Cambridge City Council meeting - June 27, 2016

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $113,000 from the General Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Public Investment Fund Human Services Extraordinary Expenditures account to replace carpeting at 51 Inman Street.
Adopted 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $17,000 from the General Fund Law Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the Public Investment Fund Law Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to replace carpeting in Law office.
Adopted 9-0

3. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $40,000 from the General Fund Veterans Travel & Training (Benefits) account to the Public Investment Fund Veterans Extraordinary Expenditures account to replace carpeting in their office at 51 Inman Street.
Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,100,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditure account in order to implement the first phase of a citywide building security enhancement project which includes the hiring of a technical position.
Adopted 9-0

6. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Mass Decontamination Unit (MDU) Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the amount of $4,000 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($2,000) and Grant Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000), for two MDU trailers - one for each hospital, Cambridge and Mount Auburn and the funds will be used to enhance protection of hospitals in the event of an emergency contamination situation.
Adopted 9-0

7. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s (EOPSS) Highway Division in the amount of $50,000 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account, to be used to supplement sustained, high visibility, year-round traffic enforcement.
Adopted 9-0

8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item 16-29, regarding the implementation of the C2 non-zoning recommendations. [Report]
Referred to NLTP Committee - Mazen

9. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a communication from the Affordable Housing Trust relative to the Inclusionary Housing Study. [Report]
Referred to Housing Committee

10. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-28, regarding the possibility of allowing local businesses to voluntarily donate collected bag fees to non-profit organizations, the newly designed Community Benefits Fund, or the Cambridge NonProfit Coalition.
Placed on File

CHARTER RIGHT
1. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to organize regular suppers on the second Saturday of each month, starting on the 13th of August, with free food for the Cambridge community in open public spaces throughout the various Cambridge neighborhoods. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Mazen on Order #12 of June 20, 2016.]
Tabled - Mazen

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

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

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

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

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
6. A zoning petition by the Richard Avenue neighbors to amend Section 20.103.2 North Massachusetts Avenue Sub-district and Section 20.110 Standards Applicable in the North Massachusetts Avenue Sub-district on the north side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west and to amend the City of Cambridge Zoning Map by redrawing the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict for the northerly side of Massachusetts Avenue to extend from the centerline of Beech Street on the east to the centerline of Richard Avenue on the west. [The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after June 20, 2016. Planning Board hearing held Apr 19, 2016. Petition expires Aug 9, 2016.]
Ordained 8-0-1 (Cheung ABSENT), Ordinance #1384

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A zoning petition has been received from Healthy Pharms Inc., to amend the provisions of the Medical Marijuana Overlay district section 20.700 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Map.
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board

2. An application was received from 9 Donnell St Realty Trust, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 9 Donnell Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood associations.
Charter Right - Kelley

3. An application was received from Moleskin, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 35A Brattle Street.

4. An application was received from African Gift Items, requesting permission for a display of merchandise in front of the premises numbered 541 Massachusetts Avenue.

5. An application was received from Petsi Pies Incorporated, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign, two potted planters, two cafe tables and six chairs for restaurant seating in front of the premises numbered 594 Cambridge Street.

6. An application was received from Season to Taste LLC, requesting permission for four tables and eight chairs for seasonal outdoor patio seating in front of the premises numbered 2447 Massachusetts Avenue.

7. An application was received from Darwin's, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 313 Massachusetts Avenue. Approval Has Been Received From Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department. No response has been received from Abutters.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. Sundry communications were received regarding Zinc roof top lighting.

2. A communication was received from Kent Johnson, in support of Policy Order 2016 #174, considering changes to the tree protection ordinance.

3. A communication was received from Jodie Cohen-Tanugi, transmitting strong support of all action necessary to carry out the project of the multiple use path to extend and fill in the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway.

4. A communication was received from Doug Brown, Founder, Friends of the Greenway, Inc., transmitting support for Watertown-Cambridge Greenway Acquisition.

5. A communication was received from Carolyn A. Fuller, 12 Douglass Street, regarding short-term rentals.

6. A communication was received from Mark and Susan Woods, 44 Garfield Street, regarding Sacramento Field.

7. A communication was received from Gary Dmytryk, President, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, transmitting concern about the Lighting Ordinance.

8. A communication was received from Sal Zinno, regarding strengthening tree protection.

9. A communication was received from Esther Hanig, 136 Pine Street, relating to lack of progress on the C-2 non-zoning recommendations and the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Trust relating to the inclusionary zoning ordinance.

10. A communication was received from Lindsey Collins Sudbury regarding the tragic accident that occurred in Inman Square.

11. A communication was received from Curt Rogers, 8 Austin Park, supporting the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code restricting the sale of animals in stores.

12. A communication was received from Amy Caton, 59 Russet Lane, Melrose relating to the Policy Order # 11 regarding feral cats.

13. A communication was received from Sheila Lachs, 1 Royal Avenue, in support of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code restricting the sale of animals in stores.

14. A communication was received from Christopher Green, 31 Bigelow Street, in support of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code restricting the sale of animals in pet shops.

15. A communication was received from John Pitkin, 18 Fayette Street, transmitting an article from USAID and suggesting there be public education utilizing behavior and neuroscience to redesign signs to contain an image of fear in an effort to reduce fatalities.

16. A communication was received from Stephanie Harris, Massachusetts State Director, The Humane Society of the United States, in support of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code that would prohibit the sale of puppy mill dogs in pet stores.

17. A communication was received from Laura Borrelli, 18 Rose Street, regarding safety concerns for bikers in Inman Square.

18. A communication was received from Patrick Barrett, 234 Broadway, transmitting disappointment with the report given by Community Development Department relating to the non-zoning recommendations of the C2 Committee and urging that the City Council adopt C2 as the plan for Central Square.

19. A communication was received from Matthew Carty, suggesting evaluation of the intersection in Inman Square, education for motorist, enforcement, engineering and encouragement be the focus for the safety of Inman Square.

20. A communication was received from Manuel Pires, Marlboro, in support of five black marble slabs being located in Cambridge Common as the Prince Hall Monument.

21. A communication was received from Elaine DeRosa, 4 Pleasant Place, in support of the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Trust relating to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance.

22. A communication was received from Joan D. Hill, 18 Banks Street, supporting the City organizing suppers on the second Saturday of each month beginning on August 13, 2016.

23. A communication was received from Ezra Rudel, 205 Rindge Avenue, supported protected bike lanes on Broadway and Cambridge Street.

24. A communication was received from Rupal Ramesh Shah, 334 Harvard Street, supporting regularly scheduled suppers in Cambridge.

25. A communication was received from Jessi Flynn, 2 Clinton Street, urging the City Council to prioritize public ways and safety over curb side parking relating to the safety of Inman Square.

26. A communication was received from Brad Bellows, 87 Howard Street, transmitting information on bike fatalities.

27. A communication was received from Lumina Gershfield Cordova, 65 Beacon Street, Somerville, explaining that she witnessed the fatal accident in Inman Square and urging the proposed changes to Inman Square occur to prevent another accident.

28. A communication was received from Ruthann Rudel, 205 Rindge Avenue, Bike Committee member, regarding the accident in Inman Square and making Cambridge safer for cyclists.

29. A communication was received from George Metzger, Central Square Business Association Advocacy Committee, relating to the timeline for the C2 non-zoning recommendations.

30. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, relating to Agenda items, housing for the homeless, the Five Black Stones symbolizing 5,000 Black Men who fought in the Revolutionary War and the Black American historical site that is in disrepair at 10 Story Street.

31. A communication was received from Philip Stanza, Allston, in support of the Policy Order regarding the safety in Inman Square.

32. A communication was received from Becca Wolfson, Boston Cyclists Union, regarding the Inman Square crash and the late Policy Order to improve Inman Square and other dangerous corridors in Cambridge.

17. Congratulations to Ryles Jazz Club and Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services on the anniversary of Kate’s Café at Ryles and in expressing its best wishes for many good times and good meals for years to come. Mayor Simmons

18. Resolution on the death of Helen M. (Masterson) O’Regan. Councillor Toomey

19. Recognition of the First Massachusetts Bicentennial Battery in their 40th year and thanks for bringing authenticity and history into Cambridge celebrations. Vice Mayor McGovern

20. Congratulations to the First Holiness Church on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Mayor Simmons

21. Congratulations to VBI Vaccines for its critical innovations and efforts to counter diseases such as Hepatitis B. Councillor Cheung

22. Congratulations to the Massachusetts Senior Action Council on 35 years on incredible advocacy. Mayor Simmons

25. Congratulations to the Martin Luther King School and its partners for their commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership. Councillor Cheung

26. Congratulations to Katherine Flynn on the occasion of becoming a partner of the Kneerim & Williams Literary Agency. Councillor Cheung

27. Congratulations to Prospect Hill Academy’s Class of 2016. Councillor Cheung

28. Recognize July as African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month as a means of highlighting the urgency of bone marrow donations for African Americans. Mayor Simmons

31. Thanks to the organizers and City departments responsible for making the 2016 Dance Party a great success. Mayor Simmons

32. Congratulations to Anthony and Adelaida Spears on their wedding anniversary. Mayor Simmons

ORDERS
1. Declare that the five black marble slabs that comprise the perimeter of the Prince Hall Monument, which were mined in Africa and now are located upon the historic Cambridge Common, represent the more than 5,000 Black men who helped fight for this country’s independence during the Revolutionary War. Mayor Simmons
Adopted

2. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Vice Mayor Marc McGovern for a street corner dedication in honor of George and Patricia Hinds in the vicinity of Fayette Street and Broadway. Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted

3. That the City Council go on record expressing its solidarity with Saint Peter's Episcopal Church's Resolution of Christian Intent. Mayor Simmons
Charter Right - Simmons

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to develop and conduct a robust outreach effort to survey the City’s small business owners to determine how many of these businesses expect to remain in their current locations over the next half decade and to determine how the City can better support these businesses and work with them to ensure they remain a vibrant part of our community. Mayor Simmons
Adopted

5. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council at its summer meeting of Aug 1, 2016 on any construction projects being planned along the corridor and what the land owners commitments have been to advancing the vision of a Grand Junction Multi-use Path running the length of the rail corridor from the Charles River to the Somerville border. Councillor Toomey
Adopted

6. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request of Councillor Toomey for a street corner dedication in honor of Jack McKim in the vicinity of Otis Street and Fifth Street. Councillor Toomey
Adopted

7. That the City Council go on record in support of Massachusetts House Bill 4187, an Act Protecting Massachusetts Pollinators. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux
Adopted

8. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding the feasibility of the City of Cambridge filing its own home rule petition regarding reduced speed limits in thickly settled areas in conjunction with the City of Boston’s current efforts. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Cheung, Vice Mayor McGovern
Adopted as Amended

9. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of implementing a truck ban on Prospect Street during certain times of the day, or to otherwise mitigate the impact of the trucks utilizing this street. Mayor Simmons
Adopted

10. That the proposed addition to Title 6, entitled “Animals,” regarding the restriction on the sale of animals in pet shops be referred to the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Adopted, Referred to Ordinance Committee

11. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Animal Commission to investigate the costs and benefits of potential responses to the feral cat issue in close consultation with animal rights organizations, city residents, public health officials. Councillor Cheung
Adopted

12. Proposed amendment to the Municipal Code which would provide for urban agriculture activities. Councillor Cheung
Adopted as Amended, Referred to Ordinance Committee and Health & Environment Committee

13. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Fire Department, Police Department and Budget Department and other relevant City departments to fast-track plans to completely redesign and reconstruct Inman Square’s dangerous 5-street intersection, prioritizing the safety of people who bike and walk. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen
Adopted as Amended

14. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council is requested to confer with the Family of Ted Coffman to determine a suitable location for a dedication in his honor at St. Peters Field. Councillor Toomey
Adopted

15. That the City Manager is requested to allocate the appropriate City resources to the Port in order to reduce the level of violence and gun-related activity that has been taking place. Mayor Simmons
Adopted

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee for a public hearing held on June 15, 2016 to hear an update on the City’s climate planning and sustainability programs and to discuss events and community engagement efforts to help inform policies and goals as the City updates its Climate Change Plan and all other matters that may come before the committee related to the City’s climate change efforts.
Report Accepted, Placed on File

2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on June 14, 2016 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 12.12 entitled “Street Excavations and Obstructions” by adding a new section 12.12.065 entitled “Maintenance of Safe Passage – Proper Marking of Hazards and Trench Closure Required.”
Report Accepted, Placed on File

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, June 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

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

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

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

Tues, July 19
3:00pm Public Safety Committee and Housing Committee (Sullivan Chamber)

O-2 June 27, 2016
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Vice Mayor Marc McGovern for a street corner dedication in honor of George and Patricia Hinds in the vicinity of Fayette Street and Broadway; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-3 June 27, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, a bastion of tolerance in Cambridge, recently adopted a resolution of Christian intent denouncing the rhetoric emanating from politicians who seek to tear down individuals or group of people for whatever reason; and
WHEREAS: In its resolution of Christian Intent, Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church affirms its belief in a Gospel in which all people are created equal by God and deserve to be treated as such; and
WHEREAS: To this extent, the resolution decries the use of inflammatory language that is destructive and self-aggrandizing as inconsistent with the message of Christ’s Gospel of love; and
WHEREAS: The resolution calls on us to love one another as God loves us, a commandment the resolution affirms is the guiding light of Saint Peter’s Episcopal Parish, is consistent with the message of the scriptures, and the Anglican tradition; and
WHEREAS: Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church’s resolution on Christian Intent is highlights the values of love and respect for people just as they are, values which have been championed by the City of Cambridge for many years, values which are at loggerheads with extremism in all form; now therefore it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its solidarity with Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church’s Resolution of Christian Intent; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-4 June 27, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Areas such as Harvard Square, Central Square, and Kendall Square have proven themselves to be incredibly attractive to businesses who look to situate themselves in prime, highly visible areas of the city where people tend to meet, shop, dine, and otherwise contribute to a strong local economy; and
WHEREAS: Due to the attractiveness of these locations and the natural base of consumers they cultivate and cater to, large national and international businesses have gravitated toward setting up retail locations in these areas; and
WHEREAS: Although the larger national and international businesses may bring many positive attributes with them, their capacity and willingness to pay increasingly high rents in prime Cambridge locations is contributing to the squeezing out of many smaller, locally-owned businesses who cannot necessarily afford the sharply rising rents from these locations; and
WHEREAS: As greater numbers of smaller, locally-owned businesses are forced to relocate to less attractive locations in our city, the larger companies are taking on an increasingly larger footprint in our community; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has long been dedicated to supporting the locally-owned businesses that provide many jobs and much character to our city, and it has long been recognized that it is ideal for our community to strive for a balance between larger, national businesses and smaller, locally-owned businesses; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to develop and conduct a robust outreach effort to survey the City’s small business owners to determine how many of these businesses expect to remain in their current locations over the next half decade, to determine how the City can better support these businesses and work with them to ensure they remain a vibrant part of our community, and to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-5 June 27, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The CRA, MIT and community celebrated a ribbon cutting for the first section of the Grand Junction Multi-use Path; and
WHEREAS: The Grand Junction Path continues to be a great opportunity to expand open space, to create a safe bike infrastructure, and to connect our neighborhoods to the river, schools and other open spaces in the eastern part of the city; and
WHEREAS: The path’s success depends on the cooperation of the State and willingness of other property owners along the rail line to recognize its importance to the community and its importance as a transportation project; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council at its summer meeting of Aug 1, 2016 on any construction projects being planned along the corridor and what the land owners commitments have been to advancing the vision of a Grand Junction Multi-use Path running the length of the rail corridor from the Charles River to the Somerville border; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back on the status on the Grand Junction overlay language.

O-6 June 27, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request of Councillor Toomey for a street corner dedication in honor of Jack McKim in the vicinity of Otis Street and Fifth Street; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.

O-7 June 27, 2016
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: Pollinators, which include honeybees and other pollinating insects and animals, are responsible for helping to produce much of the food we consume; and
WHEREAS: In Massachusetts, many of our most important crops require insect pollinators, including cranberries, blueberries, and apples; and
WHEREAS: These and many other crops are threatened by the precipitous drop in pollinators, and an increasing number of studies point to a class of pesticides, known as neonicotinoids, as the primary culprit; and
WHEREAS: Since they first came on the market in the early 1990s, neonicotinoids, which are a synthetic form of nicotine that attacks receptors in insects' nervous systems, have come to dominate about thirty percent of the global pesticide market, and are greatly harming our pollinators; and
WHEREAS: While the European Union suspended the use of many of these pesticides in 2013, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has allowed their continued use while it conducts a review that may not be completed until 2019; and
WHEREAS: Legislation to impose a moratorium on the use of neonicotinoids has stalled in Congress; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts House Bill 4187, An Act Protecting Massachusetts Pollinators, seeks to remedy this situation by requiring that neonicotinoids be applied only by licensed or certified applicators; that application be limited during the blooming season to agricultural and horticultural uses; that applicators be required to give property owners a notice of risks associated with neonicotinoids; requires that seeds, plants, or other materials treated with neonicotinoids be labeled at the point of sale; requires that neonicotinoid training be integrated into the existing pesticide applicator licensing process; and that a special commission be established to investigate pollinator health; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of Massachusetts House Bill 4187; 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 Massachusetts General Court on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-11 June 27, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Residents of North Cambridge have submitted numerous noise and public health-related complaints regarding the presence of feral cat colonies in their neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS: Feral cats are defined as “wild” cats who either were born in the wild or were lost or abandoned by their owners; unlike free-roaming outdoor domestic cats, feral cats have spent all if not most of their lives with minimal human contact and as such typically cannot be socialized or revert to living indoors; and
WHEREAS: Left unattended, feral cats are susceptible to malnutrition and disease, and can also breed unchecked to the point of exhaustion, raising humaneness and public health issues; and
WHEREAS: Communities near feral cat colonies often complain of the significant noise created during cats’ mating or fighting, as well as of potential disease transfers to free-roaming domestic cats and/or humans, especially children; and
WHEREAS: Responses to feral cat issues include euthanasia and no-kill options; the most commonly-accepted humane method of feral cat population reduction is Trap Neuter Return (TNR), which involves trapping, vaccinating, spaying and neutering and returning feral cats to their environment where a volunteer caretaker monitors (and feeds) the cats in the colony; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Animal Commission to investigate the costs and benefits of potential responses to the feral cat issue in close consultation with animal rights organizations, city residents, public health officials; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a summary of findings, including community members’ perspectives and the costs and benefits of potential response options.

O-12 June 27, 2016
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: Urban Agriculture activities have become increasingly popular in Cambridge and other municipalities nationwide, in part due to a rising commitment among citizens and communities to local and sustainable food growth and consumption; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge currently does not have zoning regulations in place for the operation and establishment of Urban Agriculture activities, and does not have a framework in place for the siting, upkeep, and any modification of Urban Agriculture activity that addresses public safety, minimizes impacts on residents in the City of Cambridge, and meets all local, state, and/or federal regulation provisions, particularly the State Building Code; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the attached amendment to the municipal code providing for urban agriculture be referred to the Ordinance Committee and the Health & Environment Committee for joint hearing.

O-13 June 27, 2016
COUNCILLOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has committed to Vision Zero and Complete Streets policies to improve safety for all modes, especially vulnerable users like people who walk and bike; and
WHEREAS: The City’s Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department held a community meeting on June 22nd to present preliminary concept designs for reconfiguring the 5-street intersection at Inman Square, whose crash rate exceeds the MassDOT average and whose long and awkward crossings are known to be particularly dangerous to people who bike and walk; and
WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is reconstructing Beacon Street with protected bike lanes; Beacon Street becomes Hampshire Street in Inman Square and the two streets carry a very high volume of people commuting on bicycles to and from Kendall Square and Boston; and
WHEREAS: On June 23, 2016, a young Cambridge resident, Amanda Phillips, was tragically killed on Cambridge Street near Inman Square; preliminary reports indicate that she was riding past a line of parked cars when a car door was opened on the driver’s side, knocking Amanda off her bike and into the path of a large truck; and
WHEREAS: “Dooring" is well known to be one of the leading causes of crashes involving people who bike, and protected bike paths are widely preferred by people who bike because the potential for being accidentally doored is greatly reduced and because the potential for cars and delivery trucks blocking on-street bike lanes is also greatly reduced; and
WHEREAS: The City’s Bicycle Network Plan shows protected bike lanes on both Hampshire and Cambridge Streets; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Fire Department, Police Department and Budget Department and other relevant City departments to fast-track plans to completely redesign and reconstruct Inman Square’s dangerous 5-street intersection, prioritizing the safety of people who bike and walk; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all appropriate departments to establish a firm and accelerated timetable and budget for the installation of protected bike lanes on Hampshire and Cambridge Streets; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with Public Safety officials, the Public Information Office and other staff to launch a high-profile public education campaign on the dangers of “dooring” to people who bike; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to require all city contractors operating trucks in Cambridge to install safety side guards as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That a future public plaza be created as part of the redesign of Inman Square and said public plaza be dedicated to and in the names of Amanda Phillips, Marcia Deihl and other bicyclists that have lost their lives.

O-14 June 27, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council is requested to confer with the Family of Ted Coffman to determine a suitable location for a dedication in his honor at St. Peters Field.

O-15 June 27, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Over the weekend, the Port neighborhood saw its second shooting take place in recent months, and as the City continues looking at all issues concerned with keeping Cambridge residents safe, more resources must be focused upon increasing safety in this neighborhood; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to allocate the appropriate City resources to the Port in order to reduce the level of violence and gun-related activity that has been taking place.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee convened a public hearing on June 15, 2016, at 3:01pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to hear an update on the City’s climate planning and sustainability programs and to discuss events and community engagement efforts to help inform policies and goals as the City updates its Climate Change Plan and all other matters that may come before the committee related to the City’s climate change efforts.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Devereux, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Carlone; Councillor Kelley; Vice Mayor McGovern; Councillor Mazen; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Owen O’Riordan, Public Works Commissioner; Ellen Katz, Fiscal Director, Public Works Department; Susanne Rasmussen, Director, Environmental and Transportation Division, Community Development Department; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Quinton Zondervan, President, Green Cambridge; John Pitkin, Vice President, Green Cambridge, 18 Fayette Street; John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street; Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street; Rosalie Anderson, 154 Auburn Street; Henrietta Davis, 120 Chestnut Street; Hardoop Mann, 2 Mt. Auburn Street; Debbie New, 39 Highland Avenue; Nina Dillon, 386 Walden Street; Maria Hams, 95 Clifton Street; Susan Turner, 182 Magazine Street; and Steve Wineman.

Councillor Devereux convened the hearing and explained the purpose. She stated that the meeting is being privately audio recorded. She stated that Ms. Rasmussen will give a presentation about the work that the city is doing in regards to climate change. She stated that Mr. Zondervan and Mr. Pitkin would like to plan a second Climate Congress in the fall and make it inclusive. She noted that Cambridge had its first Climate Congress in 2009-2010. An agenda for the meeting was distributed (ATTACHMENT A).

At this time Ms. Rasmussen explained that this work is being done in many departments in the City including Public Works, Community Development, Water, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Electrical Departments and the School Department. She gave a PowerPoint Presentation (ATTACHMENT B).

She noted that today she is speaking on climate change planning, not sustainability more broadly. She stated that the plan is updated. There are plans for transportation. There are many advisory committees. She spoke about the collaborations and frameworks. She stated that Cambridge received the nation’s highest STAR Cities sustainability rating. She stated that targets were established for greenhouse gas emissions. She added data is difficult to come by. At the municipal level, the City had its greenhouse gas inventory done by an independent third party. She noted that buildings dominate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The water treatment plant has the biggest consumption. Buildings, she stated are the biggest challenge. The conversion to LED streetlights project has significantly reduced energy consumption. She stated that Public Works has undertaken a municipal facilities improvement plan focused on reducing GHG emission and a GHG emission goal has been set for 2020. The proposed goal is to get to 30% below the 2008 baseline. She spoke about the renewable energy supply strategy. The City is looking at the fleet with a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 2030. A waste study has begun; the city is responsible for residential waste reduction. She spoke more on the LED streetlight conversion that has seen 70% savings, which exceeded expectations. She stated that MLK School is near Net Zero and is heading toward the highest rating. The King Open/CSUS is envisioned to be a fossil-free school.

Ms. Rasmussen switched to the City as a whole on GHG emissions. A consultant has been engaged to update the GHG emission inventory, which will be completed by the end of year. She stated that stakeholders will be involved in updating the Climate Action Plan. She stated 2030 will be a target year for the update. When the City joined the Compact of Mayors there were terms accepted. The Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance has helped understand building efficiency. The ordinance covers all commercial building 25,000 square feet and above and residential buildings with 50 or more units that must report per the ordinance. In year one, there has been 95% compliance. There is an enormous amount of data coming in. Cambridge buildings are more efficient than national average. She stated that the Net Zero action plan has moved into implementation. This is a 25-year action plan. She highlighted the Net Zero Action Plan for FY 16. Many strategies are being addressed at the same time. Regulatory language is being developed. For the energy supply there are two actions. The City is looking at decarbonizing electricity use. Community Aggregation needs to get state approval and in the fall a plan for community aggregation will be brought before the City Council.

Ms. Rasmussen stated that the Cambridge Energy Alliance reaches out the public and provides services. She noted that the multi-family buildings are the most difficult to work with. The Georgetown Energy Prize project is geared to increasing resident engagement in reducing energy consumption. She spoke about the effect of student engagement. Electrical vehicle structure has to take on mode share and electric vehicle technology. The Vulnerability Assessment has been completed and is almost ready. The focus is now on the Preparedness Plan on flooding and heat impacts. On the regulatory side - energy and buildings need attention. The base code and the Stretch Code need to be updated. Cambridge is part of the Compact for Sustainable Future which will be discussed in two weeks for a three-year work plan. An energy analysis is being undertaken to decarbonize energy use in Kendall Square. She stated that the Glocal Challenge is a big project for student engagement. She noted that twenty-three high school students won summer internships with the City.

Councillor Devereux now invited Mr. Zondervan and Mr. Pitkin to present their 2016 Climate Congress Proposal (ATTACHMENT C).

Mr. Zondervan, President, Green Cambridge, spoke on the activities of his organization and the first Climate Congress. He stated that rain barrels are used to save water and back-of-sidewalk trees will be planted through Green Cambridge. He gave a history of the Climate Emergency Congress. He stated that the original congress was successful. In 2009 Climate change was declared an emergency by vote of the City Council. The original congress consisted of 100 delegates who participated in the sessions. He further explained the process. The congress produced final recommendations, called the Climate Emergency Congress Outcomes. The Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC) produced additional goals. A public awareness campaign was suggested. He noted that the Net Zero effort indirectly came out of the congress to help to get building emissions down to zero. The parking permit fee was increased to fund the work on vehicle emissions.

Mr. Pitkin, Vice President, Green Cambridge, spoke about the 2016 Climate Congress proposal. He stated that the 2016 proposal is different than the congress in 2009. There is more awareness today and residents want to do more, and building owners are willing to do more without being asked. The global situation is different now than it was seven years ago. He stated that faith communities are involved in this effort. He stated that with all the efforts climate change has continued to rapidly advance. He spoke about the purpose for the proposed 2016 Climate Congress. Everyone has a part to play but it can be difficult to understand what your individual part is. The purpose is to develop a shared vision of roles that work for all. He spoke about the organizing committee for the congress and its composition. He spoke about the 2016 Climate Congress schedule, proposing an opening session on Oct 1, 2016, and focused discussions on six consecutive Wednesday evenings, leading to a closing session on Nov 12, 2016, to adopt a consensus statement. He spoke about the session topics. He asked for use of City Hall and help from City staff with recruitment, organizing and moderating the discussions.

Councillor Devereux opened the discussion to the City Council.

Councillor Carlone stated that this makes sense. He suggesting modifying the list. He asked Ms. Rasmussen about heat resiliency for multi-family buildings and that municipal building are opposite what was shown. Will this include commercial buildings with glass? The Planning Board has never mentioned this being an issue. Ms. Rasmussen stated that the Preparedness Plan will look at all new buildings. Councillor Carlone asked if there are statistics about traffic commuting from outside of Cambridge through Cambridge. Ms. Rasmussen responded in the negative. The transportation sector is not showing reduced emissions now. Councillor Carlone stated that Net Zero buildings have costs on site. The outline for the congress is online and the City staff should be part of it.

Councillor Kelley asked if this is all about GHG reduction versus reduction of municipal buildings. Ms. Katz stated that the GHG reduction grid is greener and there has been energy reduction with the LED street lights and the water facility. Councillor Kelley stated that he wanted more information on this; he wanted to see the number. He noted that the graph on Page Four is linear and the pie chart on Page Two is not linear. He stated that the graph is different from the pie chart, he wanted it explained. Ms. Katz stated that these are snapshots in time. She would review and respond to Councillor Kelley on this. Councillor Kelley stated that the pie charts show something different; he is getting mixed messages. Deputy City Manager Peterson stated that this data has been monitored since 2008. She further stated that in the time period shown, the City built bigger buildings but has also been reducing emissions. She added that bigger buildings need to be energy efficient. Councillor Kelley stated that the graphics are misleading. The climate congress is fine and if the city staff has time it is fine, but if there is a cost to the staff this should be discussed.

Councillor Mazen stated that the discussion on moving quickly and going forward can be onerous and now is a time to be more aggressive as possible. This is a thirty-five year process. He stated that he hopes it is reached in 10-15 years.

Deputy City Manager Peterson spoke about the timeline. The city has done studies and the city is actively engaged in this work. She wanted to expand the collaboration. She stated that the timeline of October is difficult for staff. She stated that the congress should be planned for 2017 and at that time there will be additional data that can be brought to the discussion.

Councillor Devereux stated this hearing was to make sure all were on the same page and to discuss the details of the proposed congress as well as the timeline. She stated that Green Cambridge approached the Mayor to organize this new congress. The congress could be helpful as the staff embarks on the Climate Action Plan in 2017. Ms. Rasmussen stated that it would be valuable if the congress could feed into the Climate Plan update which starts in January. She had concerns about the six weekly discussions, as this could be all-consuming. She commented that there is a lot of work needed between getting information and the vision and this does not happen in one plenary session. How do you get from discussions to shared visions? Mr. Zondervan stated that weekly discussions are meant for questions or to dive deeply into topics. A space is needed for these discussions. The opening session is a brief discussion to understand the framework. This program is not as intense as thought. Ms. Rasmussen spoke about what she felt was the weakness of the first congress in that the participants had a wide range of understanding about the topics and some of the recommendations had already been implemented. She wanted delegates brought up to speed as to what is happening in Cambridge in the different sectors. She wanted a common starting place. Mr. Pitkin stated that the congress should feed into the Cambridge Climate Plan as a vision. The congress' vision is one of climate citizenship. There are different roles for different people. This will not take away from what the City is doing. This is geared to the intermediate level where the City is not meeting the goal. Mr. Zondervan stated this is an attempt to meet residents were they are and engage them in the conversation.

Former Mayor Henrietta Davis noted that if there were to be a climate congress now it should be jointly planned. The goal is to engage individuals and the civic realm. This discussion is to consider realistically how to get Cambridge and Green Cambridge to collaborate on this. To her, the most important thing in October is to get a President of the United States elected who supports green initiatives. She spoke about the difficulty in getting the public engaged. It is a waste of time to have many meetings where attendance is small. We need to get the emissions down. She stated that organizing this around resident, commercial and transportation sectors makes sense. The time now is for action and to take bold steps. Councillor Kelley suggested a joint committee but he did not want staff taken away from their important work.

Councillor Devereux opened the hearing to public comment at 4:37pm.

Rosalie Anderson, 154 Auburn Street, agreed that it is hard to get strong community engagement. She suggested targeting people you want to be at the meeting and translate this into climate action.

Hardoop Man, 2 Mt. Auburn Street, stated that we need to imagine another world. Cambridge can play a major role in imagining a different way to live. What is going on in this world needs to be discussed. She explained that Pakistan is building graves for when disaster happens. This is a global problem and the gaps need to be bridged. The conversation is important. She would be happy to be involved in this. She spoke about climate justice and who will live in Cambridge.

Marilyn Wellons, 651 Green Street, noted that the situation is urgent. She is concerned that this would be put off. Actual action she sees is the reduction. Green Cambridge has a tree advisory committee. The aim is carbon neutrality and trees being cut down should be included in the metrics. The cooling effect of trees and trees being cut down should be counted as a loss. How trees are counted should be valued and the value that trees contribute to the cooling effect of the City and climate change. Trees are neglected. Developers and contractors need to be told that every tree is important.

Steve Wineman, 26 McTernan Street, spoke about how we live today and that we should be consuming far less. The focus on emission is not the driving focus - this time has passed and has been the mantra for 25 years. The Arctic is melting. Other approaches are needed other than reducing emissions. Engaging people in the conversation is the way to go for the congress.

Councillor Devereux closed public comment at 4:51pm.

Councillor Devereux spoke about taking climate change planning to the next level. We need to continue the conversation to organize a congress to discuss emissions and new ways of living. She stated that Green Cambridge will take the lead and asked Green Cambridge to assemble a small group to further discuss details.

Deputy City Manager Peterson suggested that this matter be kept in committee and after a small group discussion this could come back to the committee. Public Works Commissioner O'Riordan stated that he would participate in a committee hearing in the summer. Deputy City Manager Peterson stated that she wanted an opportunity to discuss this with staff and present something back in September. Mr. Zondervan stated that if the congress could not be held in the fall, he wanted a guarantee for the time frame of early 2017.

Councillor Kelley commented that the challenge is how much time City staff needs to work on this. The citizens can have a climate congress whenever they want and use the Senior Center. Ms. Rasmussen could give a presentation, but taking time away from city staff on work that is on their current work plan that he does not want slow down.

Mr. Zondervan stated that in 2009 the Mayor's staff helped to organize the congress. On the day of the congress, City staff, the Mayor’s staff and invited delegates were at City Hall. Deputy City Manager Peterson explained that it required a significant amount of staff time, note taking and many staff members were involved. There was a lot of time and effort spent on this. If the 2016-17 model is different, Deputy City Manager Peterson suggested having a meeting in the summer to think about what the congress look will like, the schedule, the outcomes and recommendations. Mr. Zondervan stated that Green Cambridge will provide more staff this time. Ms. Davis stated that it is important to be clear about the outreach. Mr. Pitkin added that what will come out of the congress will be for the delegates to recommend. He further stated that the City role will be lighter now than in 2009. Engagement might be easier than anticipated.

Nina Dillon, 386 Walden Street, Mothers Out Front, stated that the more specific the ask, the better the turnout. The congress is about conversation and this will be difficult. Work needs to be done on the specific ask and then more may turn out to attend.

Councillor Devereux moved that the matter be kept in committee to continue the conversation. The motion carried on a voice vote of three members.

Councillor Devereux thanked all those present for their attendance.

The hearing adjourned at 5:07pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Jan Devereux, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee, comprised of the entire membership of the City Council, held a public hearing on June 14, 2016 beginning at 3:33pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 12.12 entitled “Street Excavations and Obstructions” by adding a new section 12.12.065 entitled “Maintenance of Safe Passage – Proper Marking of Hazards and Trench Closure Required” which was an order adopted by the City Council on Mar 21, 2016 and referred to the Ordinance Committee (ATTACHMENT A).

Present at the hearing were Councillor Carlone, Co-Chair of the Committee; Councillor Devereux; Councillor Kelley; Councillor Mazen; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor; Vali Buland, First Assistant City Solicitor; Owen O’Riordan, Public Works Commissioner; Kathy Watkins, City Engineer; Jim Wilcox, Director, Engineering, Public Works Department; John Nardone, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works; Bill Dwyer, Superintendent of Streets, Public Works Department; Sam Corda, Managing Director, Water Department; Mark Gallagher, Director of Distribution, Water Department; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were John Doucet, 68 Jackson Street and John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street.

Councillor Carlone convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that the meeting is being privately recorded. He outlined the format of the meeting. The petitioner, Councillor Kelley, will be first, then the staff, public comment and comments by the City Council. At the conclusion of the hearing the Ordinance Committee may make a recommendation.

Councillor Kelley stated that this is a proposed hazards that are created when street work is done. He had a PowerPoint Presentation (ATTACHMENT B). He read Order # 5 of Mar 21, 2016. He stated that this is a discussion held with city staff for years and he does not feel safe riding his bike. This is a way to mark obstacles. There have been attempts to address hazards and make them more visible. He stated that he has visual difficulties with the hazards. He displayed pictures of the hazards. He stated that casings were painted the same color of the street and to hit them is an awful thing. He spoke about the seam and the marked white line is an unsafe place and next to the white line is a bump and bicycling at night is a dangerous thing of sharing the road at night. He stated that the yellow line is a contrast he sees when on his bike. Yellow markings grab people's attention. He showed another example where bumps are mitigated by having a gentle transition. He spoke about physical warnings; cones, however, he stated do not stay where you want them. There are issues with the color of paint that works best and with Dig Safe. He wanted the hazards mitigated better. Some construction sites are better than others. He wanted to standardize this. He is done with hitting obstacles.

Councillor Mazen added that he has almost ended under vehicles twice. He supported Councillor Kelley's amendment to the Municipal Code. This needs to be done.

Councillor Devereux stated that Memorial Drive is particularly bad. Councillor Kelley stated that he did not have literature to back up his claims. He spoke about bumps that are over l" and angles on sidewalks at 30". He spoke about tripping hazards on the sidewalk. This will cost a contractor to mark the hazards and will not cost the city money. He wanted markings painted that he can see.

Councillor Carlone stated that there is a state law that a change in elevation needs to be marked. Public Works Commissioner O’Riordan acknowledged that Councillor Kelley has conversed with him and the engineer on this issues and that they have tried to address this. The City started out with yellow and it was changed to purple but that the color was a concern with Dig Safe. Commissioner O’Riordan expressed concern with Section C of the amendment. This puts the staff and consultants at liability. There are onerous requirements put on contractors and the work in this community is more significant. When streets are constructed there will be changes in the elevation. He spoke about signage signaling the construction. He did not think an Ordinance was appropriate but would rather take on more compliance requirements. Compliance with the proposed amendment is beyond the City's control.

Ms. Watkins spoke about the 5 year plan. She spoke about protection for pedestrians and construction site being included. The bike committee has met with the City and the pink markings are highly visible. She stated that under state law Dig Safe requires certain paint colors to be used as markers. Yellow markings identify a gas lines. Dig Safe designates pink as the color for marking. The color pink used is available for constructors to purchase. Councillor Carlone asked what the paint color white identifies. Ms. Watkins stated that white is used to mark the limit of construction for contractors.

City Solicitor Glowa stated that the Law Department shares Councillor Kelley’s concerns. She added that state law is clear. The city is prohibited to regulate an area where the state regulates. She spoke about defects in the public way and exemptions and if the City is diligent doing construction planning and taking care the city is not liable. This amendment would shift the liability against the city. There is a burden that the pedestrian is to pay attention to in their travel way. The city may be liable if it goes against the state law. She would not recommend this.

Mr. Corda stated that trying to get things done on Friday can be difficult and could create an issue. He explained that the Water Department does mark with paint but inclement weather it may be difficult for the paint to stick. It is difficult to mark an area during on-going work. He stated that the City can always do better.

Councillor Kelley stated that he appreciates the challenges. He spoke about the difficulty of jaywalkers, cars and pedestrian. He explained that when he rides his bike he cannot see the pink paint. He stated that this is his disability - color blindness. He stated that to put it back on him as a cyclist is not ethical for him. He understands the issue of liability and the difficulty to get construction companies to do paving. It is not reasonable to patch up on Friday and dig up again on Monday. He stated that what is being done now is not working. He stated that there has to be some other way to do this.

Commissioner O’Riordan stated that if the City gets into painting yellow and if an inexperienced construction worker digs into a gas line this could be a tragic accident and he does not want to expose workers to this hazard. He spoke about having a color code to meet all the needs, but yellow is not the color.

Councillor Carlone asked what the hazard color is. Ms. Watkins stated that pink is the survey color. She further stated that there is no color that identifies a hazard.

At 4:11pm Councillor Carlone opened the meeting to public comment.

John Doucet stated this support for the amendment to the Municipal Code submitted by Councillor Kelley. Raised pavement on a construction site is dangerous. He stated that things are not marked in a uniform way. As a commuter you just come upon the hazards and need to deal with it. Anything that can make it a visual hue is good and it should be done as soon as possible due to number of bicyclist.

John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street, stated that he is a defensive cyclist. He stated that the transition from the ramped pavement are more difficult for him. He stated that the proposed ordinance amendment is too specific. He suggested that Public Works have a printed regulation, Dig safe does not specify the survey color. He wanted a color that will work for everyone. He noted that 1% of the population with color blindness is significant. He spoke about the importance of being prudent not to use color that are identified with dangerous implications such as gas pipe markings.

Councillor Carlone closed public comment at 4:16pm.

Councillor Kelley acknowledged that there are paint colors that cannot be use because they are used for other identification. He stated that Sherman Street was done masterfully. He rode over the casings – it works. He stated that if cycling is taken seriously it needs to be taken seriously all times and mitigate hazards. He asked why Sherman Street worked well and why it is not done everywhere.

Commissioner O’Riordan stated that these issues are taken seriously. Meetings are held on Mondays with contractors to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians are safe. He stated that twenty miles of roadway have been paved. He will continue to search for a resolution and is concerned with the ordinance amendment. Councillor Kelley stated that this would be a contractual issue. The contract should state where the mill surface meets the exiting surface will be outlined. He stated that what is being done now is not working and is dangerous. He questioned why rubber gaskets are not used. Commissioner O’Riordan responded that gaskets get hard and are a hazard overtime. He stated that he will explore wrapping asphalt up and make sure properly colored.

Councillor Devereux stated that she has reservations with the ordinance. She suggested publishing best practices and having an asphalt lip around the casing. She would take a detour around milled sections. She suggested cyclist avoid this part of the road. She stated that there are hazards and that she will not bike after dark. If cycling is increased there needs to be a different outlook for the roads. Councillor Kelley wanted hazards clearly marked for all or address the hazards by mitigating them. He noted that riding beside the lip in the road is scary. He wanted an angle cut. He feels that other options have not been sought. Sherman Street was done great and he wanted to see this replicated.

Councillor Mazen agreed that there has be to a color solution that will not disrupt marking strategies and safety. Commissioner O’Riordan stated that he has looked at issue of color blindness, but it crosses the whole spectrum. He wants to see a solution. Councillor Mazen suggested paint color that would be reflective for night or day. Commissioner O’Riordan explained the problem as to the availability in a spray paint that is readily available to contractors.

Councillor Carlone commented that linear change of grade is more difficult for bicyclists. He suggested triangle markings that indicate a change in road height. Contractors follow specs; Sherman Street had a good contractor. This can be outline in the specs and whether a ½” in an asphalt apron needs to be filled around. He spoke about this hazards for skateboards or scooters. He added that the City is also responsible if someone gets hurt. Do our signs read “caution?” Ms. Watkins stated that the City has not been prescriptive on signs because the focus was on the paint color. She stated that Sherman Street was not milled it was full depth repaving. Councillor Carlone spoke about a 5 MPH safety zone with extra lighting where there are utility openings. He applauded that this ordinance was proposed even though not received well by the staff. An appropriate solution will be found.

Councillor Kelley asked about the differences of raised access. Ms. Watkins responded that when doing milling work and hot asphalt is not readily on site; it is a different operation.

Councillor Kelley stated that he wanted this kept in committee and get sample contracts from Public Works. He wants this resolved. Councillor Kelley requested that Commissioner O’Riordan send him copies of digital contracts digitally for street paving.

Councillor Carlone moved to keep the matter in committee and hoped for internal discussion to move this forward including how to mitigate and make it safe.

On a voice vote of four members the matter was kept in committee.

Councillor Carlone thanked all those present for their attendance.

The following communications were received and made part of the report:

Communication from Patrick Barton, Appleton Street, regarding street hazards such as live parking, double parking and cars parked in intersection and other places where they do not belong such as MBTA bus stops (ATTACHMENT C).

Communication received from Tom regarding poor road and safety conditions in Kendall Square (ATTACHMENT D).

Communication from Brad Bellows regarding construction hazards and the conditions of roads and sidewalks together with pictures of street and sidewalk conditions (ATTACHMENT E).

The hearing adjourned at 4:40pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-5) from 4/4/2016

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

16-28. Report on the possibility of allowing local businesses to voluntarily donate collected bag fees to non-profit organizations, the newly designed Community Benefits Fund, or the Cambridge Non-Profit Coalition. See Mgr #10
Councillor Cheung (O-9) from 4/4/2016

16-29. Report on timeline for the implementation of the C2 non-zoning recommendations. See Mgr #8
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-16) from 4/4/2016

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

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

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

16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16-56. Report on creating Sobering Centers and a Cold Weather Plan prior to the winter of 2016.
Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-7) from 6/20/2016

16-57. Report on the feasibility of introducing a municipal ID program in the city.
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-10) from 6/20/2016