Cambridge City Council meeting - June 20, 2016

Cambridge City Council meeting - June 20, 2016 - AGENDA
[Councillor Maher was ABSENT]

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Public Planting Committee: Dennis Jen

2. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-36, regarding patterns that Inman Square, Wellington Harrington and Port residents should be cognizant of and procedures that should be followed if they feel their mail has been tampered with.

3. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Program for $526 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account, to support affordable housing development activities.
Adopted 8-0-1

4. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative the transfer of $860,000 within statutory accounts of the Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditure account for the acquisition of two parcels of the Watertown Branch railroad from B&M Corporation for the purpose of creating a future multi-use path and greenway.
Adopted 8-0-1

June 20, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the transfer of $860,000 within statutory accounts of the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditure account for the acquisition of two parcels of the Watertown Branch railroad from B&M Corporation for the purpose of creating a future multi-use path and greenway.

BACKGROUND: The 2005 Concord-Alewife Plan identified the acquisition of the remaining Watertown Branch parcels and creation of a path as a priority for the area in order to create additional offroad connections to Danehy Park, Fresh Pond Mall and to create the possible future connection to a multiuse path along the Fitchburg Line to Porter Square. At that time a zoning overlay district was created to encourage the preservation of the rail line as open space and conversion to a greenway and multi-use path.

FUTURE PLAN: This path will be an extension of the existing path along Fresh Pond Parkway that is also currently being extended into Watertown through a partnership between the City of Cambridge and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) known as the Watertown Cambridge Greenway. Funds would also be used to complete a conceptual design needed to identify opportunities, constraints and an approximate cost to construct the path in the future.

Alewife is a busy area with many transportation needs and opportunities. A robust and expanding offroad, multi-use path network is part of those facilities, and is needed to encourage sustainable trips in the Alewife area to reduce existing congestion. Paths through the area make many regional connections into Arlington (Minuteman Bikeway), Belmont (Alewife Greenway Extension), and Somerville (Alewife Greenway). The extended Watertown-Cambridge Greenway will complete the connection between Cambridge and Watertown as well as the regional link between the Minuteman Bikeway and the Charles River path system.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to recommendations from the Outdoor Lighting Task Force that address the potential detrimental impact of outdoor lighting and propose solutions that diminish existing problems and address problems that may be created by new development. [Report]
Referred to Ordinance Committee

6. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the approval and appropriation of an additional One Million, Two Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand, One Hundred TwentyFive ($1,236,125) Dollars from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel & Training (Judgment & Damages) account, in order to settle the damages to be paid to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (the “Chamber”) with regard to the City’s eminent domain taking of the Chamber’s property on June 13, 2016.
Adopted 8-0-1

June 20, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to recommend that the City Council approve and appropriate the payment of an additional One Million, Two Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand, One Hundred Twenty-Five ($1,236,125) Dollars from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel & Training (Judgment & Damages) account, in order to settle the damages to be paid to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (the “Chamber”) with regard to the City’s eminent domain taking of the Chamber’s property on June 13, 2016. The property is a parcel of land comprising approximately 5,000 square feet of land located at 859 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge (the “Property”). On June 13, 2016, the Council approved an Order to take the Property by eminent domain and an Order appropriating the estimated pro tanto payment to be paid to the Chamber for the Property in the amount of One Million, Three Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred Seventy-Five ($1,363,875) Dollars, as damages deemed sufficient by the Chief Assessor to cover the estimated pro tanto payment (the average three prior years’ assessed value plus twenty-five 25% percent (the Factor Maximum Value)) toward the expenses of acquisition as required by the previously referenced Sections of Chapters 40 and 43 of the General Laws. This is the maximum that the City can pay as a pro tanto payment for a property that is being taken by eminent domain.

As I informed the Council, under the law, the property owner has the right to challenge the amount of the pro tanto payment in a legal proceeding and could seek to persuade a court that it is entitled to the actual fair market value of the property as well as certain other statutory damages such as relocation costs. I informed you on June 13 that I would initiate a settlement of any such claim with the property owner once the City Council voted to authorize the taking of this Property by eminent domain.

The Council authorized me in Executive Session to negotiate a value to be paid in settlement of the Chamber’s damages claim in the event that the Property was taken by eminent domain. As previously discussed with the Council in Executive Session, I have obtained a confidential appraisal of the Property which was performed by Mr. Steven Foster. Mr. Foster has determined in his appraisal that the fair market value of the Property is Two Million, Six Hundred Thousand ($2,600,000) Dollars.

I am pleased to report that after obtaining and reviewing the appraisal from Mr. Foster I have successfully reached a settlement with the Chamber to resolve the damages claim, which will result in the total amount to be paid to the Chamber for the Property of Two Million, Six Hundred Thousand ($2,600,000) Dollars. In exchange for the additional payment of One Million, Two Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand, One Hundred Twenty-Five ($1,236,125) Dollars, the City will receive an executed general release from the Chamber which will release the City from any and all further liability to the Chamber arising out of this eminent domain taking of the Property. I am therefore returning to the Council now to request a further appropriation in the amount of One Million, Two Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand, One Hundred TwentyFive ($1,236,125) Dollars, which would constitute a final agreed total damages award to the Chamber in the amount of Two Million, Six Hundred Thousand ($2,600,000) Dollars for the taking of this Property; and I am further requesting that the Council authorize me to settle the damages claim in that amount.

I look forward to discussing this matter with you and answering any questions that you may have.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

7. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order authorizing the City Manager for transfer appropriations of available balances prior to the close of the books for FY15-16.
Adopted 7-0-2

8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-45, regarding sidewalk conditions. [Note: Sidewalk on Mass. Ave. at Temple Street (Citizens Bank) will have temporary repairs within two weeks.]

9. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-48, regarding a report on posting Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) information on the Election Commission website. [Election Commission page on Campaign and Political Finance][OCPF Reports]

June 20, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-48, regarding a report on posting Office of Campaign and Political Finance information on the Election Commission website, please be advised of the following:

Information on and a link to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) has been added to the Cambridge Election Commission website. The link to the OCPF allows users to look up filed reports for any candidate that is required to file with the Commonwealth.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

10. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a report on the continued progress on the application for funding under the Commonwealth’s Infrastructure Investment Incentive Program (I-Cubed) for the North Point area of the City. [Report]
Three Orders Adopted 8-0-1

11. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing Executive Session minutes from the Feb 22, 2016 and May 23, 2016 Executive Sessions.
Moved to Executive Session 8-0-1

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Parsnip Restaurant, requesting permission for an eleven tables and twenty-six chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 91 Winthrop Street. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Cheung on June 13, 2016]
Referred to City Manager with Power

2. An application was received from Mosaico Group Inc., 290 Broadway, requesting permission for a parklet installation in the parking lane on the Elm Street side of property. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Devereux on June 13, 2016]
Referred to City Manager with Power

ON THE TABLE
3. An application was received from Capital One, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 24 JFK Street. [Placed On The Table on a motion of Councillor Cheung on Jan 25, 2016.]

4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the Clerk’s Office and the appropriate departments to implement within three months an electronic public comment display in the Sullivan Chamber, listing the speaker’s name and affiliation as well as a timer. [Placed On The Table As Amended by Councillor Mazen on Jan 25, 2016.]

5. An application was received from CareWell Urgent Care, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 601 Concord Avenue. [Tabled on a motion by Councillor Devereux on Apr 25, 2016.]

6. An application was received from Esmeralda, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 54 Church Street. [Tabled on a motion by Councillor Devereux on Apr 25, 2016.]

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a report on potential issues related to the Barrett, et al. Zoning Amendment. [Placed on Unfinished Business on motion of Councillor Maher on Apr 25, 2016. Referred to the City Clerk for clarification on June 13, 2016. See Communications and Reports from City Officers #1.]
Placed on File - McGovern

8. A zoning petition by the Richard Avenue neighbors to amend Section 20.103.2 North Massachusetts Avenue Sub-district and Section 20.110 Standards Applicable in the North Massachusetts Avenue Sub-district on the north side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west and to amend the City of Cambridge Zoning Map by redrawing the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict for the northerly side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west. [The Question Comes On Passing To Be Ordained on or after June 20, 2016. Planning Board hearing held Apr 19, 2016. Petition expires Aug 9, 2016.]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from David's Tea, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign with goose-neck external lighting at the premises numbered 39 JFK Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Historical Commission and abutters.
Order Adopted

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Josiah Bonsey, 16 Prentiss Street, regarding the Riverside Zoning Petition and Neighborhood Conservation Districts.

2. A communication was received from The Central Square Business Association Advocacy Committee, transmitting support regarding minimum wage.

4. A communication was received from Patrick Barrett, 234 Broadway, relating to trees, the Lighting Ordinance, short term rentals and the Barrett petition.

5. A communication was received from Taylor Milsal, 54 Garfield Street, transmitting a petition in opposition to the plans for Sacramento Field together with sundry communications from resident on the plans for the field.

6. A communication was received from Alanna Mallon, 3 Maple Avenue, in support of Policy Order # 9 relating to the SNAP-Match program.

7. A communication was received from Ed Brody, 661 Green Street, relating to the Lighting Ordinance.

8. A communication was received from Sylvie de Marrais, 39 Sherman Street, in support of Policy Order #10 regarding a Municipal ID Program.

9. A communication was received from Danny Hillis, 54 Garfield Street, regarding the ADA requirement for Sacramento Field and that the public has not had an opportunity to comment on the plan.

10. A communication was received from Susan J. Ringler, 82 Kinnaird Street, regarding the recommendations of the Lighting Task Force.

11. A communication was received from Ashia Aubourg, 808 Memorial Drive, relating to Policy Order # 9 on the SNAP Match Program.

12. A communication was received from Elizabeth Stern, 20 Cambridge Terrace, relating to the Stern Zoning petition and an expected MOU between the neighbors and the developer which has not been completed.

13. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, relating to City Manager’s Agenda Items #1, #3, and #10 and Policy Order #3.

14. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding strengthening the Tree Protection Ordinance.

15. A communication was received from Bernice Buresh, 140 Upland Road, relating to the Zinc building and other commercial lighting.

16. A communication was received from Diane Sullivan, 49 Garfield Street, regarding the development plans for Sacramento Field.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Dance for World Community and the Jose Mateo Ballet for a successful and empowering event. Councillor Devereux

2. Retirement of Terry Dumas from the Cambridge Housing Authority. Mayor Simmons

R-2 June 20, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: Terry Dumas served as Director of the Planning and Development Department for over 25 years, and as a staff member of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) for a total of 33 years; and

WHEREAS: Over the course of her 33 years with the Cambridge Housing Authority, Terry has been an ardent supporter of the CHA’s mission to develop, preserve, and provide high quality affordable homes for low-income households in the City of Cambridge, and she was strong advocate for resident-led and resident-focused planning processes and decision-making; and

WHEREAS: In her tenure with the Cambridge Housing Authority, Terry assisted in the redevelopment of Washington Elms and Jefferson Park in the mid-1980s, she directed the first round of rehabilitation at other family developments in the 1990s, including Putnam Gardens, Newtowne Court, Roosevelt Towers and Corcoran Park, she secured a HOPE VI Elderly Grant for the revitalization of John F. Kennedy Apartments and completed selective modernizations in the 2000s, she initiated over $275 million in construction, constituting the largest public housing capital reinvestment in Cambridge’s history with ARRA and RAD in the 2010s, ensuring that the quality of CHA’s affordable housing is unparalleled in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS: Due to Terry’s persistence and creativity, the CHA expanded its affordable housing in the past 33 years through the thoughtful new construction and acquisition of nearly 400 units of housing, including such notable projects as Russell Apartments, Putnam School, and Special Needs Housing in the 1980s, condominium and small family acquisitions such as St. Paul’s Residence, 15 Inman Street, 14-16 Hingham Street, Garfield Street, and 6 Ashton and 217 Western in the 1990s, and multi-family buildings on 8-10 Lancaster Street, 78-80 Porter Road, 195 Prospect Street and 22 Lopez Avenue in the 2000s, and after a multi-year planning and permitting process the new construction of Temple Place in the 2010s; and

WHEREAS: The CHA, its Board of Commissioners, Executive Directors past and present, current and former staff, and residents have greatly benefited from the wise counsel and great care that Terry brought to all her work, whether it be a trash room at a small family site, a troublesome elevator at an elderly high-rise, or a complicated policy matter; and

WHEREAS: A great many of CHA past, present and future residents have benefited or will benefit from Terry’s decades of exemplary public service and associated contributions to the CHA in her many roles; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its appreciation to Terry Dumas for her 33 years of dedicated services to the citizens and to the City of Cambridge, and in wishing her much happiness in her well-earned retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Terry Dumas on behalf of the entire City Council.

8. Congratulations to Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church for another successful Hellenic Festival. Mayor Simmons

10. Congratulations to Kiddie Academy of Cambridge on their Grand Opening. Councillor Cheung

11. Resolution on the death of Lillian T. (Cullen) Maher. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey

R-11 June 20, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council attention that Lillian T. (Cullen) Maher, mother of City Councillor David Maher, passed away on June 18, 2016; and
WHEREAS: Lillian was born in New York City on June 4, 1925 to the late Maurice R. and Kathryn (Burgess) Cullen; and
WHEREAS: Lillian would go on to spend time living in New York, San Antonio, and New Jersey as a young child before her family eventually returned to her mother's home town of Cambridge, where Lillian would then reside for nearly 85 years; and
WHEREAS: Lillian was educated at Saint Peter's School and Mount Saint Joseph Academy; and
WHEREAS: Lillian was the beloved wife of the late William G. "Billy" Maher, Sr., (Cambridge Police Department), and the loving mother of Mary T. Maher and her husband Mark Trumble, Catherine Hepner and her husband Andrew Hepner, and City Councillor and former Cambridge Mayor David P. Maher and his partner Joe Carney, as well as the late William G. Maher, Jr.; and
WHEREAS: Lillian was also the cherished grandmother of Andrew Hepner Jr., Kendyl MaherTrumble and her fiancé Mario Esposito, Betsy Hepner and Courtney Maher; and
WHEREAS: Lillian was predeceased by her brothers Maurice and David Cullen and is survived by her dear sister Mary Jane Mahoney of Cambridge; she also leaves many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of other caring, loving, and supportive relatives and friends behind; and
WHEREAS: Lillian will be sorely missed and never forgotten by her many loving friends and family members; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its condolences to the family and friends of Lillian T. Maher; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to City Councillor David Maher on behalf of the entire City Council.

12. Welcome to the attendees of the Little People of America National Conference which will be hosted in Boston. Vice Mayor McGovern

ORDERS
1. That the City of Cambridge stand in solidarity with the people of Orlando, the LGBTQ community, the LatinX community, the Muslim-American community, and all people in this country who reject the kind of violence that has visited far too many communities in recent years. Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted

2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Arborist, the Department of Public Works, and all other appropriate City departments to suggest reasonable and feasible updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance to provide broader protections for trees on private property; such measures could include requiring owners who remove trees to plant Replacement Trees or pay into the Tree Replacement Fund and/or requiring a permit to cut down a tree on private property. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone
Adopted as Amended

2. That the Health & Environment Committee hold a public hearing to discuss the City’s Tree Ordinance and possible ways to improve this ordinance to protect our tree canopy while protecting individual property rights. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone
Adopted as Amended

3. That a joint hearing of the Public Safety and Housing Committees be formed for the purpose of gathering testimony from stakeholders in the City regarding the impact of short-term rentals on our communities with a view in mind to draft an ordinance that meets the goals outlined above, and to refer that proposed ordinance to the Ordinance Committee at the appropriate time. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Cheung
Referred to Public Safety and Housing Committees

4. That the City Council go on record urging our elected delegation to oppose block grant provisions within the House Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill, H.R. 5003. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Maher
Adopted

5. That the City of Cambridge calls on the Food and Drug Administration to consider sexual behaviors rather than sexual identity or sexual orientation when identifying potential blood donors as “High-Risk." Councillor Cheung, Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted

6. That the City Council encourage the Chair of the Civic Unity and the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committees to hold a meeting in the near future to explore the ways in which the City of Cambridge can celebrate all ethnic traditions in the City. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Adopted as Amended

7. That the City Manager is requested to work with appropriate City Departments and non-profit leaders to discuss creating Sobering Centers and a Cold Weather Plan prior to the winter of 2016 and to report back to the City Council on these two plans. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung
Adopted

8. That the City Council hold a joint meeting of Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration, and the Government Operations committee to discuss different models for campaign finance reform and publicly-funded municipal elections in Cambridge. Councillor Mazen, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux
Adopted as Amended

9. That the City Manager is requested to explore providing $10,000 to the low-income families in our city who qualify for, but are no longer able to receive, SNAP-Match support from the State. Councillor Maher, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted

10. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of introducing a municipal ID program in the city and respond to any and all community feedback regarding its possible implementation. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted

11. Thanks for response to community concerns by scheduling a community meeting with residents to discuss the renovation of Sacramento Field. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted

12. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to organize regular suppers on the second Saturday of each month, starting on the 13th of August, with free food for the Cambridge community in open public spaces throughout the various Cambridge neighborhoods. Councillor Mazen
Charter Right - Mazen

13. That the City Council go on record in support of S.2327, an act promoting housing and sustainable development. Councillor Toomey
Adopted

14. City Council support of 2,400 nurses of Brigham and Women's Hospital. Councillor Toomey
Adopted

15. That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of June 15, 2016 Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee. Councillor Maher
Adopted

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Marybeth Cosgrove, Operations Manager, City Clerk's Office, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee, for a hearing held on June 15, 2016 to consider claims filed against the City.
Place on File, Adopt Order #15

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting information regarding the Unfinished Business item related to the Barrett, et al. Zoning.

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a communication from Councillor Craig Kelley, regarding Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge: An Overview of Current Usage and Patterns as well as Policy Recommendations. [Kelley Communication]

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 21
2:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the city’s Leaf Blower Ordinance, new research since its passage, and other issues related to leaf blowers. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 22
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a petition by Peter B. Kroon, et al, (also known as Friends of MAPOCO) to expand the requirements of the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict (Section 20.110) applicable generally within the portions of the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District (MAOD) zoned Business A-2 (BA-2). In summary, Section 20.110 requires retail or active office use at the ground floor of any new building otherwise containing residential uses, with relief available under limited circumstances, and allows a total maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.75 and height of 50 feet for such mixed-use buildings. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 23
1:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the proposed changes to the current liquor license regulations and the City Council policy goals on liquor licenses, economic development, the impact on neighborhoods and local businesses. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the formation of a special working group that will be tasked with developing a framework for the continued stewardship, curatorship and oversight of the Out of Town Kiosk in Harvard Square. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 28
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the parameters for a potential zoning proposal that includes the Volpe Transportation Systems Center. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 29
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.28 entitled “Restrictions on Youth Access to Tobacco Products and on Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places by amending Section 8.28.050 entitled “Definitions for Prohibition of Smoking in Workplaces” to expand the definition of “Workplace” to include open construction sites. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update from the City Manager’s Search Focus Group and the development of the draft profile. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 30
3:30pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Georgetown Energy Prize. (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: On June 12, 2016 tragedy struck the City of Orlando when a gunman entered Pulse Nightclub and committed a horrific act of terror and hate, leading to forty-nine dead and over fifty-three injured, and making this the largest mass shooting in American history; and
WHEREAS: This incident took place at a gay nightclub during the annual LGBTQ Pride Month. Forty-seven years after Stonewall, much progress has been made, yet this incident is a painful reminder that there is still so much work left to do; and
WHEREAS: Over the past decade, the United States has seen an increasing number of violent massacres carried out those intent upon killing the largest number of people possible and our nation continues to have the highest number of gun-related deaths in the world, and far too many innocent victims have needlessly lost their lives as mass shootings at Virginia Tech, Aurora, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino, and others sear themselves upon the collective consciousness; and
WHEREAS: There has been a national outcry for meaningful, comprehensive action following each mass shooting and yet Washington lawmakers have proven themselves to be unwilling or unable to take the necessary actions to enact comprehensive gun control legislation; and
WHEREAS: The weapon of choice in the majority of these attacks is an AR-15 assault rifle and the Orlando shooter obtained two of these legally without a permit or license, despite being closely monitored by the FBI as a potential terror risk; and
WHEREAS: Following acts of terror like those in Orlando, Muslim-Americans are too often unfairly targeted and profiled, even though Islam is a peaceful religion and the overwhelming majority of Muslims worldwide are peaceful and join us in condemning such acts of violence committed by radical extremists; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge stand in solidarity with the people of Orlando, the LGBTQ community, the LatinX community, the Muslim-American community, and all people in this country who reject the kind of violence that has visited far too many communities in recent years; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking U.S Congressional Representatives Seth Moulton and Katherine Clark for their bold statements on this issue, and urging our national lawmakers to take decisive actions to bring about new, meaningful gun control legislation; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to U.S Congressional Representatives Seth Moulton and Katherine Clark; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-2 June 20, 2016 Amended
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: Trees provide significant benefits to the community, including improving air quality, conserving energy, providing shade, mitigating noise pollution, offering habitats for birds and other wildlife, reducing storm runoff, increasing real property values and beautifying neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: Climate change has underscored the necessity for densely populated urban areas like Cambridge to maintain a robust tree canopy while heightening the public’s concern over the many challenges facing urban trees; and
WHEREAS: The majority of the City’s trees are located on private property, yet their presence benefits the entire community, not only the property owner; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge’s Tree Protection Ordinance, Chapter 8.66 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, states that the “preservation of existing trees and the promotion of new tree planting is a public purpose that protects the public health, welfare, environment and aesthetics of the City of Cambridge and its citizens”; and
WHEREAS: Chapter 8.66.50 of the Tree Protection Ordinance requires that large projects requiring a special permit must complete a Tree Study, and if there is a Significant Tree (a tree measuring more than eight inches in Diameter at Breast Height) to be removed, the owner must either plant a Replacement Tree(s) on the same lot, ensuring that the total DBH of the Replacement Tree(s) is equal to the total being removed, or pay the cost of Replacement Tree(s) and associated maintenance costs into the City’s Tree Replacement Fund; and
WHEREAS: The Tree Protection Ordinance offers no mechanism for valuing the community benefits of Significant Trees on private property that may be removed outside of the special permit process; and
WHEREAS: Many municipalities nationwide (including Wellesley, MA) have adopted regulations to protect trees on private property, either requiring owners who wish to remove a significant tree on private property the option to replant or pay into a tree replacement fund or requiring a permit to remove any significant tree on private property; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Arborist, the Department of Public Works, and all other appropriate City departments to suggest reasonable and feasible updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance to provide broader protections for trees on private property; such measures could include requiring owners who remove trees to plant Replacement Trees or pay into the Tree Replacement Fund and/or requiring a permit to cut down a tree on private property; and be it further
ORDERED: That amount of the required payment into the Tree Replacement Fund be reviewed in light of the increased costs to the City of planting, watering and maintaining new trees; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter and on other efforts to plant and protect trees at a public hearing of the Health and Environment Committee to be scheduled in the early fall of 2016.
ORDERED: That the Health & Environment Committee hold a public hearing to discuss the City’s Tree Ordinance and possible ways to improve this ordinance to protect our tree canopy while protecting individual property rights.

O-3 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s position at the forefront of emerging technologies and markets creates regulatory gaps that can cause friction between residents and entrepreneurs, but that the City has successfully addressed in the past; and
WHEREAS: The more than 600 unique Airbnb listings in Cambridge confirm that the City is already integrated into the new shared economy of short-term rentals, yet some regulations and standards for such dwellings date back to the 1990s; and
WHEREAS: That gap has opened niche entrepreneurial opportunities for some residents, and raised concern for others that the safety, affordability, and character of their neighborhoods are at risk; and
WHEREAS: Commercial users with more than two unique short-term rental listings are removing already scarce housing stock from the market to chase higher profits with Airbnb; and
WHEREAS: In 2016 alone, residents have complained about whole apartment buildings being converted to short-term rental “hotels,” and reported other units being run as illegal hostels with multiple listings for the same dwelling; and
WHEREAS: Using as a metric either available housing stock or land area, portions of Cambridge have a density of short-term rental units higher than the most popularly rented areas of Boston; and
WHEREAS: An investigation by the Attorney General of New York found that as many as 72 percent of units used as short-term rentals on Airbnb appeared to violate local laws in New York City; and
WHEREAS: Legislation currently under consideration in the State House (H4236) and backed by Airbnb would impose state excise taxes on short-term rentals of 5 per cent of the total booking cost, allowing cities to increase the amount up to 6 per cent after adoption; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge should seek to provide a standard that: protects the tranquility and character of communities in the city; allows short-term rentals to operate within the law; guarantees the safety and security of visitors to the city; discourages the practice of commercial users; prevents further displacement amid the current housing crisis; and creates a licensing and taxing program to provide Inspectional Services the resources it needs to keep pace with the sharing economy; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That a joint hearing of the Public Safety and Housing Committees be formed for the purpose of gathering testimony from stakeholders in the City regarding the impact of short-term rentals on our communities with a view in mind to draft an ordinance that meets the goals outlined above, and to refer that proposed ordinance to the Ordinance Committee at the appropriate time.

O-4 June 20, 2016
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR MAHER
WHEREAS: The House Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill, H.R. 5003, now includes a three state block grant proposal for the school meal programs; and
WHEREAS: Child nutrition programs are designed to reduce hunger, improve health, and support learning and block granting would only serve to diminish their ability to accomplish these fundamental goals; and
WHEREAS: This three-state block grant proposal would immediately cut the funding to operate the school nutrition programs in those states and eliminate the additional six cent reimbursement that 98% of school districts receive for meeting the improved nutrition standards and the federal funding provided to support paid meals; and
WHEREAS: Each passing year, the program will be able to serve fewer and fewer children as the states will no longer qualify for the annual funding adjustments based on food price inflation and states will no longer be able to address sudden need arising in recession or from population spikes; and
WHEREAS: These changes would also mean that meals would no longer have to meet healthy nutrition standards and remove the requirement that students have access to both breakfast and lunch; and
WHEREAS: The Food Research and Action Committee, or FRAC, along with national, state, and local partners, is launching an intensive nationwide campaign against these efforts to block grant the school meal programs, or any other child nutrition program, during the reauthorization process; and
WHEREAS: The current structure of the child nutrition programs is based upon a shared, bipartisan commitment to provide children access to the nutritious meals they need in order to grow up healthy and achieve academically, and it allows the programs to respond to any increase in need; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging our elected delegation to oppose block grant provisions within the House Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill, H.R. 5003; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Representative Katherine Clark and Representative Mike Capuano as well as Speaker of the House Representative Paul Ryan on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-5 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Following the June 12, 2016 tragic mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub that led to forty-nine deaths and over fifty-three injured, Orlando hospitals experienced an urgent need for blood donors; and
WHEREAS: The majority of the victims at Pulse, a gay nightclub, were members of the LGBTQ community; and
WHEREAS: In 1983, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacted a blood deferral policy that indefinitely prohibited men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood; groups such as the AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks), America's Blood Centers and the American Red Cross signed a 2006 joint statement calling this policy, commonly referred to as “Banned for Life,” "medically and scientifically unwarranted;” and
WHEREAS: Following several years of scientific research and consultation, in December 2015, the FDA changed its recommendation to prohibit blood donations from men who have had sexual contact with another man in the past twelve months; and
WHEREAS: Even with the FDA’s 2015 step in the right direction, modern blood screening methods have rendered its policy outdated and as a result, hospitals continue to turn away potentially good donors with no regard to their sexual behaviors, and gay and bisexual men continue to be stigmatized; and
WHEREAS: According to the Williams Institute, if the FDA were to lift the current ban on blood donations from MSM, an estimated 360,600 more men would be likely to donate, providing approximately 615,300 additional pints to the nation’s blood supply each year; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been an unparalleled supporter of LGBTQ rights, justice and equality, and passed an order on Sept 9, 2013 regarding the FDA’s former “Banned for Life” policy; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge calls on the FDA to consider sexual behaviors rather than sexual identity or sexual orientation when identifying potential blood donors as “HighRisk”; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the FDA on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-7 June 20, 2016
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: There were 517 people counted in Cambridge during the Point in Time count for 2016, a count that does not capture people at imminent risk of homelessness, nor does it capture those who are “doubled up” or living without benefit of lease or legal protection; and
WHEREAS: Housing costs in Massachusetts are among the highest in the nation with housing costs in the Boston area being among the top five most expensive metro areas in the country and current subsidies only cover 60% of the cost of the average one bedroom apartment in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The opiate crisis continues to increase, with many entering homelessness due to the disease of addiction and lack of adequate treatment facilities; and
WHEREAS: The weather in New England in the winter is significantly cold enough to be dangerous or potentially fatal for individuals living in places not meant for human habitation; and
WHEREAS: Current programs like the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition program and proposed policy like HB 529 which seeks to increase emergency aid to the elderly, disabled, and children seek to provide for those experiencing homelessness or are on the verge of becoming homeless but are often limited and underfunded; and
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record joining other cities like Seattle and Los Angeles in declaring a State of Emergency to address and end homelessness; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record supporting and encouraging increases to those fundamental service programs like EAEDC and RAFT; encouraging and supporting increases in treatment options for those experiencing addiction, including options through local health providers with the support of the Cambridge Public Health Department; and encouraging the increasing of overall shelter capacities to better meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness in our community; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with appropriate City Departments and non-profit leaders to discuss creating Sobering Centers and a Cold Weather Plan prior to the winter of 2016 and to report back to the City Council on these two plans.

O-8 June 20, 2016 Amended
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: Since 1996, states and municipalities have begun implementing full public financing of elections, as part of a "Clean Election" movement, in an attempt to return politics to the people; and
WHEREAS: Public financing programs have been shown to reduce the overall cost of elections, preventing the further escalation of campaign spending, and reducing the time both candidates and incumbents need to spend fundraising instead of engaging residents or working on policy; and
WHEREAS: Public financing will encourage candidates who lack substantial resources, effectively lowering the barrier for entry, increasing the ideological and socio-economic diversity, and expanding the range of policy positions put before the electorate; and
WHEREAS: Public grants can make elections more policy focused by reducing the fundraising advantages that, in particular, incumbents have over challengers, increasing candidate diversity; and
WHEREAS: Public funding can reduce the dependence of both candidates and officeholders on individual, labor, and committee contributions; and
WHEREAS: In 1998 Massachusetts voters approved by a margin of 2-1, The Clean Elections Law which provided public financing of statewide elections with 77% of Cambridge residents voting in favor of the initiative; and
~~WHEREAS: In 2002, The Clean Elections Law was effectively repealed, through an amendment to the state's budget which eliminated funding for this popular initiative; and~~
WHEREAS: When asked in a 2002 ballot initiative “Do you support taxpayer money being used to fund political campaigns for public office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts?” 73.9% in Massachusetts voted to reject and 54% of Cantabrigians voted in the affirmative; and
WHEREAS: Upon enacting a public financing program in Albuquerque, NM in 2007, the total campaign expenditures of the ten elected officials in the city fell to $512,000, which was less than half of the of the more than $1.2 million spent by one mayoral candidate alone in 2005; and
WHEREAS: There exists a campaign matching fund program in New York City, NY, where only 6% of campaign funds come from special interests, compared to 69% of funds in the rest of the state; and
WHEREAS: Only 19% of Minnesotans are concerned about corruption in government, compared to 30% of Ohioans and 49% of Illinois residents, as Minnesota is the only state out of the three with a public financing program; and
WHEREAS: Publicly funded municipal elections can set a powerful precedent as one step towards nationwide campaign finance reform; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hold a joint meeting of Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration, and the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committees to discuss different models for campaign finance reform and publicly-funded municipal elections in Cambridge.

O-9 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR MAHER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: To make farmers’ market food more affordable and to incentivize healthy eating for low-income families, the state-funded SNAP-Match program has doubled the buying power of low-income shoppers by matching what they spend in SNAP with an equal amount from Match funding; and
WHEREAS: The State has withdrawn its support of this much appreciated benefit to our low-income residents, de-incentivizing them to purchase healthier but more costly fresh produce; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been on the forefront of supporting our residents’ right and access to healthy food and a high quality of life; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore providing $10,000 to the low-income families in our city who qualify for, but are no longer able to receive, SNAP-Match support from the State.

O-10 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Cambridge prides itself in its passion for serving its diverse communities within the city; and
WHEREAS: Cities around the country like New Haven, CT, San Francisco, CA, New York City, NY, and New Bedford, MA have instituted successful municipal ID programs to better-serve various constituencies within their cities; and
WHEREAS: This proposed municipal ID would provide the homeless population with a form of identification and proof of address, potentially minimizing arrests within the city; and
WHEREAS: The foreign-born of our city may have complications in acquiring acceptable forms of government-issued identification and/or proof of address; and
WHEREAS: Some members of the LGBTQ community may find issue in conforming to gender specific State and Federally issued identification; and
WHEREAS: The expense of state IDs may be prohibitive, particularly for the elderly population living on a fixed income, making a more affordable form of government-issued ID desirable; and
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of introducing a municipal ID program in the city and respond to any and all community feedback regarding its possible implementation; and
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with findings regarding the feasibility and potential utility of a municipal ID program in Cambridge.

O-11 June 20, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: A number of residents have expressed great concern about the City’s plans to renovate Sacramento Field, which includes a proposal to pave over the field’s dirt path; and
WHEREAS: These residents have expressed their desire to have greater input into this process, and to have their concerns factored into the City’s plans for this renovation; and
WHEREAS: In response to the concerns of the residents, the City Council has learned that the City is planning to host a community meeting to better discuss this matter and explore the options for Sacramento Field going forward; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record thanking the City for its response to these community concerns, and in expressing its hope that a robust neighborhood outreach for these meetings will be conducted so that all stakeholders will have the opportunity to meaningfully weigh in on this proposed renovation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record in expressing the hope that resident concerns and input will be incorporated into the final design for this area to ensure a park that meets the needs of the neighborhood as well as the City at large.

O-12 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a diverse community that spans wide social, cultural, and economic spectrums; and
WHEREAS: It is in the City’s best interest to provide avenues through which this diversity is celebrated, supported, and strengthened; and
WHEREAS: Holding monthly gatherings open to the public where food is provided by the City would allow for an inclusive environment for residents and members of the Cambridge community to enjoy a free meal in a public space while engaging with one another; and
WHEREAS: This would be an opportunity for the City to support local businesses while fostering community engagement independent of specific holidays and festivals; now therefore be it
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to organize regular suppers on the second Saturday of each month, starting on the 13th of August, with free food for the Cambridge community in open public spaces throughout the various Cambridge neighborhoods; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to widely publicize these events to the community to ensure high turnout.

O-13 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The housing affordability crisis has put great financial stress and pressure on individuals and families living in Cambridge and throughout the greater Boston region; and
WHEREAS: The scarcity of market rate and affordable rental housing is among the leading drivers of housing costs in our City; and
WHEREAS: The production of multi-family housing has been slowed by local zoning ordinances that prohibit its construction, even in areas where there is significant demand; and
WHEREAS: All communities have a shared responsibility to ensure that the housing needs of their residents are being met, and cities and towns should not be permitted to completely prevent or exclude multi-family housing construction; and
WHEREAS: Inclusionary housing policies are an important tool for growing the stock of affordable housing both in Cambridge and across the state; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts State Senate has passed a landmark zoning reform bill, S.2327, that will increase housing production and expand the use of inclusionary zoning ordinances in cities and towns across the Commonwealth; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of S.2327, An Act promoting housing and sustainable development.

O-14 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the 2,400 nurses of Brigham and Women’s Hospital who have organized a one-day strike due to the hospital’s refusal to settle a fair contract with the nurses who are asking for safe nurse staffing to ensure effective care for their sickest patients, improvements to security, equal benefits for every nurse and a fair wage.

O-15 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of June 15, 2016 Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee in the total sum of $997.60.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee held a hearing on June 15, 2016 beginning at 5:02pm in the Ackermann Room.

The purpose of the hearing was to consider claims filed against the City.

Present at the meeting were Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Marc C. McGovern; Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Jan Devereux; Arthur Goldberg, Deputy City Solicitor; and Marybeth Cosgrove, Operations Manager, City Clerk’s Office.

Councillor Maher convened the meeting and explained the purpose. Councillor Maher moved to Executive Session to discuss pending litigation and claims filed against the city. The motion carried on a roll call vote with two in favor. Thereupon the committee moved to the consideration of the following claims:

Claimant

Nature of Claim

Award

Helal Uddin
20 Chestnut Street #207
Cambridge, MA 02139

Claimants vehicle was stuck by a School Department employee, Cambridge, MA

Approved

Rigazio Dry Cleaners
266 Rindge Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02140

Claimants clothing was destroyed due to rust in the main water line, Cambridge, MA

Approved

Councillor Maher thanked all present for their attendance.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:20pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor David P. Maher, Chair

Committee Report #1 June 20, 2016
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby approves payment of claims against the City of Cambridge in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the report of June 15, 2016 Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee in the total sum of $997.60.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-13. Report on the study the benefits of a wellbeing index and plan for how it might be incorporated into various City planning processes, including the city wide Master Plan.
Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-6) from 2/22/2016

16-16. Report on financial impacts and a plan to take Vail Court eminent domain.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-12) from 2/22/2016

16-19. Report on hygiene products in public restrooms.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 3/14/2016

16-20. Report on follow-up to swatting/school bomb threats.
Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 3/14/2016

16-21. Report on the use of shuttle buses to other pools during renovations of Gold Star Mother's Pool.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 3/14/2016

16-22. City Council opposition to investing funds from the Cambridge Retirement System in any entities that are involved in or support the production or upgrading of nuclear weapons systems.
Mayor Simmons (O-1) from 3/21/2016

16-24. Report on what additional measures can be taken to ensure that pedestrians are able to safely cross at the intersection of Cameron Avenue and Massachusetts Avenue.
Mayor Simmons (O-2) from 4/4/2016
Referred back to the City Manager on June 6, 2016 by Mayor Simmons.

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.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-5) from 4/4/2016

16-27. Report on the feasibility of an education campaign that would be available to all property owners through tax bills and other sources to educate residents about watering street trees near their property, refilling Gator Bags, and other tips for caring for street trees and the possibility of implementing an "Adopt-a-Tree" program.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 4/4/2016

16-28. Report on the possibility of allowing local businesses to voluntarily donate collected bag fees to non-profit organizations, the newly designed Community Benefits Fund, or the Cambridge Non-Profit Coalition.
Councillor Cheung (O-9) from 4/4/2016

16-29. Report on timeline for the implementation of the C2 non-zoning recommendations.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-16) from 4/4/2016

16-33. Report on the feasibility of hosting additional drop-off locations to provide for the safe disposal of unused prescription medications.
Councillor Devereux (O-3) from 4/11/2016

16-36. Report of patterns that Inman Square, Wellington Harrington and Port residents should be cognizant of procedures that should be followed if they feel their mail has been tampered with. See Mgr #2
Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 4/25/2016

16-40. Report on the installation of ADA compliant sidewalks on Huron Avenue and consider additional features to guarantee the safety of all other users.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen (O-9) from 4/25/2016

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.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016

16-43. Report on publishing a Cambridge Voter's Guide to be distributed to each household in Cambridge a month before the 2017 municipal election.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-4) from 5/2/2016

16-45. Report on how to best repair the uneven sidewalks at the locations of the corner of 7th and Otis Streets and in front of the Citizens Bank at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Temple Street. See Mgr #8
Mayor Simmons (O-6) from 5/9/2016

16-46. Report on the status of the contribution being made to the Grand Junction Multiuse path by the current owners of the One Kendall Square complex.
Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 5/23/2016

16-47. Report on ways to improve the public noticing of proposed building demolitions consistent with the outreach used for variances and special permits and to consider extending the amount of time to consider whether a property is historically significant.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-6) from 5/23/2016

16-48. Report on publishing an appropriate and clearly identified central location on the City’s website by Aug 1, 2016 all Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Office of Campaign and Political Finance information. See Mgr #9
Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 6/6/2016

16-49. Report on the feasibility of requiring gas pump labels with information about the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels at all gas stations in the City.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-0-5) from 6/13/2016

16-50. Report on the use of City office and meeting space for non-City appointed functions by non-City officials.
Councillor Kelley (O-0-4) from 6/6/2016

16-51. Report on the City's policies and best practices in the use and supervision of City Council interns.
Councillor Kelley (O-0-5) from 6/6/2016

16-52. Report on the City’s use of push-button caution lights at crosswalks and report back any decrease in pedestrian legal rights should they be hit while using such a signalized crosswalk without the warning lights having been activated and how the City is reviewing the currently installed flashing caution signs at crosswalks to determine their impact on street safety.
Councillor Kelley (O-0-6) from 6/6/2016

16-53. Report on the feasibility of either using City funds to subsidize the cost of installing and removing air conditioning units from Cambridge Housing Authority-owned apartments, or to determine if partnerships with organizations that can provide this service at a reduced cost could be established.
Mayor Simmons (O-0-7) from 6/6/2016

16-54. Report on the feasibility of finding a suitable long term solution to adding a dog park in East Cambridge by the end of 2016 and while such a permanent location is being identified and constructed, that a temporary location in East Cambridge be found and fenced in no later than the end of the summer of 2016.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-0-8) from 6/6/2016

16-55. Report on the feasibility of placing sunscreen dispensers containing broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher at Cambridge parks and playgrounds.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-0-9) from 6/6/2016