Cambridge City Council meeting - June 1, 2020

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Placed on File 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $10,000 from the General Fund Electrical Department Salary and Wages Account to the General Fund Electrical Travel and Training account (Judgments and Damages) to cover medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for personnel injured in performance of their duties.
Order Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY20 Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), Highway Safety Division (HSD), Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant for $6,000 received from the EOPSS Highway Safety Division to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account ($6,000) which will be for personnel/overtime services and will be dedicated to initiatives that address pedestrian and bicycle issues, coupling educational projects with enforcement of laws to reduce pedestrian and bicycle injuries and crashes.
Order Adopted 9-0

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support an agreement with Roca Inc., which is committed to disrupting the cycle of incarceration and poverty by helping young people transform their lives. The funds will be used to support a dedicated Cambridge outreach worker, programming, mental health counseling and other services aimed at reducing gang related violence as a part of the Department’s Focused Deterrence Initiative.
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $677,300 from Free Cash, to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($125,000); to the General Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($125,000); to the General Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($208,300); General Fund Executive Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($200,000) and to the General Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($19,000) which will cover projected costs of materials and supplies related to the COVID-19 crisis for City departments through the end of the fiscal year. Funds will be used to purchase masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, cleaning materials and spray sanitizer, as well as communication costs.
Five Orders Adopted 9-0

June 1, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $677,300 from Free Cash, to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($125,000); to the General Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($125,000); to the General Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($208,300); General Fund Executive Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($200,000) and to the General Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($19,000).

Funds are required to cover projected costs of materials and supplies related to the COVID-19 crisis for City departments through the end of the fiscal year. Funds will be used to purchase masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, cleaning materials and spray sanitizer, as well as emergency communication costs.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $60,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account for continued support of Homeless Shelter / Local Restaurant Community meals program through the end of the fiscal year.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 1, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $60,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account for continued support of Homeless Shelter / Local Restaurant Community meals program through the end of the fiscal year. This appropriation is in addition to the April 13 appropriation of $215,450, making the total allocation $275,450 through the end of the fiscal year.

With many of shelter programs in Cambridge continuing to be short staffed and currently not having the capacity to prepare meals on site, the city continues to contract with local Cambridge restaurants. These meals are delivered to shelters and programs that the Department of Human Services Program has identified having a strong need for meals. To date, 2,750 meals are being provided to 12 shelters & programs in Cambridge. The City is committed to providing these meals through the duration of the declared emergency.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,175,000, from Free Cash, to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($944,000); to the General Fund Human Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($770,000); to the General Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($245,000); and to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($216,000); to cover costs associated with the War Memorial Temporary Emergency Shelter at 1640 Cambridge Street.
Four Orders Adopted 7-2 (Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan - NO)

June 1, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation in the amount of $2,175,000, from Free Cash, to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($944,000); to the General Fund Human Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($770,000); to the General Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($245,000); and to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($216,000); to cover costs associated with the War Memorial Temporary Emergency Shelter at 1640 Cambridge Street.

Funds will be used to cover the costs of the set up and operation costs of the facility, as well as for furnishing and supplies; cleaning services; facility maintenance; meal service; and breakdown and closeout costs. Construction costs were paid through a $500,000 donation from Harvard and MIT, which was previously appropriated by the City Council.

The War Memorial Recreation facility has been transformed into an emergency shelter for Cambridge residents who are experiencing homelessness or are unable to shelter in their homes during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The work to transform the recreation facility began in late March 2020.

The quarantine area was activated on Apr 14, 2020 and to-date there have been a total of fifteen clients who utilized the quarantine area in the lower level garage. There have been seven individuals who were transferred to the state’s designated regional isolation & recovery centers in either Lexington or Everett. The quarantine area is slated to be decommissioned as of Fri, May 29th at 7pm.

The second-floor gymnasium which was originally designed to serve as an isolation unit was not activated/staffed due to the state’s regional support made available. As a result, the War Memorial site was not required to house any COVID-19 positive individuals during this time period. The Field house has been activated since Apr 18, 2020 and houses approximately 60 individuals per a nightly count, with over 80 individuals registered for admission.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account, for COVID-19 testing kits.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 1, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account, for COVID-19 testing kits.

The city has implemented a universal testing program, which is currently underway, to address the immediate needs of vulnerable populations across the city including seniors as well as sheltered/unsheltered homeless individuals. This approach dovetails with a rapid testing outreach activity that focused on area nursing homes and long-term care facilities in order to gauge the prevalence of the COVID-19 virus among residents and staff. This same model has been applied as a pre-screening program to support the city's temporary emergency shelter while enhancing the city’s overall surveillance functions to monitor the spread of COVID-19.

Testing kits and the analysis of specimen are provided by the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT. The specimen are collected as nasal swabs administered by ProEMS ambulance service as well as the Cambridge Fire Department. Staff from the Cambridge Public Health Department conduct the follow-up regarding the test results and provide the necessary counseling to COVID positive individuals.

Testing kits cost $100 each which includes the process of the lab specimen. There were 4,000 kits ordered from the Broad Institute to support this expanded "mobile" testing program. MIT contributed $250,000 for testing kits directly to the Broad Institute. It is estimated that 1,500 kits are to be used for the senior population, and 2,500 kits will be used for neighborhood-based efforts to provide testing for vulnerable residents as needs arise in identified hot spots.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings. [TABLED ON JAN 27, 2020]

2. That the “2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation. [TABLED ON MAR 23, 2020]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-108, regarding a report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections. [PENDING RESPONSE FROM LEGISLATURE]

4. 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. [ON OR AFTER JUNE 15, 2020 THE QUESTION COMES ON ADOPTION]

5. 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. [ON OR AFTER JUNE 15, 2020 THE QUESTION COMES ON ADOPTION]

6. 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. [ON OR AFTER JUNE 15, 2020 THE QUESTION COMES ON ADOPTION]

7. 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. [ON OR AFTER JUNE 15, 2020 THE QUESTION COMES ON ADOPTION]

8. 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. [ON OR AFTER JUNE 15, 2020 THE QUESTION COMES ON ADOPTION]

9. 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. [ON OR AFTER JUNE 15, 2020 THE QUESTION COMES ON ADOPTION]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Elizabeth Speakman, requesting permission for a temporary banner across JFK at Mount Auburn Street announcing Domestic Violence from June 1, 2020 through June 19, 2020.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. An application was received from Duncan MacArthur, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 56 Creighton 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.
Placed on Table 8-1 (Toomey - NO)

3. An application was received from Fredric Wilkins, requesting permission for an internal illuminating projecting sign at the premises numbered 27 Church Street. approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Pete Septoff, Hancock Street, regarding contempt of Elected Officials.

2. A communication was received from CC Leblanc, 14 Tufts Street, regarding petition for social distancing for citizens of Cambridge.

4. A communication was received from Javier Matamoros, regarding Memorial Drive Sunday openings.

5. A communication was received from Ian S., regarding safe social distancing in Cambridge.

6. A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, regarding Arlington launches shared streets program in East Arlington.

7. A communication was received from Sam Bayer, 1 Streans Street, regarding upgrading the Municipal Broadband.

9. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum, 16 Cottage Street, regarding correcting the record on Municipal Broadband costs.

10. A communication was received from John Clifford, regarding restaurants reopening.

11. A communication was received from Nicola A. Williams, regarding support for the Cambridge Carnival.

12. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding Why to Build Tiny House Villages During the Pandemic.

3. Thanking Dina Mardell (PSB) for Book Donation Resolution. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan

7. Thanking the Cambridge Youth Council. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan

8. Congratulations CRLS Class of 2020. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey

9. Resolution on the death of Elsa Dorfman. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to (1) refresh the rainbow benches outside of City Hall, (2) paint the crosswalks in colors that represent the Trans Flag, the Pride Flag, the Bi Flag and the People of Color Pride Flag, and (3) light City Hall up in rainbow colors in recognition of Pride Month. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on efforts made to ensure that at least one accessible public building, with proper safety measures for social distancing and good hygiene, can be open during the summer for residents to cool down. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0

3. Governor Baker’s Emergency Order on March 25, 2020 included a ban on reusable bags and lifted all municipal bans and fees on plastic bags. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

4. North Cambridge COVID19 Testing. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant City staff and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority to change the name of the bus stop from “Massachusetts Avenue at Churchill Avenue” to “Matignon High School at Churchill Avenue” and report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

6. That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Cambridge Carnival International, Authentic Caribbean Foundation, and the Institute of Caribbean Studies on behalf of the entire City Council. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

7. That the City Council go on record in support of condemning police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive and militarized force throughout the country, and as affirming its solidarity with people of color and all marginalized individuals who have historically suffered from an unjust criminal justice system. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee’s Regular Meeting and Subcommittee meetings.
Placed on File 9-0

To: Cambridge City Council
From: Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor
Date: May 28, 2020
Subject: Communicating information from the School Committee’s Regular Meeting and Subcommittee meetings

To the Honorable, the City Council:

Last Tuesday, May 19th, the School Committee had a Regular Meeting where members voted to pass the FY21 budget proposal, with the understanding that there is still much work to be done and significant additional funds that will be necessary to adequately implement a COVID-19 Recovery Plan. Here is Dr. Salim’s presentation.

Please feel free to set up a time with me to discuss this further, prior to the June 3rd vote. I am happy to meet with each of you individually to ensure I can best answer any questions you may have.

The School Committee also voted to submit a letter of appeal to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education around the school year requirement, which will cost CPSD $2 million for 4 extra days in June. We hope to, instead, put that time and money toward a comprehensive COVID-19 Recovery Plan that provides direct support to our most vulnerable students-including the implementation of summer programming and additional instructional time next school year to address student learning loss. CPSD commits to expanding summer programming for students across the district, with lower student to teacher ratios to enable personalized instruction and support for individual learning needs. The School Committee commits to creating accountability structures to ensure that this happens.

The Building & Grounds Subcommittee met last Friday, May 22nd, to begin a series of conversations around how to develop guidelines and policies in planning for the potential reopening of schools in September.

Members of the CPSD administration presented on the status of their planning and big areas they are addressing-including building entry protocols, determining classroom capacity with social distancing measures, and hygiene measures. School Committee members raised important questions about the public use of school facilities for voting this election year, safe transportation for students, and the impact of building protocols on academic learning time.

The Governance Subcommittee also met last Friday, May 22nd, to review the existing code of ethics of the School Committee in the context of possibly incorporating restorative justice practices. The School Committee experienced turbulent times in 2019, which lead to a call for implementing restorative practices in the handling of future conflicts. CPS Conflict Mediator Chandra Banks helped guide the members in a discussion about effectively writing policy that is not punitive and sets a tone of community and transforming together. This will be an ongoing effort and an ongoing discussion for the School Committee members.

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

Respectfully,
Sumbul Siddiqui

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, web and TV only)

Tues, June 2
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (Sullivan Chamber, web and TV only)

Wed, June 3
6:00pm Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 School Department budget (Sullivan Chamber, web and TV only)

Thurs, June 4
9:00am Finance Committee Hearing (if necessary) (Sullivan Chamber, web and TV only)

Mon, June 15
5:30pm City Council Meeting - Budget Adoption (Sullivan Chamber, likely web and TV only)

Mon, June 22
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, likely web and TV only)

Mon, June 29
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, likely web and TV only)

Mon, July 27
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, likely web and TV only)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 1, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: June is Pride Month, a month in which we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s diversity and raise awareness about issues the LGBTQ+ community faces; and
WHEREAS: Every June, the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate the freedom to be their authentic selves; and
WHEREAS: Pride Month is also a time to celebrate the long history of LGBTQ+ activists who have fought to dismantle prejudice and advocate for equal rights; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is an ally to LGBTQ+ community and supports LGBTQ staff, residents and families in Cambridge and beyond; and
WHEREAS: That the City Council go on record recognizing June 2020 as Pride Month in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to (1) refresh the rainbow benches outside of City Hall, (2) paint the crosswalks in colors that represent the Trans Flag, the Pride Flag, the Bi Flag and the People of Color Pride Flag, and (3) light City Hall up in rainbow colors in recognition of Pride Month.

O-2 June 1, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has experienced heat waves in past years, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit for several consecutive days; and
WHEREAS: In years past, we have many public buildings open to residents to cool down; and
WHEREAS: The current pandemic has shuttered many public buildings to comply with public health guidance and reduce the amount of people congregating near one another; and
WHEREAS: The public regularly uses libraries, senior centers and youth centers as cooling centers during extremely hot weather, but these locations are currently closed for public health reasons; and
WHEREAS: DCR pools might reopen in the next phase of the State’s reopening plan, but these have not practical to some members of the public to cool down in years past, and might reclose if public health guidance requires it; and
WHEREAS: With so many unknowns about the longevity of the pandemic throughout the summer, the City must factor in the need for safe cooling centers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on efforts made to ensure that at least one accessible public building, with proper safety measures for social distancing and good hygiene, can be open during the summer for residents to cool down.

O-3 June 1, 2020 Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Governor Baker’s Emergency Order on March 25, 2020 included a ban on reusable bags and lifted all municipal bans and fees on plastic bags; and
WHEREAS: This ban was implemented to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which some studies suggested may be carried on reusable bags; and
WHEREAS: There are now studies that prove reusable bags are at least as safe as plastic, and likely more safe, yet the plastics industry has spread misinformation claiming that plastics are the only safe material to use when containing, storing, and transporting goods and food items during the pandemic; and
WHEREAS: Sierra Club Massachusetts and MassPIRG released a joint statement citing the dire need to combat the misinformation coming from plastic industry lobbyists with sound science and facts from public health officials; and
WHEREAS: The simultaneous public health crisis that we are experiencing at the moment is the environmental crisis, and the widespread use of plastics are a major contributor to both the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and our landfills; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance took effect on March 31, 2016, which significantly reduced single-use bag consumption; and
WHEREAS: It is imperative that we not let fear-based misinformation during this pandemic change the steps we have taken towards reduction in plastics consumption in our city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Council go on record urging the Governor to end the ban on reusable bags and allow municipalities to enforce their own bag restrictions; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Governor and state delegation.

O-4 June 1, 2020 Amended
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is offering COVID-19 testing to all Cambridge residents via a stand-alone testing center at the CHA East Cambridge Care Center (163 Gore St., Cambridge); and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge offered free COVID-19 testing in The Port neighborhood by appointment on May 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, and 30 at the Pisani Center, 131 Washington St; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge also completed free mobile COVID-19 testing in all Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) senior buildings between May 20-26; and
WHEREAS: North Cambridge has been identified as a potential hot spot for COVID-19 positive cases; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested work with Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer of the Cambridge Public Health Department, to expand testing to those living in North Cambridge, such as at the Fresh Pond Apartments.

O-5 June 1, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The students of Matignon High School Entrepreneurship Club have come up with the idea to change the name of the bus stop near Matignon High School in honor of the school’s namesake Father Francis Anthony Matignon; and
WHEREAS: In consultation with City Staff, the consensus was to change the name of the stop from “Massachusetts Avenue at Churchill Avenue” to “Matignon High School at Churchill Avenue”; and
WHEREAS: Matignon High School has been a staple in the community for over seven decades; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant City staff and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority to change the name of the bus stop from “Massachusetts Avenue at Churchill Avenue” to “Matignon High School at Churchill Avenue” and report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-6 June 1, 2020 Amended
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: June is national Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the significance of Caribbean people and their descendants in the history and culture of the United States; and
WHEREAS: This special month features events that celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and history of Caribbean people in the United States; and
WHEREAS: The combination of red, green, and gold symbolizes resistance, independence, strength, and Black empowerment throughout the Caribbean; and
WHEREAS: There is a long history of Caribbean-American people living and working in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: June 2019 was the first official celebration of Caribbean-American Heritage Month in Cambridge; and.
WHEREAS: The 2020 celebration will be different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but it is important to safely celebrate and uplift the community during this difficult time; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council declare the month of June 2020 to be Caribbean-American Heritage Month in the City of Cambridge; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council will work to suitably celebrate Caribbean-American Heritage Month, subject to the limitations imposed by the pandemic, including (but not limited to) lighting up city hall in red, green, and gold (yellow); and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Cambridge Carnival International, Authentic Caribbean Foundation, and the Institute of Caribbean Studies on behalf of the entire City Council.
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Nicola Williams, President of Cambridge Carnival International, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7 June 1, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: There has been a long and violent history of unarmed people of color falling victim to police brutality and an institutionally unjust legal system in the United States; and
WHEREAS: The recent tragic murders of George Floyd and Breona Taylor, who are just two of the countless Americans who have felt the devastating impacts of police violence, have sparked outrage from communities across the country as people take to the streets to protest these injustices; and
WHEREAS: Protestors across the country are experiencing horrific treatment as they call for justice, with children as young as nine being maced by police officers at protests, and with 4,000 protestors being arrested this past weekend, which could result in even more acts of police brutality while some remain in police custody; and
WHEREAS: Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Karen Bass (CA37), and Barbara Lee (CA-13) recently introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to address the glaring and appalling racial injustices present in our policing and justice systems; and
WHEREAS: This resolution condemns police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive and militarized force, while also documenting the history of systemic racism in America, recognizing generational trauma and continued brutality, and calling for police and criminal justice reform at every level of government; and
WHEREAS: Supporting this resolution would align with the City Council’s commitments to diversity, equity, accessibility, and “[eliminating] bias within the City workplace and wider community”; and
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and reinforced health disparities present in Cambridge and across the country, so it is paramount, now more than ever, that the City Council do everything it can to support and uplift communities of color; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of this resolution, as condemning police brutality, racial profiling, and the use of excessive and militarized force throughout the country, and as affirming its solidarity with people of color and all marginalized individuals who have historically suffered from an unjust criminal justice system; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Cambridge’s federal delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016

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

18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018

18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018

18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019

19-21. Report on the process for establishing a formal, thorough review of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership programs, incorporating a plan for obtaining and analyzing substantial quantitative data inclusive of all types of units.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/25/2019

19-22. Report on the feasibility of allowing small businesses to host live acoustic music performances without a license, and if feasible, present the City Council with a proposal to allow such performances.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019

19-45. Report on compiling a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 4/8/2019

19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019

19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019

19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019

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

19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019

19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019

19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019

19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019

19-106. Report on conducting City directed environmental testing on the Sullivan Courthouse building and water in basement, to determine the risk posed to the public, and provide a timeline of completion and to establish an operational understanding directly with DCAMM officials and ask for a state designee for communication/coordination on how the building will be secured and monitored.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 9/9/2019

19-123. Report on the feasibility of closing some portion of Harvard Square to vehicular traffic on a select number of days during the summer of 2020 to have open market-style events.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/7/2019

19-127. Report on instituting regularly scheduled public conversations between Public Utilities' representatives from Eversource, the Water Dept. Comcast, Verizon and any other appropriate entities to keep the City and public informed.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 10/7/2019

19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019

19-132. Report on planting new trees in Magazine Beach Park in the Spring of 2020 with a special focus on the eastern end of the park and the grove area.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-18) from 10/7/2019

19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019

19-137. Report on determining if ISD can be given the authority to issue citations for smoking in non-smoking buildings and to report back to the City Council.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) from 10/7/2019

19-139. Report on determining whether it would be possible to allow a permitted area for serving alcoholic beverages on Danehy Park property during special community-wide events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019

19-141. Report on looking into the idea of hiring a social worker in the FY2021 budget for the Central Square Library branch.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019

19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019

19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019

19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019

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

19-151. Report on the feasibility of making Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue between Roseland Street and Beech Street a quick-build Complete Street with bus priority.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019

19-153. Report on plans designed to mitigate the impact of the closing of Windsor House upon Cambridge seniors.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 11/4/2019

20-1. Report on the work that has been done to Support Small Business and the Arts through Tourism.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-2) from 1/13/2020

20-4. Report on the feasibility of instituting and funding a fare-free pilot bus program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 1/27/2020

20-5. Report on the potential for implementing sufficient traffic-calming solutions on Upton Street.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 1/27/2020

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

20-7. Report on reviewing the roles, responsibilities, and compensation of City Council Aides with an eye toward designating this as a full-time position.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 2/3/2020

20-8. Report on working with the residents in the vicinity of Eustis Street to implement traffic calming measures on this street.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 2/3/2020

20-9. Report on allocating the necessary funds, and develop a comprehensive public safety plan, including contingency plans so that the event can take place in a secure time and place, even in the presence of significant threats that can be anticipated.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #2) from 2/3/2020

20-10. Report on renaming the Agassiz neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 2/10/2020

20-11. Report on the process for renaming the maintenance area within the Ryan Garage at 147 Hampshire Street in honor of Sydney Cox, with this becoming known as the “Sydney James Cox Maintenance Facility.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 2/10/2020

20-12. Report on the feasibility of instituting a program to install rings on parking meters to expand bicycle parking options.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 2/10/2020

20-13. Report on expanding the Head Start program hours and adding additional scholarships to improve access to high-quality, early childhood educational resources.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 2/10/2020

20-15. Report on the feasibility of limiting the number of Saturdays and holidays any one developer can be permitted for any one construction project.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 2/24/2020

20-16. Report on the feasibility of eliminating Library fines.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-3) from 2/24/2020

20-18. Report on the feasibility of implementing additional dedicated bus lanes, as well as fully separate protected bicycle lanes.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) from 2/24/2020

20-19. Report on producing a Request For Proposal for the municipal broadband feasibility study that was called for by the City's Broadband Task Force in August 2016.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 2/24/2020

20-21. Report on preparing a report on any steps the city has taken to work towards developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 3/2/2020

20-22. Report on working with the Inspectional Service Department to increase the fines for absentee property owners who continue to have violations stemming for rodent infestations.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 3/16/2020

20-23. Report on implementing Simple Recycling' s curbside textile recycling program and report back to the Council on this matter in a timely manner.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 5/11/2020

20-24. Report on working with DPW to begin distributing Gator Bags.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 5/18/2020