Cambridge City Council meeting - May 22, 2023

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $98,000 from the Water Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Public Investment Fund Water Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the purchase of an electric powered forklift. (CM23#139)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board in the amount of $100,317.50 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($90,077.50) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($10,240.00). These funds will be used to reimburse the City for salary and program costs associated with enrolling income-eligible youth in the Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. (CM23#140)
Order Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,000 received from the Cambridge Community Foundation to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account, for the College Success Initiative (CSI). These funds will be used to support part of the salary costs associated with a college success coach. (CM23#141)
Order Adopted 9-0

4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. Funds will be used to support the Cambridge Food Pantry Network. (CM23#142)
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Shannon Grant received from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition/Shannon Community Safety Initiative through the Executive Office of Public Safety in the amount of $37,132.79 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($33,600) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,532.79). Funds will be used for the Cambridge Youth Programs Boys II Men Internship and also to fund a new Girlhood Internship Program. (CM23#143)
Order Adopted 9-0

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the third annual Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) Progress Report. (CM23#144)
pulled by Toner; comments by PT,DS,QZ,DC,PN,AM; Placed on File 9-0

7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Community Connections Grant, in the amount of $230,070.35, to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will contribute to the purchase and installation of Bluebikes bikeshare equipment. (CM23#145)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ,BA (who would apparently rather use an e-bike to get to South Station rather than the Red Line); Order Adopted 9-0

May 22, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Community Connections Grant, in the amount of $230,070.35, to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account.

Funds will contribute to the purchase and installation of Bluebikes bikeshare equipment. Equipment includes one (1) 19-dock station, five (5) 15-dock stations, one (1) concrete pad, and fifty-seven (57) bicycles.

Stations will be installed in these locations:

• Harvard Square at Church Street

• Callanan Playground

• Lafayette Square

• Moore Youth Center

• Second Street at Otis Street

• Lee Street at West Street

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY2023 Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Grant received from Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research, in the amount of $50,853.64 to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($50,853.64). Funds from the grant will be used to support Advanced Intervention and Suicide Prevention training, provide funding for mental health professionals and spiritual leader services, and fund the development and enhancement of CISM team publications and website. (CM23#148)
pulled by Zondervan; Police Commissioner Elow and Steve DeMarco (CPD) explain that grant is to support police officers and their well-being; Order Adopted 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Paul Fiore, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 96 Otis Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter Right – Zondervan, May 15, 2023] (AP23#24)
Order Adopted 7-1-1 (QZ - No; MM - Absent)

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant departments to establish a policy of releasing the names of officers involved in any use of force incident, up to and including those incidents resulting in injury or death. [Charter Right – Zondervan, May 15, 2023] (PO23#88)
It is worth noting that the chronic several dozen protesters from the Party for Socialism and Liberation again dominated Public Comment with comments directed at individual councillors (thanks to recent rules changes); Mayor Siddiqui violated City Council Rules three times by allowing speakers to speak a 2nd time;
Zondervan began with prepared speech quoting Angela Davis and others, referring to Toner substitution as “whitewashing amendments”, and referring to all who disagree with him as showing “cowardice” and “hiding behind ideology” (which is so opposite to reality as to be amusing);
Councillor Nolan exhibited resolve by saying that she would not be changing her support for the Toner amendment and that contrary to the statements of protesters there was no consensus on this issue among city residents (correct), that it was fiction to say that the City Council has not taken any action in response to the Jan 4 incident, that all involved police officer names will be released when the investigation is complete, and that releasing the names today will do nothing for justice (all true);
City Manager Huang provided a limited update on where we now stand in the investigation and related processes, that per court order no information in the inquest is to be shared until complete, and provided a chronology of the wealth of City actions that have taken place since January in response to the incident;
Commissioner Elow provided updates on the cooperation of CPD with PERF;
Mallon aligned with Zondervan and stated that she won’t be supporting the Substitute Order and that she wants officer names released now (“it’s what progressive cities do” - as opposed to enlightened cities);
Simmons agreed that a policy is needed and that she would not align with Zondervan noting that the specific circumstances of the January incident are not yet known and that releasing the names now does not buy justice, closure, or anything else and that she supports a full, fair and thorough investigation;
McGovern suggested that the original two “WHEREAS” clauses were simply factual and should be included, and asked whether if a City Council policy was approved prior to the investigative report would the names of the officers be released (City Manager Huang seemed to indicate that if the policy was established he would follow policy while acknowledging need to work cooperatively with Police Department - noting that they are involved in complex and dangerous work - “What you want is a change in the culture.”);
Carlone offered comments including cryptic references to “rumors”;
Siddiqui double-talked about her comments in the Boston Globe and that she would align with Mallon and Zondervan and oppose the Substitute Order;
Toner made clear that he does not want officer names released until after DA report is released and noted that references to the releasing of names in other cities was done in the context of bodycams being instituted;
Zondervan referred to Toner Substitute as “sloppy and misleading”;
Azeem offered a broader perspective on how he arrived at his current understanding and position - especially the range of changes and initiatives that have been arrived at working cooperatively with the Cambridge Police Department and the City Administration;
McGovern referred to last two weeks of public comment as “powerful” (though manipulative, coercive, and short on facts may be better descriptors);
Simmons motion to amend Toner Substitute by adding first two “WHEREAS” clauses Passes 8-1 (QZ - No);
QZ motion to added phrases “including retroactively” Passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT - No);
QZ amendment to add at end the phrase “with such a policy and the names of the officers involved in Faisal’s killing” Fails 3-6 (AM,QZ,SS - Yes);
Substitute Order Adopted as Amended 5-4 (BA,DC,MM,PN,DS - Yes; AM,PT,QZ,SS - No)

O-5 May 15, 2023 Charter Right - Zondervan (who objected to the proposed Substitute Order)
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Arif Sayed Faisal was killed by a Cambridge Police Department officer firing their department-issued firearm on January 4, 2023; and
WHEREAS: Publicly available doorbell camera footage shows that multiple Cambridge Police Department officers were involved in the incident; and
WHEREAS: Members of the public have a right to know the identities of the officers involved regardless of whether procedural violations or criminal charges are brought against those officers; and
WHEREAS: There is no statute or official Cambridge policy that prohibits the release of the name of the officers who were involved, including (but not limited to) the officer who shot and killed Arif Sayed Faisal; and
WHEREAS: There has been a widespread shift in recent years toward releasing the names of officers involved in shootings or killings, including recent examples from Iowa, New Jersey, California, and Arkansas; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments to release the name of these officers immediately; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments to establish a policy of releasing the names of officers involved in any use of force incident, up to and including those incidents resulting in injury or death; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter at the next regular City Council meeting.

Proposed Substitute Order - not yet considered due to Zondervan Charter Right

COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The tragic death of Arif Sayed Faisal on January 4, 2023 has led the City Council, City Manager and Cambridge Police Department to commit to making changes in policing in Cambridge, including a full review of all department policies, with an expedited purchasing process leading to the hiring of the Police Executive Research Firm (PERF) to conduct the review; and
WHEREAS: A key policy under review that has been identified as needing a change is the policy of when names of officers involved in any use of force should be released, and PERF has publicly stated that most forward-thinking police departments release the names of officers involved with use of force even when awaiting the results of investigations on whether charges are to be filed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with PERF and the relevant departments to establish a policy of releasing the names of officers involved in any use of force incident resulting in injury or death; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter at the next regular City Council meeting.

Adopted Version (based on Toner Substitute Order as Amended)
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Arif Sayed Faisal was killed by a Cambridge Police Department officer firing their department-issued firearm on January 4, 2023; and
WHEREAS: Publicly available doorbell camera footage shows that multiple Cambridge Police Department officers were involved in the incident; and
WHEREAS: The tragic death of Arif Sayed Faisal on January 4, 2023 has led the City Council, City Manager and Cambridge Police Department to commit to making changes in policing in Cambridge, including a full review of all department policies, with an expedited purchasing process leading to the hiring of the Police Executive Research Firm (PERF) to conduct the review; and
WHEREAS: A key policy under review that has been identified as needing a change is the policy of when names of officers involved in any use of force should be released, and PERF has publicly stated that most forward-thinking police departments release the names of officers involved with use of force even when awaiting the results of investigations on whether charges are to be filed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with PERF and the relevant departments to establish a policy of releasing the names of officers involved in any use of force incident resulting in injury or death, including retroactively; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter at the next regular City Council meeting.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $50,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of the Mass. Avenue between Waterhouse Street and Alewife Parkway. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 1, 2023; Referred to Finance Committee] (CM23#106)

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation and authorization to borrow $35,350,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support upgrades to the 689 Mass Avenue Interior; upgrades at the Moses Youth Center; Interior fit-out of Rindge Pre-K building; electric vehicle charging station infrastructure at several municipal buildings; and additional work at Inman and East Cambridge Fire Houses; First Street Garage upgrades to stairs and elevator; and other City building upgrades. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 1, 2023; Referred to Finance Committee] (CM23#107)

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of the Peabody School Playground and Corcoran (Raymond Street) park. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 1, 2023; Referred to Finance Committee] (CM23#108)

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 1, 2023; Referred to Finance Committee] (CM23#109)

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $51,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port and River Street areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 1, 2023; Referred to Finance Committee] (CM23#110)

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $26,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets, sidewalks and bike facilities. $15,000,000 of this loan order is attributable to the improvement project related to sewer infrastructure upgrades on River Street, which include full depth roadway reconstruction, new sidewalks, new street trees and various other street improvements. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 1, 2023; Referred to Finance Committee] (CM23#111)

9. An Ordinance has been received from Craig Kelley et al, relative to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge regarding EV and car share Zoning change. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 15, 2023; Expires Aug 1, 2023] (ORD23#2)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Andrew Plumb, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 96 Henry Street Unit 1; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association. (AP23#31)
Charter Right - Zondervan

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Anna Henchman regarding support PO23#85 - a pilot geothermal in Cambridge.

3. A communication was received from Ausra Kubilius regarding Biking in the City.

4. A communication was received from Ausra Kubilius regarding Minutes of Economic Development Committee Meeting of May 2 2023.

5. A communication was received from Ausra Kubilius regarding please treasure trees Urban Forest Master Plan and director needed.

6. A communication was received from Ausra Kubilius regarding Minutes of Economic Development Committee Meeting of May 2 2023.

8. A communication was received from Cynthia Broner regarding the City of Cambridge spending $50 million more on bike lanes.

9. A communication was received from Diana Yousef-Martinek regarding Please DO NOT support the $50MM proposed expenditure on separated bike lanes.

10. A communication was received from Don Michaelis regarding Add $1 Million for trees.

12. A communication was received from Elena Fagotto regarding Support for PO23#85.

13. A communication was received from Eppa Rixey regarding Increased Funding for Trees in the Budget.

14. A communication was received from Hannah Mahoney regarding In Support of PO23#85.

15. A communication was received from Joan Pickett regarding Mass Ave 4 Project.

16. A communication was received from Kristine Jelstrup regarding Support of PO23#85.

19. A communication was received from Madeleine Aster regarding Spend $2M on trees not on useless park redesign.

20. A communication was received from Margery Davies regarding PLEASE VOTE YES on PO23#85 -- a pilot geothermal district for Cambridge.

21. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding DC Cycling Bike Lane Usage Decline Dramatically Portland Oregon seeing same trend as ridership there plunged 46% despite extensive network of protected bike lanes.

22. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding Opposition to Extension of AHO.

23. A communication was received from Marie Saccoccio regarding DC Cycling Bike Lane Usage Decline Dramatically.

24. A communication was received from Melissa Ludtke regarding Writing in support to two policy orders #84 (pesticides) and #85 (geothermal project in Cambridge).

26. A communication was received from Nina Herrera regarding City Budget - funding for bike lanes.

27. A communication was received from Pina Morganti regarding Please support PO23#85.

28. A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni regarding Restore Cambridge Housing Zoning Petition a.k.a. Charles Franklin Petition.

29. A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni regarding Strong Support for Purchase of Webster Properties for Affordable Housing.

31. A communication was received from Roger Lowenstein regarding bicycle lanes next phase.

33. A communication was received from Sharon deVos regarding Support PO23#85 – a geothermal pilot district.

34. A communication was received from Susan Redlich regarding Support PO23#85 Invest in Geothermal District.

35. A communication was received from Vickey Bestor regarding Don’t Rush Radical AHO Revision!

36. A communication was received from Young Kim regarding Oral Comments against Committee Report #1.

38. A communication was received from Alice Carré-Seemuller regarding Support PO23#85 – Pilot geothermal heating and cooling.

39. A communication was received from Gerald Bergman regarding Naming the police officer.

40. A communication was received from Mark Golberg regarding Traffic Raymond St - as usual.

41. A communication was received from Jonathan Elsner regarding Traffic Raymond St - as usual.

42. A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding Late Policy Orders.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Arthur Samuel Jarvis. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

ORDERS
1. New Green Park at Third And Binney Streets. Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#91)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. Removing Cuba From The State Sponsors Of Terrorism List. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#92)
pulled by Azeem; comments by BA,DC; Order Adopted 7-0-1-1 (MM - Absent; PT - Present)

3. Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge could permanently switch to the MWRA water supply. Councillor Zondervan (PO23#93)
pulled by Toner; QZ explains that this is only asking for a legal opinion on the legality of abandoning the Cambridge water system; other comments by PT,BA,PN,DS,DC; Order Adopted 5-3-1 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS - Yes; AM,DS,PT - No; MM - Absent)

4. Policy Order Seeking Street Corner Dedication for Saundra Graham. Councillor Simmons (PO23#94)
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Albany St. Pedestrian Crossing. Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#95)
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached home rule petition, entitled: “AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCLUDE A BALLOT QUESTION ON THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MUNICIPAL BALLOT RELATIVE TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER” regarding electing the Police Review and Advisory Board. Councillor Zondervan (PO23#96)
pulled by Zondervan (who was soundly excoriated by his colleagues); comments by QZ,AM,DS; Order Fails of Adoption 1-8 (QZ - Yes)

7. That the “Amendments to Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#97)
pulled by Zondervan; QZ Motion to Refer to Ordinance Committee; Charter Right - Simmons

8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether the City could fund affordable housing construction through a bond issue. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (PO23#98)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ,PN,BA,DC; Amended to add Azeem as co-sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF23#95)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF23#96)
Placed on File 9-0

Tues, May 23
12:30pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the 2022 annual surveillance reports.
5:30pm The Charter Review Committee (Zoom only)

Wed, May 24
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Charles Jessup Franklin et al., regarding allowing new construction hat is similar in size and shape as existing buildings for the purpose of promoting housing and first floor retail.

Tues, June 6
12:30pm The Ordinance Committee will reconvene to continue the discussion on potential changes to Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, Proposed Ordinance #2022-11, as amended in Committee on Apr 26, 2023. This is a continuance of the meeting held on Apr 26, 2023, and there will not be public comment.
5:30pm The Charter Review Committee (Zoom only)

Wed, June 7
5:30pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss the Police Review and Advisory Board, including CM23#27.

Tues, June 13
3:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss Overdose Prevention Sites, previously referred to as Safe Consumption Sites.

Tues, June 27
12:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on the City Council Petition to Amend Article 4.30 and Article 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinances.

Wed, June 28
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing the Ian Ferguson et al. Zoning Petition regarding Pitched Roofs, AP23#22.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 May 22, 2023
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: MIT’s plan to develop the former, 10-acre Volpe National Transportation Systems site in Kendall Square would provide two acres of open space permanently guaranteed for public use, but would require the removal of 131 mature trees; and
WHEREAS: In MIT’s presentation to the City’s Ordinance chairs, the Institute expressed willingness to allocate funds toward relocation of some of these trees; and
WHEREAS: MIT has additionally expressed a desire to purchase a 6,000 square-foot lot bordering the site at the corner of Third and Binney Streets from the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA), and to add this development potential to the Volpe project; and
WHEREAS: MIT is already committed to providing a parcel of land of approximately 8,000 square feet for open space on an adjacent lot; and
WHEREAS: The combination of these two lots could not only serve as an ideal site for the relocated trees, but also as an opportunity to expand the originally-planned open space into a public park in a region of the city distinctly lacking in green space; and
WHEREAS: According to the city’s 2019 Urban Forest Master Plan Technical Report (UFMP), Cambridge’s tree canopy declined on average 16.4 acres annually between 2009 and 2018. Additionally, in 2019, East Cambridge had just 13% tree canopy and MIT/Area 2 had 17%, far below the minimum 25% canopy cover recommended in each neighborhood, and the 30% recommended city-wide by the UFMP; and
WHEREAS: A significant portion of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions are generated in the Kendall Square-MIT area, making the need for increasing tree canopy to clean the air in this area even more urgent; and
WHEREAS: The park created by the combined CRA and Volpe sites would serve a community on the border between East Cambridge and Area 2, which is disproportionately impacted by a lack of tree canopy; and
WHEREAS: Kendall Square is one of the fastest-growing areas of Cambridge with a pre-pandemic population of at least 60,000, including day workers and residents (according to the CRA’s 2018 Transport Kendall Report), and could add an additional 10,000 employees and residents with the completion of the Volpe project; and
WHEREAS: The inclusion of the CRA lot to MIT’s Volpe site development project could be a unique opportunity to engage the city’s stakeholders in a venture that would achieve several longstanding city goals by creating a much-needed public park at the intersection of Third and Binney Streets; and
WHEREAS: The value of this approximately 6,000 square-foot parcel is significant, the equivalent of an additional 36,000 square feet of building area; and
WHEREAS: Even with this added open space, MIT can transfer this approximately 36,000 square feet to one of the other Volpe building sites; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council direct the City Manager and staff to work with the CRA along with MIT, East Cambridge neighbors, the Open Space Trust, and the Kendall Square Association to facilitate an expansion of the Volpe site development project potential, and a much-needed addition to the City’s public open space, according to the framework outlined in this Policy Order.

O-2 May 22, 2023
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The Cuban people are currently suffering from a humanitarian crisis caused by shortages of basic necessities including medicine, food, and fuel, partially exacerbated by a US embargo; and
WHEREAS: During the Obama administration, the United States largely normalized relations with Cuba, allowing travel between the US and Cuba, re-opening embassies for the first time in six decades, and reversing the Reagan administration’s decision to include Cuba on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list; and
WHEREAS: While in office, the Trump administration reversed these initiatives while imposing an additional 243 sanctions on Cuba, which bar remittances sent by Cuban Americans to family members or businesses in Cuba and returning Cuba to the State Sponsors of Terrorism list; and
WHEREAS: Despite campaign promises, the Biden administration has not taken meaningful steps toward returning Cuban-American relations to the status quo during Obama’s presidency; and
WHEREAS: In October 2020 and March 2021 this City Council became one of the first in the country to pass resolutions calling for the US embargo on Cuba to be lifted (POR #216 and POR #50), and since that time Boston, Brookline, and Somerville have joined in passing similar resolutions; and
WHEREAS: A growing number of prominent Americans have called on the Biden administration to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list, including Representative Jim McGovern from Massachusetts and Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy in a May 3rd Boston Globe article; and
WHEREAS: During the easing of restrictions under the Obama administration, the Cuban private sector flourished and tourism from the United States increased by one third; and
WHEREAS: Cuba, the Unites States, and the United Nations have acknowledged that the embargo on Cuba has cost the island upwards of $130 billion since 1962; and
WHEREAS: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Biden administration exempted certain sanctions on Iran, Syria, and Venezuela on the grounds that they hampered public health responses, but declined to do so for Cuba, which contributed to an unprecedented 220,000 Cubans arriving on the Southern border of the US in fiscal year 2023 alone; and
WHEREAS: The Biden administration has the power by executive order to remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record strongly urging the Biden administration to move back toward normalization of relations with Cuba by removing it from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and by loosening such restrictions as make life particularly onerous for the general population of Cuba; and be it further
ORDERED: That the Biden administration go further by working with Congress to consider fully lifting the embargo on Cuba, which has failed to achieve its stated goals and disproportionately affects everyday citizens of that country; and be it further
ORDERED: That suitable copies of this resolution be sent to Cambridge’s Congressional Delegation.

O-6 May 22, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Arif Sayed Faisal was killed by a Cambridge Police Department officer firing their department-issued firearm on January 4, 2023; and
WHEREAS: The Police Department’s lack of transparency regarding the slaying of Arif Faisal has eroded the trust of the community; and
WHEREAS: This distrust must be repaired in part by establishing a system of accountability fully beholden to the community; and
WHEREAS: A democratically elected Police Review and Advisory Board comprised of members who are directly chosen by the people of Cambridge would provide a basic level of transparency and accountability for the community at large; and
WHEREAS: Though the Police Review and Advisory Board is regulated through Chapter 2.74 of the Code of Ordinances, a charter change is necessary to make the Board an elected body; and
WHEREAS: Extension of the Charter Review Committee timeline has called into question the feasibility of any proposed amendments being brought to the voters before November 2025, and on that timeline any new elected bodies created by those amendments would be first elected in November 2027 to begin service in 2028; and
WHEREAS: Such a timeline is unacceptable in the face of thousands of residents who have called for immediate accountability, transparency, and justice since January 4, 2023; and
WHEREAS: It would take a majority vote of the City Council to advance the legislation necessary to put this specific amendment before the voters in November 2023, meaning that a democratically elected Police Review & Advisory Board could be elected in November 2025 and seated in January 2026; and
WHEREAS: Even this timeline does not meet the moment, but getting the question before the voters in November 2023 will set us on the fastest possible pathway towards having a democratically elected Police Review and Advisory Board; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby proposes the attached charter amendment, as provided in Section 4 of the Home Rule Amendment and Sections 10(a) and 18 of Chapter 43B of the General Laws be sent to the Attorney General and the State Department of Housing and Community Development; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record favoring the filing of the attached home rule petition, entitled: AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCLUDE A BALLOT QUESTION ON THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MUNICIPAL BALLOT RELATIVE TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER.

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCLUDE A BALLOT QUESTION ON THE NOVEMBER 7, 2023 MUNICIPAL BALLOT RELATIVE TO THE HOME RULE CHARTER.

SECTION 1. The Charter of the City of Cambridge is hereby amended by special act to add the following to the City’s existing Plan E Charter at General Laws Chapter 43, which was adopted pursuant to its acceptance of the provisions of General Laws Chapter 43, Sections 93-116, Section 95 on Governing Power:

The police review and advisory board shall consist of five elected members and shall have such specific functions and duties as specified in the Code of Ordinances.

SECTION 2. This act shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Cambridge at the upcoming municipal elections on November 7, 2023 in the form of the following question which shall be placed upon the official ballot to be used at said election. If the change is approved by a majority of valid ballots voting yes, it would go into effect as of January 1, 2024.

Should amendments to the City’s Plan E Charter, Section 95 of Chapter 43, be made, by special act providing for an elected police review and advisory board? YES___ NO ___

Below said question shall appear a brief summary of the act prepared by the city solicitor. If the voters at the municipal election approve the question, then this act shall be applicable to the city as of January 1, 2024, but not otherwise.

SECTION 3. This act shall be effective upon its passage.

Proposed amendment to the Cambridge Plan E Charter
The Charter of the City of Cambridge is hereby amended to add the following to the City’s existing Plan E Charter at General Laws Chapter 43, which was adopted pursuant to its acceptance of the provisions of General Laws Chapter 43, Sections 93-116, Section 95 on Governing Power:

The police review and advisory board shall consist of five elected members and shall have such specific functions and duties as specified in the Code of Ordinances.

This charter amendment shall be submitted to the voters of the City of Cambridge at the upcoming municipal elections on November 7, 2023 in the form of the following question which shall be placed upon the official ballot to be used at said election. If the change is approved by a majority of valid ballots voting yes, it would go into effect as of January 1, 2024.

Should amendments to the City’s Plan E Charter, Section 105 of Chapter 43, be made providing for the City Council to confirm appointments of the City Manager to the City’s boards and commissions which confirmation is not currently required? YES___ NO ___

Below each said question shall appear a brief summary prepared by the city solicitor. If the voters at the municipal election approve the question, then that charter amendment shall take effect as of January 1, 2024, but not otherwise.

O-7 May 22, 2023 Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge recognizes the diverse composition of its citizenry and values its people, including the diverse composition of families and intimate relationships; and
WHEREAS: The City Council recognizes that diverse family and relationship structures, including relationship structures involving more than two adults engaged in a loving and consensual relationship, are becoming increasingly common; and
WHEREAS: In 2021, the City Council enacted amendments to the Domestic Partnerships Ordinance to recognize domestic partnerships between two or more people; and
WHEREAS: People in interpersonal relationships between two or more adult individuals that involve romantic, physical, emotional, and/or familial intimacy face discrimination in many aspects of public life due to prejudicial misunderstandings related to the validity and moral fitness of such relationships; and
WHEREAS: Single parents and people who identify as asexual and/or aromantic also face discrimination in many aspects of public life; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has enacted antidiscrimination provisions throughout its Municipal Code to prohibit discrimination in matters of housing, employment, education, contracts, purchasing, and public accommodations; and
WHEREAS: The City Council acknowledges that many antidiscrimination laws were enacted in a time when diverse family and relationship structures were not properly recognized and now seeks to recognize the diverse family and relationship structures of its residents, including (but not limited to) multi-partner/multi-parent families and relationships, step families, single parents, diverse family structures, multi-generational households, consensually non-monogamous relationships, and consensual sexual and/or intimate relationships, including asexual and aromantic relationships; and
WHEREAS: Further amendments to the Code of Ordinances are required In order to recognize these relationships in the full scope of anti-discrimination law, by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of relationship status; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the attached “Amendments to Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department, Human Rights Commission, and all other relevant departments to provide comments on the attached draft amendments at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled hearing of the Ordinance Committee.

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

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

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

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-9. Report on providing an overview of various programs and services that are designed to assist the City’s chronically unhoused population and those in danger of becoming unhoused, along with the metrics by which the City determines the effectiveness of these programs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 2/22/2021

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-60. Report on reviewing the residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to limit the issuance of residential permits to vehicles that are primarily utilized for personal, non-commercial use.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 9/13/2021

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021

21-94. Report on proposing possible zoning language that would achieve the goals of incentivizing all construction to be fossil fuel free through a possible special permit process.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/13/2021

21-98. Report on Reaffirming Commitment to the Goal of 100% Renewable by 2035.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 12/13/2021

22-2. Report on meeting with the impacted residents and businesses on northern Massachusetts Avenue to discuss their ideas and suggestions for addressing their concerns.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (Calendar Item #2) from 1/10/2022

22-7. Report on providing a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted on the golf course land, information on the history, residency and other demographic information on membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #1) from 1/31/2022

22-8. Report on determining the feasibility of establishing additional compensation for the City’s essential employees in accordance with the considered State legislation framework.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 2/7/2022

22-13. Report on determining how to better integrate more parent response into their decision-making process as they make changes that can have undue impacts upon the families they serve.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 3/7/2022

22-14. Report on the findings of the "Future of Telework" Committee, and to explain the city’s current policy regarding a remote work policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 3/7/2022

22-23. Report on providing an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies, including (but not limited to) an explanation of the administration’s current procedures for notifying and conducting outreach to abutters and neighbors, the criteria for evaluating curb cut applications, and an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 4/11/2022

22-24. Report on determining what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/25/2022

22-29. Report on introducing a pilot program to open two of our youth centers during the evening and weekend hours during the summer.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 5/9/2022

22-30. Report on adding $1.94 linkage fee to Housing Contribution Rate that is specifically targeted for job training.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern from 5/9/2022

22-33. Report on consulting with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services, and the Executive Director of Cadbury Common to determine the feasibility of re-establishing some form of the Kate’s Café Monthly LGBTQ+ Community Dinners either at Cadbury Common or at another suitable location.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 5/16/2022

22-35. Report on ensuring that every possible material used in construction projects are as safe and healthy and free of potential toxins as possible, and ensure that all construction and manufacturing vendors commit to disclosing all ingredients and using non-toxic materials.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 5/16/2022

22-36. Work on Implementing Recommendations from Working IDEAL Report.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/23/2022

22-38. Report on establishing a method of ensuring that anti-bias training is incorporated into the City’s hiring process at all levels.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 5/23/2022

22-40. Report on developing a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the entire, department-wide municipal government.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/6/2022

22-42. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a “community healing initiative” plan to address the issues in our city.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/13/2022

22-43. Report on establishing a notification system to all neighborhood residents, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes, within a set area where neighborhood disruptions such as infrastructure work or demolitions are scheduled to occur.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/13/2022

22-46. Report on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 6/27/2022

22-49. Report on Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 8/1/2022

22-50. Report on establishing Black Men and Boys Commission.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 8/1/2022

22-55. Report on the status of the long-term water projections and on what measures could be taken to conserve water.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-14) from 8/1/2022

22-57. Report on Policy Order to investigate shared EV or Hybrid free bus service.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/1/2022

22-61. Report on communicating to the Cambridge Health Alliance the City Council’s support for the reopening of the Cambridge Birth Center for deliveries as soon as possible and City Council support for the protection of existing birth centers and the creation of new birth centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-64. Report on t detailing how other comparable municipalities handle their street corner dedication processes and on ways to honor those individuals who may not ultimately have a street corner named after them but who nonetheless deserve to have their names and accomplishments recognized.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/19/2022

22-66. Report on a plan to install “Walls of Honor” at each home baseball and softball field honoring past and current coaches and volunteers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/19/2022

22-67. Report on necessary preparations for the next Housing Committee meeting in the discussion on potentially allowing multifamily housing to be built citywide.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 9/19/2022

22-69. Report on a community process on the future use of 105 Windsor Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 9/19/2022

22-70. Report on the legislation passed by the Somerville City Council banning limited services pregnancy centers.
Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #3) from 10/3/2022 Committee Report

22-71. Report on convening an advisory group to determine ways in which the City can work to lift up the voices and experiences of the descendants of the Indigenous People who currently reside in our community.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/3/2022

22-73. Report on working with the Law Dept., to automatically provide an initial legal opinion to the City Council and the City Clerk at least three business days in advance of the first Public Hearing on any amendment to the Code of Ordinances formally introduced in the City Council.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 10/3/2022

22-75. Report on receiving input from the Vision Zero, Pedestrian, Bicycle Committee, the Council on Aging, the Transit Advisory Committee, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, promulgate the updated guide throughout the city, and develop recommendations for staffing and methods of improving traffic enforcement.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #2) from 10/17/2022

22-80. Report on providing a comprehensive list of current Cambridge policies that impact the cost of local commercial and residential development and those that are known to be in the pipeline, to note whether similar policies exist in the neighboring cities of Boston and Somerville.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #2) from 11/14/2022

22-83. Report on determining how the City could adopt G.L. c. 40, sec. 60B, created under the Municipal Modernization Act, which allows cities and towns, through their respective legislative bodies, to provide for Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments Zones (WH–STA) as an incentive to create middle-income housing.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-16) from 11/21/2022

23-3. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing the property located at 37 Brookline Street, former home of Peter Valentine, with the intent of utilizing this as a community arts space.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-4) from 1/23/2023

23-6. Report on determining the best ways to promote bike safety with a particular focus on expanding the distribution of bike lights throughout the City.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/6/2023

23-10. Report on engaging with community groups and the City’s existing multi-member bodies to design the next iteration of the Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-11) from 2/6/2023

23-12. Report on options of how to increase overnight resident street parking in the vicinity of Rogers Street.
Councillor Zondervan (O-13) from 2/6/2023

23-13. Report on evaluating the feasibility of financially supporting free meals for all students for the School Year 2023/24.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 2/13/2023

23-15. Report on continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #1) from 2/27/2023

23-16. Report on Police Details and the need for having armed vs. unarmed officers and the possibility of having civilian flaggers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #2) from 2/27/2023

23-17. Report on the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #3) from 2/27/2023

23-18. Report on creating a policy that will ensure the City is notified whenever a high-rise building over six floors experiences elevator failures.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 3/6/2023

23-19. Report on the feasibility of installing Automated External Defibrillator’s at all public parks and practice fields, and any other public place as appropriate.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 3/6/2023

23-20. Report on the feasibility of providing municipally-funded housing vouchers similar to programs in Somerville and Boston.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 3/6/2023

23-21. Report on funding the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls.
(Calendar Item #1) from 3/20/2023

23-22. Report on providing a license agreement, as well as direct financial and regulatory support for the continued and uninterrupted operation of Starlight Square.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 3/20/2023

23-23. Report on providing a legal opinion which clarifies the state law on zoning petition signature requirements to ensure clarity and lawful deliberation in the future.
Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 4/3/2023

23-25. Report on developing a three-year plan to expand and improve After School Care.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 4/3/2023

23-26. Report on reviewing the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District (AP23#12) for form and content.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 4/3/2023

23-27. Report on providing a legal opinion on the earliest possible date that potential changes to the charter could be voted on by the electorate, assuming the Charter Review Committee submits proposed changes to the City Council by the new Dec 31, 2023 deadline.
(O-4) from 4/10/2023

23-28. Report on bringing together a working group to conduct outreach through neighborhood groups including the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance, and any other nearby neighborhood groups and city departments, in order to discuss and review options for use of the BB&N Field.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 4/24/2023

23-29. Report on working with CDD, Law Department, the Assessor’s Office, and any other relevant departments to produce final draft ordinance language for the BEUDO amendments based on the CDD proposal as amended by the Ordinance Committee at its Apr 26, 2023 hearing.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 5/1/2023

23-30. Report on working with DPW and relevant City departments and the Committee on Public Planting to consider ideas proposed during the Health and Environment Committee meeting on Apr 25, 2023, and to prepare a brief report outlining action items within the City’s UFMP which can be implemented as soon as this year and develop recommendations to update regulations regarding native species planting practices in light of climate change affecting the species that should be planted in the City.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem (O-5) from 5/1/2023

23-31. Report on directing the Community Development Department to promptly draft a zoning petition to be considered for filing by the City Council, based upon the proposed Affordable Housing Overlay amendments now before the Housing Committee.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 5/8/2023

23-32. Report on the feasibility of purchasing available property from Lesley University to address City goals.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 5/8/2023

23-33. Report on recommending how the City can publish legal notices using online newspapers.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem (O-3) from 5/8/2023

23-34. Report on funding and implementing the grant proposal submitted to DOE GTO to design and implement a community-scale geothermal heating and cooling system in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 5/15/2023

23-35. Report on the use of several parcels of land along Webster Avenue to accomplish Envision goals, including how to best ensure that the acquisition of these parcels results in additional affordable housing and open space.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-3) from 5/15/2023

23-36. Report on the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 5/15/2023