Cambridge City Council meeting - June 4, 2018 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order authorizing the City Manager for transfer appropriations of available balances prior to the close of the books for FY17-18.
Order Adopted 9-0
Agenda Item Number 1 June 4, 2018
ORDERED: That pursuant to the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 33B, and prior to the close of books for FY18, the City Manager is hereby authorized to transfer appropriations from allotments with available balances to those needing supplementation.
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $605,160 in the General Fund between School Department statutory accounts as follows: $572,348 from the Salary and Wages account and $32,812 from Travel & Training Account to the School Other Ordinary Maintenance account $604,430 and $730 to the Extraordinary Expenses Account. The reallocations are for school improvement and professional development plans for all schools.
Order Adopted 9-0
3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $125,000 in mitigation funds received from the Novartis’ Special District 15 building project (Ordinance #1338) to the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. The funds will be offered through the City’s HomeBridge program pilot for homebuyers who are not eligible for CPA funds offered through HomeBridge.
Order Adopted 9-0
4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $134,835 in mitigation funds received from the Forest City’s 300 Massachusetts Avenue building project (Ordinance #1354) to the Grant Fund Community Development Other Ordinary Maintenance Account to fund the HomeBridge program.
Order Adopted 9-0
5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $619,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Emergency Communications Extraordinary Expenditures account which will fund the replacement of approximately twenty (20) two-way portable radios and eighty two (82) mobile radios for Critical Infrastructure to support the radio system for Public Safety.
Order Adopted 9-0
6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $575,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will fund the replacement of a 1999 Pierce Pumper Fire Truck.
Order Adopted 9-0
7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 in Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Human Services Extraordinary Expenditures account for the purpose of renovating the basement space at 51 Inman Street for the Center for Families and Baby U staff.
Order Adopted 9-0
8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following person as a member of the Family Policy Council for a term of three years, effective June 1, 2018: Neal Michaels
Placed on File
June 4, 2018
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the reappointment of the following person to the Family Policy Council for a term of three years, effective June 1, 2018: Neal Michaels
Neal was the first Executive Director of the Family Policy Council, and he has been a valuable member of the Council since 1998. Before retiring from the Department of Children and Families, he served as the State Agency representative and currently serves as a Community-at-Large representative. Neal is also a member of the Family Policy Council Executive Committee and serves as the Co-Chair. Neal has been extremely active in the Birth-3rd Grade Partnership, and volunteers a great deal of time as one of the Co-Chairs for the Health Subcommittee. Neal grew up in Cambridge and raised his children here. He is deeply committed to the well-being of our families and their children.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the new appointments and reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Council on Aging Board effective June 1, 2018. New appointments: JoAnn Haas, Beverly Sealey and Edna Joy Stamp. Reappointments: Mary Ann Dalton, Lily Owyang, Jennifer Chisholm and Officer Daniel Burroso.
Placed on File
June 4, 2018
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the new appointments and reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Council on Aging Board effective June 1, 2018.
New Appointments:
JoAnn Haas (Community Representative, 3-year term)
Ms. Haas is a strong advocate for the promotion of social services, recreational activities, educational opportunities as well as health and safety information to all Seniors. She has previously served on the Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Ms. Haas will be a strong advocate in the intersection of the Disabled and Senior Community, promoting safety and accessibility for all and encouraging Aging in Place. Her knowledge of both the Senior and Disabled Persons service network would be an asset to the Board.Dr. Beverly Sealey (Community Representative, 3-year term)
Dr. Sealey is a long time Cambridge resident and has a strong desire to "give back" to her community. She is a clinical social worker, and has provided casework/counseling services to children, adolescence and families. She holds a tenured faculty position as Associate Professor, teaching social welfare policy and advocacy and social action courses at Simmons College, School of Social Work where she earned a Doctorate of Philosophy. Her dissertation focused on Race and Disparities in Sentencing in the Criminal Justice System in Massachusetts, Among Black and White Men. Dr. Sealey has expressed interest in advocating for the protection of older adults, specifically around abuse and self-neglect.Edna Joy Stamp (Community Representative, 3-year term)
Ms. Stamp has been an active participant of the Cambridge Senior Centers. She is a current member of the Somerville Cambridge Elder Services Board. As a resident of Cambridge and licensed social worker, she has an interest in advocating for senior issues, particularly affordable housing and supportive home services. Ms. Stamp advocates for the wellbeing of older adults in the community. Her knowledge of the senior services network would serve will be valuable to the Council on Aging Board.Reappointments:
Mary Ann Dalton (Agency Representative, 2-year term)
Ms. Dalton is the Assistant Director at Somerville Cambridge Elder Services (SCES). It is important to have a representative from SCES on the COA Board as the two agencies collaborate in the congregate meals program for seniors. SCES serves as the Area Agency on Aging for the Cambridge community. Ms. Dalton serves as a great advocate for senior issues.Lily Owyang (Community Representative, 3-year term)
Ms. Owyang has served on the Board for the past 3 years and is the current Board President. She has been an active participant at the Senior Center and an advocate for senior issues. During her professional career, Ms. Owyang served in a variety of teaching and administrative positions in colleges and universities. In her retirement, she continues to write, teach and serve as a consultant to higher education institutions.Jennifer Chisholm (Agency Representative, 2-year term)
Ms. Chisholm has been employed at CASCAP, Inc. since 2008. She is a service coordinator in the Cambridge senior housing buildings and a strong advocate for seniors. She works with seniors and tenants with disabilities and assists with various issues such as counseling, housing related issues, and access to benefits.Police Officer Daniel Burroso (Agency Representative, 2-year term)
Officer Burroso has served on the Board for the past two years. Prior to his appointment, he attended meetings regularly to provide information to the Board members on various scams and crimes impacting older adults. He facilitates a monthly Senior Safety session at the Senior Center, as well as at other community senior buildings. He is also a current member of the Cambridge Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition.Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to new appointments and reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Board of Trustees of the Cambridge Health Alliance effective July 1, 2018. New Appointments: Brian Burke, Dennis Benzan and Alexander White, MD. Reappointments: Marian Darlington-Hope, Madge Kaplan, Mark Puleo, Katharine Kosinski, MD, and Joshua Posner.
Placed on File
June 4, 2018
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the reappointments and new appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Cambridge Health Alliance, effective July 1, 2018:
New Members:
Brian Burke (Cambridge seat - 2-year term)
Mr. Burke has dedicated his career to shaping public policy in the areas of technology, cyber security, privacy, energy, and the environment while representing corporations, federal agencies, and individuals. As Senior Director of Corporate External and Legal Affairs at Microsoft, Brian is on the leadership team at Microsoft’s Northeast Research and Development Center (NERD) and is responsible for legal, regulatory, corporate citizenship, and public policy matters. Brian is a graduate of Brown University and Georgetown University Law Center and began his legal career as a trial attorney with the United States Department of Justice. Brian serves on the Boards of Directors of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. He is also a pro bono attorney for Kids in Need of Defense (KIND). Brian was born in Cambridge, attended Cambridge Public Schools, and currently resides in Cambridge with his family.Dennis Benzan (Cambridge seat - 3-year term)
Dennis was born and raised in Cambridge and the son of immigrants from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. He was elected to the Cambridge City Council in 2013, as the first Latino ever elected to the Cambridge City Council. As Vice Mayor, Dennis focused much of his work on Affordable Housing, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) workforce training, and the Opioid drug crisis. Dennis is a graduate of Howard University and Roger Williams University School of Law. He is currently a senior associate at Altman and Altman, LLP and the co-owner of La Fabrica Central in Central Square.Alexander White, MD (Medical Staff seat - 1 year term)
Dr. White is the Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, and has been with CHA since 2015. In his short 2.5 years at CHA, he has focused his efforts on growing and strengthening the department and ensuring that his service provides excellent, timely, efficient specialty care for all patients, while meeting the consultative needs of other CHA colleagues. Prior to joining CHA in August 2015, Dr. White was the Chief Quality Officer (CQO) at New England Sinai Hospital and, subsequently Chief Medical Officer (Vice President for Medical Affairs) at Steward Carney Hospital. Dr. White has received formal training in hospital quality at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and in leadership at the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. White completed his medical training at Trinity College, University of Dublin and completed his fellowship in pulmonary and critical care medicine at New England Medical Center.Reappointments:
Marian Darlington-Hope (3-year term)
Ms. Darlington-Hope is a resident of Cambridge, a Principal at Global Learning Partners, a consulting firm which focuses on the transformative power of learning through dialogue. Ms. Darlington Hope draws upon her over 25 years of experience as a university professor and administrator to help create learning environments and design curriculums which meet her clients' unique needs.Madge Kaplan (3-year term)
Ms. Kaplan is a resident of Cambridge who serves as the Director of Communications for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). In this capacity, Ms. Kaplan is responsible for developing new and innovative means for IHI to communicate stories of health care policy change and policy implications emerging from the world of quality improvement in the United States and internationally.Mark Puleo (3-year term)
Mr. Puleo is a resident of Everett. He currently serves as the Vice President of Client Services for NGP VAN, Inc., a leading technology provider which offers an integrated platform of the best fundraising, compliance, field, organization, digital and social networking products. He also serves as the Co-Editor and Publisher of The Brazilian Magazine, a bilingual publication serving the Brazilian Community in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.Katharine Kosinski, MD (3-year term)
Dr. Kosinski is a Cambridge resident who worked at CHA for more than 25 years, most recently as Chief of Pathology.Joshua Posner (1-year term)
Mr. Posner has developed affordable housing over 25 years in a wide variety of settings in New England and other parts of the United States. Mr. Posner founded Rising Tide Development LLC in 2001 to focus on the creation of new small-scale, mixed-income residential communities in Massachusetts.Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
11. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $370,300.73 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grant program income to the Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures Account which will be used to increase funds available to continue the development of affordable housing for residents.
Order Adopted 9-0
CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a detailed accounting of locations, if any, where Cured-In-Place Plastic Pipe (CIPP) and other plastic pipes currently exists in Cambridge, when it was installed, and why there was no public process for such a potentially hazardous change in water policy.
Placed on File - Devereux
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to submit the attached Home Rule Petition that would authorize the City of Cambridge to include as part of the Inman Square Intersection Safety Improvements Project (“Project”) the planned reconfiguration of the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in the Inman Square area of the City (hereinafter, “Inman Square”) as well as a portion of the land that makes up Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci Community Plaza (“Vellucci Plaza”).
Order Adopted 6-3 [Carlone, Devereux, Mallon, McGovern, Siddiqui, Zondervan - YES; Kelley, Simmons, Toomey - NO]
3. That the City Manager is requested to create a structured commercial tax rate system for FY20 that prioritizes lowering the tax rate for small businesses.
Order Adopted as Amended by Substitution [Note: The "Final Actions" on the City website does not yet show the amended language.]
Amended Order O-3 (May 21, 2018) June 4, 2018
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s commercial tax rate of $14.81 per thousand dollars of value is applied equally to all commercial property owners (accounting for 65.4% of the property tax levy for that year) regardless of their size, applying a flat tax to the City’s largest and smallest businesses; and
WHEREAS: The City has been able to reduce the commercial tax rate for five consecutive years, and decreased the tax rate by 8.1% between FY17 and FY18; and
WHEREAS: Landlords who might wish to offer and maintain below market rate rents for their commercial properties are still taxed on the property’s assessed value, removing any financial incentive for trying to keep rents low for certain tenants; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has repeatedly heard about the challenges facing Cambridge’s small business community and has voiced its commitment to supporting a diverse, locally-owned small business ecosystem; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Director of Assessment to draft a Home Rule Petition creating a program that takes into account landlords who are offering and maintaining below market leases and other means to lower costs for small businesses, and to report back to the Council on any progress prior to releasing next year’s tax rate.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 14 Magazine Street, requesting permission for a temporary banner across Massachusetts Avenue at City Hall announcing the Grecian Festival June 11th - June 18th.
Order Adopted
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Ed White, 2 Highland Park, regarding the proposed project to destroy Vellucci Park in Inman Square.
2. A communication was received from Nina Mukherji, 13 Marcella Street, regarding a safe Inman Square.
3. A communication was received from Bret Matthew, 124 Amory Street, regarding Inman Square intersection redesign.
4. A communication was received from Doug Healy, regarding Inman Square bike lanes.
5. A communication was received from Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street, regarding Inman Square improvement project.
6. A communication was received from Joanna Herlihy, 410 Norfolk Street, regarding Vellucci Plaza project.
7. A communication was received from Josiah Bonsey, 16 Prentiss Street, regarding composting for small business.
8. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding explanation of Policy Order #5 of May 21, 2018, eviction data collection.
9. A communication was received from Becca Wolfson, regarding Vision Zero coalition support for Inman Square re-design.
10. A communication was received from Abra Berkowitz, 253 1/2 Broadway, regarding support of Policy Orders #143, #144, #146 also City Managers Agenda item #4, as of May 21, 2018.
11. A communication was received from Megan Brook, 103 Inman Street, regarding Inman Square redesign.
12. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding cosmic self.
13. A communication was received from Kenneth Eisenberg, 200 Hampshire Street, regarding opposition to the proposed Inman Square redesign.
14. A communication was received from Gary Mello, Franklin Street, regarding two positions posted by the Election Department.
15. A communication was received from Sarah Kleinschmidt, 641 Green Street, regarding a safer Inman Square.
16. A communication was received from Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street, regarding Inman Square design approval.
17. A communication was received from Adrianna San Roman, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
18. A communication was received from Jonathan Fertig, regarding support for Inman Square redesign.
19. A communication was received from Esther Landesman, regarding approval of the Inman Square redesign project.
20. A communication was received from Daniel Shugrue, regarding thinking for the continued support for the Inman Square protected Bike Lanes.
21. A communication was received from Kathleen Millis-Curran, regarding support for the Inman Square Redesign Project.
22. A communication was received from Jim Kochman, 20 Greenough Avenue, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
23. A communication was received from Ryan Grams, 48 Magazine Street, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
24. A communication was received from Hugh Russell, 1 Corliss Place, regarding vote no on Inman Square Redesign Project.
25. A communication was received from Erin Donohue, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
26. A communication was received from Alex Anderson, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
27. A communication was received from Arnaud Henry, 150 Pearl Street, regarding having a required City Council hearing for Inman Square design approval.
28. A communication was received from Susan Ringler, 82 Kinnard Street, regarding having a required City Council hearing for Inman Square design approval.
29. A communication was received from Annelise Blombeg, Lincoln Parkway, Somerville, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
30. A communication was received from Lena Webb, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
31. A communication was received from Olivia Fiske, regarding saving Vellucci Park and Inman Square.
32. A communication was received from Michael Weber, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
33. A communication was received from Jeanne Garrison, 71 Tremont Street, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
34. A communication was received from John MacDougall, 175 Richdale Avenue, regarding support for Inman Street Redesign Project.
35. A communication was received from Robert J. LaTremouille, Chair, Friends of the White Geese, regarding the reality of the vote on City Manager Agenda Item #2, as of May 21, 2018.
36. A communication was received from Andrew McFarland, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
37. A communication was received from Gretchen Friesinger, 18 Orchard Street, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
38. A communication was received from Sheila Irvine, regarding support for Inman Square Redesign Project.
39. A communication was received from George Schneelock, 81 School Street, Somerville, urging the City Council to vote in favor of the Inman Square Redesign.
40. A communication was received from Michael Davidson, 14 Notre Dame Street, transmitting an environmental argument for the redesign of Inman Square.
41. A communication was received from Sofia Bernstein, 146 Larch Road, in support of erecting a statute to honor the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Right to vote.
42. A communication was received from Kim Bernstein, 146 Larch Road, in support of erecting a statute to honor the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Right to vote.
43. A communication was received from Charles Jessup Franklin, 162 Hampshire Street, urging the City Council not to put on hold the Inman Square project.
44. A communication was received from Laura Borrelli, 459 Broadway, in support of the new plan for Inman Square which creates a visual for the lanes for everyone.
45. A communication was received from Sara Mae Berman, 23 Fayette Street, outlining problems with the City’s proposal for Inman Square.
46. A communication was received from Susan Markowitz, 20 Oak Street, in support of the City’s plan for Inman Square.
47. A communication was received from Richard Krushnic, 20 Oak Street, in favor of the approving the current plan for Inman Square.
48. A communication was received from Sharon DeVos, 118 Antrim Street, regarding the process for the Inman Square project.
49. A communication was received from Nancy Messom, 166 Hampshire Street, relating to the tree loss with the Inman Square project.
50. A communication was received from Edward Woll, 79 Dana Street, in opposition to the home rule petition for Inman Square.
51. A communication was received from Debra Mandel, 242 Hampshire Street, regarding the future of Inman Square.
52. A communication was received from Laurin Stoler, 23 Inman Street, in support of moving part of the Vellucci Plaza to the opposition site of the street in the redesign of Inman Square.
53. A communication was received from Florrie Wescoat, 33 Market Street, in support of keeping Vellucci Plaza.
54. A communication was received from Judy Johnson, 55 Antrim Street, transmitting three communications relating to the redesign plans for Inman Square.
55. A communication was received from John Pitkin, 18 Fayette Street, requesting that the City Council conduct a public hearing to review the impacts of the Inman Square project on the tree canopy in Inman Square.
56. A communication was received from Antony Iarrobino, 19 Murdock Street, with his concerns about the plans for Inman Square as a bicyclist.
57. A communication was received from Megan Brook, 103 Inman Street, requesting better information before embarking on an unproven project for Inman Square which will cause years of disruption and pollution.
58. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding the homelessness crisis.
59. A communication was received from Fritz Donovan, 42 Irving Street, regarding the Inman Square project.
60. A communication was received from Jeanne Gamson, Tremont Street, urging approval and expediting the Inman Square traffic plan.
61. A communication was received from Phyllis Bretholtz, 65 Antrim Street, in favor of the City’s plan to redesign Inman Square.
62. A communication was received from Kosta Filiotis, 330 Harvard Street, in support of the Inman Square redesign moving forward.
63. A communication was received from Craig Far, 872 Massachusetts Avenue, in support of the Inman Square Redesign.
64. Sundry communications received regarding the redesign of Inman Square.
65. Sundry communications received in support of the I-90 Improvement Project.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Thanks to Risa Mednick for her many years of dedicated service to the Transition House. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern
2. Congratulations to David Kanode. Councillor Simmons
3. Retirement of Glenn Turner from the Fire Department. Mayor McGovern
4. Resolution on the death of Chester "Chet" Mitchell. Councillor Toomey
5. Congratulating Brazilian Magazine on the occasion of their 11th Anniversary celebration occurring on June 11th. Councillor Toomey
6. Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month. Mayor McGovern
7. Resolution on the death of Marie August. Councillor Toomey
8. Celebrating Loving Day. Mayor McGovern
9. Congratulations to Alvin Carter III on the occasion of his Graduation from Northeastern University School of Law. Councillor Siddiqui
10. Wishing Elie Yarden a Happy 95th Birthday. Councillor Zondervan
11. Best wishes to KultureCity on occasion of their 5th Anniversary Fundraiser Event. Councillor Toomey
12. Congratulating New Police Department Promotions. Mayor McGovern
R-12 June 4, 2018
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Police Commissioner Bard announced the promotions of Lieutenant C. Daniel Wagner to the rank of Deputy Superintendent, Sergeant Antonio Ayala to the rank of Lieutenant, and Officers Paul Gallagher, Michael Medeiros, and Paul Coutinho to the rank of Sergeant; and
WHEREAS: Already valuable members of the Cambridge Police Department and community, these individuals will bring important leadership qualities to their new roles; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record congratulating Deputy Superintendent Wagner, Lieutenant Ayala, Sergeant Gallagher, Sergeant Medeiros, and Sergeant Coutinho on their promotions, and thanking them for their services rendered thus far on behalf of a grateful City, and wishing them the best of luck in their new roles; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to each of the newly promoted individuals.
13. Congratulations to the CRLS Black Student Union graduating Seniors. Councillor Simmons
14. Resolution on the death of Irv Dottin. Councillor Simmons
ORDERS
1. Issues to be resolved on the I-90 Interchange Project. Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted
2. Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Barnes Way Dedication. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted
3. Advancing Homelessness Issues Docket. Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted
4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and any other relevant departments to explore starting a Citizens’ Academy in Cambridge. Councillor Mallon
Order Adopted
5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Cambridge Women’s Commission, the Cambridge Arts Council, and the Community Development Department to commission a public art piece, statue, or memorial that would commemorate the dedication of women in Cambridge to passing the Nineteenth Amendment. Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee for a public hearing held on May 24, 2018 to discuss the City of Cambridge getting to NET Zero Action Plan.
Report Accepted, Placed on File
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Transportation & Public Utilities Committee, for a public hearing held on May 22, 2018 to follow up on Policy Order #7 of Mar 5, 2018 on the future of dock-less bikes in Cambridge.
Report Accepted, Placed on File
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM OTHER CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from City Clerk Donna P. Lopez, transmitting a communication from Mayor McGovern, transmitting amendments to Policy Order #3 of May 21, 2018 regarding the creation of a structured tax rate system for FY20.
Referred to Calendar Item #3
To: The Honorable, the Cambridge City Council
From: Marc C. McGovern, Mayor
Date: May 31, 2018
Subject: Proposed Amendments to Policy Order #3Subsequent to the introduction on Mon, May 21, of Council Policy Order #3, “That the City Manager is requested to create a structured commercial tax rate system for FY20 that prioritizes lowering the tax rate for small businesses,” our Office has been in communication with the Director of Assessment to build upon the purpose stated therein to support a diverse, locally-owned small business ecosystem by lowering costs to those proprietors. A potential program that would allow the Assessing Department to take into account landlords who are offing and maintaining below market leases is being vetted through the appropriate municipal and state departments.
In order to allow those conversations to continue, we have been asked to amend the policy order in a way that grants the City more flexibility in fulfilling the stated goals. Attached are amendments which will be proposed at Monday’s meeting, and are submitted here to allow the public an advance reading.
Sincerely,
Marc McGovernPropose to Amend Policy Order #3 by substituting the following:
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s commercial tax rate of $14.81 per thousand dollars of value is applied equally to all commercial property owners (accounting for 65.4% of the property tax levy for that year) regardless of their size, applying a flat tax to the City’s largest and smallest businesses; and
WHEREAS: The City has been able to reduce the commercial tax rate for five consecutive years, and decreased the tax rate by 8.1% between FY17 and FY18; and
WHEREAS: Landlords who might wish to offer and maintain below market rate rents for their commercial properties are still taxed on the property’s assessed value, removing any financial incentive for trying to keep rents low for certain tenants; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has repeatedly heard about the challenges facing Cambridge’s small business community and has voiced its commitment to supporting a diverse, locally-owned small business ecosystem; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Director of Assessment to draft a Home Rule Petition creating a program that takes into account landlords who are offering and maintaining below market leases and other means to lower costs for small businesses, and to report back to the Council on any progress prior to releasing next year’s tax rate.
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 4
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 5
12:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an overview on car sharing. (Ackerman Room)
Wed, June 6
1:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the role and duties of the Police officer assigned to City Hall. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, June 7
2:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Street Performers Ordinance in section 12.16.170 in the Municipal code. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 11
5:30pm The City Council will hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting for the purpose of discussing Envision Cambridge. This meeting will be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 12
3:00pm Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, June 13
4:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. (Ackerman Room)
Mon, June 18
4:30pm 2018 Volunteer Awards Ceremony (Sullivan Chambers)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 19
3:00pm Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the whole licensing and permitting process and to discuss ways to make it more efficient. (Ackerman Room)
Wed, June 20
4:00pm The Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the potential for a City-based Cannabis Social Equity Program, focusing on ways to reduce barriers to entry in the commercial Cannabis industry, particularly for women and minority-owned businesses; review best equity practices from other states; and promote sustainable, socially and economically reparative practices in the commercial Cannabis industry in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, June 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, June 26
3:30pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City's Cyber Security Policy. (Ackerman Room)
Wed, June 27
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Zoning petition received from Douglas Brown et al to amend the zoning in Section 20.70 Flood Overlay district and the creation of a new Section 22.80 - Green Factor. This Hearing is to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues July 24
1:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive a follow-up on a response received from the City Manager on May 14, 2018 regarding electric vehicles and the originating Policy Order #6 adopted Jan 29, 2018 (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, July 30
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 4, 2018
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: On Feb 18, 2018, the Certificate of the Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Allston I-90 Interchange project was issued; and
WHEREAS: The Secretary of Energy & Environmental Affairs requested that MassDOT reconvene the Stakeholder Task Force, which includes Cambridge representatives, and confer with community representatives to ensure that the concerns and needs of all impacted communities are reflected in the design; and
WHEREAS: The Certificate called for continuing study and development of a “Preferred Alternative” from the State; and now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to transmit the City’s concerns about issues still to be resolved for the Allston I-90 Interchange project and urge that the stakeholder process be promptly reconvened to review outstanding work to respond to the Certificate; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to communicate to MassDOT the issues requiring follow-up to the issuance of the I-90 Certificate that are pertinent to Cambridge, including access to and from Cambridge, noise, impact on parklands, and also about next steps in the development of the “Preferred Alternative”; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to transmit a suitably engrossed copy of this Order with comments to be provided by the City Manager and CDD to the office of Secretary Pollack, Secretary Beaton and the Cambridge State Delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-2 June 4, 2018
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request for a street corner dedication in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. and Grace Barnes Way in the vicinity of Broadway and east of Clark Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.
O-3 June 4, 2018
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Cambridge has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to serving residents experiencing homelessness with compassion and urgency, demonstrating that obligation recently by opening a Winter Warming Center in Central Square, making public toilets available, establishing an Opioid Working Group to advise the City Manager on the continuing health epidemic, and dedicating $23.9 million in FY19 to housing and homelessness; and
WHEREAS: Despite these efforts, Cambridge still has roughly 500 homeless individuals in our shelters and on our streets each night, deprived of basic human rights and lacking access to needed mental health services—conditions that hit homeless youth and families hardest; and
WHEREAS: Several bills making their way through Beacon Hill will give state agencies and municipalities new tools to combat homelessness and to ensure that every individual in Massachusetts, each endowed with certain unalienable rights, is treated fairly and with dignity; and
WHEREAS: An Act Relative to Assisting Elders and People with Disabilities in the Commonwealth (Bill H.2077 & Bill S.2039) would increase Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children Program, remove that 70 percent benefit reduction for homeless individuals, and increase the allowable personal asset limit from $250 to $2,500; and
WHEREAS: An Act Creating a Bill of Rights for People Experiencing Homelessness (Bill H.695 & Bill S.46) would prevent discrimination based on housing status, and expand rights to move freely in public spaces, receive equal access to municipal services, and register to vote and to vote; and
WHEREAS: An Act to Further Provide a Rental Arrearage Program (Bill H.84) would reestablish a rental arrearage program for families, individuals, and unaccompanied youth with incomes up to 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; and
WHEREAS: An Act to Protect Families Experiencing Homelessness from Having to Sleep in Unsafe Places (Bill H.659) opens access to Emergency Access for families without having to first demonstrate that they have stayed in places not meant for human habitation, policies that An Act to End Child Homelessness (Bill H.115) would also advance; and
WHEREAS: An Act to Prevent Homelessness among Recipients of Transitional Assistance (Bill H.114) provides stability to individuals and families through a new homelessness prevention and early intervention program within the Department of Transitional Assistance; and
WHEREAS: An Act to Provide Identification to Homeless Youth and Families (Bill H. 2737 & Bill S.1906) would make accessing a Massachusetts identification card easier for certain individuals experiencing homelessness by eliminating fees that some may find prohibitive; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council ardently supports the aforementioned bills awaiting action in the House and Senate, and requests its elected delegation in both bodies to actively work on moving these measures out of their respective committees and on toward adoption; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the members of Cambridge’s legislative delegation.
O-4 June 4, 2018
COUNCILLOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge welcomes many new residents each year, and there are both challenges and opportunities in moving to a new community; and
WHEREAS: There is no shortage of opportunities for new residents to get involved in Cambridge, but the City should look to create a unique opportunity to connect with newcomers to City government, encourage diversity in our public participation process, and foster a sense of community among new residents; and
WHEREAS: Cities in Massachusetts such as Lexington and Pittsfield have started “Citizens’ Academies”, which offer new residents in-person classes over a period of several months that acclimate newcomers to City services, offer ways to get involved in municipal government, and educate about the opportunities that their new communities have to offer; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and any other relevant departments to explore starting a Citizens’ Academy in Cambridge.
O-5 June 4, 2018
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: August 2020 marks the centennial of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, granting women the right to vote in the United States; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has a long, progressive history of women’s suffrage, including granting women the right to vote in school committee elections in 1879; and
WHEREAS: Women in Cambridge were active participants in the suffrage movement, founding organizations like the Cambridge Political Equality Association, the Cambridge Woman Suffrage Association, and the Harvard Women Suffrage Campaign Committee, which fought for full enfranchisement of women until the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Political Equality Association and the Cambridge Woman Suffrage Association merged and later became the widely known Cambridge League of Women Voters; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge women involved in these organizations spearheaded a grassroots movement for their full right to the ballot by holding rallies, knocking on doors, and petitioning both the City and the legislature; and
WHEREAS: Despite the groundbreaking work of these women and their tireless efforts to gain the right to vote, there is no monument to their activism in the City, and while some existing City monuments appear to have female figures (the Irish Famine Monument on the Common, the Revolutionary silhouette figure at Fort Washington Park, and the Park Bench Group in the Pine Street Tot Lot), none of these figures represent an actual, historical woman, and there is currently no monument to the Cambridge Women’s Suffrage movement; and
WHEREAS: The only physical reminder of the Cambridge Women’s Suffrage movement, their headquarters at 560 Massachusetts Avenue, was demolished in 1925; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Cambridge Women’s Commission, the Cambridge Arts Council, and the Community Development Department to commission a public art piece, statue, or memorial that would commemorate the dedication of women in Cambridge to passing the Nineteenth Amendment; and be it further
ORDERED: That this project be completed by August of 2020, in time to celebrate the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment and women’s suffrage; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council regarding the progress and timeline of this project in a timely manner.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on May 24, 2018 at 1:33pm in the Ackermann Room.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the City of Cambridge getting to NET Zero Action Plan: Fiscal Year 2017 progress report as well as the Low Carbon Energy Supply Strategy and to receive a general update on the NET Zero Action Plan.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Zondervan, Co-Chair of the Committee; Councillor Carlone; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Owen O’Riordan, Commissioner of Public Works; Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department; Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Transportation and Environmental Planning, CDD; Seth Federspiel, Sustainability Planner, CDD; Calvin Lindsay, Director, 22 Cityview; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Mina Reddy, 103 Auburn Street; Ginger Ryan, 35 Chestnut Street; Florrie Wescoat, 33 Market Street; Melissa Ludtke, 30 Buena Vista Park; and Henrietta Davis, 120 Chestnut Street.
Councillor Zondervan convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He announced that the hearing was being audio and video recorded by 22CityView.
Councillor Zondervan stated that this began five years ago where a zoning petition was filed which led to the Net Zero Action Zoning and Plan. The Net Zero team is producing annual progress report. This hearing will review the 2017 progress report.
Ms. Farooq turned the hearing over to Mr. Federspiel who gave a PowerPoint Presentation (ATTACHMENT A). Mr. Federspiel stated that in FY17 it was the second implementation year for the Net Zero Action Plan. He stated that the annual report consists of three parts; qualitative action updates, quantitative action outputs and quantitative project outcomes. He stated that this hearing focus on the first two. He gave an overview of the FY 17 goals, progress, barriers and the next steps.
The first action plan was Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings. The goal is to reduce energy use in existing buildings by retrofits and improved operations. He spoke about the custom retrofit program. This includes 1300 residential units. Energy and solar assessments are done. This will be scaled up and will be provided to larger buildings. He spoke about the additional BEUDO requirements and in FY17 the requirements were reviewed to determine which buildings would be impacted by the new requirements. He stated that the Phase I data analysis is complete and this is currently in Phase 2. He stated that two out of four meetings have been held on this. There have been creative problem solving. He stated an assessment may be an option and then the retrofit program could be utilized.
The second detailed action plan is Net Zero New Construction with a goal to enable low carbon new construction. He spoke about market based incentive program. He stated that developers stated that a sizable incentive would be required. An independent market incentive may not be viable. Mr. Federspiel stated that height and FAR was the best incentives for developers. What the magnetized amount of a bonus is being reviewed.
He stated that increasing the green building requirements in the Zoning Ordinance is a regulatory action by the City. He stated that the standards are set in the State Building Code and local requirements have no authority to set standards. The zoning language is being developed on this and will be presented to the City Council in the near future.
He spoke about the Net Zero requirement for municipal buildings and cited the building located at 859 Mass. Avenue and the King Open buildings are examples of net zero municipal buildings. He spoke about retrofitting existing building. There were six renewal energy projects. Councillor Carlone asked for these buildings as an example. Commissioner O’Riordan responded they are the Kennedy Longfellow, Senior Center, new patio on the first floor, Fletcher Academy, 859 Mass. Avenue and the retrofit of the Taylor Square Fire House and the Third Street Fire Station.
Mr. Federspiel stated that zoning language will be forthcoming to remove the barriers to increase exterior installation during residential building renovations. LEED and zoning language will be sent to the City Council in the future.
The third action plan was Energy Supply with a goal to replace fossil fuels with low carbon energy supply strategy. He explained that a consultant was hired to do a low carbon energy supply strategy study; the study was completed in FY17.
He stated that 3.2 roof top solar ready requirements goal was to implement solar ready requirements for new buildings in Cambridge based on recommendations made. He explained that the state code only applies to up to three story building and that this is a conflict for taller buildings. He stated that California requires that new construction install solar. He stated that the development of a Memorandum of Understanding with the local utilities companies, Eversource and Veolia, are going slower than hoped.
Councillor Carlone asked are there concerns with losing the market or clientele. Mr. Federspiel responded in the negative. There is a request about data sharing, infrastructure improvement and the utilities plan for infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Federspiel stated that Action 4 is to investigate creating a local carbon fund and to review what this fund would look like. In FY 17 the study began and now the program design of how this fund would work is being looked at.
Action 5 is the community engagement and capacity building. Mr. Federspiel stated that in FY17 there was an effort to communicate the result of the Net Zero Action Plan with the community. He stated that there have been Hubway ads and a Net Zero Action plan newsletter is being created. He spoke about the capacity to manage the Net Zero plan and getting to a net zero project. FY20 the program will be reviewed. Mr. Federspiel commented that the labs are the hardest buildings to attain net zero. A study of where energy is used in the labs has been developed and now the work is looking at reducing the use of energy.
Mr. Federspiel outlined the FY19 Key Actions.
Councillor Carlone noted that when a building is upgraded when it is renovated there may be a requirement that they need to be renovated within 10 years. He stated that if this is added then building owners may consider doing more renovations.
Councillor Zondervan asked for more information about the retrofit program. Mr. Federspiel stated that the goal is to make retrofit easier. Residential building can get a free assessment. Cambridge is trying to take the state programs and tapering them to Cambridge buildings. The City works closely with the utilities who are implementing these programs. He stated that the state is rewriting the statewide plan. They are now including renewables and are including renters. Councillor Zondervan spoke about the municipal standards and the target of 2020. He asked where is the City with this. Mr. Federspiel stated that the Net Zero ready approach has been adopted. The key terms are being defined, such as what does “offsets’ mean. He noted that electricity prices are more expensive than natural gas. The City wants to incentivize getting to electricity now to make buildings cleaner. Councillor Zondervan suggested an official statement of what is net zero ready.
Councillor Carlone asked about developers stating that this is an increased cost. Developers insist on maximizing glass and if less glass is used the building will be more efficient. He stated that glass cannot be more than 50% on commercial buildings. He stated that glass is the most expense material when building a building. Mr. Federspiel stated that 3.2 green building zoning language has been included to encourage earlier conversation about the design of the building to change design and create a more efficient building and help to provide incentives. Ms. Farooq stated that conversation with developers the emphasis is on passive design. The Net Zero is an action plan and the lab project is being driven by businesses, universities and the large energy users to get ahead of the curve. She stated that the storage question is one of the big hurdles.
Mr. Federspiel now moved to low carbon energy supple strategy. The savings is more from the energy efficiency. He spoke about the study and a consultant was hired to do the study. The study was completed a year ago. He outlined the project components.
Cambridge’s energy demand is for heating buildings and this will shift overtime and will be a split between heating and cooling. The focus needs to be on the thermal demand which is produced locally. This is mostly supplied by natural gas. The energy demand was mapped and there are hot spots in the City in MIT, Kendall, Harvard and Central Squares. He stated that there is less need for heating because of cooling and climate change. The current energy supply was reviewed for renewal energy options: solar, wind and thermal energy sources. There is a need to look outside Cambridge to get the energy supply. Control, choice and equity were factors looked at by scenarios. He spoke about three scenarios. Retrofit is costly and takes place over time with the individual electrification. He explained what district energy is and that there is more efficiency building in the system. Scenario 3 viewed additional options and the advantage of having energy produced on site would give Cambridge more control over the fuel source. As the scenarios were assessed he spoke about doing public education on energy efficiency. The feasibility assessment was done. He spoke about the emission results of the three scenarios. He stated that business as usually would not reduce emissions. He spoke about the cost of the three scenarios which compared to the business as usual. There are high capital costs for the scenarios compared to the business as usual.
Mr. Federspiel spoke about the key conclusions. He stated that to meet the goal the City needs to get off the business as usual model because energy will be brought into Cambridge, through a regional network. He highlighted the implementation steps. A thermal program is being developed. A technical grant was awarded from MAPC to set guideline for developing hot water energy.
Councillor Carlone asked regarding district heating or cooling, is three enough for Cambridge and how big is a district plan. Mr. Federspiel stated that the Veolia system could cover Alewife, Harvard and MIT covers other areas of the City. Councillor Carlone noted that West Cambridge and North Point are left out, what does this mean physically and what needs to be incorporated. Mr. Federspiel stated that Envision will give this information. He stated that infrastructure outside of Cambridge was looked at and piped into Cambridge. Councillor Carlone stated that the regionality is feasible with new construction. Ms. Rasmussen noted that there is a lot of flexibility; there can be small or large plants to provide the energy. There can be long run of pipes. There is a tremendous range of options. Councillor Zondervan asked if natural gas is replacing this. Councillor Carlone stated that a public entity or a utility can build this. Ms. Farooq stated that these systems work for Harvard University and MIT because they are using this on campus.
Councillor Zondervan opened the hearing for public comment at 2:48pm.
Ginger Ryan spoke about a Policy Order requiring 100 % municipal electricity by 2020 what is the source of this. Ms. Rasmussen responded that the City has been developing a matrix for energy. The level of complexity is close to doing what are the procurement options there are for the City. This is an evolving market about the kinds of the things that can be procured. This will be discussed with the city manager. Ms. Ryan stated that the developer’s interests are not in line with the community interests and there are more incentives rather than restrictions. She is concerned about this and how this is affordable. Mr. Federspiel stated that the requirement was for net zero framework have targets for municipal buildings, labs and new construction. The goal was to make the custom retrofit program able to achieve the goal. Ms. Farooq stated that the requirements are for new construction, but for existing building to move toward efficiency requires incentives. She stated that they are in alignment with reducing the use of energy.
Henrietta Davis went to new building conference in Pittsburgh in getting to zero. Cambridge is in the lead nationally and no City is doing what Cambridge is doing, such as the lab model. There is a movement for the passive housing standard for affordable housing. This needs to be included in the standards for affordable housing for developers who use passive housing. She stated that the Code is a huge element. She stated that the code compliance varies from community to community. There is one technique to create a road to compliance and education was used as a tool. She asked does Cambridge get good compliance. Councillor Carlone stated that compliance is high in Cambridge. Ms. Davis stated that this is worth exploring and what are the best ways to get compliance.
Councillor Carlone explained that City offices only see certain things and he suggested incorporating tests for the buildings. Ms. Davis suggested having a check list and not require testing. She spoke about battery storage. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the Water Department has a grant for storage but is waiting for the state. Commissioner O’Riordan stated that the library and high school is being looked at for battery storage. Ms. Davis stated that the renewable portfolio standards is going up to 2.57%.
Melissa Ludtke stated that electrification would result in more emissions than gas. She asked if methane was considered. Mr. Federspiel stated that methane was not part of the assessment. Councillor Zondervan stated that this is a comparison of natural gas.
Peggy Barnes Leonard asked about incentivizing developers using lead and green and can both be used. Mr. Federspiel stated that will be included in the solar requirement study and understanding the balance; it is comparable.
Councillor Zondervan closed public comment at 3:08pm.
Councillor Zondervan asked about biomass. He stated that one of the down size of combustion is higher pollution and would it be scrubbed out. Mr. Federspiel stated that the particulate emission was review by the consultant; it does capture the majority of emissions (#5.55) and the number is lower than what we have now. Councillor Carlone spoke about burning wood and it depends on the temperature at which it is burned.
Councillor Zondervan suggested using bio char can lead to lower emissions. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the City has not look at this and the supply chain of shipping this product in and out.
Councillor Zondervan used the example of Vail Court being 100% affordable housing and will this be 2020 or 2025 multi-family requirement. Ms. Farooq stated that this would fall under the multi-family threshold rather than municipal threshold. Councillor Zondervan suggested that this be included in the requirement. He stated that a storage facility that is declaring itself as a net zero building is asking for zoning relief. He suggested a linkage fee to offset carbon to be used to fund energy program.
Councillor Zondervan asked about the timeline for a solar ready net zero action plan. Mr. Federspiel stated that the timeline is 2020 as set out in the Net Zero Action Plan. Ms. Farooq stated that developers are asked about going solar ready, but resistance is for the installation. All large project review is building to LEED solar ready. Councillor Zondervan stated that it is worthwhile to consider solar-ready rather than solar sooner rather than later. Ms. Farooq stated that she will review recent project to see if they were solar-ready.
Councillor Zondervan wanted a clear schedule when the zoning amendments will be forthcoming to the Ordinance Committee. Councillor Carlone commented that there is a meeting between the Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee and the Community Development Department on this and he will report back to City Council.
Councillor Zondervan stated that there is hope that the grid will move in the right direction versus local options other than solar. Councillor Carlone stated that there are two biomass projects were remotely located; and it make sense and may not make sense in an urban area.
Councillor Zondervan thanked all those present for their attendance.
The hearing adjourned at 3:22pm.
For the Committee,
Councillor Quinton Y. Zondervan, Co-Chair
Committee Report #2
The Transportation & Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on May 22, 2018, at 2:05pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the hearing was to follow up on Policy Order #7 of Mar 5, 2018 on the future of dock-less bikes in Cambridge (ATTACHMENT A).
Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Devereux, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Mallon; Councillor Zondervan; City Manager Louis DePasquale; Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson; Owen O’Riordan, Commissioner of Public Works; Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor; Arthur Goldberg, Deputy City Solicitor; Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development Department; Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Transportation and Environmental Planning, CDD; Cara Seiderman, Transportation Planner, CDD; Bill Deignan, Transportation Planner, CDD; Joseph Barr, Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Eric Bourassa, Transportation Director, Metropolitan Area Planning Council; Ted Bronstein, 50 Milk Street; Bob Mallon, 3 Maple Avenue; Katie O’Connor, 65 Brookline Street; Kate Kelly and Sean Curran, Waterville Consulting Company; Alex Mayer, 324 Harvard Street; Julie Wood, Motivate; and Frank Gillett, 39 Magazine Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux convened the hearing and explained the purpose. An Agenda was distributed (ATTACHMENT B). She spoke about the Policy Order #7 and that dock-less bikes will soon be commonly seen on the streets of Cambridge, because the bikes are dock-less and other neighboring communities have signed an agreement with MAPC to allow Lime Bike and Spin to operate in their cities. Cambridge has not signed this agreement, but the bikes will likely appear in all cities. She stated that this is an informational meeting.
Ms. Rasmussen stated that there is a presentation. She also noted that Marc Draisen from MAPC was in attendance for any questions. She turned to Ms. Cara Seiderman to give the presentation.
Ms. Seiderman gave a background of what Blue Bikes, formerly Hubway is. She provided background of what bike share generally is. A presentation was given (ATTACHMENT C). In 2011 Hubway was launched. It is a public transportation system owned by Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and Brookline. These public systems are owned by the four participating communities and are similar in ownership structure to the MBTA. Each community owns their stations, bikes and equipment and have an agreement with the operator, Motivate. She stated that locations of the stations are determined by each community. Stations can be put anywhere in the public space. Zoning allows the city’s bike sharing stations on private property as well. In 2018 Hubway was renamed Blue Bikes as part of a new sponsorship agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Through an RFP process, Motivate was again selected as the operator with a new five-year contract with two-year interval renewals. Now there are 15,000 members. By 2019, as part of the Blue Bikes sponsorship investment, there will be 300 stations with 3,000 bikes and 200,000 riders. She spoke about the goal of the bikes being available whenever riders want them. All communities will soon have an expansion of the program into new geographic areas. She stated that the focus of the expansion will be on areas that do not have appropriate coverage to meet the demand. Some stations will be provided and supported from private dollars.
Ms. Seiderman stated that the Blue Bikes system is designed to reflect our community values of equity, access and affordability. This is an affordable option for many people, and Blue Bikes is offering new discounts for income-eligible riders and extending the ride time from 30- to 45-minutes. She spoke about strict control for the protection of consumers’ personal data. Motivate does not share or sell its riders data with third parties. She spoke about bike availability and rebalancing the docks and stated that with a dock-less system there is no guarantee of where the bikes will be when people need them. She spoke about maintenance and safety of the bikes. She noted that because Cambridge and the other three cities own the bikes and the system there is more of a commitment to ensuring that the bikes are well-maintained. With the Blue Bikes sponsorship all of the bikes are being replaced with new ones. The City provides free classes distributes helmets. Motivate uses union employees to rebalance the bikes across stations.
Ms. Seiderman stated that the new dock-less bike share companies that have come to the Boston area have had to go through the MAPC RFP process. Other companies are not allowed to operate within these communities. She stated that some have asked if dock-less systems are more flexible. Is there a way to have a dock-less system and to have a more robust supply of bikes? There will be virtual stations in Motivate’s dock-less pilot program in Minneapolis, where the company also operates a traditional docked system like ours. This is the future but it is too soon to know how this will work and we can learn from their experience there.
Vice Mayor Devereux asked if in the hybrid pilot each bike has the ability to be dock-less or stationed. Ms. Seiderman stated that it is the same bike; it is flexible.
Councillor Mallon commented that there is a five-year contract with Motivate and asked when it expires. Ms. Seiderman responded that the contract expires in 2022. Councillor Mallon asked about income eligibility and how many individuals are taking advantage of the program to provide very low-cost memberships to low-income individuals. Ms. Seiderman responded about 100 have used this to date. Mr. Deignan stated that Cambridge has 15 people signed up and that the 100 represents the four communities. He stated that advertising is being done to make people aware of this program. Councillor Mallon suggested providing information to the public housing developments and asked how many stations are near public housing. Ms. Seiderman commented that locating stations near CHA properties is a priority and some are currently close to existing housing. Mr. Deignan stated a location is planned on Harvard Street near Newtowne Court and another is planned that will be near Cochran Park in Strawberry Hill.
Councillor Mallon asked if Motivate as the operator of Blue Bikes has any plans to use electric bikes. Ms. Seiderman responded that Motivate is interested in exploring this option. An electric bike is more expensive but some consumers would be more interested in using an electric bike as way to make biking more accessible. Councillor Mallon noted that cyclists may be more willing to stop for pedestrians on an electric bike since there is less concern for losing momentum gained by the effort of pedaling.
Councillor Zondervan stated that this a great program. He asked if the City derives any revenue from the program. Ms. Seiderman responded in the affirmative. She stated that with the new contract no money is being spent for operational costs; the new contract sponsors are paying for all new bikes and stations. Ms. Farooq stated that the cost of the prior contract was $850,000 for the year and that now the City can keep the system in good repair and that the system is self-sustaining. City Manager DePasquale stated that the City is not making a profit off of this program. This program was becoming a $650,000 tax-supported program. Mr. Deignan stated that they will receive funding for twelve additional stations. Councillor Zondervan stated that he would like information on the system and the cost. Ms. Seiderman explained that each community has to join the system. Some adjacent communities, like Everett and Watertown, are interested in joining and will need their own contract.
Councillor Zondervan spoke about how Cambridge will deal with dock-less bike sharing with other communities. Ms. Rasmussen stated that dock-less bikes cannot legally be parked in the Blue Bike communities and the companies are being informed that they are operating in Cambridge without permission and need to remove their bikes. She stated that Lime Bike and Spin have been selected by the MAPC as dock-less bike sharing vendors and contracts have been awarded and they cannot operate outside the fifteen participating communities. She stated that Ant Bikes are one example of a company currently operating without a license or permit and that this is not allowed. There is a meeting with Cambridge, Boston, Somerville and Brookline to be held soon to align their responses to these non-permitted companies. Councillor Zondervan asked how this is done operationally. Ms. Seiderman stated that the four communities have worked together to make sure this system works. She stated that the dock-less companies know where the bikes are, even when they are in non-permitted cities. She spoke about actions taken with the City and the other companies that are not allowed to operate in Cambridge. Councillor Zondervan stated that there is an inefficiency with the use of fossil fuels to remove the bikes. Ms. Rasmussen stated that Spin and Lime Bike say they have faced this conflict in other places and a message is sent to the user that the bike will be picked up or disabled after twenty uses of dock-less bikes when it is used outside of its permitted territory. It is easy to communicate with the user and to know the location of each bike through GPS. Councillor Zondervan asked what happens to the old Hubway bikes that have been replaced with the new Blue Bikes. Ms. Seiderman responded that the bikes are being dissembled to salvage their useable parts and the rest recycled.
Vice Mayor Devereux stated this information is helpful. There are advantages of having a municipally owned and operated system and that it will be self-sustaining. She spoke about growing the system and expanding access. She suggested that as part of the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program, high school students could ride Blue Bikes and communicate what a good system it is. She spoke about the possibility of evolving into a hybrid dock-less system.
Vice Mayor Devereux opened the hearing to public comment at 2:51pm. She stated that Councillor Kelley was unable to attend this hearing due to travel and had submitted an article entitled “Are Dock-less Bikes a Cybersecurity Threat?” (ATTACHMENT D).
A communication was received from Ken Halpern transmitting a cautionary note on the proposal to allow dock-less bicycles in Cambridge (ATTACHMENT E).
Ted Bronstein, 50 Milk Street, stated the he operates a dock-less company in Lexington and has about 100 employees. He applauded Cambridge for its innovation. He stated that they operate docked and dock-less bikes. There are 12 dock-less pilots in the country today. There is a lot to learn about this technology. He stated that the major issues are equity, access and safety. There are hybrid approaches to bike sharing which are both docked and dock-less.
Frank Gillette, 39 Magazine Street is an industry analyst and stated that he observed that the scope of this situation is broader. He spoke about electric scooters. He wanted Cambridge to think about micro-mobility. He spoke about providing greater mobility and to stress less about finding a parking space. He stated that the scope has expanded with electric bikes, scooters and skateboards. He stated that the trick is to find ways to evolve. He spoke about experiments for different areas bound for transportation.
Scott Mullin, of Lime Bike, spoke about the fact that no-cost bike sharing program was the scope of the MAPC RFP process. He stated that he is trying to get municipalities to think outside the car. He stated that we need to reclaim the space in the middle. He stated let us try something and we need more sharing of the road.
Kyle Rowe, of Spin, spoke about mode shift and providing better transportation. He spoke about how sidewalks are shared and allocated better.
Public comment closed at 3:02pm on motion of Vice Mayor Devereux.
Councillor Zondervan spoke about innovation. He spoke about the tension of a high-quality system for residents and the “wild west” innovation that is out in the world. He stated that someone is paying for the no-cost bike sharing program. He stated that the City controls the road space and other options need to be considered. He stated that the cars are going to disappear and with autonomous vehicles there will be car-sharing. He stated that running time-based experiments may be challenging. It is important to think through the options.
Ms. Rasmussen stated that there are two different efforts: identifying the regulations to be addressed on electric devices and identifying where the regulatory gaps are. What can be done locally and regionally to help push autonomous technology toward shared ownership? What policy is the priority of the City and partners in the future? Councillor Zondervan stated that it is a struggle with ride share systems and it would be good if the owner of vehicles could rent them. This will be more of an issue with autonomous vehicles. The City could set up a ride share system for residents that would provide a transportation benefit. Busses and shuttles apply to the same autonomous technology.
Vice Mayor Devereux stated that she is glad that the gaps are being looked at for motorized vehicles on sidewalks, including electric bikes and this should be looked at regionally.
Councillor Mallon noted that Councillor Kelley submitted a report at a prior Council meeting on micro-mobility.
Vice Mayor Devereux asked that Staff keep the Council informed on efforts made with the other three communities so that the public knows the rules for dock-less bikes within Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Devereux thanked all those present for their attendance.
The hearing adjourned at 3:15pm.
For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, Chair
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 4/4/2016
16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016
16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016
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
17-22. Report on the potential growth of next-generation wireless technology in the City, to include: the expected footprint of citywide coverage from just one company and what market competition might produce; the integration of public and private infrastructure to support the network; what local standards the City might hope to maintain relative to aesthetics and safety; and how this new technology fits into our Broadband access plans. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-14) from 2/27/2017
17-33. Report on bringing Massachusetts closer to 100% renewable energy by 2035, and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are realized by Massachusetts residents from all walks of life and supporting a goal of using 100% clean and renewable energy in Cambridge, including in building energy use and transportation, by 2035. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-13) from 4/24/2017
17-60. Report on the feasibility of making the section of Kinnaird Street between River Street and Western Avenue into a one-way. REFERRED BACK TO THE CITY MANAGER TO ARRANGE COMMUNITY MEETING ON MOTION OF VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN ON NOV 13, 2017 . 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 8/7/2017
17-87. Report on a schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates clearer wording and/or more clearly explains each section in less technical jargon and is more coherent in its entirety, with the goal of seeing such an Ordinance adopted by the end of this City Council term. On a communication from Councillor Kelley and Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 9/18/2017
17-110. Report on the status of the implementation of the EnerGov software across various City departments to streamline the permitting process. On a communication from Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Sessions.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen (O-5) from 10/16/2017
18-4. Report on exploring mechanisms for achieving greater levels of snow clearing by the city and increase the public response during major snow events or heavy snow winters.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-5) from 1/22/2018
18-6. Report on information regarding electronic device usage by City-elected officials.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 1/22/2018
18-7. Report on the possibility of changing the snow removal exemption to include two and three-family houses.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 1/29/2018
18-9. Report on necessary repairs to the Gold Star Mothers Park and all play and water feature, including drainage issues, with an eye towards mitigating the impacts of local construction and the development of a plan with the community for improving this significant piece of open space.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 1/29/2018
18-10. Report on creating a list of mitigated meeting and conference room private spaces that are available to the public, what the exact eligibility of using these spaces is, and making the list available to the public.
Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 1/29/2018
18-11. Report on the potential of utilizing trenchless technology, micro tunneling and/or pipe jacking to lessen the time and impact on the residents of Gore Street.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 1/29/2018
18-12. Report on maximizing the community benefits from and mitigating the impacts of the Cambridge Crossing sewer construction.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 1/29/2018
18-14. Report on whether the Community Development Department will apply for the Targeted Brownfields Assessment Grant regarding Jerry's Pond.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-1) from 2/5/2018
18-15. Report on any other relevant City Department to gain a sense of who is purchasing buildings in Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/5/2018
18-21. Report on the feasibility of initiating a formal transit study and action plan of the Alewife area in response to unanimous concerns of the Envision Alewife Working Group.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-7) from 2/26/2018
18-22. Report on the causes of the Cambridge Common drainage problems.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-10) from 2/26/2018
18-24. Report on what further improvements can be made to improve safety for all users of the intersections of Walden Street with Concord Avenue, Garden Street and Sherman Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone (O-14) from 2/26/2018
18-26. Report on providing easily accessible needle safety information, to include emergency needle or syringe removal and disposal contacts, on the City’s website.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley (O-19) from 2/26/2018
18-27. Report on why there continues to be significant audio and video difficulties during live internet broadcasts of City Council meetings.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 3/5/2018
18-29. Report on the possibility of re-evaluating the fees associated with community block parties, specifically entertainment fees for unpaid, local musicians.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 3/5/2018
18-30. Report on the possibility of Cambridge joining this national suit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon (O-3) from 3/5/2018
18-34. Report on what traffic calming measures or actions can be taken such as the installation of speed bumps, installation of crosswalk flashing lights and increased police enforcement of speed limits to discourage the speeding of vehicles along Museum Way.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 3/19/2018
18-36. Report on a funding plan in place to develop and implement protective barriers for Fresh Pond for the FY2018-19 budget.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-12) from 3/19/2018
18-37. Report on the possibility of accepting the City of Boston's invitation to join their intergenerational housing pilot program.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 3/26/2018
18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018
18-39. Report on placing a commemorative plaque at eye-level at the plaza in Harvard Square dedicated to former judge, Mayor, and City Manager Joseph DeGuglielmo so that it is more prominent to pedestrians.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 4/2/2018
18-40. Report on notifying the owners of the former Harvard Square Theater to provide a firm schedule for when they will submit their application to the Cambridge Historical Commission and a projected timeline for the rest of the process.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 4/2/2018
18-41. Report on working with Trinity Property Management to give the nearly 200 tenants of the EMF building additional time beyond Apr 30, 2018 to find new space, considering the unique circumstances and impact of this eviction.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 4/2/2018
18-42. Report on allowing autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in Cambridge provided certain conditions are met.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-12) from 4/2/2018
18-43. Report on the necessary improvements to the Harvard Square Station Tunnels while they are being renovated.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 4/23/2018
18-44. Report on ensuring an additional commitment of $20 million from the City’s budget is devoted over the next five years toward the City’s efforts to preserve and create affordable housing units.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 4/23/2018
18-45. Report on producing a report for use by the Housing Committee that contains appropriate language for the creation of an Affordable Housing Overlay District.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-12) from 4/23/2018
18-47. Report on the feasibility of installing a stop sign or other appropriate traffic calming measures at the corner of Chestnut Street and Brookline Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-1) from 4/30/2018
18-48. Report on installing signage, either through physical signs or paint on the road, in high-traffic and high-conflict bike lanes that intersect with crosswalks, reminding cyclists that they are required to yield to pedestrians when crossing.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-2) from 4/30/2018
18-49. Report on prioritizing the installation of protected bike lanes and bicycle traffic signals in Porter Square.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-10) from 4/30/2018
18-50. Report on working with the Cambridge Public School Administration to provide feedback and requests that will inform Cambridge’s participation in the MBTA Service Plan.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/7/2018
18-52. Report on increased enforcement of speed limits on Windsor Street.
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 5/7/2018
18-53. Report on an updated schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates suggestions from the Light Cambridge Committee by June 11, 2018.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 5/14/2018
18-54. Report on prioritizing the revitalization of the Gannett-Warren Pals Park and to take action on the suggestions brought forward by the neighbors.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 5/14/2018
18-55. Report on improving road safety conditions on Clinton Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-3) from 5/14/2018
18-56. Report on completing a tree canopy study based on the April 2018 LiDAR data before the end of 2018, and to complete future LiDAR based studies as frequently as possible, but no more often than once a year.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 5/14/2018
18-57. Report on launching a program during the summer months to activate the Front Lawn of City Hall in the afternoon with games (such as cornhole boards), food trucks, and other forms of entertainment to engage a diverse age range of residents in recreation.
Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 5/21/2018
18-58. Report on the Housing Committee and how the City could establish a method of eviction data collection.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 5/21/2018
18-59. Report on collecting data from the Human Rights Commission on housing-related activities including number of housing-related investigations, number of housing-related cases successfully mediated, relationships with regional housing-related organizations, and successes and challenges of the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 5/21/2018