3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration pilot. (CM23#190) [Fossil Fuel Free Council Submission for June 26 2023] [225 CMR 24.00 (Updated)5.10.23] [Model Rule - Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Project 5.10.23]
pulled by Zondervan; Rules suspended 9-0 to bring forward Charter Right #1 (with modified language); Comments by Zondervan, Toner, Simmons, Carlone, McGovern (on claims that “celebrity chefs” support this - really?), Nolan (who claims that there has been outreach over many years in support of this - really?, and also equates this with worker health?); Rasmussen (CDD) claims that outreach is being done and that she would like this to be ordained at Summer Meeting; Substitute Language Approved 7-2 (DS,PT-No); Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-0-1 (Toner - No, Simmons - Present); Referred to Ordinance Committee 7-1-0-1 (Toner - No, Simmons - Present)

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a member of the Foundry Advisory Committee (FAC). This appointment is for a term of three years; Jameson Johnson. (CM23#177)
Appointment Approved 9-0

June 26, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you that I have appointed Jameson Johnson to the Foundry Advisory Committee (FAC) for a term of three years. Ms. Johnson fills a vacancy left on the FAC by the recent resignation of member Michael Shea.

In February 2023 the City Manager appointed three members to the FAC- Connie Chin, Barbara Thomas, and Rubén Mancha. Ms. Johnson was recruited through the same process. The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications on the city website from November 9, 2022, through December 12, 2022.

Extensive outreach was done through the City’s traditional outreach channels such as the Daily Update email. More targeted outreach efforts were made by Cambridge Arts through their newsletter and social media channels as well as the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority’s various outreach channels. A total of 31 applications were received. Applications were shared with the City’s Director of Equity and Inclusion. A panel comprised of representatives from Cambridge Arts, Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and DHSP-Workforce Development reviewed applications and conducted interviews. The panelists interviewed six candidates during the second half of January 2023.

Jameson Johnson is the Marketing & Development Manager for the MIT List Visual Arts Center, and the founder and editor-in-chief for the Boston Art Review, a regional publication on contemporary art. In her roles, she has engaged with plenty of artists, writers, and community organizers and understands that aside from housing and healthcare, access to affordable cultural space is paramount to the vibrancy of our communities and the artists who live and work here.

Cambridge Arts and the City’s Arts & Cultural Planning Director are working in partnership with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to ensure that The Foundry continues to provide workspace and programs for the visual and performing arts, entrepreneurship, technology, and workforce education within its historic, industrial setting.

I appreciate Ms. Johnson’s willingness to serve and look forward to her contributions to making the Foundry a center for exploration, innovation, and belonging.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee. These appointments are for five years: Elaine DeRosa, Kathy Watkins, Taha Jennings, and David Lyons. (CM23#178)
Appointments Approved 9-0

June 26, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointments of the following persons as members of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for a term of five years. These appointments require notification to the City Council only.

Elaine DeRosa, Affordable Housing Trust. The Community Preservation Act (CPA) requires that the CPAC include a member of the Affordable Housing Trust. Elaine DeRosa spent four decades working at Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. (CEOC), including 30 as Executive Director. At CEOC, Ms. DeRosa provided individual tenant advocacy and developed and advocated for public policy for the preservation and development of affordable housing in Cambridge and statewide. She also currently serves as the chair of the Cambridge Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Ms. DeRosa will bring decades of commitment and passion of insuring affordable housing for low-income individuals and families throughout Cambridge. Her appointment is effective May 29, 2023.

Kathy Watkins, Commissioner of Public Works. The CPA also requires that the CPAC includes a member whose duties involve the oversight of parks. Ms. Watkins was appointed as Commissioner of Public Works in December, 2022, after serving as the City Engineer since 2014. She has both undergraduate and masters degrees in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Watkin’s engineering background and extensive public construction expertise will also inform the CPAC as it reviews and recommends projects for funding. Her appointment is effective May 29, 2023.

Taha Jennings. Taha Jennings has worked for the City of Cambridge for over 20 years and has served as Budget Director since 2018. Prior to his time in the Budget Office, he has worked in the City Manager’s Office as Assistant to the City Manager, and as a Project Planner, and Neighborhood Planner in the Community Development Department. He also serves as chair of the City’s Open Space Committee. Mr. Jennings has worked with the Cambridge Community Preservation Act Committee in several capacities over the years while employed in the City, and brings experience in city planning, open space, community engagement, and municipal finance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies, as well as a masters degree in City and Regional Planning from Rutgers University, and is professionally accredited by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). His appointment is effective May 30, 2023.

David Lyons, Conservation Commission. The Community Preservation Act requires that the CPAC include a member of the Conservation Commission. Mr. Lyons is a lawyer and Huron Village resident with municipal, environmental, and energy law expertise. His current practice focuses on energy efficiency and building decarbonization, as well as environmental compliance, permitting, and litigation. His municipal law experience includes advising several towns’ Community Preservation Act committees, as well as compliance with the Open Meeting Law and Public Records Act. In addition, Mr. Lyons is familiar with the municipal open meeting law. His appointment is effective June 1, 2023.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the rescission of the remaining amount [$2,600,000] of the loan order authorized by the City Council on May 23,2016 for the construction of the King Open/Cambridge Street Schools & Community Complex. (CM23#179)
pulled by Siddiqui; Order Adopted 7-0-1-1 (Azeem - Absent; Simmons - Present)

June 26, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached an order requesting the rescission of the remaining amount of the loan order authorized by the City Council on May 23, 2016 for the construction of the King Open/Cambridge Street Schools & Community Complex.

Professional cost estimates were developed for the project. Fortunately, the City was the beneficiary of a favorable bidding environment when it received actual construction bids.

It is considered to be a sound financial practice to rescind any balances on loan authorizations for projects that have been completed because these balances are included in certain debt ratio calculations that are used to determine the financial strength of the City. Bond related balances cannot be used for any purpose other than what was originally intended.

As a result, I am requesting that the authorized but unissued portion of such May 23, 2016 loan order, $2,600,000 be rescinded because there is no further need for these funds.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 6     June 26, 2023
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge rescinds the following amounts that have been authorized to be borrowed, but which are no longer needed for the purposes for which they were initially approved:

Unissued Amount	Date of Loan Order Approval	Original Purpose
$2,600,000	May 23, 2016	Construction of the King Open/Cambridge Street Schools & Community Complex

11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee. These appointments are for three years; Anya Bear and Elena Sokolow Kaufman. (CM23#184)
Appointments Approved 9-0

June 26, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you that I am appointing Anya Bear and Elena Sokolow Kaufman to the Community Benefits Advisory Committee for three-year terms.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee was established in 2015, under Ch. 2.127 of CMC. This committee is responsible for identifying community benefits needs of the residents of Cambridge based on the priorities established by the City Council, soliciting and evaluating applications from non-profits to provide these services, and making recommendations to the City Manager for the allocation of community benefits funding through grant agreements with non-profit organizations.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee has 13 members who represent the non-profit community, City staff, Cambridge residents, the Cambridge Community Foundation, the business or property development community, and the City’s universities or colleges.

As the university representative, I am appointing Ms. Bear. As the Government and Community Relations Associate in the Office of Government and Community Relations at MIT, Anya engages with a broad range of Cambridge nonprofits, City departments, and residents, and collaborates with Institute staff on a variety of projects both internal and external to MIT. She has 20+ years of experience in community building, strategic planning, leadership development, and advancement of equity and inclusion.

The Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition recommends two of the representatives from the non-profit community, and recommended Ms. Sokolow Kaufman to fill a vacant position. Ms. Sokolow Kaufman is the Executive Director of CNC. She is well-versed in community benefits work. She was a member of the Community Benefits Needs Assessment Advisory Group, which provided guidance on the needs assessment which informed CBAC’s funding priorities. She maintains a deep connection with the nonprofit community in Cambridge through her leadership at CNC, which will be of value to the committee.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions as members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-60, regarding the review of the Parking Permit Program. (CM23#185)
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Simmons, Azeem, Nolan; additional clarification from Brooke McKenna; Placed on File 9-0

Office of the City Solicitor
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Date: June 26, 2023
Re: Awaiting Report No. 21-60; Council Order No. O-3 of 9/13/21 Re: Request that the City Manager be and hereby is directed to direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the City Solicitor to review the City’s residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to prevent commercial ventures from renting out vehicles utilizing residential parking, and to develop recommendations that speak to these modifications.

Dear Mr. Huang:
This is in response to Awaiting Report No. 21-60; Council Order No. O-3 of 9/13/21, attached hereto, which requests that the City Manager direct the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and the City Solicitor to review the City’s residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to speak to the concerns related to use of residential parking permits for commercial motor vehicle leasing and rentals.

It has come to the City Council’s attention that one or more individuals have obtained residential parking permits for multiple vehicles and is parking such vehicles on residential streets, and that at least some of these vehicles are being rented out on a peer to peer car sharing model as part of a business enterprise. The City Council would like to prevent this sort of use of residential parking permits in the future.

After consulting with Transportation Commissioner Brooke McKenna and upon review of Chapter 10.12 of the Cambridge Ordinances, it is our opinion that the use of residential parking permits for a commercial enterprise as described above is prohibited, as the Ordinance states that “residential parking stickers issued by the Cambridge Traffic Director . . . are intended only for the personal use of the person to whom they are issued.” Section 10.12.010, Cambridge Municipal Code. Commissioner McKenna has indicated that the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department will take steps to enforce Section 10.12.010 and will work on updating the City website to make clear that residential parking permits are allowed to be used exclusively for residential parking purposes by residents living at the residential address listed.

Very truly yours,
Nancy GIowa
City Solicitor

13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report #23-29, regarding the legal opinion for issuing bonds for affordable housing. (CM23#186)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by Zondervan (It’s not a hard “No”), Nolan; clarification by City Solicitor Nancy Glowa (It is a hard “No”); Placed on File 9-0

June 26, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report #23-29, regarding the legal opinion for issuing bonds for affordable housing, please find attached a response from City Solicitor Nancy Glowa.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

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Office of the City Solicitor
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

Date: June 26, 2023
Re: Awaiting Report No. 21-30; Order No. O-8 of 5/22/23 Re: Request that the City Manager work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether the City could fund affordable housing construction through a bond issue

Dear Mr. Huang:
This is in response to Awaiting Report No. 21-30; Order No. O-8 of 5/22/23, which requests that the City Manager work with the Law Department to develop a legal opinion on whether the City of Cambridge (“City”) could fund affordable housing construction through a bond issue.

We have asked the City’s bond counsel at Locke, Lord LLP (the “Firm”) to provide a legal opinion on the question asked by the Council in this order. The Firm opined as follows:

1. In Massachusetts, cities and towns have specific authority to issue bonds for the purpose of affordable housing under the two Massachusetts General Law statutes shown below. There is no general authority to borrow for such purpose under Chapter 44.

• Chapter 44B Community Preservation

• Chapter 121B Housing and Urban Development

2. As a threshold matter, there is settled Massachusetts case law establishing rules of statutory construction, or analysis governing the interpretation of statutory authority. The general rule is that specific statutory authority controls over general statutory authority. For example, in Commonwealth v. Houston, 430 Mass. 616, 722 N.E.2d. 942 (2000):

“ . . . However, to the extent a conflict between the two statutes exists, “the more specific statute controls over the more general one.” See 2B Singer, Sutherland Statutory Construction § 51.02 (5th ed. 1992).”

If the City were to issue bonds for the purpose of affordable housing pursuant to the Community Preservation Act (“CPA”), any projects financed by the proceeds of such bonds would be subject to certain limitations contained in the CPA, Chapter 44B of the Massachusetts General Laws. For instance, in Chapter 44B, there are restrictions with respect to the percentage of funds to be spent on different initiatives, and the use of funds may be subject to the recommendations and directives of the City’s Community Preservation Act Committee.

While Chapter 121B of the Massachusetts General Laws provides authority more broadly to borrow for the purpose of affordable housing, that statute provides authority only for a housing or redevelopment authority to borrow for the purpose of affordable housing and is not directly available to the City.

Therefore, given that there is no general statutory authority to borrow for the purpose of affordable housing, if the City wishes to borrow for such purpose and does not want to do so under the specific statutory authority available under Chapter 44B, the City would be required to seek special legislation.

Very truly yours,
Nancy Glowa
City Solicitor

14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of the following persons as a members of the Planning Board. These appointments are for five years; Mary Lydecker, Ashley Tan, Tom Sieniewicz, Adam Westbrook, and Diego Macias. (CM23#187)
pulled by Siddiqui; Appointments Approved 9-0

June 26, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to recommend the following appointments and reappointments to the Planning Board for a term of five years:

Members

• Mary Lydecker (appointment)

• Ashley Tan (advancement)

• Tom Sieniewicz (reappointment)

Associate Members

• Adam Westbrook (appointment)

• Diego Macias (appointment)

The Planning Board has an important role in decisions that help shape the urban development and in discussions of city planning policies. Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a special permit from the Planning Board, a quasi-judicial body that conducts public hearings on all applications before it and issues decisions. The Board also reviews proposed amendments to the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and makes recommendations to the City Council.

The vacancy was posted in the city portal and listed on the Boards or Commissions webpage on February 6, 2023. Outreach was done through traditional and non-traditional methods, using digital, analog, and direct outreach, to publicize the information with the goal of reaching a diverse audience.

• The vacancy was posted in the city Boards and Commissions portal and listed on the ‘I Want to Apply for a Board or Commission’ webpage.

• A news story about Planning Board vacancies was featured on the CDD homepage and the City homepage.

• A press release was issued for use by non-City media.

• Information about the vacancy was publicized through the City’s social media and in the City’s daily updates newsletter which goes to 16,000 subscribers.

• Community Engagement Team outreach workers shared the vacancy information with their communities (Arabic speaking, Amharic speaking, American-born Black, Bangla speaking, Haitian Creole, and Spanish speaking communities).

48 applications were received and reviewed in detail. 11 interviews were conducted. The committee to review applications and shortlist candidates, as well as the interview committee were diverse and included representatives from multiple departments. The Office of Equity and Inclusion completed a review of both the applicants and interview candidates to determine sufficient diversity at various levels.

The next anticipated vacancy for members of this Board will be in 2026.

The two members and two associate members I am recommending for appointment and reappointment to the Planning Board bring a wide range of skills and experience to their role.

• Mary Lydecker (appointment, member) is a principal landscape architect at Hargreaves Jones with many years of experience in design and construction of urban landscape as well as resilient planning. Mary is particularly interested in improving the public realm experience for a wide range of community users by exploring opportunities for urban green infrastructure through proactive land reuse and innovative environmental strategies to create equitable and enduring public spaces. Her background in open space planning and familiarity with civic review processes makes her a valuable addition to the Planning Board.

• Tom Sieniewicz (reappointment, member) is long term Cambridge resident who is an architect with planning background and engaged with many local organizations. He has been a member of the Planning Board since March 3, 2013. His professional experience and commitment to civic activities offer significant value of continuity in the application of design and planning principles for community development.

• Adam Westbrook (appointment, associate) is the director at Center for Community Engagement, Suffolk University. He is a Cambridge renter. His experience with civic engagement includes time at John Hopkins University and Habitat for Humanity. His strong interpersonal and advocacy skills will make him an asset to the Planning Board.

• Diego Macias (appointment, associate) is a design technologist at the architecture and engineering firm, SMMA, where he manages data and computational processes for various architectural projects. Diego is particularly interested in housing affordability for low and middle-income residents and open space. His background in architecture, engineering, technology, and data management and visualization positions him well to bring a data and evidence driven lens to inform the Board’s discussions and decision-making.

I am also taking this opportunity to advance Ashley Tan from associate to full member status. Ashley Tan is a real estate attorney, with a background in architecture and urban design. Born in Cambridge, she has deep ties to the local community. With her in-depth knowledge of processes related to zoning and planning, she has been serving as an associate member of the Planning Board since September 1, 2021.

I deeply appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Planning Board and, with your approval, look forward to their appointments.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report recommending that the City Council not adopt the Franklin, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM23#188)
Referred to Petition 9-0

Date: June 13, 2023
Subject: Franklin et. al. Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board does NOT RECOMMEND adoption.

To the Honorable, the City Council,
On May 16, 2023, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss the Charles Franklin et. al. Zoning Petition (the “Petition”). Charles Franklin presented the Petition at the hearing. Staff from the City’s Community Development Department (CDD) also attended the hearing and answered questions from the Board. Following a presentation by the Petitioners, Board members posed a number of questions to the Petitioners and City staff, and discussed the merits of the Petition. Following deliberation, the Board voted to recommend that the City Council not adopt the Petition, with seven members voting in favor.

The following is a summary of the main comments made by Board members:

• Board members sincerely appreciated the tremendous effort that the Petitioner took to thoroughly review and recommend changes to many aspects and areas of the Zoning Ordinance.

• A consensus of Board members agreed that housing affordability is a central issue in Cambridge, and one that deserves urgency in addressing. To that end, many Board members supported policies and zoning changes that would result in an increased production of housing throughout the City.

• However, Board members were unsure as to whether the proposed zoning changes would actually have the effect of reducing housing costs. Board members expressed concern that the proposed changes could have the opposite effect, resulting in the creation of more high end units, as the development potential of the parcels would also be increased. There was also some doubt expressed about whether the dimensional standards proposed were the “right ones”, and Board members expressed support for studying the proposed standards in greater detail to understand if they would complement the existing, prevailing development pattern in many parts of the City.

• Many Board members felt that the Petition was too broad-brush to be particularly effective. Board members agreed that an overhaul of the City’s zoning should be accompanied by detailed study and a more robust public involvement process than what exists in a public hearing process as part of a zoning petition.

• Envision Cambridge established a planning framework that recommended that specific neighborhoods and districts in the City undergo individual planning studies, with zoning recommendations that would be tailored to the unique conditions and needs of that area. Planning Board members supported this approach and noted that many of the areas proposed to be changed by the Petition were already undergoing further study and zoning changes.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Mary Flynn, Chair

16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO23#49, regarding the review of multi-family properties on the market for potential affordable housing acquisitions. (CM23#189)
pulled by Carlone; remarks by Carlone, Chris Cotter (CDD Housing), Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

To: Yi-An Huang, City Manager
From: Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development
Date: June 26 , 2023
Re: Policy Order #49 dated March 20, 2023 regarding the review of multifamily properties on the market for potential affordable housing acquisitions.

In response to the above-referenced Policy Order, we submit the following.

CDD Housing staff and affordable housing builders work closely together to assess opportunities to create new affordable housing. Staff monitor properties on the market and work with the builders as they make offers to purchase properties with funding from the Affordable Housing Trust.

The acquisition of existing market-rate properties for conversion to affordable housing used to be one of the most effective ways the City added units to its stock of affordable housing over the years. In recent years, however, high prices of properties coupled with significant costs for rehab have made this approach more difficult. As we look at existing residential properties on the market, some considerations include:

• Number of family-sized units with two or more bedrooms

• Amount and cost of rehab needed to prepare the property for long-term use as affordable housing

• Total cost and amount of funding needed from the City/Affordable Housing Trust

• Value of opportunity in context with other potential sites being assessed

• Location

Affordable housing builders aggressively pursue opportunities that they find most promising. They work closely with owners and brokers to assess both properties on the market and those that may become available. In recent months, we have worked with these agencies to assess more than fifteen opportunities. Several offers have been made and there are now three such sites under agreement. Pursuit of several additional sites is continuing, and staff are encouraging housing providers to make offers.

When assessing opportunities, whether it is the acquisition of an existing residential building or a site for new construction, affordable housing providers must also consider how bringing new sites into their development pipeline works for them. While acquisition funding can be provided by the Affordable Housing Trust and plans for new building advanced through the AHO, there are other considerations. Affordable housing builders must consider how and when they can get commitments of funds needed such as tax credits from the state, their development staff capacity, and how long they might have to hold a property given such limitations of capacity and access to needed funding.

Pursuing opportunities that will be competitive for state funding is especially important given high development costs and the leverage it provides to City funds in each development. In recent developments, the Trust has provided less than half of the total amount of subsidy, with the balance coming from state funders. State funders prioritize funding for developments with family-size units. There are also site-specific considerations. When reusing existing buildings, this includes the capital needs and cost of work needed to bring the property to an appropriate level to operate it as affordable housing at the standards expected in Cambridge. When redeveloping a site and building new, the process to review demolition of existing structures and assessment and costs and difficulty of environmental remediation are important considerations.

In terms of the specific property referenced in the policy order, CDD staff worked with Just-A-Start (JAS) to assess the feasibility of purchasing these multifamily buildings to operate as affordable housing. The property contains thirteen units, ten of which have at least two bedrooms. The number of large units was attractive. The site was listed for $7,700,000. JAS toured the property with CDD staff and then prepared pro formas for review with us. Their pro formas revealed that the opportunity was less promising than initially hoped. They found that the buildings needed significant rehab work. While the units had cosmetic upgrades, significant mechanical system upgrades and structural work would need to be completed to bring the property up to appropriate standards where they could responsibly house affordable housing residents. Additionally, JAS discovered undersized rooms which they would need to reconfigured in order to make units work well for families and code compliance issues, which they would need to address by reconfiguring units, thereby ruining much of the cosmetic work.

Unlike market-rate developers who may be able to pay for the cost of needed upgrades out of income generated by market-rents, affordable housing builders need to assemble the funding to do this type of rehab work up-front as part of their capital project. When a property is operated as affordable housing, there is not sufficient cash flow to reinvest and do upgrades over time, as may be possible with market rate buildings. This is a big factor when evaluating existing buildings where rehab is, or will soon be, needed. Affordable housing providers must plan for this work and account for this work in their decision-making to ensure that their properties are sustainable when put into operation.

For this property, JAS’s analysis came to $920,000 per-unit in total costs, with $485,000 per-unit needed from the Affordable Housing Trust in addition to investment equity generated from tax credits that would likely be challenging to secure from the state. These numbers do not compare favorably to other opportunities now being supported by the City and the Trust. The amount of local subsidy needed was particularly high when compared to recent Trust commitments which have been less than $200,000 per-unit. JAS’s conclusion was that these units would be “extremely costly for a product that wouldn’t be up to CDD’s standards without significant work”.

CDD staff reviewed JAS’s assessment and found it credible given the challenges of this property. Staff also reviewed the assessment with several members of the Trust to ask for their perspective. Staff regularly discuss with Trust members potential requests that we are reviewing in preparation for bringing a formal request to the Trust for consideration. Trust members take their fiduciary responsibility seriously and want to use Trust funds effectively looking across all opportunities and considering financial feasibility, as well as program and policy goals in their analysis of each request. Trust members agreed with the assessment relative to other opportunities being pursued by staff with affordable housing builders.

Given how prices of existing residential buildings have increased so significantly over the last decade or so, and the configuration and age of the housing stock, this is not an uncommon outcome. New construction often presents better opportunities to more cost effectively create new affordable housing. Further, many existing buildings have smaller units that are not suitable as family-housing. This is inconsistent with the City Council and the Trust’s priority of creating larger units for families, and the need we see for two- and three-bedroom affordable units.

Staff and the affordable housing builders will continue efforts to assess all opportunities to create new affordable housing, including looking at buildings and sites that are on the market or otherwise being offered.

19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to request that the City Council vote to designate the members of the Charter Review Committee as special municipal employees pursuant to G.L. c. 268A. (CM23#192)
pulled by Siddiqui; clarification by City Solicitor Glowa; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Mallon - Absent)

June 26, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I request that the City Council vote to designate the members of the Charter Review Committee as special municipal employees pursuant to G.L. c. 268A, by adopting the attached Order. Under G.L. c. 268A, positions may be designated as special municipal employees by vote of a city council if the position is not paid by the City for more than 800 working hours during a 365-day period. Members of the Charter Review Committee are volunteer unpaid positions except for the modest stipend they receive, which therefore meet this condition.

Therefore, for the above reasons, I request that the City Council vote to designate the members of the Charter Review Committee as special municipal employees.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

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Agenda Item Number 19     June 26, 2023
ORDERED: Pursuant to General Laws Chapter 268A, Section 1(n), the City Council hereby expressly designates the members of the Charter Review Committee as special municipal employees for purposes of General Laws Chapter 268A, the state conflict of interest law.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Pilot. [Charter Right – Zondervan, June 12, 2023] (PO23#116)
Substitute Language Approved 7-2 (DS,PT-No); Passed to 2nd Reading 7-1-0-1 (Toner - No, Simmons - Present); Referred to Ordinance Committee 7-1-0-1 (Toner - No, Simmons - Present)

O-2     June 12, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: DOER has released their application process and model language for the fossil fuel free construction pilot; and
WHEREAS: A prerequisite of admission to the 10 communities pilot is the adoption of local regulation and DOER recommends this be done through regular ordinance; and
WHEREAS: The deadline to apply for the State’s Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program is September 1, 2023; and
WHEREAS: The attached language is based on the model language provided by DOER; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Code of Ordinances be amended by adding the attached new chapter.

Chapter 15.30 FOSSIL FUEL-FREE DEMONSTRATION

§ 15.30.10 Definitions

Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration – Codified by the entirety of 225 CMR 24.00, the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration

Specialized Energy Code – Codified by the entirety of 225 CMR 22 and 23 including Appendices RC and CC, the Specialized Energy Code adds residential and commercial appendices to the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, based on amendments to the respective net-zero appendices of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to incorporate the energy efficiency of the Stretch energy code and further reduce the climate impacts of buildings built to this code, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings sector no later than 2050.

§ 15.30.20 Purpose

The purpose of 15.30, also referred to as the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration is to restrict and prohibit new building construction and major renovation projects that are not fossil fuel-free.

§ 15.30.30 Applicability

This restriction applies to residential and commercial buildings that qualify as new construction or major renovation, as defined in 225 CMR 24.00 –. This restriction shall not apply to research laboratories for scientific or medical research, hospitals and medical offices regulated by the department of public health as a health care facility as defined in 225 CMR 24.00 –.

§ 15.30.40 Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration

The Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration, as codified by the entirety of 225 CMR 24.00, is herein incorporated by reference into the City of Cambridge Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15 with an effective date of January 1, 2024.

With adoption of the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration, and upon approval by DOER, the following amendments to the Specialized Energy Code are adopted. These changes are enforceable by the Inspectional Services Department and will go into effect for any project seeking a Building Permit after the effective date.

a. Low-rise Residential Code (225 CMR 22 Appendix RC)

1. Sections RC102 and RC101 “Zero Energy Pathway” and “Mixed Fuel Pathway” shall not be permitted for use for new construction or major renovations.

b. Commercial and All Other (225 CMR 23 Appendix CC)

i. Sections CC103 and CC105 “Zero Energy Pathway” and “Mixed-Fuel Pathway” shall not be permitted for new construction or major renovations, with the following exceptions:

1. Research laboratories for scientific or medical research,

2. Hospitals regulated by the department of public health as a health care facility,

3. Medical offices regulated by the department of public health as a health care facility.

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Chapter 15.30 FOSSIL FUEL-FREE DEMONSTRATION - as modified by Zondervan

§ 15.30.10 Definitions

Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration – Codified by the entirety of 225 CMR 24.00, the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration

Major Renovation - As defined in 225 C.M.R. 24.00.

Specialized Energy Code – Codified by the entirety of 225 CMR 22 and 23 including Appendices RC and CC, the Specialized Energy Code adds residential and commercial appendices to the Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code, based on amendments to the respective net-zero appendices of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) to incorporate the energy efficiency of the Stretch energy code and further reduce the climate impacts of buildings built to this code, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the buildings sector no later than 2050.

§ 15.30.20 Purpose

The purpose of 15.30, also referred to as the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration is to restrict and prohibit new building construction and major renovation projects that are not fossil fuel-free.

§ 15.30.30 Applicability

This restriction applies to residential and commercial buildings that qualify as new construction or major renovation, as defined in 225 CMR 24.00 –. This restriction shall not apply to research laboratories for scientific or medical research, hospitals and medical offices regulated by the department of public health as a health care facility as defined in 225 CMR 24.00 –.

§ 15.30.40 Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration

The Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration, as codified by the entirety of 225 CMR 24.00, is herein incorporated by reference into the City of Cambridge Code of Ordinances, Chapter 15 with an effective date of January 1, 2024.

With adoption of the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration, and upon approval by DOER, the following amendments to the Specialized Energy Code are adopted. These changes are enforceable by the Inspectional Services Department and will go into effect for any project seeking a Building Permit after the effective date.

a. Low-rise Residential Code (225 CMR 22 Appendix RC)

1. Sections RC102 and RC101 “Zero Energy Pathway” and “Mixed Fuel Pathway” shall not be permitted for use for new construction or major renovations.

b. Commercial and All Other (225 CMR 23 Appendix CC)

i. Sections CC103 and CC105 “Zero Energy Pathway” and “Mixed-Fuel Pathway” shall not be permitted for new construction or major renovations, with the following exceptions:

1. Research laboratories for scientific or medical research,

2. Hospitals regulated by the department of public health as a health care facility,

3. Medical offices regulated by the department of public health as a health care facility.

4. Multi-family buildings over 12,000 square feet with permit application filed prior to January 1, 2027 may utilize gas or propane for domestic water heating as the only combustion equipment.

c. Equipment or appliances used for space heating, service water heating, cooking, clothes drying, and/or lighting that can utilize coal, oil, natural gas, other fuel hydrocarbons, including synthetic equivalents, or other fossil fuels may not be installed as part of any residential or non-residential Major Renovation, with the exception of b.i.1-4 above. All Major Renovations associated with b.i.1-4 must follow applicable stretch code requirements.

2. Golf Course Demographic Information PO. [Charter Right – Zondervan, June 12, 2023] (PO23#117)
comments by Zondervan (who invokes “racism”), Nolan, Toner, Simmons (what will we do with this information?); Order Adopted 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No)

O-3     June 12, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: During the FY24 budget discussions, the City Manager and staff indicated a willingness to release any demographic information that is available about the dues-paying membership of the municipal golf course; and
WHEREAS: The municipal golf course is entirely funded through its dues-paying membership and making this basic information available is an important component of our citywide commitment to equity and antiracism; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to promptly release any available demographic information related to the dues-paying membership of the municipal golf course, including (but not limited to) zip code, age, gender, race, and longevity of membership; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back on this matter ahead of the summer recess.

3. That the City Manager is requested to amend the Cambridge Math Circle budget up by $100,000 annually. [Charter Right – Toner, June 12, 2023] (PO23#118)
comments by Toner, Carlone, Mallon; Rules suspended to bring forward Comm & Reports #2; Mallon objects to this Order because “other nonprofits” not getting this funding; comments by Simmons, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Carlone (who notes that Council was OK with asking for add’l funding for CHA), Azeem; Order Adopted 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No)

O-4     June 12, 2023  Amended
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) represent a large portion of the well-paying jobs in the modern economy; and
WHEREAS: Regardless of profession, proficiency in these academic disciplines is necessary in order to fully benefit from today’s quickly changing society; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is home to internationally renowned universities in the field of STEAM, such as Harvard and MIT, and the biotech hub of Kendall Square has been described as “the most innovative square mile on the planet”; and
WHEREAS: Despite these realities, too many students within the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) system have fallen behind in mathematics, which is a cornerstone of the STEAM disciplines; and
WHEREAS: A local nonprofit, Cambridge Math Circle (CMC), has been in operation since 2018, and has grown in that time to serving 700 students per year, including over 300 students weekly, in CPS schools during lunch, in afterschool clubs, in online and weekend classes, and in summer camps; and
WHEREAS: CMC compliments the learning that takes place in the math classrooms by giving underrepresented students—girls, Black and Brown youth, and low-income students— more opportunities to enjoy and excel in challenging math; and
WHEREAS: While there is federal funding available for struggling students, enabling CPS to hire multiple coaches and specialists at each school to work with this cohort, there is no similar federal funding for enrichment and enjoyment, which is critical for getting students to want to learn; and
WHEREAS: Over 80% of students surveyed said that they feel more confident in math and enjoy school math classes more as a result of participating in a CMC program; and
WHEREAS: Participants in Cambridge Math Circle are 90% CPS students, 35% Black/Latinx, 50% female, and 30% low income; and
WHEREAS: This academic year, CMC has operated in Cambridgeport, Fletcher Maynard Academy, Haggerty, Kennedy-Longfellow, Morse, Tobin, and Vassal Lane Upper School; and
WHEREAS: The CMC program is so successful that it receives students from each of the surrounding towns who seek out its services, which helps partially subsidize the cost for some CPS students to attend CMC programs for free; and
WHEREAS: Because of the exponential growth of the program and the increased demand for its services due to the effects of the pandemic, CMC’s budgeted expenses have outpaced existing city funding, which currently stands at $20,000 a year; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to amend the Cambridge Math Circle budget up by $100,000 annually.

4. City Council support for MIT GSU’s right to a fair contract. [Charter Right – Toner, June 12, 2023] (PO23#119)
comments by Toner, Zondervan (accusing Toner of being a “union buster”), McGovern, Simmons; Toner Proposed Amendments (striking several “WHEREAS” clauses) Fail 2-7 (DS,PT-Yes); Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Toner-Present)

O-5     June 12, 2023
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: On April 4th and 5th 2022, graduate student workers at MIT voted to form the MIT Graduate Student Union – UE Local 256 (MIT GSU) and exercise their right to a democratic voice in their workplace; and
WHEREAS: Over the past nine months, the MIT GSU has negotiated with the MIT administration in good faith and made significant compromises in an effort to reach an agreement by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year; and
WHEREAS: The MIT administration has failed to meet graduate workers on issues essential to their material and working conditions while employed by MIT, and has needlessly delayed the bargaining process despite expressly stating their shared interest in finalizing an agreement by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year; and
WHEREAS: MIT has a well-documented problem of endemic harassment and discrimination that is not sufficiently addressed by current internal resolution processes, which are compromised by institutional conflicts of interest, with approximately 1 in 6 students (70% of them women, and including 1 in 3 trans and gender non-conforming students) having experienced harassment and 2 in 5 graduate student workers having experienced harassing behaviors; and
WHEREAS: MIT students are more likely to experience harassment from someone in a position of authority over them (an advisor or faculty member) than the Association of American Universities average, necessitating stronger protections; and
WHEREAS: The MIT administration currently insists on an open shop contract that would not only undermine the negotiating position, unity, and contract enforcement power of MIT GSU, but also threaten the negotiating position of all unions on MIT’s campus, including SEIU Local 32BJ, UNITE HERE Local 26, AFSCME Local 2353; and
WHEREAS: The MIT Graduate Student Council estimates that MIT graduate student workers experienced an average cost of living increase of 6.8% (for single workers) or 6.1% (for workers with children) in 2022, while the MIT administration is offering stipend increases of 5.25%, 3.5%, and 3% in the three years of the contract, constituting an effective pay cut in real terms; and
WHEREAS: MIT GSU members voted down the MIT administration’s current contract offer by an 88% margin, showing that the current offer is incompatible with the rights, well-being, and dignity of graduate student workers; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the MIT GSU’s right to a fair contract that protects their rights and livelihoods; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council urges the MIT administration to negotiate in good faith with the MIT GSU and promptly agree to a contract that includes
  • A union shop (to the greatest extent allowed by the legal precedent of Communications Workers of America v. Beck)
  • Meaningful recourse through an independent grievance procedure in cases of harassment, discrimination, and bullying, with full access to remedies through third-party arbitration.
  • A pay increase in real terms, above the annual rate of cost of living increase currently experienced by graduate student workers; 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 MIT GSU, and members of the MIT administration, including President Kornbluth.

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Proposed Amendments by deletion for Calendar Item #4 from Councillor Toner
O-5     June 12, 2023
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: On April 4th and 5th 2022, graduate student workers at MIT voted to form the MIT Graduate Student Union – UE Local 256 (MIT GSU) and exercise their right to a democratic voice in their workplace; and
WHEREAS: Over the past nine months, the MIT GSU has negotiated with the MIT administration in good faith and made significant compromises in an effort to reach an agreement by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year; and
WHEREAS: The MIT administration has failed to meet graduate workers on issues essential to their material and working conditions while employed by MIT, and has needlessly delayed the bargaining process despite expressly stating their shared interest in finalizing an agreement by the end of the 2022-2023 academic year; and
WHEREAS: MIT has a well-documented problem of endemic harassment and discrimination that is not sufficiently addressed by current internal resolution processes, which are compromised by institutional conflicts of interest, with approximately 1 in 6 students (70% of them women, and including 1 in 3 trans and gender non-conforming students) having experienced harassment and 2 in 5 graduate student workers having experienced harassing behaviors; and
WHEREAS: MIT students are more likely to experience harassment from someone in a position of authority over them (an advisor or faculty member) than the Association of American Universities average, necessitating stronger protections; and
WHEREAS: The MIT administration currently insists on an open shop contract that would not only undermine the negotiating position, unity, and contract enforcement power of MIT GSU, but also threaten the negotiating position of all unions on MIT’s campus, including SEIU Local 32BJ, UNITE HERE Local 26, AFSCME Local 2353; and
WHEREAS: The MIT Graduate Student Council estimates that MIT graduate student workers experienced an average cost of living increase of 6.8% (for single workers) or 6.1% (for workers with children) in 2022, while the MIT administration is offering stipend increases of 5.25%, 3.5%, and 3% in the three years of the contract, constituting an effective pay cut in real terms; and
WHEREAS: MIT GSU members voted down the MIT administration’s current contract offer by an 88% margin, showing that the current offer is incompatible with the rights, well-being, and dignity of graduate student workers; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the MIT GSU’s right to a fair contract that protects their rights and livelihoods; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council urges the MIT administration to negotiate in good faith with the MIT GSU and promptly agree to a contract that includes
  • A union shop (to the greatest extent allowed by the legal precedent of Communications Workers of America v. Beck)
  • Meaningful recourse through an independent grievance procedure in cases of harassment, discrimination, and bullying, with full access to remedies through third-party arbitration.
  • A pay increase in real terms, above the annual rate of cost of living increase currently experienced by graduate student workers; 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 MIT GSU, and members of the MIT administration, including President Kornbluth.

ON THE TABLE
5. Proposed amendment to BEUDO. [Tabled – June 12, 2023] (PO23#115)
Removed from Table 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

O-1     June 12, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
ORDERED: That the proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance be further amended as follows:

ADD definition of “New Covered Property”

“New Covered Property” shall mean a Covered Property that receives a Certificate of Occupancy in 2025 or onwards.

CHANGE the performance requirement for New Covered Properties as follows:

New Covered Properties: The Baseline for a New Covered Property shall be the average Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the first two calendar years following issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. New Covered Properties shall not exceed zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2030 and onwards. comply with the following performance requirements on annual basis:

(a) For non-residential New Covered Properties of 100,000 Covered Square Feet or greater, Greenhouse Gas Emissions shall not exceed 80% of the Baseline in the fourth year after the Baseline period or 2026, whichever is later. Thereafter, the New Covered Property shall reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in three-year Compliance Periods that achieve a linear reduction to zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2035, except no such New Covered Property shall exceed zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2035 and onwards.

(b) For non-residential New Covered Properties of less than 100,000 Covered Square Feet, and residential New Covered Properties that are not fully held in Condominium or Cooperative ownership, Greenhouse Gas Emissions shall not exceed 80% of the Baseline in the years 2030 to 2034, 60% of the Baseline in the years 2035 to 2039, 40% of the Baseline in the years 2040 to 2044, 20% of the Baseline in the years 2045 to 2049, and zero in 2050 and onwards. Such New Covered Properties that receive their Certificate of Occupancy in 2030 or onwards shall reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in five-year Compliance Periods that achieve a linear reduction to zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2050, except no such New Covered Property shall exceed zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2050 and onwards.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. Ordinance entitled “Building Energy Use,” Chapter 8.67 of the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge Building Energy Use Disclosure and Emission Reductions BEUDO (Ordinance 2021-26). [Passed to 2nd Reading June 5, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after June 26, 2023] (ORD21#26)
BEUDO Proposal amended 9-0 with CDD language; Amendment by Mallon, Simmons, Toner, and McGovern re: hardships w/hospitals, large health/elder care facilities, and houses of worship (CR#3) Fails 4-5 (AM,MM,DS,PT-Yes; BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-No); Toner amendment to remove residential apartment buildings Prevails 5-4 (BA,AM,MM,PT,DS-Yes; DC,PN,QZ,SS-No); On Final Ordination of BEUDO as Amended: 8-0-0-1 (Simmons - Present); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Simmons - Yes); Mgr #2 Placed on File 9-0; Comm & Reports #3 Placed on File 9-0

Proposed Amendment to remove residential apartment buildings from Councillors Toner, McGovern and Simmons (6/24/2023)
Amend the proposed BEUDO ordinance:

in Section 8.67.100(2) by striking out subparagraph (c); and

in Section 8.67.100(3)(b) by striking out the words “, and residential New Covered Properties that are not fully held in Condominium or Cooperative ownership”.

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CDD Amendment
8.67.100(10)   An Owner may include in a Campus one or more properties under 25,000 Covered Square Feet or any residential building; such properties shall be subject to the requirements for Covered Properties of 25,000 to 99,999 Covered Square Feet.

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Proposed amendment to BEUDO (Nolan):

8.67.010 DEFINITIONS

(23) “Owner” shall mean an owner of a Covered Property, including but not limited to:

1. An individual or entity having title, either directly or through a legally authorized or designated affiliate or subsidiary, to a Covered Property;

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Councillor Zondervan
8.67.100 EMISSION REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS

…

(3) New Covered Properties: The Baseline for a New Covered Property shall be the average Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the first two calendar years following issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. New Covered Properties shall comply with the following performance requirements on annual basis:

(a) For non-residential New Covered Properties that receive their Certificate of Occupancy prior to January 1, 2025 of 100,000 Covered Square Feet or greater, Greenhouse Gas Emissions shall not exceed 80% of the Baseline in the fourth year after the Baseline period or 2026, whichever is later. Thereafter, the New Covered Property shall reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in three-year Compliance Periods that achieve a linear reduction to zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2035, except no such New Covered Property shall exceed zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2035 and onwards.

(b) For non-residential New Covered Properties that receive their Certificate of Occupancy prior to January 1, 2025 of less than 100,000 Covered Square Feet, and residential New Covered Properties that are not fully held in Condominium or Cooperative ownership, Greenhouse Gas Emissions shall not exceed 80% of the Baseline in the years 2030 to 2034, 60% of the Baseline in the years 2035 to 2039, 40% of the Baseline in the years 2040 to 2044, 20% of the Baseline in the years 2045 to 2049, and zero in 2050 and onwards.

(c) Such All non-residential New Covered Properties that receive their Certificate of Occupancy in 2030 2025 or onwards shall reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in five one-year Compliance Periods that achieve a linear reduction to zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2050 2030, except no such New Covered Property shall exceed zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2050 2030 and onwards.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Amy Butcher regarding Support PO#109 for CSO Data Collection and Benchmarking.

2. A communication from Amy Clarkson regarding opposing AHO revision.

3. A communication from Andrew Solomon regarding Please vote YES on AHO amendment.

4. A communication from Andy Zucker regarding saying no to the new Affordable Housing Overlay proposal.

5. A communication from Ann Stewart regarding comment on AHO2 CDD review.

6. A communication from Annette LaMond regarding Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23.

7. A communication from Anna Spera and Jean Spera regarding AHO Amendment.

8. A communication from Annette LaMond and Joe Moore regarding Please Support PO#109.

9. A communication from Aram Harrow regarding AHO.

10. A communication from Ariana Olson regarding Supporting the Affordable Housing Overlay Amendments.

11. A communication from Arthur Moore regarding Forwarding letter with my own as well.

12. A communication from Arthur Strang regarding Resident Mobility and Safety.

13. A communication from Ausra Kubilius regarding please vote NO on the proposed AHO.

14. A communication from Ayelet R. Barkai regarding NO to the AHO!

15. A communication from Anne and Anand Sundaram regarding City council.

16. A communication from Andrew Ray regarding Pedestrians Construction.

17. A communication from Annette LaMond regarding Dangerous traffic flow resulting blown tire.

18. A communication from Barbara Anthony regarding AHO order on for June 12.

19. A communication from Barbara Anthony regarding Audit of CSO - vote yes!

20. A communication from Bjorn Poonen regarding proposed amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay zoning.

21. A communication from Brian Pfeiffer regarding Affordable Housing Ordinance – vote proposed for Mon, June 12 2023.

22. A communication from Carole Colsell and Lewis Wurgaft regarding AHO.

23. A communication from Caroline Bruzelius regarding No to the new AHO.

24. A communication from Catalina Arboleda regarding VOTE NO on AHO.

25. A communication from Cathie Zusy regarding No to proposed AHO Amendments.

26. A communication from Charles and Diane Norris regarding AHO Ordinance Revision Vote.

27. A communication from Chris Zurn regarding Please vote YES on AHO updates.

28. A communication from Claudia Majetich regarding Please! Oppose AHO!

29. A communication from Cynthia Broner regarding Vote NO on AHO proposal.

30. A communication from Cynthia W Smith regarding Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23.

31. A communication from Dan Phillips, regarding In Support of Expanding the AHO.

32. A communication from Daniel Chasman, regarding VOTE NO on the AHO.

33. A communication from Danny Hidalgo, regarding Approve the AHO Amendments.

34. A communication from David Golber, regarding AHO.

35. A communication from David Halperin, regarding Support AHO expansion.

36. A communication from Dena Feldstein, regarding Please Vote NO on the upcoming AHO petition.

37. A communication from Diana Yousef, regarding Please vote NO to the AHO.

38. A communication from Diana Yousef-Martinek, regarding Please support PO#109!.

39. A communication from Diane Norris, regarding Report 23-21 AHO Proposed Amendments by CDD.

40. A communication from Elena Saporta, regarding AHO amendment.

41. A communication from Elissa Warner, regarding new bike lane safety issues.

42. A communication from Ellen Levine, regarding AHO.

43. A communication from Zack Goldberg regarding AHO Upzoning - I am against.

44. A communication from Young Kim regarding Amend Charter Right #1 PO23#109 and request City Auditor to conduct audit of CSO implementation.

45. A communication from Young Kim regarding City Manager’s Agenda Item #3 re potential amendments to the AHO - Beware of the unintended consequences.

46. A communication from Young Kim regarding Amend Charter Right #1 PO23#109 and request City Auditor to conduct audit of CSO implementation

47. A communication from Wyatt Berlinic regarding Yes on AHO Amendments.

48. A communication from William Bloomstein regarding NO to AHO amendment.

49. A communication from Wendy Weiss regarding Please Vote YES on the AHO for Cambridge at the next City Council meeting.

50. A communication from Weldon Pries regarding Vote NO on the AHO.

51. A communication from Vicki L. Sato regarding PO#109.

52. A communication from Vickey Bestor regarding Audit of CSO - vote yes!

53. A communication from Erik, Ellie and Lauren Sebesta, regarding Please say no to high-rise AHO.

54. A communication from Vickey Bestor regarding Fwd Winn Development – Walden Square.

55. A communication from Vickey Bestor regarding Fwd BEUDO + AHO Performance Art.

56. A communication from Esther Hanig, regarding Affordable Housing Overlay Amendments.

57. A communication from Vickey Bestor regarding Don’t rush - do it right.

58. A communication from Francesca Gordini, regarding NO to AHO and poor planning decisions.

59. A communication from Vickey Bestor regarding Another travesty.

60. A communication from Tim Cabot regarding Bicycle Lanes.

61. A communication from Thomas C. Owen and Sue A. Owen regarding Opposition to new AHO proposal.

62. A communication from Genevieve Coyle, regarding AHO Amendment.

63. A communication from Teresa Cardosi please support AHO amendments.

64. A communication from Suzanne Watzman regarding NO on AHO.

65. A communication from Suzanne Blier regarding Simply put - Please Vote NO on the AHO plus BEUDO and the Franklin petition.

66. A communication from Susan Strang regarding AHO.

67. A communication from Susan Labandibar regarding Stop the AHO amendment.

68. A communication from Susan Carter regarding AHO VOTE.

69. A communication from Shelagh Hadley Please vote NO to second AHO.

70. A communication from Sharon Stichter regarding new AHO.

71. A communication from Scott Kilcoyne regarding Strong Support for AHO Expansion.

72. A communication from Sarah Merin regarding Please say no to the AHO.

73. A communication from Sarah Linville regarding Smart City Technology and Cambridge.

74. A communication from Sarah Eusden Gallop regarding MIT-GSU Negotiations.

75. A communication from Gerald Bergman, regarding AHO Amendments City Council mtg. on June 12..

76. A communication from Guillemette and Bill Simmers, regarding AHO amendment.

77. A communication from Harold J. Bursztajn, regarding No to AHO yes to livable neighborhoods.

78. A communication from Harriet H. Ahouse, regarding AHO proposal.

79. A communication from Helen Walker, regarding Please say NO to proposed amendments to AHO 6/12/23 Manager’s Agenda Item #3.

80. A communication from Sara Mae and Larry Berman regarding Proposed AHO amendments.

81. A communication from Santhi Hariprasad regarding Please support the affordable housing overlay.

82. A communication from Helene Bank, regarding Please vote NO on the AHO.

83. A communication from Sandra Fairbank regarding Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23.

84. A communication from Jack Heavner, regarding Support for the AHO Amendments.

85. A communication from Sam Burgess regarding AHO Amendments--Comment In Support.

86. A communication from Rosemary Booth and Jerry O’Leary regarding oppose Affordable Housing Ordinance.

87. A communication from Rosalind Michahelles regarding AHO needs revising!!

88. A communication from Robin Greeley regarding Oppose the AHO.

89. A communication from Robert Camacho regarding (proposed) new AHO.

90. A communication from Jacob Silversin, regarding THIS IS CRITICAL vote NO on AHO amendment.

91. A communication from Jacqueline Brown, regarding vote on AHO.

92. A communication from Jacqui Fahey Sandell, regarding Please vote NO on the AHO Amendment.

93. A communication from Rob Everts regarding No to the AHO.

94. A communication from Janet Reckman, regarding Serious QUESTION please + NO to new AHO.

95. A communication from jatennis, regarding AHO 2 - CDD Suggestions – Read June 12, 2023.

96. A communication from Richard Lovett regarding RE Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23.

97. A communication from Jean Berko Gleason, regarding Bike lanes traffic islands danger on Brattle Street.

98. A communication from Jean G. Krulic, regarding vote NO on the proposed AHO latest plan today June 12.

99. A communication from Richard Lovett regarding RE Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23.

100. A communication from Jess Sheehan, regarding in support of the AHO amendments.

101. A communication from Jim Gray, regarding NOT in favor of the AHO amendment (#158) as currently written.

102. A communication from Joan Pickett, regarding AHO amendments are bad for the city and affordable housing.

103. A communication from Rhonda Smith regarding Please vote No on AHO.

104. A communication from Joanne Moore, regarding cycling lanes PO#109.

105. A communication from Régis de Silva regarding Street safety islands.

106. A communication from Régis de Silva regarding AHO Proposal vote.

107. A communication from John Hanratty, regarding NO on PO23#117.

108. A communication from Rebecca Pries regarding Vote NO on the AHO.

109. A communication from John Leo, regarding Support for the AHO amendments.

110. A communication from Rand Wentworth regarding Vote no on AHO.

111. A communication from John Russell, regarding AHO.

112. A communication from Rabbi Yoni regarding Committee Reports Please allow construction similar in size and shape as existing buildings.

113. A communication from John Trever, regarding AHO proposal needs revision.

114. A communication from Rabbi Yoni CM23#158 Supporting Affordable Housing Overlay Amendments.

115. A communication from Judi and Carlos Neu, regarding Vote NO on the AHO.

116. A communication from Phyllis Simpkins regarding AHO agenda item.

117. A communication from Judy Silvan, regarding VOTE NO on AHO amendment.

118. A communication from Justin Saif, regarding Please Support Amendments to the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay.

119. A communication from Peter Lowber regarding AHO Amendment.

120. A communication from K. Gormley, regarding VOTE NO ON THE AHO.

121. A communication from Karen Falb, regarding Citizens need more than city’s You’ll get use to it - Vote yes PO#109 6/12 - Please read.

122. A communication from Pete Septoff regarding In Support of AHO Amendments.

123. A communication from Peggy Blumenreich regarding Stop! The AHO amendment.

124. A communication from Kathy Desmond, regarding Vote NO on the Affordable Housing Overlay.

125. A communication from Larry Borins, regarding AHO Amendments.

126. A communication from Larry Cetrulo, regarding AHO Amendment.

127. A communication from Patty Nolan regarding Re Brattle Street Accident 6.2.23 Another accident 6.9.23.

128. A communication from Lauren O’Neal, regarding Vote NO on the Affordable Housing Overlay.

129. A communication from Lin Trever, regarding Against AHO proposal.

130. A communication from Pattie Heyman regarding AHO.

131. A communication from Linda Moussouris, regarding Writing in opposition to latest version of Affordable Housing Overlay, the Franklin Upzoning petition, the attack on historic preservation & the CSO continuing Quick-Build through Inman SQ. minus evaluation.

132. A communication from Patrick W. Barrett III regarding BEUDO + AHO Performance Art.

133. A communication from Lisa Camacho, regarding Please vote No on AHO Amendment.

134. A communication from Patrick and Rajee Joyce regarding Support the AHO Amendments.

135. A communication from Lisa Glover, regarding Please vote NO on the pro-developer AHO.

136. A communication from Liz Werby, regarding Affordable Housing Overlay.

137. A communication from Pam and Don Giller regarding Proposed AHO Revision.

138. A communication from Lucia and John Mudd, regarding AHO.

139. A communication from Lynne Reiss, regarding AHO proposal.

140. A communication from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding PO23#14 Revisited Vote No on BEUDO.

141. A communication from Marie Lossky, regarding NO on AHO.

142. A communication from Marilee Meyer, regarding please reconsider BEUDO and AHO with more facts.

143. A communication from Martha Collins, regarding Affordable Housing Ordinance.

144. A communication from Mary Anne Carlson regarding Support PO#109.

145. A communication from Mary Jane Kornacki regarding NO on AHO amendment.

146. A communication from Masato Kocberber regarding Support for increasing density of the affordable housing overlay.

147. A communication from Matt Lash regarding FW Public Comment - BEUDO Biogen.

148. A communication from McKelden Smith regarding Zoning issues.

149. A communication from Michael Byrne regarding Please vote No on the AHO proposal.

150. A communication from Michael Last regarding Dangerous traffic flow resulting blown tire.

151. A communication from Michael Manning regarding Support for AHO Amendments -- please expand the Affordable Housing Overlay.

152. A communication from Mike Volles regarding Stop the AHO.

153. A communication from Mike Volles regarding support PO#109.

154. A communication from Muireann Glenmullen regarding AHO Amendment.

155. A communication from Nancy Hausman regarding Council proposals.

156. A communication from Niels Peetz-Larsen regarding Opposed to AHO.

157. A communication from David Hattis regarding AHO Amendments.

158. A communication from Erin Saif regarding Please Support Amendments to the 100% Affordable Housing Overlay.

159. A communication from Jonathan Harris regarding Proposed AHO amendments.

160. A communication from Alice Carré-Seemuller regarding Support strong BEUDO amendments.

161. A communication from Leontina regarding Fwd LarchList Upcoming Brattle Street installation - Dangerous traffic flow neighbor’s blown tire.

162. A communication from Steven E. Miller regarding For A Strong BEUDO.

163. A communication from Diane Martin regarding your vote counts for a strong BEUDO.

164. A communication from Pina Morganti regarding Support strong BEUDO amendments.

165. A communication from Karen Falb regarding Rethinking of city needed - Threshold of doing something rather than not doing something.

166. A communication from Amandine Lariepe regarding Support strong BEUDO amendments.

167. A communication from Barbara Anthony regarding Evolution of Heat Pump Technology - Will Brownsberger.

168. A communication from Carol Lee regarding Support for Brattle St bike lanes.

169. A communication from Maureen Whitley regarding Support Strong BEUDO Amendments.

170. A communication from Neva Goodwin regarding Please support strong BEUDO amendments.

171. A communication from Roy Russell regarding In support of BEUDO ordinance.

172. A communication from Sarah Schwartz regarding Strong BEUDO amendments.

173. A communication from Cynthia Broner regarding requesting a response to July 15 email about pedestrian and driver safety with the installation of the bike lanes on Brattle Street.

174. A communication from Charles Franklin regarding Housing Zoning Research Study.

175. A communication from Rosalie Anders regarding BEUDO amendments.

176. A communication from K-Lo 2nd Graders regarding requesting that the Cambridge Public Schools stop using plastic water bottles in the cafeterias.

177. A communication from Robert J. LaTremouílle regarding more detailed comments on the DCR PARTIALLY presented to Stewardship Council at its public meeting of May 25, 2023.

12. Congratulations to David J. Kale on his retirement from the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone

R-12     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR TONER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CARLONE

WHEREAS: David J. Kale is retiring as Assistant City Manager following 40 years of service to the City of Cambridge and various municipal governments in Massachusetts; and

WHEREAS: David is a lifelong Cantabrigian who graduated from Matignon High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Masters degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University; and

WHEREAS: David began his career with the City in 1983 as a Fiscal Analyst in the Finance Department, eventually leading him to the positions of Director of Financial Services, Manager of Financial Services, and Manager of Financial Operations for the Cambridge Public Schools; and

WHEREAS: David went to the Town of Arlington in 2001 to become the Chief Financial Officer for the Arlington Public Schools before returning to Cambridge in 2003 as the Deputy Finance Director/Budget Director for the City of Cambridge and then becoming Town Administrator for the Town of Belmont in 2012 before making his return in 2017 as the City’s Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs and Public Investments and Treasurer/Collector; and

WHEREAS: During his many years of work in the City, David played a critical leadership role, in concert with its City Managers, in helping the City of Cambridge focus on maintaining fiscal stability, balancing the priorities of the City Council and Department Heads, providing a robust capital improvement program, providing support and expanded benefits to its employees, and focusing resources on community engagement and customer service; and

WHEREAS: During his tenure as Assistant City Manager, the City maintained its distinction of being only one of 26 municipalities to receive a AAA bond ratings from the three major rating agencies, which allows the City to receive the most favorable interest rates on its bond used to finance its long-term infrastructure capital projects related to sewer and stormwater management, street and sidewalk improvements, open space renovations, public safety facilities and construction of Cambridge’s new public school complexes; and

WHEREAS: In his role, David helped develop the FY24 Operating and Capital Budget, which totals over a billion dollars and supports expanded investment in services and initiatives for our residents, including increased school funding; expanded early childhood education and human service programs; and funding and services to support our unhoused community; and Capital and Facilities Planning; and

WHEREAS: During his time as Assistant City Manager, David helped shape the introduction of building permit revenue and property taxes as funding sources for affordable housing, with over $24 million in property tax revenue budgeted in FY24; and

WHEREAS: David, as part of a team, was responsible for creating a distribution and accountability system for the $88 million American Rescue Plan Act program, including playing a leadership role in making the $22 million Rise Up Cambridge Cash Assistance program a reality; and

WHEREAS: David has demonstrated his commitment to the long-term planning of the City by helping identify financing for the purchase or renovation of high-quality open spaces and buildings in the City, including the purchase of approximately 4 acres of open space from the Buckingham Browne and Nichols School, creating a first of its kind exclusively Universal Design Playground in Cambridge, completing the renovation of the Foundry Building for community use, and purchasing of the building at 689 Massachusetts Avenue and the Webster Avenue site; and

WHEREAS: David also has provided guidance and leadership on various Boards and Committees, including Chair of the Community Preservation Committee, Chair of the Capital Budget Committee, Cambridge Heath Alliance (CHA) Board of Trustees, Chair of the CHA Finance and Audit and Compliance Committees, Neville Communities Board, Family Policy Council, Cambridge Retirement Investment Committee, IT Tactical Operations and Strategic Implementation Committees, Renewable Energy Working Group, and various building committees; and

WHEREAS: David considers his role in attracting, retaining, and developing the City’s diverse and highly effective Finance Department team to be one of his proudest accomplishments; and

WHEREAS: David has been an invaluable partner to the City Council and City Administration by always being candid and eager to impart his understanding of our current fiscal affairs and the rich history of the City; and

WHEREAS: David’s distinctive sense of humor and deep-seated commitment to Cambridge and its residents will be greatly missed; and

WHEREAS: David’s retirement will allow him to spend more time with his devoted partner, Linda Gallagher, and his family as well as spending more time at Comeau Field coaching in the North Cambridge Little Baseball League; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking Assistant City Manager David J. Kale for his 40 years of service to the City of Cambridge and other municipal governments, for his wisdom, compassion, and guidance through some of this city’s most transformative years, and in wishing him a truly happy and joyful 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 David J. Kale on behalf of the entire City Council.

16. Condolences to the family of Saundra Graham.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner
comments by Simmons, McGovern; Resolution Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone - Absent)

Resolution #16     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former City Councillor and State Representative Saundra Graham; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham was born in Cambridge, one of eleven children of Charles B. Postell and Roberta (Betts) Postell, and as a young woman she would pursue her education at the University of Massachusetts and Harvard University Extension; and

WHEREAS: As a single parent in the late 1960s, Saundra Graham raised her five children with tenacity and dedication, instilling in them the importance of perseverance and determination; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham began her journey of public service in 1968 as a member of the Board of Directors of the Cambridge Community Center, and she subsequently served as president of the Riverside Planning Team in 1970; and

WHEREAS: In 1971, she co-founded and presided over the Riverside Cambridgeport Community Development Corporation, leading the organization to become a highly successful entity providing low and moderate income housing for Cambridge residents, she was one of the leaders of the movement to preserve rent control in the early 1970s, and her leadership during the protest against Harvard University's real estate expansion in 1970 resulted in the construction of both elderly and family housing complexes over the next ten years; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham was first elected to the Cambridge City Council in 1971, becoming the first woman of color to be elected to the Council, she would serve as Vice Mayor during the 1976-1977 term, and she then went to the Massachusetts Legislature as a State Representative from 1976 to 1988, resulting in significant federal housing dollars for Cambridge and the rehabilitation and modernization of public housing complexes; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham served as Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus and as a member of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, continuing her fight for fair housing and economic justice for the poor, the elderly, the unemployed, minorities, and women; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham was the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1976 National Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., the 1980 Recognition Award by the Central Square Cambridge Businessmen's Association, and the 1982 Woman of the Year in Government Award by the Boston Chapter of the National Organization for Women; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham left an indelible stamp on the City of Cambridge and has positively impacted the lives of countless residents, her legacy shall continue to inspire future generations in their efforts to build a more equitable and just society, and her memory shall forever be cherished; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Saundra Graham for their tremendous loss; 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 family of Saundra Graham on behalf of the entire City Council.

17. Condolences to the Family of Jobe Diagne.   Councillor Simmons
comments by Simmons; Resolution Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone - Absent)

Resolution #17    June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jobe Diagne on June 16, 2023; and
WHEREAS: Jobe Anthony Diagne was born in Boston, MA on June 29, 1980, to Toni Wright-Diagne and Ousseynou Diagne, he graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School in 1999, he earned his technology diploma from Year Up Inc in 2003, and he subsequently joined Year Up as an IT Specialist in 2022; and
WHEREAS: In 2013, Jobe Diagne met the love of his life Jutoy Dobson-Diagne, whom he married in 2016 and with whom he became the proud parent of a son, Kingston Jobe Anthony Diagne, in 2019; and
WHEREAS: Jobe Diagne was known for his adventurous spirit, enjoying traveling, trying new foods, making quality time for friends and family, and being a doting father; and
WHEREAS: Jobe Diagne was predeceased by his grandparents, Sherman and Hattie Wright, he is survived by his devoted wife Jutoy, his son Kingston, his mother Toni, his father Ousseynou, his twin brother Jerin and wife Christina, his sister Fatima, his nieces and nephews: Jerin Jr, Charlee, London, Prinya, Mikayla, Dasia, Sophia, Luis, and many friends, and his memory shall be forever cherished by them all; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family of Jobe Diagne for their tremendous loss; 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 Diagne family on behalf of the entire City Council.

18. Resolution on the death of Norman Thomas McIver.   Councillor Toner
Resolution Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone - Absent)

Resolution #18     June 26, 2023
WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened at learning of the death of Norman Thomas McIver on June 24, 2023, at the age of 87; and
WHEREAS: Norman was born in Cambridge and was the beloved son of the late Edward J. and Mary McIver; and
WHEREAS: Norman was the devoted husband of 62 happy years to Arlene Dabrowski, also of Cambridge, beloved father of Norman, Richard and his wife Season, Paul and his wife Carol, and Mark and his wife Sunni, grandfather of Richard, Kevin, Anya, and Alexis, as well as the great-grandfather of Isabella and Kayla; and
WHEREAS: Graduating from Cambridge High and Latin High School and Rutgers University, Norman was fortunate to have found a career that he loved in banking and spent many years working for Bay Bank/Harvard Trust Company and then for Cambridge Trust Company where he was a Senior Vice President and remained a consultant for the bank after retirement until he was almost 80; and
WHEREAS: Norman served in the United States Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant, a dedicated lifelong Catholic who enjoyed going to church weekly, was always ready with a joke and a story, and loved spending time with family and friends, often at his cottage in Manomet in the summer, and eventually became a snowbird spending winters in Del Ray Beach, Florida or just hanging out with a beer or one of his favorite cookies; and
WHEREAS: Active in the community, Norman was a longtime member of the Belmont Lion’s Club, and the Arlington Elks, and participated on many boards and organizations including Cambridge Homes Senior Living, Sancta Maria Nursing Facility, CASPAR, Central Square Business Association, YMCA, American Red Cross and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS: Norman and his contagious effervescence will be deeply missed by all who knew him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of Norman McIver at this time of such personal loss; 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 McIver family on behalf of the entire City Council.

19. Congratulating the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
comments by Zondervan; Resolution Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone - Absent)

R-19     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants (ACT) has been successfully revitalized as the officially recognized tenants association representing all Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) housing and voucher tenants after an election took place via physical mail in May of 2023; and
WHEREAS: The Temporary Emergency Committee (TEC) put in a tremendous amount of work shepherding the organization through a difficult transition starting in October 2022, including close collaboration with the CHA to ensure that every eligible tenant received notice of both the call for nominations to the ACT governing board as well as the ballot itself via physical mail; and
WHEREAS: The TEC dissolved on June 24, 2023 when the 30 elected members of the ACT governing board convened for the first time and selected executive officers; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking Duane Callender, Teresa Cardosi, Bill Cunningham, Jean Hannon, Leonard Francis, Annamay Bourdon, and Sherri Tucker for their dedicated service on the TEC; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record congratulating all 30 members of the newly-elected ACT governing board including those who were selected as executive officers: Sara Rivera, Duane Callender, Isemanie Saint Jean, Jean Hannon, and Valerie Bonds; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking the CHA for their collaboration and support throughout this process; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the ACT office and to the CHA on behalf of the entire City Council.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Tues, June 13, 2023 from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss Overdose Prevention Sites, previously referred to as Safe Consumption Sites. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone - Absent)
Present: McGovern, Azeem, Mallon
Remote Present: Toner, Zondervan

3. A communication was received from Vice Mayor Mallon, transmitting proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons (COF23#115)
Placed on File 9-0

ORDERED: That the proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance be further amended as follows:

8.67.10 DEFINITIONS
(20) “Hardship Compliance Plan” shall mean a detailed compliance plan to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions, based on an energy audit or similar assessment, that a Covered Property Owner may propose for approval by the Review Board to address hardship at a Covered Property. Such hardship may include, but not be limited to, financial distress, ownership structure consisting of individual nonresidential Condominiums, hospitals and large health/elder care facilities, houses of worship, limitations in securing sufficient grid electrical service when it is needed, and limitations due to historic designation or other regulatory designation of the Covered Property that hinders it from compliance with 8.67.100. The Assistant City Manager for Community Development shall promulgate regulations pursuant to 8.67.130 that establish minimum requirements for the emissions reductions achieved by Hardship Compliance Plans and the length of time for which they may be approved.

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The Ordinance Committee met on June 21, 2023, and by a unanimous vote of all members present, approved a motion to ask the Law Department for information relative to changes to Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, Proposed Ordinance #2022-11, as amended in Committee on June 21, 2023; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department to review the proposed amended ordinance language and to work with the Law Department and the Historical Commission to provide an explanation of the legal standard that is used to compel changes or deny projects reviewed by the Historical Commission or Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions and report back to the full City Council by August 7, 2023.

O-2     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The opioid crisis is impacting every city and town across the country, and Cambridge is no exception, with 38 fatal overdoses in 2021, up from 13 in 2020; and
WHEREAS: According to Cambridge data, overdoses occur in virtually every neighborhood in the city, with Central, Harvard and Alewife Squares being the primary locations; and
WHEREAS: With Cambridge’s decision to make NARCAN more available in city buildings and within the community, resulting in many overdoses being reversed prior to 911 being contacted, the actual number of overdoses is likely higher than what is reported; and
|WHEREAS: Overdose Prevention Centers (OPC) are locations where an individual can use substances in a supervised environment as a harm reduction strategy to ensure that the person does not die from an overdose, and in the 30 years that these sites have been in existence around the world, there have been zero overdose deaths; and
WHEREAS: Data has also shown that OPCs not only reduce deaths, but crime, open drug use, and needles in the community all decrease when an OPC is operating in a neighborhood; and
WHEREAS Although these sites are not legal under federal law, the State of Massachusetts is considering allowing them in communities in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: Many surrounding communities such as Somerville, Boston and Revere have all expressed interest in opening one or more OPC locations and a regional plan to address substance use disorder and overdose deaths is desperately needed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to issue an RFP calling for an agency that will lead the City through a community process that will include, but not be limited to, community education, community feedback, location possibilities, potential legal issues and will include feedback from all neighborhoods, including seniors, businesses and places of worship, the Cambridge Police Department, the Cambridge Fire Department, Pro Ambulance, the Cambridge Health Alliance, shelters, nonprofits working with those experiences substance use disorder, and individuals experiencing substance use disorder themselves; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter and release the RFP no later than October 1, 2023.

O-3     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: George H. Callender was the son of immigrants from Barbados, a lifelong resident of Cambridge, and a veteran of the Korean War; and
WHEREAS: George grew up on Pine Street with his sister Jean as well as his brothers Albert, Arthur, Edward, and Vincent, all of whom served our country in World War II, the Korean War, and/or the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS: George and his wife Edwina lived on Hubbard Avenue for many decades with their children Duane, Deanna, Danita, and Pauline, where they were known throughout the multicultural working class neighborhood for their endless generosity and kindness towards those in need; and
WHEREAS: George tragically passed away in 1988 but his family continued to live on Hubbard Avenue until 1998, when they were one of the last remaining African American families of their era living on the block; and
WHEREAS: Duane and Deanna still live in Cambridge to this day - Duane is a proud Section 8 voucher holder and a leader of the Alliance of Cambridge Tenants, who overcame homelessness to remain in the city that he loves; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Councillor Zondervan to dedicate the corner of Hubbard Avenue and Walden Street in honor of the Callender family and their nearly 100 years of love and devotion to the City of Cambridge and our country; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-4     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge is committed to combating climate change as evidenced by the many efforts citywide to be a model and green community and do more to reduce emission pollution in the city including working to reduce energy use during peak load times; and
WHEREAS: Throughout City operations, Cambridge has shown leadership in promoting energy efficiency and practicing energy saving techniques; one prominent example is through Water Department operations, strategically limiting Department energy usage during peak demand times; and
WHEREAS: Summer temperatures are expected to be high on more days, and demand on the grid increases during hot summer days, which can lead to energy peak load problems for the region’s electric grid; and
WHEREAS: Utilities providers have established a regionwide call for improving energy efficiency and helping reduce energy usage during peak times, especially focused on energy and air conditioning load during the summer; and
WHEREAS: Some retailers leave doors open in the summer, leading to massive energy loss as cold air leaves the building, which wastes energy; and the city seeks to reduce energy use wherever possible which does not impact people’s comfort; and
WHEREAS: In 2022, in an attempt to reduce peak energy usage and help protect business owners from higher energy costs, the French government implemented fines for businesses who left their doors open while operating air conditioning, and the French Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, estimated that leaving doors open with air conditioning on led to “20% more energy consumption”; and
WHEREAS: By encouraging energy saving best practices and common-sense techniques like shutting doors while using air conditioning, Cambridge can help businesses reduce energy usage and save money while further reducing peak load on energy systems throughout the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments, local business associations, and local businesses to communicate to all retail businesses operating in Cambridge to encourage them to keep doors closed when operating cooling systems and inform them of other energy saving tools as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments and reach out to local businesses and business associations to consider whether a more formal local policy could and should be established and report back to the City Council by September 2023.

O-5     June 26, 2023  Charter Right - Toner
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The city is conducting a business impact study related to the installation of separated bicycle lanes, which began in 2004 with the installation of the city’s first separated bike lane, and accelerated in 2016 with the introduction of quick-build separated bicycle lanes; and
WHEREAS: It is crucial to ensure that the study utilizes accurate, objective, and reliable data from before and after installation to assess the positive or negative economic impacts on businesses from separated bicycle lane installations; and
WHEREAS: The goal is to improve the implementation of separated bicycle lane projects so that positive impacts on local businesses are enhanced and negative impacts are avoided or mitigated; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consider the following measures to enhance the aforementioned business impact study:

1. Prioritize the utilization of objective data sources on economic impact over subjective or survey-based data sources: (a) Partner with the state revenue agency to conduct sales tax data analysis, avoiding privacy issues; (b) Obtain transaction or business utilization data from third-party vendors; (c) Examine the long-term impacts on vacancy rates and rent prices on earlier bike lane projects, including Cambridge St, Brattle St, Western Ave, and earlier segments of Mass Ave, avoiding potential distortions caused by the pandemic;

2. To the extent that subjective or survey-based data sources are used, work to minimize statistical bias (anchoring bias, reporting bias, etc.): (a) Consult with a working group of experts, such as quantitative social scientists and policy evaluation researchers from local academic institutions, to ensure the utilization of best practices; (b) Measure customer perceptions and preferences for the retail environment through customer intercept surveys; (c) Consult with business staff to understand and assess their priorities, preferences, and concerns, in addition to consultations with business owners;

3. In addition to measuring impacts, aggregate ideas for how to improve the implementation of separated bicycle lanes along commercial corridors to enhance the business environment: (a) If surveys are conducted, solicit broader feedback regarding ways to improve the implementation and operation of bike lane projects, potential mitigations for regions with newly implemented bike lanes, and curb-use management strategies, including loading, short-term/long-term parking, and outdoor dining; (b) Estimate the potential impacts of changes to parking policies and dynamic meter pricing to ensure sufficient parking availability; and be it further

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on these matters by September 1, 2023, outlining the proposed improvements to the business impact study for separated bicycle lanes, including the incorporation of objective data sources, collaboration with external partners, and strategies for gathering feedback and ideas from businesses.

O-6     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City Council recently received a petition from 19 residents of Central House (820 Massachusetts Avenue) requesting better living conditions including improved access to healthy food and deeper case management; and
WHEREAS: Central House does not contain any communal kitchens or substantial common areas, and the only option that residents typically have is to eat microwaved food alone in their room; and
WHEREAS: Substantial financial issues at Central House are challenging the viability of the operation; and
WHEREAS: These revelations have sparked a series of conversations about how to better support residents at Central House and also how to ensure the long-term viability of the facility; and
WHEREAS: The Executive Director of Caritas Communities, Karin Cassel Mitterando, responded thoughtfully to the resident petition by sharing efforts and progress made by the organization, as well as acknowledging that “access to a kitchen would allow for healthier and more economical eating for our residents. When 820 Massachusetts Ave. was renovated with public support, the prevailing sentiment was that priority should be on maximizing the number of units in the property to get people off the street and into a safe home, which did not allow for kitchen facilities. Public policy has evolved”; and
WHEREAS: The challenges facing Central House are immense and a more intentional conversation between various stakeholders is needed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Human Services & Veterans Committee hold a public hearing to discuss options for addressing the situation at Central House and invite stakeholders including (but not limited to) relevant city departments, Central House staff, Caritas Communities executives, residents of Central House, Cambridge Housing Authority, and other organizations that place clients into units at Central House.

O-7     June 26, 2023  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Philippine Human Rights Act (PHRA) has been reintroduced in the US House of Representatives as H.R. 1433, but a companion bill has yet to be filed in the US Senate; and
WHEREAS: PHRA seeks to suspend all security (military) funding and sales from the US to the Philippines until such time that the human rights crisis in the Philippines has been properly addressed, including by (but not limited to):

• Investigating and prosecuting members of the military and police forces who are credibly found to have violated human rights

• Withdrawing the military from domestic policy

• Establishing protections of the rights of trade unionists, journalists, human rights defenders, indigenous persons, small farmers, LGBTQ+ activists, and critics of the government

• Taking steps to guarantee a judicial system that is capable of investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to justice members of the police and military who have committed human rights abuses

• Fully complying with any and all audits or investigations regarding the improper use of security aid; and

WHEREAS: Since 2016, the Philippines has been undergoing a national human rights crisis, precipitated by former President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal Drug War, involving Extra-Judicial Killings (EJKs) of over 30,000 people, including urban poor, farmers, peasants, indigenous, environmental activists, and government critics, and others purported to be involved in drug activity; and
WHEREAS: Other Human Rights Violations in the Philippines, largely attributed to the government, include: forced disappearances, torture, red-tagging of civilians and activists, silencing of the freedom of expression and the press, and state violence and theft against indigenous peoples; and
WHEREAS: These human rights abuses are often committed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which receive taxpayer-funded financial assistance from the U.S., and it is estimated that 6,242 individuals were killed by the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in anti-drug operations from July 1, 2016, to May 31, 2022 in addition to the 30,000 EJKs; and
WHEREAS: Very few “drug war” killings have been investigated by Philippine authorities, only a handful of cases—12 out of thousands—are in varying stages of investigation by police or active review by prosecutors, and to date, there is only one case, the videorecorded murder of 17-year-old student Kian delos Santos in August 2017, which resulted in the conviction of police officers; and
WHEREAS: Current President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has maintained that he will continue the War on Drugs, the regime no longer reports on killings by government actors, and killings by the PNP and AFP have continued under his regime with over 90 drug-related killings since Marcos took office in September 2022; and
WHEREAS: Marcos Jr. has maintained the Philippines’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and will not cooperate with the ICC’s investigation into the Crimes Against Humanity during the previous Presidential Administration between 2016 and 2022; and
WHEREAS: Marcos Jr. is the son of the former President and dictator of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who enacted Martial Law in the Philippines between September 1972 and January 1981 and committed egregious human rights violations including amassing a private fortune of US $10 billion by plundering from the Filipino people during his time as president; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. has given over US $1.14 billion in military assistance to the Philippines since 2015, which means that U.S. taxpayer dollars have contributed extensively to human rights violations in the Philippines; and
WHEREAS: Elbit Systems Inc., a Cambridge-based weapons company, has sold tanks and drones to the AFP that are solely used to target Filipino citizens (as the country is not at war), and the PHRA would hamper the ability of the Philippine government to purchase military weapons such as tanks and drones from Elbit; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in enthusiastic support of H.R.1433, the Philippine Human Rights Act, and in urging Representatives Katherine Clark and Ayanna Pressley to co-sponsor the existing bill; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in urging Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren to file a companion bill to H.R.1433 in the US Senate; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Cambridge’s entire Congressional Delegation as well as to the Elbit America Cambridge Innovation Center on behalf of the entire City Council.

Proposed Amendment by Councillor Nolan:

WHEREAS: Elbit Systems Inc., a Cambridge-based weapons company, has sold tanks and drones to the AFP that are solely used to target Filipino citizens (as the country is not at war), and the PHRA would hamper the ability of the Philippine government to purchase military weapons such as tanks and drones from Elbit; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in enthusiastic support of H.R.1433, the Philippine Human Rights Act, and in urging Representatives Katherine Clark and Ayanna Pressley to co-sponsor the existing bill; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in urging Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren to file a companion bill to H.R.1433 in the US Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Cambridge’s entire Congressional Delegation as well as to the Elbit America Cambridge Innovation Center on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-8     June 26, 2023  Charter Right - Azeem
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: The City Council is currently working towards establishing a more aggressive timeline to implement our BEUDO requirements, which would mandate that the majority of buildings falling under the scope of this ordinance would need to fully comply by 2035, rather than 2050; and
WHEREAS: Over the course of many months of hearings and public discussions on this matter, it has become clear that for some, it will be a confusing and potentially costly process to fully comply with this more aggressive timeline, and it would be prudent for the City to find tangible ways to assist residents in meeting that goal; and
WHEREAS: One such method would be to establish a BEUDO Compliance Advisory Board, which – similar to the Implementation Advisory Committee that was established to assist businesses comply with the smoking ban enacted two decades ago – would be available to advise residents on how to best adapt to the new law, how to better understand the law, how to troubleshoot areas of concern, and to otherwise assist residents who may be in need of greater, more comprehensive support throughout the process; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish a BEUDO Compliance Advisory Board designed to meet the above stated goals of assisting residents with complying with the forthcoming adjusted BEUDO timeline, and to report back to the City Council on progress made towards this goal at the August 7, 2023 City Council meeting.