6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,641,000 from Free Cash, to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the first year of a two-year lease of operating and office space for the Department of Public Works on Mooney Street.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 22, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $1,641,000 from Free Cash, to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the first year of a two-year lease of operating and office space for the Department of Public Works on Mooney Street.

The City has secured a lease for 104,600 square feet of operating space and 4,800 square feet of office space located at 50-54 Mooney Street in the Concord/Alewife area of Cambridge. The site was formerly used as a transfer station for street sweeping and landscaping debris.

The leasing of this property will help to alleviate significant space shortages at the Public Works facility on Hampshire Street. The Department will be able to relocate its street sweeping, maintenance and landscaping operations, as well as various pieces of heavy equipment to the new location. In addition, operating divisions will relocate to the offices, providing swing space for upcoming upgrades at the Ryan Garage.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,300,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Human Services Extraordinary Expenditures Account to construct a new Universal Design Playground.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 22, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $5,300,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Human Services Extraordinary Expenditures Account to construct a new Universal Design Playground.

Universal Design is a design approach that aims to create products or environments that are usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, regardless of unique individual challenges based on age, physical ability, or other characteristics. An exclusively Universal Design playground will be the first of its kind in Cambridge and will be designed for inclusive play where every user and visitor, regardless of ability or disability, can benefit from play elements physically, developmentally, emotionally, and socially. Through unique play equipment, landscaping, layout, and elevations, the entire park will be designed to factor in not only mobile accessibility, but other potential sensory, cognitive, and emotional barriers. The new park will be located on an unutilized 0.75 acre portion of Danehy Park adjacent to the Field Street Parking Lot. The location features off street parking and onsite maintenance staff.

COMMUNITY PROCESS:
The firm Weston & Sampson, was selected to lead a team of designers, engineers, architects, landscape architects, and environmental scientists to design the new park. A Focus Group comprised of city staff, parents, abutters, and educators was also created to work closely in coordination with the design team as well as solicit input from residents throughout the public process to develop park concepts and design. There were also, two well-attended community meetings to gather feedback and ideas on design concepts. The design team has also worked collaboratively with various city departments including the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Department of Human Services Programs and the Recreation Division, Department of Public Works, the Arts Council, and the Open Space Committee.

PROJECT DESIGN:
The plan for the playground site includes inclusive customized play equipment and site elements for all ages and abilities. It will provide a unique play experience and will feature sensory environments for visual, auditory, and tactile engagement. Features of the design include:

Primary Playground Entrance
• Central vehicular pick-up/drop-off area with Handicapped parking, seating area, signage, specialty communications board, and pedestrian gateway

Secondary Playground Entrances (4)
• North-west corner of playground (gated), access from existing parking lot and Danehy Park fields; direct access to sensory walk activity area;

• North-east corner of playground (gated), access from Garden Street/Briston Arms neighborhood and direct access to splash pad play area;

• South-west corner of playground (gated), access from Field Street neighborhood and direct access to junior and senior play equipment areas;

• South-west corner of existing Field Street parking lot; enhanced pedestrian walkway adjacent to existing parking lot vehicular entrance area.

Perimeter Enclosure
• Ornamental fencing and select site furnishings work in combination to provide a visually appealing and secure perimeter enclosure around the playground.

Playground Features
• Junior Kids Play Area (ages 0-5) - custom-design, historic-themed play structure (brick building kiln);Older Kids Play Area (ages 5-12) - custom-designed, historic-themed play structure (brick shipping rail car);

• Sensory Hilltop Play Area - custom-designed by Cambridge artist Mitch Ryerson; village-themed play and gathering space with interactive musical features;

• Cambridge Arts Program - “Pipe Dreams” play sculpture/structure: custom-designed by high school students and faculty of NuVu Studio, a STEAM education school in Central Square;

• Dominic Killiany paintings: Dominic Killiany is a young local artist on the autism spectrum; Cambridge Arts will collaborate with Dominic and his family on custom integration of his vibrant imagery via art-themed benches, signage, and play surfacing;

• Play Equipment - variety of play equipment that accommodates all ages; swings, spinners, embankment slides, sloped climbing areas;

• Sensory Walk Zone - pathway featuring a variety of sensory-engaging elements; accommodates all ages;

• Splash Pad - interactive spray water play area; accommodates all ages

General Features
• Tree Canopy - protection and enhancement of existing tree canopy; responds to City of Cambridge Urban Forestry Master Plan;

• Shade - opportunities for shaded seating and play spread throughout the playground; combination of existing and new tree canopy, and play structure canopies/roofs;

• Walking Loop - level pathway at inside perimeter of playground

• Bathroom Facility - prefabricated, three-season building including men’s, women’s, and family restrooms with changing tables.

PROJECT BUDGET:
The project budget reflects an enhanced project scope based on feedback from the public and Focus Group, as well as review by the Department of Environmental Protection. The design and construction are made more complex because the site is on a former landfill, therefore a 25% construction contingency is included. The project also now includes a prefabricated bathroom building, based on feedback during the community process.

PROJECT SCHEDULE:
Construction of the playground will begin in late summer, 2020, and is anticipated to be completed in nine to twelve months.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for an allocation of $1,000,000 from the CPA Fund Balance to the Community Preservation Act Fund COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 22, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am transmitting the recommendation of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for an allocation of $1,000,000 from the CPA Fund Balance to the Community Preservation Act Fund COVID19 Housing Stabilization Program. A summary of the program and the CPAC funding request is attached.

Funds will be combined with other resources, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, to provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing financial instability due to the COVID-19 crisis and as a result may be at risk of losing their home because they are unable to pay rent.

This program is part of the City’s efforts to dedicate resources to housing assistance in response to the COVID-19 crisis and will be administered by the City Manager’s Office through the Office of the Housing Liaison, the Department of Human Services Programs (DHSP) through the Multi-Service Center (MSC) and the Community Development Department’s (CDD) Housing Division.

On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, the CPAC considered a request for an allocation of $1,000,000 in CPA funds for the City of Cambridge COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program. The CPAC held a public hearing through Zoom and voted on the following recommendation to the City Council, through the City Manager. The CPAC voted, six members in favor and one member voting present:

That the Community Preservation Committee recommend the allocation of $1,000,000 from the CPA Fund Balance to the City’s Covid-19 Housing Stabilization Program.

In accordance with the CPAC’s recommendation, I am requesting that the City Council appropriate $1,000,000 from the existing CPA Fund Balance to the City’s COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program.

This appropriation will not affect CPA project funding for FY2021. The FY2021 funding recommendations are expected in September, and they will be based on net local receipts from the CPA surcharge for FY2021, the FY2021 state match, and from the CPA fund balance.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

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COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program
Request for CPA Funds
Use of Funds Summary
June 10, 2020

An allocation of $1million is requested from CPA funds to establish the COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program. If approved, these funds will be combined with other resources, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, to provide short term financial assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing financial instability due to the COVID-19 crisis and as a result may be at risk of losing their home because they are unable to pay rent.

This program is the second phase of City efforts to dedicate resources to housing assistance in response to the COVID-19 crisis, continuing certain housing assistance supports allocated through the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund, and will be administered jointly by the City Manager’s Office through the Office of the Housing Liaison, the Department of Human Services Programs (DHSP) through the Multi-Service Center (MSC) and the Community Development Department’s (CDD) Housing Division.

The program will subsidize households whose incomes are at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) and whose rent is more than 40% of their income at the time of application, and reduce their housing costs to 40% of their current income.

Funds will be disbursed in the form of a two-month rental subsidy. Subject to funding availability, the program could be extended beyond two months, but will remain a temporary program responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

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Agenda Item Number 8     June 22, 2020
ORDERED: That the City Council allocate $1,000,000 from the Community Preservation Act Fund Balance to the Community Preservation Act Fund COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program.

9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the authorization of a spending limit of $1,300,000 FY2021, for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Revolving Fund, pursuant to Chapter 3.24 of the Municipal Ordinance titled “Departmental Revolving Funds”.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 22, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to request authorization of a spending limit of $1,300,000 for fiscal year 2021, for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction revolving fund (Revolving Fund), pursuant to Chapter 3.24 of the Municipal Ordinance titled “Departmental Revolving Funds”.

In November 2019, the Council adopted the Departmental Revolving Funds Ordinance, and also established the Revolving Fund. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 44, § 53E½, the City Council must take action on or before July 1st of each year to authorize a spending limit for each such year.

The Aggregation adder is expected to raise approximately $650,000 annually, or a total of $1.3 million during the current supplier contract period (January 2019 - December 2020).

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 9     June 22, 2020
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record authorizing a spending limit of $1,300,000 for Fiscal Year 2021 for the Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Revolving Fund, pursuant to Chapter 3.24 of the Cambridge Municipal Ordinance entitled: Departmental Revolving Fund.

10. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of Federal CARES Act funds in the amount of $1,529,834 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to assist residents and small business owners who are impacted by the virus.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 22, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of Federal CARES Act funds in the amount of $1,529,834 to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account.

The City has received Housing and Urban Development funds through the CARES Act to address the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The City plans on using the funds to assist residents and small business owners who are impacted by the virus.

The Emergency Housing Assistance, in combination with CPA funds, is intended to support the City of Cambridge COVID-19 Housing Stabilization program providing short term housing assistance to Cambridge residents.

Small Business Grants - This funding will provide short term financial assistance to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, providing short term working capital assistance to support businesses as they reopen and restart operations.

Small Business Tele-Coaching and Online workshops will offer and expand on existing coaching and workshop training in the areas of financial planning, legal consultation, marketing, design and restaurant/food service topics in a virtual setting to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

12. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $120,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Executive (Cambridge Office of Tourism) Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will directly support a city-wide campaign, “Hello Again” in collaboration with the City and the business community - to welcome businesses, customers, and the surrounding neighborhoods back by promoting health safety and positivity following the COVID-19 shut down.
Order Adopted 9-0

June 22, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $120,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Executive (Cambridge Office of Tourism) Other Ordinary Maintenance account. These funds will directly support a city-wide campaign, “Hello Again” in collaboration with the City and the business community - to welcome businesses, customers, and the surrounding neighborhoods back by promoting health safety and positivity following the COVID-19 shut down.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Policy Order Re Addressing Systemic Racism in Cambridge. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

O-10     Calendar Item # 1     June 10, 2020     June 22, 2020  Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: In 1945, the City of Cambridge was among the scores of municipalities across the country that appointed a citizen's committee to review the treatment of African-Americans, particularly those returning from serving during WWII, and to help them better reintegrate into the communities they were now returning to; and

WHEREAS: The charge of the Cambridge citizens committee was to provide a reliable voice in civic matters to the African-American community members and their allies, and this work resulted in the establishment of a formal Department of Civic Unity; and

WHEREAS: Over the next several decades, the Department of Civic Unity would work on bettering Police-Community Relations, on creating fairer educational and housing practices and policies, on ensuring that there were fair and equitable policies on matters of employment, and on various other areas of concern as they arose, and in time, much of this work was institutionalized across several City departments to engage in anti-bias work; and

WHEREAS: In recent weeks, as the entire country has been galvanized in the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, there has been a renewed demand from the Cambridge community to ensure that the kind of work that the Department of Civic Unity was focused on prior to being discontinued in the 1990s must be re-committed to, to ensure that the City is fully engaged in stamping out issues of racism in all its iterations; and

WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has the opportunity to be a true national leader in taking stock of our policies, of the opportunities presented to people regardless of their color, gender, religion, or orientation, and to ensure that all members of the Cambridge community are treated fairly and equally in all respects; now therefore be it

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee and the Chair of the Public Safety Committee in appointing a committee charged with making recommendations on what measures the City should be taking to better address any systemic instances of racism, racial intolerance, and/or unequal treatment of African-American members of the community, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Chair of the Civic Unity Committee in convening a Town Hall meeting or other public forum designed to ensure that the voices from members of the community are heard on this important matter.

2. A communication was received from Kevin P. Crane, 27 Norris Street, regarding Shared Streets.

Dear All,

Stay safe!

At this stage the shared street program is totally unnecessary. There are many different locations throughout the City that our citizens can safely socially distance with the appropriate face covering. Any purported benefit from this pilot program does not justify the hardships on our citizens particularly the residents of the three affected streets and the immediate neighborhoods.

Please reconsider.

All the best,
Kevin P. Crane
27 Norris Street
Cambridge
Councilor Emeritus

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

To: Cambridge City Council
From: Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor
Date: June 18, 2020
Subject: Communicating information from the School Committee’s Special Meeting and Regular Meeting

To the Honorable, the City Council:
This past Tuesday, June 16th, the School Committee and administration had a Special Meeting for the purposes of interviewing Superintendent Salim’s recommendations of Dr. Michelle Madera for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and Dr. Nicole Gittens for the position of Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. After this Special Meeting, we had our Regular Meeting with Public Comment.

At the Special Meeting, my colleagues asked the candidates very important about their visions, accountability, and working in coalition. By a unanimous vote, Dr. Nicole Gittens was appointed as CPSD’s new Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and with a 6-1 vote, with my voting no, Dr. Michelle Madera was appointed as CPSD’s new Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education. Congratulations to them both.

I also want to welcome our new Student Members Muriel Vera-Degraff and Anais Killian to the School Committee.

Following the confirmation of our new Assistant Superintendents, we continued with our Regular Meeting, where Superintendent Salim presented his COVID-19 Response Update. He provided information about student engagement data and my colleagues demanded more specificity. He also gave an update on CPSD’s summer efforts. It was announced that a student survey went out to grades 6-12 on June 15th and that another would be sent to families on June 17th. We are also expected to see additional guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on June 19th.

On Friday, June 18th, the Buildings and Grounds Subcommittee will convene from 12:30-2:00pm to continue the conversation on CPSD’s facilities planning, particularly as it pertains to COVID-19 recovery.

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

Respectfully,
Sumbul Siddiqui

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 22, 2020
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the appropriate city departments to place all collective bargaining agreements between the City and unions on the city website, in an easily accessible location, to increase transparency for the public.

O-2     June 22, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: In recent years, the City has frequently been asked by business owners in Central Square to consider piloting a “Car Free Sunday” program during the summer months, to allow restaurants to establish outdoor dining on a greater scale than is currently possible, to draw more foot traffic to the area, and to bring a sense of vibrancy and vitality back to Central Square; and
WHEREAS: As the City prepares for the next phase of re-openings in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, in which restaurants will be allowed to re-open with outdoor dining options, the need to work with our business community and help entice patrons back into supporting our local economy in as safe a manner as possible suggests that the summer of 2020 would be the ideal time to revisit such a program, and to see if this might be appropriate for other areas of the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to work with the Central Square Business Association in developing a pilot program that will allow Central Square to close to vehicular traffic on Sundays and allow restaurants to fully embrace the concept of outdoor dining for the summer months of 2020, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-3     June 22, 2020  Amended
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is invested in the health and safety of its unhoused population. In the time of COVID-19, the City is providing immediate food and shelter assistance, and is pursuing affordable housing zoning changes; and
WHEREAS: There is a great need, in between these immediate and long-term solutions, for a space that provides centralized aid, connects unhoused residents to resources, and helps them move into housing; and
WHEREAS: The need for such a centralized space is increasing due to the congregating of unhoused residents in Central Square without any day programming, and to their exposure to the sharply increasing heat outside, which puts them at risk for heat stroke, dehydration, and other grave health problems; and
WHEREAS: A cohort of City officials led by Councillor McGovern, including the Mayor, the Vice-Mayor, the Police Commissioner, the Chief Public Health Officer, the Public Works Commissioner, and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services, toured the Downtown Day Services Center (“The Center”) in DC in March 2020.
WHEREAS: The Center provides a multitude of services, including meals programs, showers, laundry, housing services, legal services like ID, employment, records, and case management, healthcare, harm reduction services, computers, and entertainment. It serves as an exceptional, housing-first model for the City of Cambridge to pursue; therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to identify an air-conditioned a climate-controlled space for a Cambridge Day Services Center for unhoused people; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on this matter no later than the regular meeting on June 29th, 2020.

O-4     June 22, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: All around Cambridge, little free libraries are in neighborhoods to share books, create dialogue and build community; and
WHEREAS: Most of these little free libraries are community led, and are made up of a diversity of literature, but not many books by authors of color or about combatting racism; and
WHEREAS: To combat racism and urge our residents to become intentionally anti-racist, we must promote the education of systemic racism, one’s role in upholding these systems and the resources in which to overcome white supremacy; and
WHEREAS: Creating additional little free libraries aimed at providing anti-racist texts, will elevate the understanding of how racism shapes our daily lives, will build community and understanding and foster dialogue in the community about race; and
WHEREAS: These anti-racist little free libraries should be available in a variety of neighborhoods, including the Port (Harvard and Windsor), the Coast (Putnam and Magazine), Brattle Street and North Cambridge (Rindge and Massachusetts Ave.); now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Director of Cambridge Public Libraries to determine providing the initial books and resources that will be in these little free libraries; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the Council on the feasibility of placing the four little free libraries in the above locations in a timely manner.

O-5     June 22, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City and Council have taken admirable steps to use good governance and best practices in human resources, including making progress in greater diversity in hiring in all departments; and
WHEREAS: Civil Service is a system that was initially set up to ensure fair hiring practices in the 1800s and to provide help in hiring for a range of civic positions which was beneficial to professionalizing public sector jobs; and
WHEREAS: System delays in scheduling exams can make hiring difficult especially when exams are not timely, thereby inhibiting opportunities for advancement; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge police and fire departments youth and cadet programs brought welcome diversity and applicants from a range of backgrounds, thereby contributing to the goals of the council which program would likely not have been needed if Civil Service was not in place; and
WHEREAS: Many believe the system has outgrown its usefulness and as a result some departments of city government are hindered by Civil Service;
WHEREAS: Many forward thinking towns and cities are considering alternatives to Civil Service; and many Massachusetts municipalities have left, including: Acton, Adams, Burlington, Easthampton, Franklin, Grafton, Lee, Lexington, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Marlborough, Maynard, Milford, Millis, North Adams, North Attleboro, North Reading, Norwood, Orange, Provincetown, Reading, Sharon, Sudbury, Uxbridge, Walpole, Wayland, Wellesley, Westwood, Williamstown; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to provide a report by the end of summer for discussion at a September Council meeting on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.

O-6     June 22, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recognizes the reality of climate change and the importance of protecting our planet to ensure the well-being of future generations; and
WHEREAS: In the wake of the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, Cambridge joined the We Are Still In initiative, a coalition of over 2,800 representatives from all 50 states including large and small businesses, mayors and governors, university presidents, faith leaders, tribal leaders, and cultural institutions;
WHEREAS: Burning coal produces 60% of the total carbon emissions from the U.S. electric power sector, and under current federal regulations, will continue to contribute to a staggering health crisis resulting in approximately 10,000 premature deaths, up 48,000 lost work days, and tens of thousands of cases of respiratory illness annually through 2030; and
WHEREAS: Indigenous communities and environmentalists are outspoken against the dangerous use of tar sands oil and the harm caused by its water-intensive, destructive extraction and refinement processes, and its transport; and
WHEREAS: Climate change is increasing Massachusetts’ vulnerability to severe weather, flooding, and extreme heat risks, which could represent billions of dollars in insured losses; and
WHEREAS: Most US insurers continue to invest in fossil fuel companies, and the 40 largest US insurers hold over $450 billion in the coal, oil, gas, and electric utilities sectors; and
WHEREAS: Municipalities including Paris, San Francisco, Boulder County, and Somerville have adopted resolutions calling on insurance companies to divest from coal and other fossil fuel industries; and
WHEREAS: In 2016, the California Insurance Commissioner called on the industry to voluntarily divest from thermal coal companies, resulting in 57 insurers committing to divest some or all investments; and
WHEREAS: On February 13, 2020, the Boulder County Board of Supervisors announced that the county will screen its own potential insurance providers for those that insure and invest in fossil fuels, and use the information as a determining factor in deciding with whom it will do business; and
WHEREAS: On May 27, 2020, 38 Massachusetts legislators sent a letter to Liberty Mutual CEO David Long calling on the Boston-based insurance company to stop insuring and investing in fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is not insured by any commercial insurance companies, relying on self-insurance and a pooled-risk fund for public entities; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council goes on record in support of the Stop The Money Pipeline movement calling on the insurance industry to not insure or invest in fossil fuels; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to leading US insurers including Brian Duperreault, CEO of AIG, Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, David Long, CEO of Liberty Mutual, and Cambridge’s entire state and federal legislative delegation.

O-7     June 22, 2020  Amended; Charter Right - Toomey
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Since 2014, The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has been planning the Allston Multimodal Improvement Project, which will transform road, railway, and land use patterns along Interstate 90 just across the river from Cambridge, and create new planning opportunities on this side of the river; and
WHEREAS: One opportunity is to expand the Grand Junction Railway bridge from a one-track to a two-track crossing, which would realize the potential to connect the commercial hub of Kendall Square to Boston and MetroWest municipalities such as Framingham and Worcester via high-speed regional rail; and
WHEREAS: Local advocacy organizations including WalkBoston, the Cambridge I-90 Committee, the Conservation Law Foundation, the Charles River Watershed Association, Friends of the Grand Junction Path, Friends of the Community Path, and the Kendall Square Business Association are supporting a two-track crossing; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record in support of including a two-track Grand Junction railway crossing in MassDOT’s Allston Multimodal Improvement Project plans, and urges the FMCB to vote in favor of this inclusion; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Transportation Secretary Pollack, the MBTA FMCB, and the Cambridge State Legislative Delegation on behalf of the City Council.

O-8     June 22, 2020
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that work related to the Port Infrastructure Improvements Project has begun; and
WHEREAS: While phase 2 of the project is not scheduled to commence until 2022, significant preparation work has already begun, which in addition to phase 1 of the project is leading to serious disruption and inconvenience for neighborhood residents; and
WHEREAS: Residents of the immediately impacted neighborhood are faced with constantly changing traffic patterns, temporary tow-zones announced no more than 48 hours in advance, dangerous conditions for pedestrians, and more; and
WHEREAS: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic impacts, residents are not necessarily using their cars on a regular basis, making 48-hours’ notice via a physical sign on the street insufficient, and fees associated with a towing outcome are burdensome for residents; and
WHEREAS: A section of the sidewalk on Bishop Allen Drive between Columbia Street and Douglass Street has been completely closed to pedestrians for quite some time, and cars using the road as a cut-through in both directions travel too fast for it to be safe for anyone on foot to take the road, creating a dangerous situation where there is only a single narrow sidewalk for pedestrians as they attempt to maintain social distancing practices while going through this area; and
WHEREAS: Bishop Allen Drive from Columbia to Norfolk was converted to a one-way street for some time in late 2019, which made things considerably more safe for pedestrians, but this restriction has since been removed, despite the ongoing construction; and
WHEREAS: As the city moves ahead with this important project, the impact on residents of the neighborhood and anyone passing through by foot or bike needs to be considered, and a community engagement process that begins in Fall 2020 is too late if preliminary work is starting this summer; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to immediately publish a list of all upcoming temporary tow-zones in the Port neighborhood and distribute this list to residents; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Traffic and Parking and other relevant departments to make immediate adjustments to Bishop Allen Drive that improve safety and comfort for pedestrians; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible.

O-9     June 22, 2020  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Chapter 2.52 Section 090 of the Cambridge municipal code states that "The Police Commissioner shall make a report to the City Manager annually, in the month of July, of all the receipts and expenditures of his Department, the organization and efficiency of the force, and an itemized statement of all the materials, tools and property of every kind belonging to the City, on hand June 30th with their estimated value."; and
WHEREAS: The public has an interest in understanding the extent to which the Department is in possession of military grade equipment, including a Lenco BearCat and high powered sniper rifles, and what options may exist for disposing of such equipment if no longer needed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to obtain an itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned by the Cambridge Police Department; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager make this information available to the City Council at its July 27, 2020 Special Meeting.

O-10     June 22, 2020
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge publicly acknowledges we are facing a climate change crisis due to increasing dangers of fossil fuels impacting public health and quality of life; and
WHEREAS: The intent of Article 22.000 of Cambridge’s Zoning Code is “to promote environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient design and development practices in new construction and renovation of buildings in the city”; and
WHEREAS: The city has set goals for different building types to meet the highest standards for environmentally sustainable design in the coming years; and
WHEREAS: Costs for different forms of clean energy are equal to or less than fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge set a building standard for utilizing clean energy in their non-zero buildings to minimize adverse environmental impacts and as examples for private industry and all public facilities design to replicate; and
WHEREAS: It is of utmost importance that new and renovated projects seriously explore the environmental and likely cost advantages of using alternative and renewable energy resources during the design development of their projects; now therefore
ORDERED: Under 22.20 Green Building Requirements, the following will be added as Section 22.25.2 (d):

“A plan shall be submitted to Community Development and Inspectional Services Departments that uses alternative and renewable energy sources and an analysis of the feasibility and cost of installing such a system compared with a fossil fueled energy system for city and public review.”

Note: This does not mandate a non-fossil fuel system be installed.

The full text within its section shall be:

22.25.2

Before applying for a building permit for a Green Building Project, the documentation listed in Subsection 22.25.1 above, updated from any previous version (if applicable) to reflect the current Green Building Project design, and the additional documentation listed below shall be submitted to CDD for review. Within thirty (30) days after receiving a complete set of documentation, CDD shall provide written notice to the developer of the Green Building Project that the documentation sufficiently demonstrates compliance with the requirements in Section 22.24 and that said developer may apply for a building permit from the Superintendent of Buildings, or CDD shall provide a written explanation of deficiencies to be corrected in a revised submission.

(a) Energy Simulation Tool results demonstrating compliance with the selected Green Building Rating System.

(b) For a Green Building Project using the Passive House Green Building Rating Program, the following set of documents is required:

(1) credentials of the Passive House rater/verifier who will perform testing and verification and letter of intent stating he/she has been hired to complete the on- site verification process;

(2) credentials of the Certified Passive House Consultant who has provided design, planning, or consulting services;

(3) construction drawings and specifications, including building envelope assemblies, all mechanical systems, and appliance specifications; and

(4) Energy Simulation Tool results using "WUFI Passive" software, developed by Fraunhofer IBP in partnership with Passive House Institute US, Inc. and Owens Corning, or Passive House Planning Package software developed by the Passive House Institute, or a comparable software tool that is authorized for use by the Passive House Green Building Rating Program.

(c) Credentials of the Green Building Project's designated Green Building Professional and an affidavit signed by that professional stating that he/she has reviewed all relevant documents and that to the best of his/her knowledge, the documents provided indicate that the Green Building Project is being designed to achieve the requirements of Section 22.24.

(d) A plan shall be submitted to Community Development and Inspectional Services Departments that uses alternative and renewable energy sources and an analysis of the feasibility and cost of installing such a system compared with a fossil fueled energy system for city and public review.

(d) (e) Credentials of the Green Building Project's Green Commissioning Authority or a copy of an executed contract with the developer of the Green Building Project if the Green Commissioning Authority is an independent consultant or subcontractor.

O-11     June 22, 2020  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: As our society continues to grapple with the aftermath of the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and far too many other people of color, the nation appears to be on a path towards addressing the systemic racism that has long been entwined in this country’s history, and observances like Juneteenth are taking on added significance as a result; and
WHEREAS: For many years, Cambridge has regularly observed Juneteenth via annual City Council resolutions in an effort to raise awareness of the significance of this date, yet in keeping with the changes currently taking place in our society, it would be fitting to enshrine Juneteenth as a formal, annual City observance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City personnel to take the necessary measures that will ensure that June 19 be formally observed as the Juneteenth Holiday beginning in 2021 and every June 19th thereafter, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-12     June 22, 2020  Charter Right - Zondervan
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council recently declared racism as a Public Health crisis; and
WHEREAS: The recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others have elevated the conversation around where traditional Public Safety and policing intersects with social services, and there has been a national call for alternative emergency responses for non-emergency related situations; and
WHEREAS: Currently the definition of Public Safety only includes Police, Fire and EMTs, and said definition must be redefined to include Public Health and Human Services; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department is the only response option when non-violent calls are received by Emergency Communications Department, calls that involve mental health, housing and homelessness issues, grief and trauma response, suicide prevention assessment and intervention and others that could be better served by an unarmed Public Health and Human Services response; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Police Department has made tremendous efforts in the last decade to intentionally reconceptualize public safety, which currently includes programs performed by non-sworn employees such as; social workers who specialize in mental health and addiction recovery, domestic violence advocates, an on-staff Child Psychologist, and more, and this model would not be intended to replace those program, but to enhance and create a co-response alternative model that includes the Public Health and Human Services departments; and
WHEREAS: Unarmed alternative emergency response programs exist across the country that can serve as a model for Cambridge to develop a program that works for our community; and
WHEREAS: Programs like CAHOOTS (Crisis Assisting Help on the Streets), in Oregon work in tandem with Emergency Communications to triage whether traditional Public Safety is dispatched, or an unarmed team that is better prepared to perform Health and Human Service functions; and
WHEREAS: The CAHOOTS model consists of a medic (either a nurse or an EMT), and a crisis worker (who has at least several years experience in the mental health field). CAHOOTS provides immediate stabilization in case of urgent medical need or psychological crisis, assessment, information, referral, advocacy, and (in some cases) transportation to the next step in treatment; and
WHEREAS: CAHOOTS offers a broad range of services, including but not limited to:
  • Crisis Counseling
  • Suicide Prevention, Assessment, and Intervention
  • Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  • Grief and loss
  • Substance Abuse
  • Housing Crisis
  • First Aid and Non-Emergency Medical Care
  • Resource Connection and Referrals
  • Transportation to Services; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge should consider and evaluate an effective, unarmed, Public Health and Human service response mechanism, like in Oregon, Miami, Dallas and others to redefine what Public Safety looks like, and develop an alternative public health response with the ultimate goal of decreasing arrests, increasing connections to critical housing, addiction and other services, and ensuring that Public Safety feels safe for all residents; therefore now be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Cambridge Police Department, Emergency Communications Department, Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services and other relevant departments to determine the feasibility of an alternative Public Safety Crisis Response System, which department would be responsible for it, and how it would be funded and implemented in FY2022, and report back to the Council by September 14th; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager discuss such any alternative with community members.

O-13     June 22, 2020  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to reinstitute the practice of dispatching crews of hand-sweepers from the Public Works Department to Harvard Street (between Prospect Street to Portland Street) in the Port on a regular basis to ensure that the City does a better job of keeping the streets and sidewalks in this neighborhood clean, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-14     June 22, 2020  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is directed to provide the City Council with an update on the formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan that was called for in a Policy Order passed on May 20, 2019 and was again called for on December 16, 2019; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council formally go on record in amending the City Council Rules to ensure that anti-bias and cultural sensitivity trainings are held for both the City Council and members the City Administration on a yearly basis going forward.

O-15     June 22, 2020  Charter Right - Zondervan
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic has created financial hardship for many Cambridge residents and families; and
WHEREAS: Thirty percent of U.S. residents said they have had one or more disruptions in income or employment during COVID-19, according to a survey by Gallup released in late April; and
WHEREAS: Nearly 7% of Cambridge residents are unemployed and experiencing a loss or reduction of their income due to COVID-19, which is an alarming difference from the 1.9% unemployment rate in January 2020; and
WHEREAS: The loss and reduction of income impacts residents’ ability to pay rent and utilities and purchase household and food essentials; and
WHEREAS: The Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund has assisted over 1,400 of those residents and families with rent and utility assistance for 2-3 months; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge will be allocating $1,000,000 from the CPA Fund Balance to the Community Preservation Act Fund COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program, which will provide short-term financial assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing financial instability due to the COVID-19 crisis and as a result may be at risk of losing their home because they are unable to pay rent; and
WHEREAS: Governor Baker issued an eviction moratorium on April 20, 2020 to protect tenants during the COVID-19 state of emergency; and
WHEREAS: The eviction moratorium expires on August 18, 2020 or 45 days after Governor Baker lifts the state of emergency, leaving tenants still experiencing financial distress with limited options on maintaining their housing long term; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge must formalize our long-term plans to assist tenants as we approach the end of the eviction moratorium; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the City’s Housing Liaison and Multi Service Center to discuss a variety of long-term housing solutions and tenant protections and report back to the City Council on July 27, 2020.

O-16     June 22, 2020  Charter Right - Zondervan
VICE MAYOR MALLON
ORDERED: That the City Manager includes the weekly COVID-19 Expert Advisory Board meeting notes on the following Monday nights City Council agenda for discussion starting on the Monday, June 29th meeting.