CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the continued operation of Food for Free services during the COVID-19 crisis.
Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Mallon - PRESENT)

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the continued operation of Food for Free services during the COVID-19 crisis.

Funds will be used to support the operations of Food for Free for 15 weeks, beginning Mar 16, 2020 and through June 30, 2020. This includes supporting Food for Free’s efforts to secure additional truck rental and cover additional staffing costs that were needed to effectively manage the large volunteer workforce that supports the home deliveries which began in March. As a result of these efforts, home deliveries grew to over 2,000 weekly deliveries to Cambridge residents.

Food for Free is currently working with CEOC and the City to transition those households that have the ability to utilize the food pantries back to those pantries. They will be transitioning the remaining households to a more permanent home delivery system.

This appropriation will cover a portion of Food For Free’s costs. Food for Free has been effectively fundraising to cover the remaining costs.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 from the Massachusetts. Department of Environmental Protection to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account which will be supplemented with $379,000 in City funds to purchase three plug-in hybrid rubbish packers that will replace three diesel powered rubbish packers.
Order Adopted 9-0

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of a grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account.

The grant was awarded to the City by the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection under the Massachusetts Volkswagen Settlement Beneficiary Mitigation Plan. The grant program is funded by the Volkswagen settlement of enforcement actions related to excess diesel vehicle emissions and with the purpose of mitigating the excess emissions. The funds will be supplemented with $379,000 in City funds to purchase three plug-in hybrid rubbish packers that will replace three diesel powered rubbish packers.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of various water pollution abatement projects, including but not limited to Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts.
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of various water pollution abatement projects, including but not limited to Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts.

This order is being submitted for the May 18, 2020 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 15, 2020 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY21 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 18, 2020, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 15, 2020. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY21 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY21 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for June 2, 2020.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 3     May 18, 2020

ORDERED: That $6,500,000 is appropriated, in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of financing the design and construction of various water pollution abatement projects, including but not limited to:

Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts, including without limitation all costs thereof as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C of the General Laws; that to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $6,500,000 and issue bonds or notes therefore under G.L. c.44 and/or Chapter 29C of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; that such bonds or notes shall be general obligations of the City unless the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager determines that they should be issued as limited obligations and may be secured by local system revenues as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 29C; that the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow all or a portion of such amount from the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust established pursuant to Chapter 29C or the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and in connection therewith to enter into a loan agreement and/or a security agreement and/or financial assistance agreement with the Trust or the Authority and otherwise to contract with the Trust and the Authority and the Department of Environmental Protection with respect to such loan and for any federal or state aid available for the projects or for the financing thereof; and that the City Manager or any other authorized City official is authorized to enter into a project regulatory agreement with the Department of Environmental Protection, to expend all funds available for the projects and to take any other action necessary to carry out the projects; and be it further

ORDERED: Any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less the cost of preparing issuing and marketing them, and any accrued interest received upon the delivery of such bonds or notes, shall be applied to the payment of project costs approved by this vote, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks.
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. This order is being submitted for the May 18, 2020 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 15, 2020 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY21 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 18, 2020, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 15, 2020. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY21 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY21 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for June 2, 2020.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 4     May 18, 2020

ORDERED: That $5,000,000 is appropriated for the purpose of financing the repair and/or reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks; and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $5,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; and be it further

ORDERED: Any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less the cost of preparing issuing and marketing them, and any accrued interest received upon the delivery of such bonds or notes, shall be applied to the payment of project costs approved by this vote, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $16,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan which will support improvements at the Department of Public works Complex including the Ryan Garage, Lafayette Square Firehouse structural repair, and other municipal buildings.
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $16,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support improvements at the Department of Public works Complex including the Ryan Garage, Lafayette Square Firehouse structural repair, and other municipal buildings. The improvements include but are not limited to accessibility, envelope - windows work, upgrades to the HVAC, plumbing-piping, electrical and lighting.

This order is being submitted for the May 18, 2020 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 15, 2020 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY21 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 18, 2020, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 15, 2020. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY21 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY21 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for June 2, 2020.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 5     May 18, 2020

ORDERED: That $16,000,000 is appropriated, in addition to any amounts previously appropriated, for the purpose of planning and financing building renovations, including but not limited to the following projects in the municipal facilities improvement plan; Building improvements at the Department of Public Works (DPW) complex including the Ryan Garage, Lafayette Square Firehouse structural repair, and other municipal buildings. The improvements include but are not limited to accessibility, envelope – windows work, upgrades to the HVAC, plumbing-piping, electrical and lighting, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $16,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; and be it further

ORDERED: Any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less the cost of preparing issuing and marketing them, and any accrued interest received upon the delivery of such bonds or notes, shall be applied to the payment of project costs approved by this vote, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $9,000,000 to provide funds for the construction of improvements of the Lexington Avenue and River Street Firehouses.
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $9,000,000 to provide funds for the construction of improvements of the Lexington Avenue and River Street Firehouses. These improvements include but are not limited to interior and building system upgrades, HVAC replacement, and envelope repair.

This order is being submitted for the May 18, 2020 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 15, 2020 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY21 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 18, 2020, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 15, 2020. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY21 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY21 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for June 2, 2020.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 6     May 18, 2020

ORDERED: That $9,000,000 is appropriated, for the purpose of financing the construction of building improvements to the Lexington Avenue and River Street Firehouses; and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $9,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; and be it further

ORDERED: That any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of project costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $237,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper School.
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $237,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper School. Construction includes the commencement of demolition and remediation of the existing building and open space.

This order is being submitted for the May 18, 2020 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 15, 2020 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY21 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 18, 2020, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 15, 2020. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY21 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY21 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for June 2, 2020.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 7     May 18, 2020

ORDERED: That $237,000,000 is appropriated, for the purpose of financing the design and construction of the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper School; and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $237,000,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; and be it further

ORDERED: That any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less any such premium applied to the costs of issuance of such bonds or notes, may be applied to the payment of project costs approved by this vote in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 20, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for various Schools for repairs to electrical service, roof replacement, chiller replacement, floor replacement and replacement of bi-directional amplifier and antenna in various school buildings.
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

May 18, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for various Schools for repairs to electrical service, roof replacement, chiller replacement, floor replacement and replacement of bi-directional amplifier and antenna in various school buildings.

This order is being submitted for the May 18, 2020 City Council meeting to allow the City Council to vote on this order on June 15, 2020 which is the projected date for City Council adoption of the FY21 Budget. Approval of loan orders on budget adoption night has been the practice for several years.

If passed to a second reading on May 18, 2020, the City will comply with all legal requirements so that the order may be adopted on June 15, 2020. Please see the Public Investment Section in the FY21 Submitted Budget for additional information on these projects. The Finance Committee hearing on the FY21 Public Investment Budget is scheduled for June 2, 2020.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 8     May 18, 2020

ORDERED: That $1,800,000 is appropriated, for the purpose of financing building renovations, including but not limited to, the following projects:

Provide repairs to electrical service, roof replacement, chiller replacement, floor replacement, and replacement of bi-directional amplifier and antenna in various School buildings, and to meet this appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to borrow $1,800,000 under Chapter 44 of the General Laws or any other enabling authority; and be it further

ORDERED: That any premium received by the City upon the sale of any bonds or notes approved by this vote, less the cost of preparing issuing and marketing them, and any accrued interest received upon the delivery of such bonds or notes, shall be applied to the payment of project costs approved by this vote, thereby reducing the amount authorized to be borrowed to pay such costs by a like amount.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide information to the City Council about social media protocols and what disciplinary action has been taken as result of the Department’s social media use incident. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL MAY 11, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 7-2 (Simmons, Toomey - NO)

O-4     Calendar Item #1     May 11, 2020     May 18, 2020  Order Adopted as Amended 7-2 (Simmons, Toomey - NO)
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: Whereas on Sunday, May 3, the official Twitter account of the Cambridge Police Department, in response to a tweet about Rep. Joe Kennedy III, replied publicly, “Another liberal f--- (expletive redacted) jerk who just happens to better than the clown he’s running against. Sad for us.”; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Police Department should not make statements attacking public officials, and the police should not publicly insult Massachusetts’ residents they are sworn to protect; and
WHEREAS: The Police Department deleted the tweet soon after, issued an apology, and identified Supt. Jack Albert as the author; and
WHEREAS: The Police Department has said Supt. Albert will be subject to disciplinary action but that “Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, the Department would be restricted from disclosing any specific disciplinary action” publicly; and
WHEREAS: Incidents like this erode confidence in the Police Department during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency and raise questions about the Department’s social media protocols for its officers and its official account, which posts official updates about urgent situations including shootings and public safety threats; now therefore be it
WHEREAS: On May 3, 2020 an unprofessional, disrespectful and vulgar tweet was posted by Superintendent Jack Albert on the official Cambridge Police Department Twitter page and
WHEREAS: This tweet was insulting to Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Joe Kennedy and to those who describe themselves as "Liberal " and
WHEREAS: This tweet has caused embarrassment to the Cambridge Police Department and the City of Cambridge and has served as a distraction during a time when we all must be focused on overcoming the Covid-19 pandemic and
WHEREAS: This tweet was a misuse of an official City social media account, therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide information to the City Council about what disciplinary action has been taken as result of this incident, which may be in executive session if required by state law; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide a report on how social media protocols for the official Police Department account and officers’ personal accounts have been revised as a result of this to prevent future incidents.
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its disappointment and frustration that this incident occurred and states that although the Council respects a person's right to free speech, the Council found this tweet unprofessional and disrespectful and further
RESOLVED: That the Council supports disciplinary action be taken by the City Manager and Cambridge Police Commissioner for this breach of trust.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide a report on how social media protocols for the official Police Department account and officers’ personal accounts have been revised as a result of this to prevent future incidents.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM OTHER CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, communicating information from the School Committee’s Special Meetings held on May 7, 2020.
Placed on File 9-0

To: Cambridge City Council
From: Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor
Date: May 14, 2020
Subject: Communicating information from the School Committee’s Special Meetings

To the Honorable, the City Council:
The School Committee held a Special Meeting last Thursday, May 7th and this past Tuesday, May 12th. At both meetings, the School Committee and administration and heard Public Comment about distance learning and the FY21 budget, in the context of COVID-19 recovery planning. I’m thankful to everyone that tuned in and signed up to provide their testimonies. Community engagement and feedback is so crucial to this planning process.

At last Thursday’s meeting, Superintendent Salim gave a presentation that included an overview of the district’s domains of planning and guiding principles and the bulk of which highlighted the exceptional work of some of our CPS educators. I shared my gratitude for our educators that presented and reiterated that the call of the meeting was to focus on what is not working.

Despite all of the great work that is happening in some classrooms, by no stretch of the imagination are these efforts happening across the board, as we heard in public comment. We must use the community feedback we hear, in conjunction with concrete data, to prepare both strategically and financially to address the many gaps this summer, next fall, and beyond.

For this past Tuesday, I asked that Superintendent Salim’s presentation allow the School Committee to look at measurable data and actions as well as provide more information about summer programming. You will see in the slides that preliminary projections show significant costs for health and safety measures (materials and supplies, transportation) as well as for teaching and learning supports. I also wanted to ensure that the School Committee would have an opportunity to weigh in on the Superintendent’s appeal letter to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, regarding their school year requirements, as a letter of appeal must come from the School Committee. A final draft of this letter will be voted on at the School Committee’s Regular Meeting next Tues, May 19th.

On Thurs, May 14th, the School Committee is convening at 6:00pm for a Special Meeting without public comment, to further discuss the complexities of our current situation, prior to voting on the FY21 budget next Tues, May 19th. We are fortunate to not be limited by immediate budget cuts, so it is imperative that we take this opportunity to discuss what is needed in a COVID-19 Recovery Plan and the possibility of using FY21 funds to meet those needs.

In other news, my Office has placed the CRLS senior class photo on the lawn signs in front of City Hall and we are working on ways to make graduation special for our seniors. Please feel free to purchase a CRLS Class of 2020 lawn/window sign as another way to support the senior class.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.

Respectfully, Sumbul Siddiqui

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     May 18, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Massachusetts House Bill 5036 filed by Representatives Barber and Farley-Bouvier /Senate Bill 2659 filed by Senator Eldridge is an “Act to provide equal stimulus checks to immigrant taxpayers”; and
WHEREAS: House Bill 5036/Senate Bill 2659 would provide Massachusetts Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) holders state-funded stimulus checks due to their exclusion from the federal CARES act; and
WHEREAS: Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are issued by the IRS for tax filing purposes to individuals who are ineligible for Social Security Numbers who pay taxes through alternative means; and
WHEREAS: There are an estimated 57,000 ITIN filers in Massachusetts who pay taxes and it is important for our state to close the gap left by the federal CARES act; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of House Bill 5036/Senate Bill 2659; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Senate, and Governor’s office on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2     May 18, 2020
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the Arts community, with the Massachusetts Cultural Council reporting that more than $264 million in revenue has been lost and 15,000 jobs have been affected; and
WHEREAS: As the Arts are a crucial driving force in our economy, ensuring our Arts community is well-supported and able to reemerge in a meaningful way in the coming months will help our local economy recover from the effects of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS: The Arts also play a unique and invaluable role in Cambridge, bringing our community together, enriching the lives of our residents, and helping us cope and relieve stress during difficult times, especially during the past several weeks of isolation; and
WHEREAS: For these reasons, it is imperative that the City actively works to uplift the Arts community; and
WHEREAS: A Small Business Advisory Committee was recently created to develop reopening recommendations, offer guidance to small businesses on relief programs available, and play a key role in fostering communication between small businesses and City staff; and
WHEREAS: Our local Arts community could greatly benefit from having a similar, dedicated advisory group focused on their specific needs of financial stabilization and security, and a gradual reopening of Arts facilities; and
WHEREAS: As Governor Baker recently released a phased reopening plan for the Massachusetts economy, now is the time to create such a group to ensure our Arts community is prepared for reopening; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint and convene an Arts Recovery Advisory Committee, to include representation from the Cambridge Arts Council, the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department, local arts organizations, local individual artists from different artistic disciplines, and other relevant parties, to provide insight on how the City can best support the Arts in the coming months; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide regular updates to the City Council on the Arts Recovery Advisory Committee’s work and recommendations, to ensure the City Council is able to act on their recommendations in a timely manner; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely fashion.

O-3     May 18, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been dedicated to supporting locally owned or operated businesses and the character and diversity they bring to our city; and
WHEREAS: The Council voted unanimously on PO #88 for the City Manager to work with relevant departments to restrict third party delivery fees to restaurants and disclose to customers of how delivery charges are allocated; and
WHEREAS: State Bill HD. 5054 relative to restaurant delivery commissions during the COVID-19 state of emergency was filed by Rep. Michael Day and has the support of all Cambridge State Representatives; and
WHEREAS: If immediate action is not taken, the City of Cambridge is in danger of losing the diverse range of its local restaurants to the COVID-19 crisis; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in strong support of Bill HD. 5054 relative to restaurant delivery commissions during the COVID-19 state of emergency; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to respond by the next regular meeting with all possible legal strategies that could be employed in Cambridge to cap fees and guarantee transparency; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Governor with a thank you to the Cambridge State House Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-4     May 18, 2020  Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Internet access is indispensable in the 21st century, and while Cambridge is seen as a technology and innovation hub, the City suffers from a lack of internet provider competition, and has unusually low speeds and service and a persistent digital divide; and
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 Pandemic has forced all city buildings to close, including the library, senior center, and youth centers, taking away computer and internet access from those who lack it in their own homes; and
WHEREAS: With between 40 and 50% of low-income residents lacking broadband access, what was already a significant disparity has now been amplified; and
WHEREAS: The Council has passed four orders requesting the City Manager allocate funds for a comprehensive feasibility study of municipal broadband, including voting on February 24, 2020 requesting the City Manager produce a request for proposal by April 1, 2020, for a municipal broadband feasibility study, and
WHEREAS: The City has worked with the school department to provide temporary internet access to all students, in light of instruction being online; and
WHEREAS: On November 5, 2018 the City Manager put forward an appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to support a 12-month digital equity research initiative and announced the creation of a new Digital Equity Advisory Board, but no formal updates have been provided since; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to provide an immediate update to the Council on digital equity the digital equity research initiative and advisory board, and on efforts to ensure reliable access to the internet citywide; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to provide the Council with an update by the next regular meeting on the Request for Proposal for the feasibility study of municipal broadband.

O-5     May 18, 2020  Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The long-term effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic are unknown and we need to prepare for unsafe conditions lasting into the fall and beyond; and
WHEREAS: The Wisconsin elections on April 7th, 2020 showed the danger, stress, and complications of voting in-person during a pandemic; and
WHEREAS: Even if municipal buildings are open to the public in the fall, it will most likely still be dangerous for vulnerable populations hit hardest by this crisis to perform any nonessential activity; and
WHEREAS: No person should have to put their health and safety in danger to exercise their right to vote; and
WHEREAS: Mayor Siddiqui is a signatory to a letter from 22 mayors across the Commonwealth to the Massachusetts legislative leadership asking for urgency in passing a Vote by Mail program; and
WHEREAS: Efforts have accelerated at the national level to ensure that people may exercise their right to vote safely in the fall, with Senator Elizabeth Warren a key sponsor of legislation, now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission and Board of Election Commissioners to determine the feasibility of universal vote-by-mail for the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Council go on record in support of vote-by-mail for the entire state of Massachusetts HD.5075 and S.2612; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this policy order to the City's Delegation in the State Legislature on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-6     May 18, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The science is exceedingly clear that indoor transmission of COVID-19 poses a great risk; and
WHEREAS: The city's emergency order allows workers in indoor workplaces other than retail environments and people inside multi-unit buildings larger than 2 and 3- families to not wear a mask if six feet away from others; and
WHEREAS: That advice is counter to scientific evidence; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to amend the Cambridge emergency advisory on face coverings/masks to require face coverings be worn inside common areas of multiunit buildings with the exception of 2-and 3- family buildings and in all workplaces where more than one person is present at all times.

O-7     May 18, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Governor Baker recently announced a four-step plan to reopen Massachusetts, with execution beginning as soon as May 18, 2020; and
WHEREAS: Governor Baker’s Reopening Advisory Board does not include any front line workers or labor leaders, and there is significant concern that reopening too quickly could lead to a resurgence of infections, with severe impacts on the working class and communities of color that are already facing disproportionate impact; and
WHEREAS: Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack reported that while travel across the state remains 70-80% lower than baseline levels in January, daily vehicle miles traveled has increased by 50% compared to the final week of April, and we should anticipate that people will start to move around more as the weather improves and more businesses start to reopen, leading to the potential for new outbreaks and subsequent impacts; and
WHEREAS: The city’s response to the pandemic so far has been reactive, responding as best as possible to pressing needs as they have emerged, and very little planning has been presented to the City Council for how to avoid anticipated impacts as we begin to reopen; and
WHEREAS: Testing, tracing, and treatment are critical to preventing new outbreaks that could lead to another devastating shutdown, and we have only just begun to provide testing to Cambridge residents in East Cambridge, with plans announced for the Port and Cambridge Housing Authority buildings, with no clear plans in place for contact tracing beyond what the state is doing, or quarantine of individuals who test positive, going forward; and
WHEREAS: Basic needs including shelter, food, and cash will continue to be a problem for many Cambridge residents, and current efforts may not be sufficient to address future needs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop and present to the City Council a comprehensive strategy for how we are going to reopen the city, including, but not limited to, plans around:

• COVID-19 testing, including both PCR and antibody testing, with testing sites located in the hardest hit neighborhoods

• Contact tracing to identify people who may have been exposed to anyone who tests positive

• Treatment and quarantine for anyone who tests positive, including hotel or dormitory space for those who cannot safely quarantine at home

• Plans to ensure food access amidst record unemployment; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to include specific strategies for addressing disparate impacts that re-opening may have on communities of color, the unhoused, the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions, and any other vulnerable populations already being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back as soon as possible.

O-8     May 18, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the weather is getting warmer and trees are leafing out around the city; and
WHEREAS: Many of the existing street and park trees will struggle without regular watering, including any new trees planted within the last few years; and
WHEREAS: The Spring planting program was understandably suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is important that gator bags are distributed as soon as possible; and
WHEREAS: Gator bags make it easier for residents to assist with trees that need additional water in order to stay alive during dry weather; and
WHEREAS: It is important that we protect our investment in recently planted street trees and maximize the opportunity for residents to help; and
WHEREAS: Residents could request a gator bag through SeeClickFix; and
WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes the critical importance of maintaining our declining tree canopy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DPW to begin distributing gator bags, including at minimum making them available on demand as soon as possible so that residents who are willing, able, and interested in doing so can begin to assist with watering street trees; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter by the next regular meeting.

O-9     May 18, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The municipal code includes Chapter 2.108 - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT, which calls for, among other things, a staffed emergency management department; and
WHEREAS: Chapter 2.108, was originally written in preparation for wartime and lacks specifics around pandemics, like the current COVID-19 pandemic we are experiencing; and
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic has caught us completely unprepared, leading to disproportionate impact on the most vulnerable; and
WHEREAS: As of mid-May 2020, Cambridge is experiencing a 21% death rate among nursing home residents who test positive, an infection rate among African American people that is 3 times that of White people in the city, and significant infection rates among the city’s unhoused community; and
WHEREAS: The pandemic has also led to economic devastation, including record unemployment, and the consequences of a resurgence, second wave, or future pandemic of similar or worse proportion would be unbearable without better preparation; and
WHEREAS: Climate change and habitat destruction will lead to increased risk of future pandemic disease emergence, which without sufficient preparedness and response could well lead to even worse outcomes than the current pandemic; and
WHEREAS: It has long been the City Council’s goal to provide affordable housing to all residents, yet unhoused residents were left without safe space to shelter during the pandemic; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That Chapter 2.108 be amended by inserting a new section 2.108.140 to read as follows:

2.108.140 - Shelter During a Pandemic
In the event of an infectious disease pandemic or other similar emergency, and in response to a stay at home order, advisory or guidance, upon the declaration of a public health emergency, the City Manager shall direct the Head of the Emergency Management Agency or other city official in charge to establish safe shelter for all who need it, including but not limited to: individuals experiencing homelessness, elderly and other vulnerable populations, workers and city staff, and other residents who cannot safely isolate in their homes.

2.108.140.10 - Procurement of Hotels and Dormitories
In the event that section 2.108.140 is invoked, the City Manager shall procure, acquire, commandeer or construct such hotel, dormitory or emergency shelter space as necessary to provide shelter for all who require it, including any resident who is unhoused, or who is unable to safely isolate in their current home or place of shelter.

2.108.140.20 Universal Housing
To reduce the need for emergency shelter during a pandemic or other emergency, and avoid the associated risks to health and safety, the City Manager shall ensure that at all times there is sufficient housing available in the city for all Cambridge residents. To implement this provision the City Manager shall put forth regulations that identify who are eligible to receive subsidized housing, and any other regulations necessary to ensure that those who are eligible are provided with safe and adequate housing at all times.

2.108.140.30 - Universal Testing
In the event that section 2.108.140 is invoked, the City Manager shall procure, acquire, commandeer or otherwise cause sufficient testing for disease prevalence to take place, provided such testing is available, so as to ensure the health and safety of all residents.

2.108.140.40 - Data Reporting
In the event that section 2.108.140 is invoked, the City Manager shall ensure that timely and comprehensive data is reported on disease prevalence, mortality, hospitalization and demographics, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age and other factors that may indicate disparate impacts, and shall direct all agencies to minimize such disparate impacts through equitable allocation of resources.