLC) to provide an intensive summer course to prepare students with limited English skills to enter the CLC’s Adult Career Pathways program in the fall.

14. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $15,406 of the Cambridge Continuum of Care (COC) Coordinated Intake Grant from the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account in the amount of $15,000 and from the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account in the amount of $406 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account which will support the necessary staff efforts to fully and effectively implement the Coordinate Intake model.

15. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $522,000 from sponsor donations and Hubway generated revenue ($372,000), Parking Fund revenue ($100,000), and Water Fund revenue ($50,000) to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to pay for a portion of 15 new Hubway bike share station, bring the total number of stations to 48 across the city.

16. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,210 from the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Planning Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to the Grant Fund Fire Travel and Training account which will be used to send staff to a hazardous material conference in Baltimore, MD that will focus on preparedness for hazardous material transportation-related incidents.

17. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Homeland Security Grant from the City of Boston for $1,777.55 to the Grant Fund Fire Salary and Wages account which is a reimbursement for trainings performed in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).

18. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $75,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account (Insurance) to the General Fund Fire Travel and Training account (Judgments and Damages) to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for fire personnel injured in performance of their duties.

19. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Normandy/Twining (Mass and Main) Zoning Petition. The Planning Board recommends adoption with suggested modifications.
Referred to Petition

20. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation on the Chestnut Hill Realty Zoning Petition. The Planning Board recommends adoption.
Referred to Petition


21. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $174,097 between School Department statutory accounts, which includes $144,499 from the General Fund School Salaries and Wages account and $29,598 from the General Fund School Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund School Travel and Training account $174,097. The School Department allows principals and department administrators to move funds across statutory categories within their budgets to better meet their educational need. The reallocations are to school improvement and professional development plans for all schools; the transfer was approved on May 5, 2015 by the School Committee.


ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status and next steps for the Beekeeping ordinance. [Order Number Ten of Mar 30, 2015 Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor Kelley on Mar 30, 2015.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 1, 2015 to continue discussions on the Normandy/Twining petition. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 11, 2015. Planning Board Hearing held Feb 24, 2015 and continued on Apr 28, 2015. Petition expires May 27, 2015.
Ordained as Amended by Substitution of Recommendation of Planning Board (7-2, Carlone, Mazen - NO) to Add Section 20.307.13 and to Incorporate Letter of Commitment. Ordinance #1368

3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $37,750,000 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 City’s Agassiz Neighborhood, Alewife Watershed, Area IV Neighborhood, and Harvard Square areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program. The question comes on adoption on or after May 18, 2015.

4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for a Comprehensive Facilities Improvement Plan. The question comes on adoption on or after May 18, 2015.

5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,600,000 to provide funds for surface improvements to the Harvard Square area including Eliot Street, Eliot Plaza, Brattle Street, and Brattle Plaza. The question comes on adoption on or after May 18, 2015.

6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $150,000 to provide funds for the purchase and installation of mechanical components to ensure the operational integrity of the elevator at the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility. The question comes on adoption on or after May 18, 2015.

7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,700,000 to provide funds for various School building infrastructure projects including the design and construction for the King Open/Cambridge Street School and Community Complex, roof replacement at the Kennedy Longfellow School, and a new boiler at the Fletcher Maynard Academy. The question comes on adoption on or after May 18, 2015.

8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. The question comes on adoption on or after May 18, 2015.

9. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 28, 2015 to discuss amendments to the Cambridge Municipal Code in Chapter 9.04 entitled “Offenses Against Property.” The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after May 18, 2015.
Ordained as Amended 9-0. Ordinance #1367

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Harvard Kennedy School, requesting permission to relocate a curb cut to access below grade loading facility at the premises numbered 14 and 14A Eliot Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from one neighborhood association.

2. An application was received from Saints Constantine and Helen, 14 Magazine Street, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Mass. Ave. at City Hall announcing the Greek Festival June 19th - June 21st.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Ethan Cascio, 36 Essex Street, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

2. A communication was received from Jill Becker, 23 Perry Street, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

3. A communication was received from Gregory P. Heidelberger, 188 Prospect Street, regarding Mass + Main zoning proposal.

4. A communication was received from Robert K. Coughlin, President and CEO, MassBio, 300 Technology Square, regarding getting to Net Zero Task Force Submission.

5. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding the denial of Citizens Bank ten banners at 30 Brattle Street.

6. A communication was received from Martha Older, transmitting support for the proposed Normandy/Twining upzoning proposal.

7. A communication was received from Parker Brooks Heckner, 105 Norfolk Street, regarding Mass + Main.

8. A communication was received from Judith Black, regarding Mass + Main proposal hearing.

9. A communication was received from Robin Finnegan, 31 Hubbard Avenue, regarding Mass + Main proposal.

10. A communication was received from Mark Boyes-Watson, regarding housing affordability in Cambridge, Mass + Main.

11. A communication was received from Jeff Byrnes, 7 Lawrence Street, transmitting support of Mass + Main.

12. A communication was received from Barbara Broussard, 148 Third Street, transmitting support of the Mass + Main Project.

13. A communication was received from Seth Zeren, 183 Chestnut Street, transmitting support for the Mass + Main proposal.

14. A communication was received from Sam Stern, transmitting support of the Mass + Main project.

15. A communication was received from Catherine Sullivan, 16 Notre Dame Avenue, urging the passage of Mass + Main.

16. A communication was received from Marina Colonas, regarding Mass + Main.

17. A communication was received from David Chilinski, AIA, President, 221 Hampshire Street, regarding Mass + Main.

18. A communication was received from Sally Eaton Arnold, 6B Russell Street, regarding Mass + Main proposal.

19. A communication was received from Joan Squeri, transmitting support of the Twining proposal.

20. A communication was received from Colleen McCarthy, 350 Third Street, transmitting support of the Mass + Main project.

21. A communication was received from Amanda Marcus, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

22. A communication was received from Susan Yanow, 221 Norfolk Street, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

23. A communication was received from Ellen Mass, President, Friends of Alewife Reservation, please say no to Towers vote.

24. A communication was received from Loryn Sheffner, 73 Howard Street, transmitting support for the Twining Normandy Proposal.

25. A communication was received from Paula Sharaga, 234 Columbia Street, transmitting support for the Mass + Main Mixed Income Residential District.

26. A communication was received from Pat O’Brien, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

27. A communication was received from Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

28. A communication was received from Marge Amster, 10 McTernan Street, transmitting support for Twining/Normandy Proposal.

29. A communication was received from Jacquelyn Smith, 7 Ashburton Place, regarding sensible development for Cambridge.

30. A communication was received from Lawrence Bluestone, 18 Centre Street, transmitting support for Normandy/Twining Zoning Petition.

31. A communication was received from Jerome Ryan, 35 Lee Street, transmitting support for the Mass + Main mixed-income project.

32. A communication was received from Greg Reeves, transmitting support of the Mass + Main Mixed zoning proposal.

33. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding Normandy/Twining shoe-in and future Cambridge development.

34. A communication was received from Carolyn Fuller, 12 Douglass Street, regarding Mass + Main 2nd hearing.

35. A communication was received from Bill McAvinney, regarding Mass + Main 2nd hearing.

36. A communication was received from Jean E. Jackson, Professor of Anthropology, MIT, 77 Mass. Ave., no to Normandy Towers up-zoning.

37. A communication was received from John B. Nelson, regarding the Normandy vote.

38. A communication was received from Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street, transmitting opposition to the Normandy/Twining up-zoning.

39. A communication was received from Jon Ferguson, 61 Saville Street, regarding Normandy/Twining.

40. A communication was received from Sylvia Barnes, 196 Harvey Street, regarding Normandy Twining.

41. A communication was received from Sarah E. Kennedy, Director of Government Affairs, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, transmitting support for Mass + Main.

42. A communication was received from Gretchen Friesinger, Orchard Street, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

43. A communication was received from Rika Henderson, 301 Huron Avenue, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

44. A communication was received from Robert D. Bejoian, 544 Huron Avenue, Rose Bejoian and Paul Bejoian, 55 Essex Street, transmitting support for the Mass + Main housing project.

45. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, transmitting support of Mass+Main.

46. A communication was received from Pamela Ross, 67 Highland Avenue, in favor of Mass+Main.

47. A communication was received from Marianne Nelson, 175 Richdale Avenue, transmitting opposition to the Normandy Tower up-zoning.

48. A communication was received from James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, reject the Normandy/Twining up-zoning petition for Central Square.

49. A communication was received from Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, no to Normandy Tower, yes to planning.

50. A communication was received from Richard Clarey, Chairman, North Cambridge Stabilization Committee, 15 Brookford Street, regarding the Normandy/Twining zoning amendment.

51. A communication was received from Nancy Ryan, for the Executive Committee of the Cambridge Residents Alliance, please reject the Normandy petition and move forward on planning.


52. A communication was received from Carol Bellew, in support of Mass + Main.

53. A communication was received from Amanda Tramont, 3 Dana Street, in support of Mass + Main.

54. A communication was received from Kasper Bejoian, 544 Huron Avenue, relating to Mass + Main enhancing the living and working experience in Central Square.

55. A communication was received from Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, in opposition to Normandy Twining Zoning, in support of Policy Orders 3, 11 and 15 and support of Order 6 with reservations.

56. A communication was received from Shelley Rieman, 201 Franklin Street, regrding inequitites in the permitting process in Cambridge.

57. A communication was received from Cathie Zusy, 202 Hamilton Street, in support of the Twining/Normandy proposal.

58. A communication was received from George Metzger, CSBA, relating to the Mass + Main proposal as an opportunity to shape Central Square in the absence of a broader plan for Central Square.

59. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, urging the City Council to adopt Order #11 on Aviation Noise.

60. A communication was received from Robin Finnegan, 31 Hubbard Avenue, in support of Mass + Main.

61. A communication was received from Esther Hanig, 136 Pine Street, strongly supporting the Normandy Twining petition.

62. A communication was received from David Chilinski, 221 Hampshire Street, urging the Ctiy Council to support the Mass + Main petiton for smart growth policies and for Central Square benefitting from an active and vibrant street life.

63. A communication was received from Cathy Hoffman, 67 Pleasant Street, regarding the Normand Twining proposal.

64. A communication was received from Barbara J. Goodchild, 41 Bowdoin Street, regarding the impact of noise on the quality of life and health.

65. A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, 10 Dana Street, regarding the final decision of the Twining Normandy proposal that will change Central Square forever.

66. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid. 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding policies affecting the homeless.

67. A communication was received from Mark Roopenian, Normandy Real Estate Partners, relating to the goal of providing mixed-income housing to Central Square.

68. A communication was received from Phyllis Bretholtz, 65 Antrim Street, urging the City Council to not support the Mass + Main proposal.

69. A communication was received from Kent Johnson, 18 Harrington Road regarding the Open Data Ordinance.

70. A communication was received from Adriana Poole, relating to aviation noise.

71. A communication was received from John Sanzone, regarding the Mass + Main proposal which improves the site on the corner.


RESOLUTIONS
1. Condolences to Ranjit Singanayagam on the death of his sister.   Mayor Maher

2. Resolution on the death of William “Bill” Covalucci.   Councillor Toomey and Mayor Maher

3. Congratulations to Jeff Lockwood and Novartis for being presented with the Cambridge Family and Children Services Avon Children’s Friends Award.   Mayor Maher

4. Congratulations to Jana Eggers on her appointment as CEO of Nara Logics.   Councillor Cheung

5. Congratulations to Renee Townes on receiving her Bachelors of Nursing Degree.   Councillor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Chef Barry Madden of Hungry Mother for winning the James Beard award for best chef in the Northeast.   Councillor Toomey

7. Congratulations to Rose Breslin Blake, Benjamin Grimm, Ty Muto, Carolyn Russell Stonewell and Elissa Warner for their winning submissions to the sidewalk poetry contest.   Councillor Cheung

8. Congratulations to Naco Taco on the occasion of its grand opening at 297 Mass. Ave.   Councillor Cheung and Councillor Simmons

9. Resolution on the death of John Joseph Devaney, Sr.   Mayor Maher

10. Congratulations to Margaret McKenna in her new role as President of Suffolk University.   Councillor Toomey

11. Commend HeyWire on their contributions to the relief efforts in Nepal.   Councillor Cheung

12. Congratulations to City Councillor Craig Kelley on his graduation from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.   Councillor McGovern

13. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Lena James.   Councillor McGovern

14. Urge all Cantabrigians to pause on Memorial Day, and every day, to remember to pay tribute to our nation’s defenders, living and deceased, for their service and devotion to country.   Councillor McGovern

15. Happy Birthday wishes to Allan Isbitz.   Councillor McGovern

16. Happy Birthday wishes to Cathy Zusy.   Councillor McGovern

17. Happy Birthday wishes to Fenton Hollander.   Councillor McGovern

18. Happy Birthday wishes to Kevin Foster.   Councillor McGovern

19. Happy Birthday wishes to Andrea Kontos.   Councillor McGovern

20. Happy Birthday wishes to Daniel Queen.   Councillor McGovern

21. Happy Birthday wishes to John Maher.   Councillor McGovern

22. Retirement of Martha Walsh from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

23. Retirement of Linda Smith from the School Department.   Mayor Maher

24. Congratulations to Noureddine Ould-Sifiya, owner of Pacific Street Cafe, on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.   Councillor Simmons

25. Congratulations to Dean Ellwood on his tenure as Dean of the Harvard Kennedy School.   Councillor Kelley

26. Resolution on the retirement of Kathy Wheeler.   Councillor McGovern

27. Resolution on the death of Richard Shea.   Councillor McGovern

28. Wishing Stenward Simmons Sr. a happy, healthy 90th birthday.   Councillor Simmons

29. Congratulating former Mayor and City Councillor Kenneth E. Reeves for being named the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Visiting Professor in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT.   Mayor Maher

30. Congratulating Andrew Harteveldt on the occasion of becoming a United States citizen.   Mayor Maher

31. Thanking the MIT School of Architecture and the US Postal Service Central Square Branch for successfully coordinating the ceremonial unveiling of the Robert Robinson Taylor Forever Stamp on May 13, 2015.   Councillor Simmons

32. Commending the exemplary contribution of the owners and employees of TAGS toward the reduction of energy and greenhouse gas emissions in and around the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Cheung

33. Thanking Joan Pickett for her seven years of service as a presiding officer of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association.   Councillor Toomey

34. Congratulating the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association on their 40th Anniversary.   Councillor Toomey


35. Happy 70th Birthday wishes to Lorraine Borelli.   Mayor Maher
Charter Right - Toomey

36. Congratulations to Brandon Fontanez on his graduation from Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

37. Congratulations to Ed Collymore for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

38. Congratulations to Filomena Silva for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

39. Congratulations to Jesse Cody for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

40. Congratulations to Joe Sousa for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

41. Congratulations to Edwin Wright for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Vice Mayor Benzan
Charter Right - Toomey

42. Congratulations to Jackie James for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

43. Congratulations to Joe Ferolito for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

44. Congratulations to Kevin Clark for being inducted into the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey

45. Congratulations and gratitude to the Cambridge Rindge and Latin Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.   Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey


ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to delegate an appropriate person to respond to the review the proposed “Innovative Communities” legislation available at innovativecommunitiesma.org and that the delegate provide comments to the bill’s sponsor.   Councillor Cheung

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and local civic programmers such as the Cambridge Arts Council regarding the feasibility of joining MASSCreative as a full member organization.   Councillor Cheung

3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to expand the capacity of Hubway stations in and around the Kendall Square area.   Councillor Cheung

4. Support of House Bill 340 that calls on the Department of Education to not approve PARCC for Massachusetts public schools; calls on the state to not require high-stakes standardized tests be used as a requirement for high school graduation for at least the next three years; and that the state establish an Educational Review Task Force to examine the effectiveness and impact of these high-stakes standardized tests.   Councillor McGovern and Councillor Kelley
Charter Right - Maher

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Human Services Department, the Department of Public Health and any other relevant departments to develop a process to complete a new city plan to address homelessness in our community.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Cheung

6. That the City Manager is requested to review the attached seven recommendations submitted as part of the Apr 30, 2015 Housing Committee hearing minutes and instruct the City Solicitor and the Acting Assistant City Manager of the Community Development Department to prepare appropriate zoning language to achieve these recommendations.   Councillor Simmons

7. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and Harvard University to follow-up on previous discussions which would see Harvard programming broadcast on CCTV.   Councillor Cheung

8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to ensure that the City of Cambridge’s civic data is made available for the organizers of the “National Day of Civic Hacking” events, which are seeking to solve civic and social issues.   Councillor Cheung

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission on steps that can be taken to work with Cambridge’s universities to register new voters and to inform students of their voting rights.   Councillor Cheung
Charter Right - Maher

10. That the City Manager report back to the City Council with a detailed financial, staffing and resource allocation plan to inventory and otherwise manage street tree wells, street tree grates and possible street tree locations.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Cheung and Vice Mayor Benzan

11. That the City Manager report back to the City Council on the airplane noise issues, to include the City’s plans to continue to work with other municipalities and Massport and to keep Cambridge residents updated on this issue, to include alterations in Massport’s runway use that might have temporary, intermittent or permanent impacts on noise levels in Cambridge.   Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Cheung and Vice Mayor Benzan

12. That the City Manager confer with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of clearly designating an emergency vehicle parking space in front of the Lyndon B. Johnson Apartments and report back to the Council in a timely manner.   Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Simmons

13. That the City Manager provide an update to the City Council as to the status of the Early Childhood Education Task Force.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Cheung
Amended

14. That the Public Safety Committee is requested to schedule a public hearing for the express purpose of discussing community policing programs and strategies in Cambridge.   Councillor Cheung
Amended

15. That the City Manager coordinate with the Cambridge Public Health Department to distribute materials to all retail establishments within Cambridge that sell neonicotinoid pesticides, outlining the dangers of such chemicals to bees and the ecosystem, urging them to cease stocking the pesticides.   Councillor Mazen

16. That the Cambridge City Council officially go on record supporting the efforts and progress of the Cambridge Community Development Department related to the C2 study and we look forward to considering the zoning and non-zoning recommendations when presented to the Council.   Mayor Maher and Vice Mayor Benzan

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Chair of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee for a public hearing held on Mar 25, 2015 to receive updates and to discuss next steps for the shared-use, rails-with-trail path along the City’s Grand Junction Corridor.
Report Accepted, Placed on File

2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Co-Chairs of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee for a public hearing held on Apr 29, 2015 to discuss recommendations to ensure that all positions hired directly by the City of Cambridge, or by outside vendors, uphold the same high employment standards that the City urges all businesses to uphold.
Report Accepted, Placed on File

3. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on Apr 30, 2015 to continue the Apr 22, 2015 discussion on the incentive zoning study from the Community Development Department.
Report Accepted as Amended


4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 12, 2015 to discuss a zoning petition filed by Chestnut Hill Realty to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, Section 20.600 Basement Housing Overlay District by including language to clarify the intent of the provisions to apply to multifamily structures that are wholly or partially located in Residence C, C-1, C-1A, C-2A, C-2B, C-3, C-3A or C-3B Base Zoning Districts.
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager, Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk and Alessandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council, The Dedication Committee, transmitting their recommendations for dedications to the full City Council for approval.

2. A communication was received from Nancy E. Glowa, Deputy City Solicitor, transmitting amendments to Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 9.04 entitled “Offenses Against Property.”

Proposed amendments to City of Cambridge Ordinance Chapter 9.04 "Offenses Against Property"
[Changes to existing ordinance indicated by underlining (new text) and strikethrough (proposed deletions)]

Amendment No. 1:
Section 9.04.050(A) is hereby amended after the words "public property" by inserting the phrase "including without limitations motor vehicles" and by deleting the final clause which reads "or on private property without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof"

OR

Amendment No. 1A: (proposed after the Ordinance Committee Hearing on Apr 28, 2015)
Section 9.04.050(A) is hereby amended after the words "public property" by inserting the phrase "including emergency response motor vehicles" and by deleting the final clause which reads "or on private property without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof."

Amendment No. 2:
Chapter 9.04 is further amended by inserting the following new section 9.04.051 "Attaching Commercial Notices to Private Property Not Allowed":

A. No person shall post or attach, or directly cause to be posted or attached in any manner, any commercial handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind on any private property including without limitations motor vehicles without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof.

B. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of three hundred dollars. Each illegally posted notice, advertisement, poster or sign shall be considered a separate violation of this section, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation of this section occurs or continues.

C. As an alternative to the penalty set forth in subsection B, whoever violates any provision of this section shall be penalized by a noncriminal disposition as provided for in G.L. c. 40, §21D. For purposes of this section, the following officials shall be enforcing persons: Cambridge Police Officers and designated staff of the Cambridge Department of Public Works and the Inspectional Services Department.
    The noncriminal penalty for the first violation of this section shall be twenty-five dollars; for the second violation, one hundred dollars; and for the third and all subsequent violations, two hundred dollars.

9.04.050 - Defacing public property.

A. No person shall post or attach, or directly or indirectly cause to be posted or attached in any manner, any handbill, poster, advertisement or notice of any kind on public property including emergency response motor vehicles except by permission of the City Manager or his designee, or on private property without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof.

B. Any handbill or sign found posted or otherwise affixed on any public property contrary to the provisions of this section may be removed by the Police Department or the Department of Public Works or the Inspectional Services Department.

C. The person or persons responsible for causing the unlawful posting of any notice described herein will be liable for the cost of removal and for the penalties described below. Persons liable under this section include, but are not limited to, any individual, corporation, partnership or other organization whose advertisement, message or information appears on the unlawfully posted notice.

D. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of three hundred dollars. Each illegally posted notice, advertisement, poster or sign shall be considered a separate violation of this section, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation of this section occurs or continues.

E. As an alternative to the penalty set forth in subsection D, whoever violates any provision of this section shall be penalized by a noncriminal disposition as provided in G.L., c. 40, §21D. For purposes ofthis section, the following officials shall be enforcing persons: Cambridge Police Officers and designated staff of the Cambridge Department of Public Works and the Inspectional Services Department.

Then noncriminal penalty for the first violation of this section shall be twenty-five dollars; for the second violation, one hundred dollars; and for the third and all subsequent violations, two hundred dollars.

9.04.051 - Attaching Commercial Notices to Private Property Not Allowed:

A. No person shall post or attach, or directly cause to be posted or attached in any manner. any commercial handbill. poster. advertisement or notice of any kind on any private property including without limitations motor vehicles without the consent of the owner or occupant thereof.

B. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of three hundred dollars. Each illegally posted notice. advertisement, poster or sign shall be considered a separate violation of this section, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation of this section occurs or continues.

C. As an alternative to the penalty set forth in subsection B, whoever violates any provision of this section shall be penalized by a noncriminal disposition as provided for in G.L. c. 40, §21D. For purposes of this section, the following officials shall be enforcing persons: Cambridge Police Officers and designated staff of the Cambridge Department of Public Works and the Inspectional Services Department.

The noncriminal penalty for the first violation of this section shall be twenty-five dollars; for the second violation, one hundred dollars; and for the third and all subsequent violations, two hundred dollars.


HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, May 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, May 19
5:30pm   The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss how economic development impacts and supports the quality of life of Cambridge residents, and to investigate the feasibility of establishing an agreement with ride-share services such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, May 21
5:00pm   The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a hearing to consider claims filed against the City.  (Ackermann Room)
5:30pm   The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss development of a process for the evaluation of the City Manager and recap the procedure for the setting of City Council Goals for the upcoming Legislative Term and to consider a different format.  (Ackermann Room)

Mon, June 1
5:30pm   City Council Meeting & Budget Adoption  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 2
4:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss Urban Agriculture initiatives in the City of Cambridge and the creation of a regulatory environment that can foster the safe expansion of Urban Agriculture within City limits.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 8
5:30pm   Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss the master plan. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 9
4:00pm   The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed framework for the goal of setting Cambridge on the trajectory to becoming a “net zero community.”  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 15
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

Mon, Aug 10
5:30pm   Special City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Sept 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 5
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 26
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Nov 30
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 7
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Dec 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has gained a reputation as a hotbed for innovative startup companies that are leading the way in powering America’s future; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been known as a hub of innovation, ideas, and most importantly action; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that a new piece of legislation, called “Innovative Communities” legislation has been introduced before the Massachusetts statehouse; and
WHEREAS: The “Innovative Communities” legislation seeks to promote and support the Massachusetts startup economy as well as seeking to provide technology solutions to municipalities; and
WHEREAS: The sponsors of the “Innovative Communities” legislation are actively seeking comments on the proposed bill from interested parties; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to delegate an appropriate person to respond to review the proposed “Innovative Communities” legislation available at innovativecommunitiesma.org and that the delegate provide comments to the bill’s sponsor; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely fashion.

O-2     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been a cultural center, with our diverse group of citizens, Central Square Arts district, and many institutions of higher learning; making the City a hub of education, the arts, and creativity; and
WHEREAS: MASSCreative empowers both the public and leading creative organizations with a voice that brings focus and resources to build vibrant and creative communities; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston is already a member of MASSCreative, setting a precedent for cities of the Commonwealth to become members of the organization; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge should strive to maintain its position as a cultural leader in Massachusetts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and local civic programmers such as the Cambridge Arts Council regarding the feasibility of joining MASSCreative as a full member organization and report back to the City Council.

O-3     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The program known as “Hubway” offers public transportation by bike, which is partially owned by the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The Hubway program has more than 13,000 members and boasts more than 3 million trips since its inception in 2011; and
WHEREAS: Hubway offers a sustainable and accessible transit option that continues to grow in popularity; and
WHEREAS: Because of its increasing popularity, especially in business districts, Hubway stations often are left without parking spaces for bikes commuting into the area; and
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that some commuters have expressed that there is difficulty finding bike spots in Kendall Square; and
WHEREAS: Increased capacity in Kendall Square would ensure that Hubway remains an accessible and viable transit option; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to expand the capacity of Hubway stations in and around the Kendall Square area.

O-4     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be discussing whether to begin requiring that all public school students take the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers or PARCC; and
WHEREAS: The increase of high-stakes standardized tests are ravishing creativity, project based learning, and critical thinking skills in our public schools; and
WHEREAS: Far too often, these high-stakes standardized tests become the focus of education, even for children in kindergarten; and
WHEREAS: Far too often, these high-stakes standardized tests result in increased stress for teachers, children, and parents; and
WHEREAS: These high-stakes standardized tests take valuable time away from other developmentally appropriate learning in the arts, physical education, and foreign language; and
WHEREAS: These high-stakes standardized tests interfere with social-emotional learning; and
WHEREAS: Teachers in Cambridge - and across Massachusetts and the United States - are pleading to end these disruptive and unproven high-stakes standardized tests; and
WHEREAS: These high-stakes standardized tests have not proven to actually improve education; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record in support of House Bill 340 filed by former Cambridge City Councillor and current State Representative Marjorie Decker that calls on the Department of Education to not approve PARCC for Massachusetts public schools; calls on the state to not require high-stakes standardized tests be used as a requirement for high school graduation for at least the next three years; and that the state establish an Educational Review Task Force to examine the effectiveness and impact of these high-stakes standardized tests; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Mitchell D. Chester, Director of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Governor Charlie Baker, and all members of the Cambridge House Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-5     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Homelessness is an issue impacting many in the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: During the Homeless Census Count of 2014, 551 persons were counted as experiencing homelessness in this city; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is in year nine of its ten year plan to end homelessness; and
WHEREAS: The Human Services and Veteran’s Committee held a hearing on this plan to discuss progress made toward moving our homeless population toward secure and stable living; and
WHEREAS: The conversation pointed out areas of progress but great areas of needed work; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Human Services Department, the Department of Public Health and any other relevant departments to develop a process to complete a new city plan to address homelessness in our community and to report back to the City Council the details of this plan no later than the Summer meeting.

O-6     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the attached seven recommendations submitted as part of the Apr 30, 2015 Housing Committee hearing minutes and instruct the City Solicitor and the Acting Assistant City Manager of the Community Development Department to prepare appropriate zoning language to achieve these recommendations; and be it further
ORDERED: That the zoning language when prepared by the City Solicitor and the Acting Assistant City Manager of the Community Development Department should then be referred to the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board for a hearing and report.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HOUSING COMMITTEE - April 30, 2015
The City Council recommends that the City should:

O-7     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s many colleges and universities often offer student produced television programming which is both high-quality and informative; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge Community Television actively seeks interesting and informative programming to broadcast across their three cable television channels;
WHEREAS: Currently, MIT airs content on CCTV, and Lesley University is currently in talks to air newly produced shows on CCTV; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and Harvard University to follow-up on previous discussions which would see Harvard programming broadcast on CCTV; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely fashion.

O-8     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The National Day of Civic Hacking is June 6th, and there are multiple Massachusetts locations, including Boston and Western Massachusetts, hosting civic hackathons; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge maintains an open data portal, allowing the City’s data to be easily accessed and analyzed; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge recently participated in LiveWorx “Internet of Things” hackathon, where the City’s data was used by participants to address municipal challenges; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate department heads to ensure that the City of Cambridge’s civic data is made available for the organizers of the “National Day of Civic Hacking” events, which are seeking to solve civic and social issues.

O-9     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Voting is arguably the most important civic opportunity given to United States citizens, and those living in Cambridge should be encouraged to exercise their right to vote; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s university population faces a number of barriers to participation including, but not limited to: not being registered to vote, not knowing one’s polling location, and not knowing the dates of elections, among other challenges; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Election Commission on steps that can be taken to work with Cambridge’s universities to register new voters and to inform students of their voting rights.

O-10     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: Street trees are an important part of Cambridge’s urban forestry program; and
WHEREAS: Spaces that could accommodate street trees are often paved, spaces that used to have trees are often empty wells and many tree grates are pushed up by roots, have been removed or are very tight around the tree; and
WHEREAS: The need to properly manage tree grates and tree spaces is integral to managing the street tree program; and
WHEREAS: Properly managing tree grates and tree spaces is a multi-year, multi-hundred thousand dollar program that has not appeared in the City DPW budget; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a detailed financial, staffing and resource allocation plan to inventory and otherwise manage street tree wells, street tree grates and possible street tree locations.

O-11     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: Airplane noise has increased over parts of Cambridge to the detriment of area residents; and be it further
WHEREAS: It is not clear that the increase in airplane noise is temporary, due to runway maintenance, or whether there are other options that do not result in this level of local noise pollution; and be it further
WHEREAS: Airplane noise from Logan Airport is an issue that the City has been previously engaged in; and be it further
WHEREAS: Previous City involvement in airplane noise issues has not resulted in effective communication about noise issues regarding Logan Airport and what options the City and other municipalities have for mitigating this noise; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to:
1. Convey the City Council’s concerns about increased airplane noise to Massport;
2. Work with other municipalities to address airplane noise issues; and
3. Report back to the City Council on this issue, to include the City’s plans to continue to work with other municipalities and Massport and to keep Cambridge residents updated on this issue, to include alterations in Massport’s runway use that might have temporary, intermittent or permanent impacts on noise levels in Cambridge.

O-12     May 18, 2015
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Emergency vehicle parking spaces keep ambulances, EMTs, Paramedics, Firefighters, and Police close to where the action is in case of an emergency; and
WHEREAS: Reserving a spot with an emergency vehicle sign outside elderly apartment buildings is imperative to the quick, life-saving action of first responders; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of clearly designating an emergency vehicle parking space in front of the Lyndon B. Johnson Apartments and report back to the Council in a timely manner.

O-13     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide an update to the City Council as to the status of the Early Childhood Education Task Force; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Human Services Committee.

O-14     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: As discussed in the recent Finance Committee hearing, a report and assessment of the various policing programs and strategies would be very useful in establishing better understanding of Police practices in the City of Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Public Safety Committee City Council be and hereby is requested to schedule a public hearing for the express purpose of discussing community policing programs and strategies in Cambridge.

O-15     May 18, 2015
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: Neonicotinoid pesticides have been scientifically shown to be harmful to honey bees, bumble bees and other pollinators; and
WHEREAS: Bees are a critical component of the ecosystem and provide irreplaceable ecosystem services in the form of pollination - in gardens just as in farms; and
WHEREAS: Recent studies have shown that bees are attracted to solutions containing neonicotinoid pesticides, despite their harmful effects, presenting a sizable hazard to bee populations; and
WHEREAS: The use of these pesticides in Cambridge is completely unnecessary; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to determine if Neonicotinoid pesticides are being used by city employees or its contractors and to immediately discontinue their use; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to communicate to all applicable employees and contractors that the use of neonicotinoid pesticides are strictly prohibited; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Cambridge Public Health Department to distribute materials to all retail establishments within Cambridge that sell neonicotinoid pesticides, outlining the dangers of such chemicals to bees and the ecosystem, urging them to cease stocking the pesticides; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-16     May 18, 2015
MAYOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Community Development Department is embarking on a collaborative effort based on the findings of the C2 Committee and the C2 study to provide economic opportunity, social justice and housing opportunities for residents at all income levels; and
WHEREAS: The C2 Study was guided by a committee of diverse members including neighborhood residents, property owners, and representatives of businesses and institutions; and
WHEREAS: The C2 Committee held numerous meetings and discussions that were open to the public and included a public comment period while also engaging in a series of public meetings, workshops, charrettes, and Mondays-in-the-Square that were held to solicit input from the broader community; and
WHEREAS: An overwhelming number of Cambridge residents, neighborhood groups and business owners have voiced significant support for the C2 study and its findings and anxiously await the future recommendations of the Community Development Department as a result of the C2 findings; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council officially go on record supporting the efforts and progress of the Cambridge Community Development Department related to the C2 study and we look forward to considering the zoning and non-zoning recommendations when presented to the Council.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Transportation & Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Mar 25, 2015 at 4:18pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to receive updates and to discuss next steps for the shared-use, rails-with-trail path along the City’s Grand Junction Corridor.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Timothy Toomey; Iram Farooq, Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department (CDD); Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Environmental and Transportation Planning, CDD; Bill Deignan, Transportation Planner, CDD; Tegin Bennett, Transportation Planner, CDD; Mike Connolly; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Tom Evans, Executive Director, and Jason Zog, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority; Sarah Gallop, Co-Director Office of Government and Community Relations, MIT; Kelley Brown, Project Manager, MIT; Scott Hamway, Mass DOT, Department of Transportation Planning; Matthew Ciborowski, DOT; Rachel Burckardt and John Sanzone, Friends of the Grand Junction Path; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; Ethan Fleming, 144 Nagog Hill Road, Acton; Matt Carty, Medford; Barry Zevin, 67 Hampshire Street, CRA Board member; John Goodman, 8 Fairmont Avenue; Peter Klinefeiter, 220 Erie Street; Steven Bercu, 132 Fayerweather Street; Wig Zamore, 13 Highland Avenue, Somerville; Steve Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street; and Arthur Strang, Fresh Pond Parkway.

Councillor Carlone convened the hearing and explained the purpose.

He stated that this is a continuation of the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee meeting held last year on this matter. This is a great opportunity to connect the eastern side of the City with surrounding areas. This is a discussion about multiple modes of transportation. CCD will provide a presentation and next steps will be discussed.

A presentation was made by the Community Development Department (ATTACHMENT A). Ms. Tegin Bennett, CDD, did the presentation as an overview of the project concept, including updates since the 2014 committee meeting and next steps. The Grand Junction Path is intended to be a shared use path. In the regional context, the Grand Junction Path will provide transit and recreational connections; it will connect children to schools and also connect to the local shopping area and the Charles River. She outlined the six segments of the path. A single track would need a width of 36 feet which is the desirable dimension. The minimum width for two trains is 42 feet. She highlighted the updated timeline. It began in 2000; the feasibility study was completed in 2006 by the City. In October of 2014, the MIT feasibility study was also completed.

She provided updates for each of the six segments. She stated that section 5 could be a significant role for the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA). The CRA construction time is 8 weeks and will begin in the summer of 2015. The Department of Public Works will serve as the onsite construction supervisor for the CRA. The design was worked on by the Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Public Works and Community Development Departments. The conclusion of the MIT portion revealed that the path is feasible, but there are pinch points. This does not preclude two track service if the path is built on the north side. The I-90 connection includes a people’s path to the Grand Junction railroad bridge. The Community Development Department is developing an overlay district to protect the right of way of the track.

Next steps were provided on North Point and Green Line Extension coordination with Somerville; CRA construction expected in 2015, MIT coordination is needed; I-90 additional details need to be included in the EIR; zoning overlay public outreach is needed to the property owners and residents. MASS DOT is doing a Kendall Square Mobility Study which is a multi-modal transit study.

Councillor Carlone asked if the City Council had any questions. None were asked.

Councillor Carlone stated that on the I-90 EIR he would love a presentation to understand all implications. Mr. Ciborowski responded 2016; design and build in 2017. Councillor Carlone stated that he wanted an update and he asked Mr. Ciborowski to stay in touch with the City Council. Councillor Carlone asked Ms. Bennett if the north option would go under McGrath Highway. Ms. Bennett stated that this is a draft concept and this portion of McGrath will not come down. Councillor Carlone asked about conflicts between pedestrians and cyclists. Mr. Deignan stated that along the river the paths are separate. There are shared use paths. The 14 feet mixed use path on CRA site is proposed. This increases the width without disturbing trees.

Mr. Evans stated that in the future there may be an opportunity look at a road on Galileo Way. He hopes that there will be minor setbacks in the zoning to soften the path. Pedestrian movement along MIT property is isolated with buildings, trucks and bikes. Should pedestrians be on sidewalk rather than path? This should be explored.

Councillor Carlone noted that MIT did a study of their land. He asked about MIT’s plans for the future buildings.

Sarah Gallop, MIT, stated that the Feasibility Study is completed and MIT is looking at issues on their property for a shared path. The Feasibility Report can be found at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gp94k9cfqf8618m/AACY25zMsNFC-kNRv5_enGINa?dl=0

Kelley Brown, MIT, Project Manager, spoke about the regional context. He stated that MIT uses the property as a service core. It is an important issue west of Mass. Ave. and to get the necessary space for service and path width would require relaxation of the railroad easement. Without the relaxation of the easement it would difficult to make the path feasible in this location. The conclusion of the MIT study is that this is feasible. Building construction adjacent and over the path will not interfere with the path construction. Utility work could be disruptive and take a long time. Councillor Carlone asked if the utility work was above or below ground. Mr. Brown stated that the utilities are below grade. Councillor Carlone commented on a low MPH for the trucks to travel on the access roads. Mr. Kelley stated that this would be considered by MIT. There is behavioral change in this corridor. Councillor Carlone reminded everyone that the MIT locations are the pinch points.

Mr. Ciborowski stated that as the right of way curves it requires a wider width. MIT’s portion is straight. The area at 640 Memorial Drive runs close to the property line and it is a challenge.

Ms. Burckardt spoke of another pinch point at Cambridge Street to Binney Street; the right of way is narrow. Work needs to be done with private land owners. A building on Cambridge Street is a pinch point and past the church. She suggested an agreement with the landowners could alleviate this. The parking garage on Binney Street is planned to be dismantled.

Councillor Kelley questioned the pinch points and whether this is a concern about using the path or making the path challenging. Ms. Burckardt was speaking about the proper width to build the path. Councillor Kelley wanted to make sure that when people are on the path that people do not find that it does not make sense.

Vice Mayor Benzan questioned whether Whitehead was asked to assist with Grand Junction path; what assistance could Whitehead provide? Mr. Evans stated that there is an urban renewal plan that covers the Whitehead property. The CRA believes it can be built with MIT funds. Crossing Main Street could be an opportunity for solutions. No improvements have been finalized. There are no specifics made to the funding. Vice Mayor Benzan asked if there is extensive cost between Main and Broadway. Mr. Zog stated that $500,000 for the construction of Main to Broadway was approved by the CRA. Councillor Carlone asked if Boston Properties has submitted funds. Mr. Evans stated that Boston Properties would provide funding for the pork chop park.

Mr. Ciborowski, Mass DOT, gave an update on the process. The Grand Junction is an opportunity to enhance the mobility for the City. This has a lot of moving parts. The state is behind and is trying to catch up. There may be a role for transit service in the corridor. The Kendall Square Mobility Task Force study will determine the demand and the need for transit in the corridor. Mass DOT believes the prudent approach is to ask all to be patient and to let the task force to do its work. To do short work may only complicate the matter. He spoke about street networks to do transit. The Grand Junction is a unique asset and Mass DOT wants to get the most use out of it.

Councillor Carlone asked if the proposed West Station will use Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) Vehicles. Mr. Ciborowski responded that it is still up in the air. A station is being designed that can use multi service function. Mr. Zog stated that CRA is aware of the commitment of Mass DOT to the Grand Junction and the task force study. Single and double track DMU were superimposed over the CRA site.

Rachel Burckardt, Friends of Grand Junction, wanted the City Council to be made aware of the width of the path. Kendall Square requires platforms for riders to get off. The width may not be an issue. The “pork chop” has potential for a station. She spoke about connections to Allston. This is a place to think about a mobile split. She did not want to see studies that exclude the connectivity.

Public Comment began at 5:19pm.

Robert Winters, 366 Broadway, asked when connections to Somerville will be completed. Mr. Deignan spoke about incentives to connect the path in the vicinity of the Twin City shopping center. There is not a clear process to figure out issues with Somerville. Mr. Winters stated that he wanted to see the maximum use of the railroad rather than a zigzag pattern. He asked if the community will be involved. Mr. Deignan stated that the community will be involved.

Ethan Fleming, Acton, stated that as a cyclist Cambridge is a nightmare. He wanted a separate track between pedestrians and cyclists. This is logical. The Minuteman Path has no problem with pedestrians and cyclists. Cyclists slow down on paths rather than roads. The Charles River has made separate paths and it is not working. There are many things to consider for 2 paths.

Matt Carty, Medford, commutes through Cambridge. He stated that many will come to use the path to walk or cycle. He supported the Grand Junction Path.

Steve Bercu, President of the Boston Cyclist Union stated that the Kendall Square corridor to the I-90 interchange is an important area for innovation. It will be vital to plan for multi-modal opportunities. He wanted sections of the path built as soon as possible, without delay. He wanted to see people put the path to use right away.

Wig Zamore, 13 Highland Avenue, Somerville, supported circumferential transportation. It is important to think about the Longwood area and the connection to Kendall Square. He stated that it will be 50 years before Harvard University moves its medical teaching facilities to Allston. He stated that circumferential opportunities will add capacity. He noted the potential for the Grand Junction to connect with Somerville and lead across the Mystic River to the North Shore. He stated that it is important to get a double track here. He stated that transit should be shifted to electricity. He noted that Somerville has the most roadway traffic, and it is through traffic.

Arthur Strang stated that the Grand Junction Bridge is not part of the project.

Mark Jacquith, 213 Hurley Street, asked about crossings. Ms. Rasmussen stated that it is a cause for concern when pedestrians cross over active rail. There is concern about additional rail crossings.

Steven Kaiser, 191 Hamilton Street, stated that he rode his bike in winter and that it is feasible. He suggested snow clearance so that the path is used year-round. This should be the Boston, Brookline, Somerville path with a small portion in Cambridge. He urged not waiting and to build what can be done now. The problem is with the MBTA; not with Boston or Somerville. The “dead track” does not need to be in the pinch point; it could be at North Point. He stated that the MBTA has to change their thinking. He urged proceeding ahead.

Public comment closed at 5:41pm.

Mr. Sanzone stated that issue is not asphalt, it is the connections. There are no good connections to Longwood and the Mystic River. He suggested smaller street-to-street sections as needed. He suggested proceeding with any low hanging fruit.

Ms. Burckardt spoke about continuing the path along Brickbottom. It is now possible that the path would be on private land at this location. Instead of the route that goes under the highway, the other option is better.

Councillor Toomey stated that the Grand Junction has been worked on for many years. He appreciated the work by MIT and CRA, and he is optimistic that the process will move forward. He hopes this becomes a reality in the future.

Councillor Carlone stated that the City Council is proud of the efforts of the Community Development Department to advance the path. He applauded MIT on their study as well as MassDOT on its commitment of new Kendall Square study. He also thanked the CRA and the Friends of the Path for working with the City.

Councillor Carlone asked what the next logical step is other than more information on I-90. He wanted the City Council to be kept informed. He wanted to know about the MIT construction.

Councillor Carlone thanked all attendees for their participation.

The hearing adjourned at 5:50pm on a motion of Councillor Mazen.

For the Committee,

Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Chair


Committee Report #2
The Economic Development & University Relations Committee conducted a public hearing on Apr 29, 2015, beginning at 4:00pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss recommendations to ensure that all positions hired directly by the City of Cambridge, or by outside vendors, uphold the same high employment standards that the City urges all businesses to uphold.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Marc McGovern; Councillor Nadeem Mazen; Councillor Leland Cheung; Richard Rossi, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Sheila Keady Rawson, Personnel Director; Amy Witts, Purchasing Agent; Neal Alpert; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Dan Nicolai, District Leader, 32BJSEIU, District 615; Katie Belgard, Political Director District 615; Karla Walter, Associate Director of the American Worker Project, Center for American Progress Action Fund; Carlos Chacon; Eliseo Perez; Antonia Cordova; Devon Weber; Jeb Mays; Hector Ruiz; Marie Elena Lara; Rafael Segura; Edith Buruca; and Rene Pacheco.

Councillor Simmons opened the hearing and gave an overview of the agenda for the meeting. (Attachment A). She then gave opening remarks. (Attachment B). She stated that this meeting is a result of a policy order that she introduced to the City Council on Mar 2, 2015 in which she asked that a public hearing be held to ensure that all custodial positions hired directly by the City of Cambridge, and by outside vendors, uphold the same high employment standards that the City regularly urges all local businesses to uphold. She stated that some have indicated that perhaps this is an issue that actually impacts only a small segment of the community and there are better ways to utilize time and resources. She countered this notion by stating that the time is always right to have a conversation about how the City treats its workers and this is an issue that reverberates throughout the entire community. She stated that without fairness and stability, many of the people who work in these positions will be forced to apply for public benefits, subsidized housing and in food pantries where public tax dollars will be footing the bill to help these people scrape by. She stated that this is a national issue. She stated that it has come to the City Council’s attention that a number of City custodians, all of whom used to be hired directly by the City itself, are now hired by independent vendors who do business with the city. She stated that vendor contracts are awarded via a bid process and the vendors that have contracts with the city this year may not win the bid next year or the year after. She stated that she would like to ensure that, whether a custodian is hired directly by the city or whether they are hired by an independent vendor, they are treated the same in terms of wages, job protection and opportunities for advancement. She stated that this issue is about fairness and setting good employment policy. Councillor Simmons then introduced Ms. Belgard.

Ms. Belgard thanked Councillor Simmons for the opportunity to speak before the committee and invited Dan Nicolai, District Leader, 32BJSEIU to give his remarks. He noted that he is a member of the Executive Board of SEIU. Mr. Nicolai read from a prepared statement (Attachment C). He thanked Councillor Simmons and Vice Mayor Benzan for holding this meeting. He stated that 32BJSEIU is the largest property service local in the country representing 145,000 workers including 18,000 in Massachusetts including over 2,000 who clean and secure buildings in Cambridge. He stated that the members clean, maintain and secure the city’s universities, businesses and government buildings. He stated that the members are proud of the work they do and have worked hard to earn wages and benefits that they can support their family with. He asked the City of Cambridge to continue its history and commitment to lifting up all people. He stated that a city with a proud and progressive history defending the weak and persecuted should be at the forefront promoting progressive legislation to make sure that the cleaners and security officers who care for city buildings can afford to pay their bills and support their families. He stated that 32BJSEIU members are a diverse population with members from Portugal, Cape Verde, Albania, and Dominican Republic, to name just a few of their countries of origin. Mr. Nicolai stated that many service workers struggle every day even though they work full-time. He stated that city contracts have gone from responsible contractors to contractors who win their contracts in this low bid system by exploiting workers. He stated that workers currently cleaning city buildings report issues such as wages below the Cambridge living wage. He stated that Cambridge has strong living wage language but it is not enough to make sure that in the case of subcontracting for cleaning and security services the city is employing responsible contractors. He stated the subcontracting has prompted a race to the bottom that affects every day people. He stated that it is within the power of the City Council to stop it by leading the way by amending the living wage to ensure that the city can employ responsible subcontractors.

Karla Walter thanked the committee for the opportunity to present testimony. (Attachment D). She stated that she is the Associate Director of the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. She noted that CAP Action is an independent, nonpartisan and progressive education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and actions. She stated that she will provide context and recommendations for legislation to create a standard wage for building service workers in the City of Cambridge. She stated that at CAP Action she has conducted extensive policy research on how cities, states and the federal government can use government spending to uphold high standards for workers, allow businesses to compete on an even playing field and ensure taxpayers receive good value. She noted that she will make three main points in her testimony:

1. Cities and states across the country are successfully using standard wage policies, often known as prevailing wages, to ensure that government purchasing does not support employers that drive down pay and benefits in specific industries;

2. The Cambridge standard wage proposal could expand on this successful model and establish the city as a national leader; and

3. These laws are good for workers, taxpayers, businesses and the economy.

Ms. Walter stated that more than 120 cities and one state have adopted living wage laws requiring that public contractors pay their workforces a non-poverty wage. She noted that the City of Cambridge, with a living wage of $15 per hour, is a national leader in upholding high standards. She stated that these laws make a significant impact on the lives of workers employed by contractors, uphold government’s promise to function as a model employer and help raise standards throughout the economy. She stated that state and local leaders can do more to raise standards for government-supported work. She stated that a growing number of state and local governments are adopting additional responsible contracting reforms to improve the quality of jobs generated by their procurement spending. She encouraged the committee to introduce language that would build on these best practices in order to ensure Cambridge’s government purchasing does not drive down local industry standards. In particular, the legislation should ensure covered building services workers are paid no less than the standard wage rate paid in the local private-sector market, receive employer-provided health coverage or an hourly pay supplement in lieu of coverage and receive paid time off. She stated that the requirements should apply to city contracts, as well as projects that receive economic development subsidies and buildings where the city is a tenant. Ms. Walter stated that the proposal should include strong enforcement mechanisms to help ensure that bad-actor contractors do not attempt to win contracts with bids so low that they would necessitate paying under the legal requirements. She stated that bidders should be required to indicate the hours of work required to complete a contract and include the required pay for the work in covered contracts. She stated that violations of the standard wage requirements should be considered a breach of contract and also be enforceable through the courts.

Ms. Walter stated that when governments adopt wage standards it is not only good for workers but also for high-road businesses. She stated that without strong standards, too often these companies are forced to compete against low-road companies that undercut the market by paying low wages. She noted that after Maryland implemented a contractor living standard, the average number of bids for contracts in the state increased by 27%. She stated that nearly half of the contracting companies interviewed by the state of Maryland said that the new standards encouraged them to bid on contracts because it leveled the playing field. Moreover, Ms. Walter stated that a review of state and local contracting practices by the National Employment Law Project found that adoption of contracting standards has often resulted in decreased employee turnover with corresponding savings in re-staffing costs.

In conclusion, Ms. Walter stated that cities and states across the country are successfully using industry standard wages to ensure that government purchasing does not undercut fair market wages. She stated that these laws help to ensure that workers have access to decent jobs, taxpayers receive a good value for their investment, and businesses that respect their workers are able to compete on an even playing field. She stated that adoption of standard wage provisions by the City of Cambridge would build on this successful model and establish the city as a national leader.

Carlos Chacon read from a prepared statement. (Attachment E). He stated that he has worked for many years in the City of Cambridge. He stated that he has seen how Cambridge has historically welcomed immigrants, declaring itself a Sanctuary City where workers have felt able to work safely and contribute to the development of the city. He stated that he now works for a project of 32BJ SEIU. He commented that in this role he has had the opportunity to visit workers in their buildings and talk with them about their working conditions, including workers subcontracted by the City of Cambridge. He stated that he has seen cases wherein the City administration is contracting with companies, specifically in cleaning, that are lowering the standards of these jobs. He stated that they do not pay benefit, the wages are low and often they are not paying taxes as required by law. He asked the administration to ensure that these companies offer their workers decent salaries and benefits so that those workers can meet their needs and support their families in dignity. He stated that when Cambridge renewed its commitment as a Sanctuary City for immigrants, people said to themselves that it was a sad fact that so many immigrants no longer live here because it is too expensive. He stated that, nevertheless, the immigrants may not live in the city but they are the ones who clean its universities, work in its hotels, and staff the kitchens and restaurants. He thanked the committee for its support.

Antonia Cordova stated that she works in the Pfizer building. She thanked the committee for their concern for service workers in Cambridge and noted that this is an important issue for her as well as for her family. She noted that this issue affects thousands of workers throughout the community.

Eliseo Perez stated that he works in Genzyme in Cambridge. He stated that he has been working in Cambridge for a number of years as a building cleaner. He stated that it is well known that the City of Cambridge and Massachusetts are special places where it is good to come to work. He stated that the workers love this state and they are an important part of the economy of the state and the country. He stated that it is important that elected representatives bear in mind the effects of their policies on the workers. He stated that when they turn to the elected officials regarding issues that are important, they have gotten support. He thanked Councillor Simmons and the Vice Mayor. He said that he is pleased that workers like janitors and security guards can make enough money to make ends meet. He stated that this is important to individuals and to their families.

Councillor Simmons stated that Cambridge is known as a city that is very proactive. She cited the City Council’s commitment to issues including Sanctuary City status, the living wage ordinance, and income insecurity. She stated that when policies are implemented there may unfortunately be loopholes that some people will take advantage of. She stated that the City of Cambridge stands strong on the issue of fairness and equity. She noted that some policies and procedures may need to be refined to ensure that people are treated with fairness and respect, and that loopholes can be sealed up.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked Councillor Simmons for conducting this hearing and bringing this matter to light. He confirmed the support of the City Council to service workers. He stated that he and other members of the City Council in the past have joined with workers on the picket line. He stated that he looks forward to working on the issues of equity and fairness for all service workers.

Mr. Rossi stated that the city insists that contractors who are hired by the city are informed of the criteria and procedures that are in place. He urged that anyone possessing information regarding contractor abuse of said policies should notify the city. He stated that the city will take action against contractors that violate these policies and procedures. Mr. Rossi stated that he would like to clarify information contained in the Policy Order regarding the outsourcing of city custodial positions. He stated that the city has not opted to take work away from city staff as the city has decades of shared work, meaning that most work is done by the city’s workforce. He noted that some work does indeed get contracted to outside vendors and cited examples such as snow removal, plowing, landscaping, off-hours custodial work, carpentry and street sweeping services. He assured Councillor Simmons that this number of outside contractors has not changed dramatically. Mr. Rossi explained that the city does follow State statutes and has adopted progressive policies over the years, particularly on the construction side. Mr. Rossi then introduced Amy Witts, Purchasing Agent.

Ms. Witts introduced herself and stated that her primary role is to oversee compliance with public biddings laws and city contract administration. She stated that it is frustrating because much time and effort goes into ensuring that contractors are aware of the high standards that are expected of its contractors and the terms to which they have agreed. She urged that anyone with knowledge of poor employment practices by a vendor doing work for the City should contact the Purchasing Department so that an investigation can take place. She noted that unfortunately enforcement is a complaint-driven system and if the city is not made aware of violations, then there is nothing that can be done. Ms. Witts discussed some relevant terms currently in City contracts related to good employment practices by vendors. The City has an Equal Opportunity clause which does not allow vendors to discriminate in employment practices or any other circumstance. She added that there is also the Living Wage requirement of $14.95 per hour which vendors are required to pay their employees. She noted that vendors are required to pay living wage as it adjusts each year of any multi-year contract. She noted that contractors are also required to have Workers Compensation insurance and noted that the Purchasing Department tracks when the policies expire with the requirement of proof of renewal upon expiration. She added that vendors have to complete an Americans with Disabilities Act compliance form stating that they do not discriminate based on any given disability and provide reasonable accommodations when required to do so. She also noted that vendors must complete tax compliance documentation under the pains and penalties of perjury that states compliance with tax laws and classification of employees for determination of benefits.

Councillor Simmons stated that loopholes need to be closed. She made it clear that the city is strong and deliberate in how we treat employees.

Councillor McGovern thanked Councillor Simmons for conducting this meeting. He stated that one of the things of which he is most proud is the commitment of the City Council to working men and women. He stated that he lives blocks away from this meeting venue in a home that his great-grandfather purchased 100 years ago. He stated that his grandfather was a union ironworker. He stated that he and his family live in a house that they could not afford to live in because of the protection his grandfather received by being a union worker. Councillor McGovern spoke of his work with the Mayor’s Commission on Income Insecurity. He stated that the benefits are for the whole family. He stated that for a two parent family with two children to live in Cambridge, they would need to make over $90,000 per year to be completely service free. He stated that he has spent a lot of time in food pantries and meal programs and the people he has met are not typically unemployed or homeless. He stated that they have jobs and homes but can’t afford to feed themselves. Councillor McGovern stated that what worries him about Cambridge is that because we are often the leader, sometimes we can become complacent. He stated that we don’t always take time to reevaluate and say “Is this still good enough?” He noted that in addition to having the living wage increase with inflation, we need to look at why it is that the universities in Cambridge don’t comply with these standards in terms of outsourcing. He stated that City Councillors have walked the picket line with the DoubleTree housekeeping staff and noted that Harvard owns DoubleTree. He stated that City Councillors have walked the picket line at Cambridge College and Lesley University. He stated that these institutions are outsourcing jobs and stepping back and saying that it is not their responsibility. He noted that these institutions are very much a part of the community, and that Harvard and MIT don’t have separate sewer capabilities or a separate Fire Department or separate roads; rather, they use the existing City infrastructure. He stated that it is a mutual benefit to have these institutions in the city and noted that the universities should have to hold the same high standards. He questioned how to ensure that the business community is doing its part and that all of their workers are being paid a living wage. He stated that a topic of the Mayor’s Commission on Income Insecurity is the possibility of a nexus study to look at the possibility of tying a living wage into the linkage fee and if this is something that the city can require for businesses.

Councillor Mazen thanked Councillor Simmons for her leadership on this issue. He said that he agreed with the items raised by Councillor McGovern. Referring to the handout that was provided by the SEIU, Councillor Mazen stated that he sought clarification of the bullet point that states “Pay: Either the rate provided under the previous contract or 150% of the state or federal minimum wage whichever is higher or the hourly rate paid to workers in a relevant classification under a preceding qualified contract.” He asked what the number would actually be in this clause. Ms. Walter said that this phrase echoes the Pittsburg minimum wage ordinance/prevailing wage ordinance, but it allows the prevailing wage to create a higher standard. She said that in Cambridge, the prevailing wage is already higher. She said that you would want the floor to be the current living wage, but the goal is actually the prevailing wage, so the City is not actually lowering standards. Councillor Mazen asked what a person would earn under these two scenarios. He said that he believes the national “Fight For $15” is a good movement and something he supports. Ms. Walter said that if the local janitors are currently making $17 per hour, you wouldn’t want to go below that as a standard. Councillor Mazen said he now understood the point of this bullet point and thanked Ms. Walter.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting for public comment. Hearing none, public comment was closed at 4:58pm.

Councillor Simmons stated that she would like further discussion on this topic and recommended that this matter stay in committee. She stated that Cambridge has to realize that having policy without checks and balances and revisions is a policy that will, at some point, fail. She stated that the City Council must review current language with the view in mind of amending any language that may inadvertently allow for loopholes in order to protect all employees.

Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their attendance.

The hearing was adjourned at 5:01pm.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan, Co- Chair
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Co-Chair


Committee Report #3
The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Apr 30, 2015, beginning at 4:02pm in Basement Conference Room, 831 Mass. Ave.

The purpose of the hearing was to continue the Apr 22, 2015 discussion on the incentive zoning study from the Community Development Department.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan; Councillor Marc McGovern; Councillor Nadeem Mazen; Councillor Dennis Carlone; Councillor Leland Cheung; Mayor David Maher; Richard C. Rossi, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Iram Farooq, Acting Assistant City Manager; Chris Cotter, Housing Director; Cassie Arnaud, Housing Planner; Linda Prosnitz, Housing Planner; Jeff Roberts, Project Planner, Community Development Department (CDD); Louis DePasquale, Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs; Robert P. Reardon, Director of Assessment; Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications and Community Relations; Mike Connolly; Neal Alpert; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present were Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust and Alliance of Cambridge Tenants; Sarah Kennedy, Director of Government Affairs, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; and Elaine DeRosa, Executive Director, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee.

Councillor Simmons gave an overview of agenda for the hearing and gave a brief opening statement. (Attachments A & B). She stated that there would be a slight change in the agenda to allow Robert Reardon and Louis DePasquale to give a brief presentation on the assessment process, classification process and the classification of Cambridge real estate. (Attachment C).

The presentation included an explanation of the Massachusetts Tax Classification Amendment which allows for taxing real and personal property taxes at different tax rates. The Classification Amendment allows for Commercial, Industrial & Personal Property to be taxed at 175% of what would be paid under a single tax rate system provided that the residential properties not pay less than the minimum residential factor established by the Department of Revenue. The City of Cambridge tax levy for FY15 is currently at the minimum residential factor of 34.5615% and $6,188,599 under the maximum amount able to be shifted to commercial, industrial and personal property. The presentation gave a historical perspective of what happened to the classification shift if residential appreciation and new property growth exceeded the amount of commercial, industrial & personal property appreciation and new growth. A projection was also provided demonstrating what would happen to the classification shift with an overall residential assessment increase of 10% and an overall commercial, industrial and personal property increase of 5% which would shift approximately $0.25 per thousand of assessed value from commercial, industrial and personal property to the residential class of property. The final slide showed actual FY15 numbers showing residential assessed values increasing 11.53% including 1.64% in new growth and commercial, industrial & personal property increasing 10.09% including 6.49% in new growth. The presentation demonstrated the impact classification could have on individual tax bills when there is a shift in the tax levy between the residential and commercial, industrial & personal property.

Councillor Carlone stated that this discussion relates to business and noted that the City is never going to get all the business it wants, but it will get a huge percentage of businesses that want to come to Cambridge. He stated that affordable housing is at the top of the list. Mr. Reardon stated that if the commercial slowed there is a cause and effect. Mr. DePasquale stated that the CPA funds are raised through the property tax. He stated that the City is paying the highest surcharge under the CPA and allocating the maximum amount towards affordable housing. Councillor Carlone stated that he feels that this amount is not enough and questioned how much of an impact makes sense. He stated that, like any priority, affordable housing is going to cost money. He stated that his children cannot afford to live in the city. He stated that his previous condominium, which has not had any improvements in 25 years, was sold for $695,000. He stated that with a budget, you must set priorities. He stated that we lower the taxes every year with undesignated funds. He stated that that available affordable housing is in crisis, but the problem is more acute in Cambridge. Mr. DePasquale stated that if the incentive zoning requirements were to slow down commercial development, the tax burden could potentially shift to the residential property. Councillor Carlone countered by stating that this is true every year. Mr. DePasquale stated that his goal is to give the City Council as much information as possible so that an informed decision can be made by the City Council. Councillor Carlone stated that every cycle has an up and a down. He commented that the overall goal and need is more easily met when times are golden than when times are not. He stated that there is wealth in the city now, and there may not be in the future, so the time to try to get more funding for affordable housing is now.

Mayor Maher stated that he appreciates the facts of the presentation. He stated he and Councillor Simmons were the only members present on the City Council when there last was an increase which negatively impacted residential tax payers. He stated that prior to 2005, the City was on a little bit of a “free ride” that was followed by a wake-up call. He stated that he believes that this was the first year that the City Council included a goal about being financially responsible. He stated that the residential taxpayers were very unhappy and noted that predictability is the biggest assurance that the City can give to the taxpayers. Mayor Maher stated that there is not one person on the City Council who is not in support of affordable housing. He noted that he is not embarrassed about the City’s investment and progress as it relates to affordable housing. He stated that existing housing prices have gone through the roof, so acquiring existing housing is more difficult. He stated that Cambridge has done more to preserve and create affordable housing than most every other city in the Commonwealth. He said that Cambridge has been able to leverage the money and it has been utilized tremendously well. Mayor Maher stated that there is always room for improvement but it is important to look at Cambridge’s success in an extremely difficult market. He added that the City will never be able to meet the complete need. Mayor Maher stated that he has witnessed the City’s multifaceted approach to affordable housing. He stated that in decades past, funding affordable housing programs was the responsibility of the federal and state government, but that Cambridge has been fortunate in having resources and a housing community that has been willing to think outside of the box.

Councillor McGovern stated that he is in agreement with Mayor Maher that there is no one clear answer to the issue of affordable housing. He noted that the City needs to look at how we want to spend money. It is about being more careful about what we fund and what we don’t. He stated that these are gut check moments. He stated that while we talk more about affordable housing, there are still individuals who are in who have opposed developments that would increase affordable housing units. Councillor McGovern noted that the City has had difficulty putting affordable housing units in certain parts of the city. He noted that he attended an Inclusionary Zoning workshop in Plymouth with many communities present. He stated that people at that workshop were in awe of what Cambridge has accomplished in the area of affordable housing. He stated that he does not want to give people the impression that Cambridge is not doing anything about this issue. He stated that it is the incumbent upon the City to do a better job getting program information out to the public, and to tout its accomplishments.

Councillor Cheung added that a few months ago in Washington, D.C., there were parties that were open to the public. He stated that when he was attending one such party, he saw Cambridge Housing Authority Executive Director Greg Russ and people from Just A Start there. He noted that people around the country are astounded at what Cambridge is doing as it relates to affordable housing. Mr. Reardon added that the most important dataset is the competing communities. He noted that when looking at other areas in neighboring cities, they do not have the same draw as Kendall Square does. He stated that people do want to develop in Cambridge, but if they can make more money in another community, they will choose that city. Councillor Cheung asked if it is possible to set a different linkage rate in different parts of the city. Councillor Simmons responded that the recommendation was that this would not be prudent, although there is no rule that this cannot be done.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that it is important that the City does not choke development moving forward. He stated that development has been important to the City and has allowed the city to accomplish many things. He stated that he is comfortable with $12 square foot with an increase of $1 every year for three years. He added that he is comfortable with the 30,000 square foot threshold and would like this to move this matter to the full City Council for referral to the Ordinance Committee.

Councillor Mazen stated that he disagreed with prior speakers about the impact of going to the maximum rate per square foot. He stated that going to the maximum figure will not have a negative effect on development. He stated that we are talking about something less than the price of overtime for police officers. He stated that a commercial tenant is not making a decision based on the impact of this on rents. They look at cost, constraints, and then they look at zoning. He stated that we have to decide if we want extra affordable housing or if we do not.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that it is important to think about the fact that the City must preserve a number of expiring use units when thinking about a rate increase. He noted that it must be a multifaceted approach as there will much money needed for the preservation of affordable housing.

Iram Farooq stated that the K2 study proposed $10 per square foot on commercial development. She stated that this amount would go towards transportation improvements, public space improvements and workforce development. She noted that this is currently adopted in the zoning for MIT and when the Volpe zoning comes before the City Council it will be included in the zoning requirement. It would be over and above the incentive requirement. Ms. Farooq stated that one outstanding question from the last Housing Committee hearing was the potential impact if incentive zoning is applied to projects smaller than 30,000 square feet. She stated that this threshold is the recommendation of CDD for several reasons: retaining the 30,000 square foot threshold will capture the majority of non-residential development; lowering the threshold to capture smaller projects could potentially impact the types of smaller-scale commercial and neighborhood retails which is desired by the community; and lowering the threshold could impact the regional competitive balance for smaller projects.

Councillor McGovern stated that he does not doubt the commitment of any member of the City Council to affordable housing, although there may be different ideas on how best to gain more units. He also stated that he does not buy into the idea that everyone is always going to want to flock to Cambridge. He stated that geographically, we are on top of each other in the region. He stated that he gets accused of being favorable to developers and noted that he is well aware that the developers want to make money. He stated that Boston gives a tax break to developers, and that when you have other communities saying that they will give a developer what it wants in order to lure these developers to their communities, it is concerning. He noted that what happened in Kendall Square did not happen by accident, but rather was the result of strategic planning and bold thinking. He stated that the City has to be bold, yet reasonable. He commented that he does not share the same confidence as other City Councillors that increasing the linkage rate to $24 dollars per square foot would not mean anything to businesses. He stated that the study team leader Mr. Seidman, the CDD, and the Affordable Housing Trust have all agreed and suggested an increase of $10-$12 dollars for the incentive rate. He stated that he is comfortable with the $1 increase over a three year period. He stated that it is not imperative to increase the linkage rate all at once and stated that he does not want to scare developers away from the City.

Councillor Cheung stated that it is important to think about the linkage rate as it relates to Net Zero which will come about with additional cost. He stated that we are in a competitive environment and there is a housing crisis without a lot of good options. He stated that the neighbors to Cambridge are actively soliciting Cambridge companies to their cities/towns.

Councillor Carlone stated that it is normal for companies to leave the city. He stated that $15 does sound right to him. He stated that we are still in a golden position, and when you are in a golden position, that is the right time for communities to do exciting things.

Mayor Maher stated that you can slice and dice the numbers many different ways. He recalled how Governor Patrick kicked off the campaign about the Innovation Corridor. The fact of the matter is that we are a city that was laid out in excess of 100 years ago. He stated that he can remember having discussions about innovation space and the fact that we were pricing companies out of the city. He stated that there are a number of companies that can pay the increase in linkage rate. He stated that rather increasing the number too high and then adjusting it lower, it would be good to increase now and then increase further in the future if there is the desire to do so. He noted that when Vertex left Cambridge, it sent a shockwave through the city. Mayor Maher stated that there has been a bit of an unrealistic approach by some in Cambridge thinking that we offer everything and have everything. The reason that Vertex went to Boston is because they were wooed through public financing incentives. He stated that the last corporate tax break that was given in Cambridge was to Biogen and added that the former City Manager suggested it was not prudent to offer Biogen the deal. He stated that the City should do something. Mayor Maher added that while it is easy to take aim at the business and institutional community, the business community has been good corporate citizens for the most part and they have helped make Cambridge the great city it is. He indicated that he is not looking to cripple these companies. He stated that the 30,000 square foot threshold will effectively exempt small community non-profits.

Councillor McGovern stated that the City should start a nexus study three years from now because it takes 18 months to complete.

Councillor Mazen stated that he strongly believes that developers will make it work no matter what figure is chosen. He stated that he is excited that there is a suggested zoning component in Kendall Square. Diversity of tactics is important. He stated that Councillor Cheung said 50% higher and it depends on what context you are looking at. It is 50% of linkage rate but a fraction of a percent when thinking about Boston and Cambridge. He stated that people are not leaving Cambridge because the cost of the linkage requirements. Tenants are leaving because of relaxation on rent in other cities and towns. He stated that we can continue making incentives and continue looking to see how high we want the dollar value to be and this can be independent of what others do. He stated that when one negotiates without data, it is too nebulous for him. He stated that if people are not leaving for linkage rate, they will leave because of other incentives that are offered. He does not want fear to be considered equally important in the calculus from the money that we will get from this requirement.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that as co-chair of the Economic Development & University Relations Committee he embarked on tour of small businesses around the city. He stated that many are businesses that are struggling to pay rents. He noted that one of the biggest challenges is to get mom and pop businesses to be part of the economic boom. He stated that if the City does something unreasonable, that cost will be passed on to same mom and pop businesses that we are looking to attract. To say that we don’t have data to demonstrate that these businesses will not be hurt is false. He again stated that he is in favor of an increase to $12 per square foot with a 30,000 threshold with a review beginning in the third year to be completed by the fifth year. He stated that the rate can be increased further if the economy continues to grow and at that point the City will have the option to review.

Mr. Rossi stated that when and if we have a slowdown in economy, we are not going to know for a while. The competitive edge is an issue. He stated that there is still housing pressure in Cambridge. He stated that we are still stuck in a quagmire. He stated that Cambridge’s problem is not so much the dollars but the opportunities in a built-out city with specific concerns about many developments. He noted that Boston has surplus land and can offer great incentives and opportunities and that there is no inexpensive land in Cambridge. He stated that the City tells Volpe that we want a great development and neighborhood retail on the ground floor, but stated that neighborhood people cannot afford that rent. He stated that we are shut out on the land cost. He stated that it makes sense to start at a reasonable level that can be watched for 1-2 years to see how the development market handles it. He stated that he does not want Cambridge to lose its competitive edge. Mr. Rossi stated that developers don’t know how to solve the middle-income housing issue, which is a growing issue for many cities. Mr. Rossi stated that Cambridge should be the strong voice of the region. He stated that he regularly hears that Cambridge is the model when it comes to the issue of inclusionary housing and its overall commitment to affordable housing. Even with this commitment and many successes, there remain major issues to address and we need to solve them in a team way, sharing the credit for what has been successful and joining together to tackle new challenges. He stated the need for creative solutions, and for a collaborative effort throughout the city.

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting to public comment.

Cheryl-Anne Pizza-Zeoli stated that the Affordable Housing Trust recommends the $12 linkage rate with a $1 increase per year for 3 years. She stated that they did not come to this figure for political reasons, but for practical ones. She stated that there haven’t been local legal challenges to incentive and inclusionary zoning and that changes must be able to withstand this review, as there are have been challenges to housing ordinances in other states. She stated that any sort of delay in the process is really a dangerous thing.

John Hawkinson stated that he is puzzled at the $1 increase on top of the $12. He stated that to go from $4.30 to $12 is a 279% increase, and then from $12 to $13 is an 8% increase. He stated that if the intent is predictability on the part of developers he did not believe that the city would be getting that. He stated that they’ll be able to predict it, but that developers would not care about the 8% increase very much. He stated that he is not saying that he thinks the City should spread it out over more time, but he thinks that you’re probably correct that the appetite is sufficient to go to $12 instantly. He stated that it probably means if it’s sufficient to go to $12 instantly, it’s sufficient to go to $15 instantly. He stated that 279% and 8%, 8%, 8% sounds weird to him. He stated that he does not know if the Trust can articulate what the thinking was. He reiterated that he is puzzled.

Sarah Kennedy stated that the business community is often the first and continuing voice to ask for more housing in Cambridge. She suggested that the City Council treat commercial development as a healthy part of Cambridge’s growth. She stated that she is pleased that the meeting began with an overview and projection of the tax base. She stated that she would like the City Council to consider the professional recommendations as well as the professional consultant that the city hired. She stated that the business community is glad to see this is moving forward and asked that the professional recommendation is given its due respect.

Elaine DeRosa stated that the affordable housing crisis is a complex issue. She stated that we all realize that there must be a balance and the tax base is part of the balance. She stated that this is one piece of a large puzzle. If this can move forward we can begin to talk about other things.

Public comment closed at 5:42pm.

Councillor Mazen stated that he would be pleased to support a recommendation increasing the linkage rate to anything over $12 per square foot. He stated his belief that the City can do better. He stated that the discussion is not about special interest dollars and noted that the discussion has been collegial and productive. He said it is heartening that the City Council members can disagree about things with a respectful tone toward one another.

Councillor McGovern stated that if the rate were increased to $12 per square foot and in three years the City could consider a further increase, he would be happy to take the vote. He stated that he trusts the recommendation of the consultant, CDD, and the Affordable Housing Trust.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he feels comfortable increasing the linkage rate to $12 per square foot.

Councillor Simmons submitted the following recommendations to the committee:

Remove the special permit trigger and apply housing contributions to all projects over 30,000 square feet with defined uses

Expand the project definition to add seven uses (Hotel/motel, radio/TV studios, institutional health, education and social services, light industry/wholesale and heavy industry)

Set rate at $12 per square foot, with an increase of $1 per year over the next three years and we should continue the single rate across uses and regular CPI increases

Mandate that the City initiate a new nexus study every three years, to be considered no later than the fifth year

Eliminate the 2,500 square foot exemption

Ask the City to examine the legality of similar linkage requirement for job training programs

Ask the City to examine the legality of tying the living wage ordinance to linkage

Ask the City to initiate a nexus study tying the living wage ordinance to linkage to be completed within a year and to have community involvement as part of the process.

Councillor Mazen made a motion to increase the linkage rate to $13 or above. This motion failed on a voice vote.

The committee now moved that the above recommendations be forwarded to the full City Council for their consideration.

This motion carried on a voice vote of four members.

Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their attendance and participation and stated that a City Council Roundtable discussion is scheduled for May 11, 2015.

The hearing was adjourned at 6:11pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair


Committee Report #4
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on May 12, 2015 beginning at 5:45pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss a zoning petition filed by Chestnut Hill Realty to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, Section 20.600 Basement Housing Overlay District by including language to clarify the intent of the provisions to apply to multifamily structures that are wholly or partially located in Residence C, C-1, C-1A, C-2A, C-2B, C-3, C-3A or C-3B base zoning districts.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen; Jeff Roberts, Land Use and Zoning Project Planner, CDD; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Matthew Zuker and Margaret Murphy, Chestnut Hill Realty (CHR); John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street; and Deepti Nijhawan.

Vice Mayor Benzan convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that the hearing was being audio and video recorded.

He opened the hearing to the petitioner. Mr. Zuker, CHR, stated that the petition was to address the language inconsistency in Basement Housing Overlay District. He stated that in 2012 that basement units were a way to add moderately priced units in wasted space. He explained that to qualify for this district the building must have been built before 1930, contain thirty or more dwelling units and must be in the overlay district. He stated that in April 2013 a special permit was received to construct four new basement units at 19-21 Wendell Street. At the same time one existing basement apartments was renovated creating five new basement apartments. He stated that in April 2015 the renovations have been completed and the market rate units have been leased. He stated that the sewer and storm water were separated and back flow preventers installed. He stated that CHR met all the requirements of the storm water and the bylaws. He explained that the Engineer signed off on the project. He stated that the Housing Authority was contacted for the affordable unit. In June of 2013 while 1-3 Langdon Street received a special permit for five new basement units. He stated that CHR went through the whole process and an Affordable Covenant was recorded for one of the units. In September 2014 when CHR went to get its building permit Mr. Zuker stated that the Inspectional Services Department identified an inconsistency in the zoning bylaw. He stated that CHR met with Inspectional Services, Community Development and the Law Department. In January of 2015 the City Solicitor determined that the best way to solve the issue was to revise the Basement Overlay District to bring the zoning bylaw in line with the intent of when the zoning was originally passed. The new language was suggested and approved after consultation with Inspectional Services, Community Development and the Law Department. He stated that CHR filed the zoning petition to rectify the language in the zoning bylaw. He stated that the unanimous approval for the language was received from the Planning Board. There are 13 potential buildings that could qualify for the Basement Housing Overlay District. He stated that there are 8 buildings that are in two zoning districts. This revised language allows the 8 units to be allowed under the Basement Housing Overlay District. The revised language does not increase any building to be included in the Basement Housing Overlay District it just clarifies an inconsistency that these building could qualify for the Basement Housing Overlay District. The revised language also allows a Special Permit previously granted by the Planning Board to move forward.

Mayor Maher stated that he chaired the Ordinance Committee when the original petition came before the Ordinance Committee. He stated that there was an exhaustive look at this. He stated that this was a pilot project. After a lengthy examination this district was looked at as a pilot project by adding density to buildings without building density. CHR contacted him to resolve this issue. It was suggested that a zoning petition be filed to clarify the issue. This has a component that goes beyond the inclusionary units. He noted that one inclusionary unit is required for every four units and 2 inclusionary units are required for 10 units. Mr. Zuker stated that no matter how many units were constructed one unit must be inclusionary. Mayor Maher informed the Committee that Mr. O'Riordan looked at this building extensively and it was determined that these buildings did not have flooding issues and were not in a flood zone. This was a pilot and these buildings have easy access to Harvard and Porter Squares and are on transit lines. The Planning Board has looked at this and suggested that the language will resolve the issues.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked who would manage the affordable units. Mr. Zuker state that the Housing Division. He stated that to receive the Certificate of Occupancy for Wendell Street the units were inspected to ensure that all the fixtures were the same. He further stated that there are safe guards in the zoning for drainage back up and there are separate sewer lines coming from the building and there are back-flow preventers. There are general criteria that must be met and through the Special Permit process an engineer plan must be submitted to the City engineer and he must approve the plan. The City Engineer and the Planning Board could add additional safe guards for a specific building. Drainage for the window wells for Wendell Street had to be approved by the City Engineer.

Councillor Carlone stated it is impressive the work that was done on this. The pre-l930 buildings were the best buildings chosen because the buildings changed after that period. He was dubious about the flooding issues but this was answered by the petitioners. He suggested that petitioners review the moisture in these units each year. Mr. Zuker stated that one of the requirements was that there had to be an existing basement unit in the building to show history and to ensure that the units are inhabitable. Flooding and moisture issues could have been the deciding factor on denying the Special Permit. Mr. Zuker stated that witness soil testing was done with engineer.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked if CHR is one of the largest property owners in the overlay district with pre 1930 building that qualifies for the Basement Housing Overlay District. Mr. Zuker stated that CHR is one of the larger property owners. He did not know if CHR is the largest property owner. He added that this is not a cheap endeavor to create these units with the utility and drainage work that was required. This is an investment in their property and the city. This work is worth the effort to hold the property long term.

Mayor Maher stated that site visits were done of the buildings. He stated that the basements are 10 feet high and are spacious. Mr. Zuker stated that new bike spaces have been added to all buildings that meet city requirements.

Vice Mayor Benzan opened meeting to City staff. Mr. Roberts stated that CDD and the Law Department reviewed the revised text. There are no objection to the changes. He stated that the change is consistent with the intent of the original zoning ordinance in 2011. The Planning Board held their hearing recommended the change. The Planning Board recommendation should be coming to the City Council soon.

Councillor Mazen asked what is special about basement units; what makes them special. Basements citywide could create many units. Mr. Roberts stated that issues were raised in 2011 on whether this would be generally beneficial to other areas across the city. The risk is the issues about flooding and utility concerns. The City Council concluded limiting the overlay district to a district where there that was good number of candidates for the overlay and where flooding risk was low was the appropriate place to try this type of provision. He stated that implementation of this zoning could lead to where it may be applied elsewhere. Councillor Mazen noted that when prone to flooding only a certain amount of units flood.

Mayor Maher stated that the issues where flooding and lighting issues. Adding density without building density and access to public transportation was chosen as a pilot. He stated that this should be evaluated and in the future this should be revisited. He was open to adding units where density is not an issue. Councillor Mazen stated that he has heard that there is a potential new petition that may come before the City Council. He stated that people are being excluded for a lower quality of life. He favored retrofit basement apartments for lighting.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that some of this is cost prohibitive. This is a huge investment. He wanted to hear what it would take to create basement space in a traditional 2-3 family home. Councillor Carlone stated that you do not want to take a chance of flooding; it is a terrible experience. This can be a difficult burden. It takes precautions to prevent flooding. He agreed trying this out in a higher area. He discuss the amount of time to do the repair.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked Mr. Zuker if he is requiring tenants to get flood insurance. Mr. Zuker responded that flood insurance is encourage but is unsure if it is a requirement. He stated that it takes an incredible amount of work to determine what properties qualify for Basement Housing Overlay District. He would discuss what he has learned about this process if this is expanded in the city. Councillor Carlone told of instances in Denmark where senior units were created in the upper floors by pitching the roof and building elevators.

Councillor Mazen asked Mr. Roberts if it is expensive to retrofit a wood frame building because he wanted to understand the unit economics. Mr. Roberts stated that he did not did not know.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he suffered $40,000 damage from his basement flooding; pumps and French drains need to be installed. He stated that most basement apartments are poorly constructed. There are issues with emergency egress and this is a major task. He stated that he wanted to make this pilot work.

Mayor Maher stated there was no review period built into the ordinance. He hopes that in 5 years this could be reviewed. There have only been a handful of units that have been building. CHR is a large land owner of older buildings in the City. He stated that after implementation this could be reviewed in 3- 5 years. Mayor Maher stated that the City could ask property owners what worked and what did not work.

Ms. Murphy informed the Committee that CHR had 3 buildings eligible for the Basement Housing Overlay District.

Councillor Mazen suggested that there should be banks on board and that the City should create a package for perspective property owners who could be eligible. Ms. Murphy added that CHR still has to go back to the Planning Board.

Vice Mayor Benzan opened the hearing to public comment.

Deepti Nijhawan stated that she lived in the district and asked the total number of units that could be created. Mr. Zuker answered about 17-18 units with 5 units done. He stated that of these units the city will have 3 affordable units. Ms. Nijhawan asked what the cost for the renovation is. Mr. Zuker stated that the highest cost was rerouting the utilities. The units were not cheap to build. Ms. Nijhawan asked what the pay back to recouping the cost is. She asked if there will be resources for small property owners to get advice on this issue. Mayor Maher stated that this does not apply to this petition. ISD would look at this and see what can be built. Plans can be accessed through the Building Department. Mr. Roberts added that basements are renovated all the time and this falls under the purview of the ISD. There are assistance from HRI or Just A Start for home renovation projects. Mayor Maher urged all to make sure that they meet the requirements.

Vice Mayor thanked all those present for their attendance. Councillor Mazen made a mot to refer the petition to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion carried on a voice vote of five members.

The hearing adjourned at 6:34pm on motion of Councillor Carlone.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Co-Chair


AWAITING REPORT LIST
14-29. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on what options exist for dedicated office space for members of the City Council.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Carlone 04/28/14 (O-5)

14-51. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the potential for creating a program to enable bilingual high school students to learn language interpretation skills and to practice those skills at community meetings and events throughout the City.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Cheung 06/02/14 (O-5)

14-57. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on drafting an ordinance that would limit the sale of single-serving PET bottles of 1 liter or less and develop a task force to provide clear guidelines for this ordinance.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mazen & Vice Mayor Benzan 06/09/14 (O-3)

14-69. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on forming a pilot street team of engaged youth and residents as an experimental model for more consistent departmental outreach, community engagement, youth engagement and civic engagement.
Councillor Mazen 06/30/14 (O-13)

14-78. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #6
RE: report on the feasibility of launching a homeless donation meter program.
Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-10)

14-79. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing a Neighborhood Captain Program.
Councillor Simmons & Vice Mayor Benzan 07/28/14 (O-11)

14-81. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how to ensure that the apprentice program provision remains part of the Cambridge Employment Plan.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 07/28/14 (O-14)

14-89. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the outsourcing of City jobs and how outside vendors are choosen.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-2)

14-90. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the City’s hiring process and on what kind of professional development and career advancement programs are offered to existing employees.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor McGovern 09/08/14 (O-3)

14-97. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether the MLKing School construction project is in compliance with the Cambridge Employment Plan ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Simmons 09/15/14 (O-9)

14-98. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on travel route taken by circus animals and provide copies of proposals to ban exotic animals from Somerville and Plymouth to members of the Ordinance Committee.
Vice Mayor Benzan 09/15/14 (O-13)

14-111. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of hosting a Cambridge Challenge Competition for Transportation that offers a prize to the resident or group of residents that come up with the best viable solution to solve our greatest traffic issues.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern & Councillor Mazen 10/20/14 (O-16)

14-113. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of reducing the minimum income requirement under the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance for single person households made up of a senior and/or disabled resident and provide any challenges associated with the proposed reduction.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons & Councillor Carlone 10/20/14 (O-19)

14-118. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on negative impacts of street-narrowing initiatives.
Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Kelley & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-4)

14-119. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on review of drone use in Cambridge for developing a City regulation or Ordinance on such use.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-5)

14-122. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on organizing a series of meetings with residents to discuss the future of North Mass. Ave.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Cheung & Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-9)

14-127. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on best way to implement PaperHealth in Massachusetts Area Hospitals.
Councillor Mazen 10/27/14 (O-15)

14-129. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Masse Hardware sites at 243 and 253 Walden Street for affordable housing.
Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor McGovern 10/27/14 (O-17)

14-135. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the legal limitation of the City to regulate all manner of vehicular traffic within Cambridge borders, including loading and unloading zones, truck and bus timing regulations.
Councillor Kelley 11/10/14 (O-6)

14-137. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of posting speed limit signs of 20-25 miles per hour on city streets.
Councillor Carlone 11/24/14 (O-2)

14-142. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #1
RE: report on the City divesting from all manner of engagement with Dow Chemical Company, including Retirement Board investments.
Councillor Mazen 11/24/14 (O-12)

14-145. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on possible changes to the “Super Crosswalk” including the bike crossing at Church Street.
Councillor Kelley 12/08/14 (O-12)

14-146. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how the citywide planning efforts will impact staff workload and any capacity considerations the City Council should take into account when contemplating these or other initiatives.
Councillor Cheung 12/08/14 (O-13)

14-147. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on ways to streamline both the City’s process and the City’s technology for replying to Massachusetts Public Records Law requests and to examine how major cities’ open data and FOIA requests are handled, including options for a full time data management team including representatives of the City Clerk’s office, the City Solicitor’s office, and IT.
Councillor Mazen 11/24/14 (O-13)

15-02. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of taking Vail Court lot by eminent domain.
Vice Mayor Benzan 01/05/15 (O-3)

15-03. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on constructing 1,000 brand new affordable housing units in the City by the end of this decade.
Councillor Simmons 01/05/15 (O-9)

15-05. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #7
RE: report on determining a way to fund and supply an additional 100 shelter beds as soon as possible so that the City can better address the immediate shelter needs of our homeless community members while ongoing conversations are taking place regarding long-term solutions to this crisis.
Councillor McGovern 02/23/15 (O-3)

15-06. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on reaching out to representatives and city officials in surrounding communities to gauge interest in forming an inter-city committee which would meet three times per year to discuss and develop strategies for common issues that would be best handled regionally with support from the state.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Cheung 02/23/15 (O-4)

15-08. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with applicable boards and commissions to assist them in clarifying yearly goals and initiatives, to provide increased administrative oversight and accountability where necessary, and where possible, discuss ways to increase resident involvement.
Councillor Mazen 02/20/15 (O-15)

15-12. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #4
RE: report on status of the Cambridge Common renovation project along with an update on next steps and the projected date of completion.
Councillor Carlone 02/23/15 (O-21)

15-13. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #3
RE: report on determining how the median strip was removed at Russell Street despite official documents that clearly stated that the median strip would not be affected.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor Cheung 02/20/15 (O-22)

15-14. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on conferring with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to determine if they can be of further assistance in understanding how the portion of the path from Binney to the Somerville border can be completed and to report back to the City Council.
Councillor Toomey 02/20/15 (O-23)

15-15. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on with language that could create a Grand Junction Overlay District that would help to create incentives and ensure the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path.
Councillor Toomey 02/23/15 (O-24)

15-16. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining the feasibility of executing the recommendations of the STEAM Working Group.
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone & Councillor McGovern 02/23/15 (O-25)

15-17. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining the feasibility of renaming Area 4 “The Port.”
Vice Mayor Benzan 02/23/15 (O-27)

15-18. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of renaming the Area IV Youth Center the “Dr. Robert and Janet Moses Youth Center”
Vice Mayor Benzan 02/20/15 (O-30)

15-20. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the results from the PSI pilot and coordinate with the legal department to report back to the City Council on whether aspects of the ordinance could be safely adopted with specific attention to disposal of unwanted phone books.
Councillor Cheung 02/20/15 (O-34)

15-21. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of licensing the same technology to establish an online portal that indicates all of DPW’s heroic street-clearing efforts.
Councillor Cheung 02/20/15 (O-41)

15-24. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on a tax exemption that is an opt-in system and is based on progressive income.
Councillor Mazen 02/20/15 (O-47)

15-26. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing text to 911.
Councillor Cheung 03/16/15 (O-3)

15-28. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on studying emerging business types and how they are affected by the Zoning Ordinance; evaluate ways to facilitate home-based businesses; and report on the status of the Table of Use work.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher & Vice Mayor Benzan 09/22/14 (O-5)

15-30. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on whether there is a liquor license cap in Central Square and on the suitability of raising the cap in and around Central Square.
Vice Mayor Benzan 03/30/15 (O-6)

15-31. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report with an update on the reconstruction of the Longfellow Bridge including a timeline for completion of the project.
Vice Mayor Benzan 03/30/15 (O-8)

15-32. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the analysis that has been done on financial conditions that apply to new development in Central Square, including the report by economic consultant Sarah Woodworth.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley & Councillor Mazen 03/30/15 (O-9)

15-33. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on parking needs and availability in Central Square including the possibility of adding additional levels to the Green Street garage.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Benzan & Councillor Carlone 03/30/15 (O-12)

15-34. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on inventorying a small set of innovative urban planning researcher at local universities and bring these resources into Cambridge’s planning discussions.
Councillor Mazen 03/30/15 (O-14)

15-35. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on how best to develop partnerships with local universities developing software and other resources related to city planning.
Vice Mayor Benzan 03/30/15 (O-15)

15-36. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on determining what types of traffic, parking, and other citations the city has legal jurisdiction over and to confer with the appropriate city departments to institute a day-fine policy in Cambridge.
Councillor Mazen 04/13/15 (O-2)

15-37. Report from the City Manager:  See Mgr #5
RE: report on procuring a high precision natural gas analyzer for the City Arborist to use to detect possible gas leaks surrounding City trees.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-3)

15-38. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of implementing “smart” parking solutions in the City of Cambridge, including: multi-spot meters, demand based price structuring, solar powered meters, RFID payment, floating car share vehicle spots as Boston is pursuing, pay by phone, meters that accept credit/debit or rechargeable parking card, and smart phone application integration.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-4)

15-40. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on responding to the International Town-Gown Association’s Town-Gown Relations Survey.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-6)

15-41. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on any discussions regarding fee increases held by the License Commission and on the Council’s opposition to any fee increases proposed for no-value liquor licenses due to the undue financial burden they would place on business owners in the City.
Councillor Cheung 04/13/15 (O-8)

15-42. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing permanent grill areas at Cambridge parks and youth centers.
Councillor Cheung 04/27/15 (O-2)

15-43. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on working with the Retirement Board on the potential of excess fees charged by UBS Realty to investors.
Councillor McGovern & Councillor Simmons 04/27/15 (O-3)

15-44. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on steps needed to opt in to the new Earned Sick Time law.
Councillor Simmons & Councillor Cheung 04/27/15 (O-5)

15-45. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on existing capacity to address excessive noise complaints; analyze noise complaint trends; create a noise map of existing industrial noise that impact residential areas; and provide noise measurement and enforcement capabilities and responsibilities including 24/7 noise response capacity.
Councillor Kelley & Councillor McGovern 04/27/15 (O-7)

15-46. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of installing Hubway stations in West Cambridge area (public and private areas) and on having all Hubway stations situated for year round use.
Councillor Kelley 04/27/15 (O-8)

15-47. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on language for either a Home Rule Petition or change to general state law that requires all individuals involved in a collision to give written contact information.
Councillor Kelley 04/27/15 (O-9)

15-48. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the feasibility of establishing and implementing a planting and beautification program in Area IV.
Councillor Simmons 04/27/15 (O-10)

15-49. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on progress being made at the former Tokyo Restaurant site.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Maher & Councillor Cheung 04/27/15 (O-13)

15-50. Report from the City Manager:
RE: report on the status of the Apprentice Pathways Program for Cambridge residents.
Councillor Toomey 05/04/15 (O-1)