Cambridge City Council meeting - September 19, 2016 - AGENDA
[Mayor Simmons was ABSENT]
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-20, regarding swatting and bomb threats at Cambridge Public Schools.
Placed on File
2. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-63, regarding the state of the Cambridge Climate Vulnerability Assessment's completion date.
Placed on File
3. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-57, regarding the feasibility of a municipal ID program in the City.
Placed on File
4. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-33, regarding adding additional drop-off locations for unused prescription medications.
Placed on File
5. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-73 and Council Order Number 4 (of Sept 12, 2016), regarding lowering speed limits in the City.
Placed on File
To: Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
From: Joseph E. Barr, Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation
Date: Sept 14, 2016
Re: 9/12/16 Council Meeting Policy Orders 4 and 14 – Reduction in Speed LimitsThis memo is in response to Policy Orders 4 and 14 from the Sept 12, 2016 City Council Meeting, regarding lowering speed limits as permitted under the recently passed law, An Act Modernizing Municipal Finance and Government (H.4565), generally referred to as the Municipal Modernization bill.
The Municipal Modernization bill provides municipalities with the ability to lower speed limits in “thickly settled” areas to 25 mph, as well as to create “safety zones” with a 20 mph speed limit. In both cases, municipalities must accept the sections of the law that allow these reductions, which in our case requires a vote of the City Council to accept those sections (Sections 193 and 194 of the law).
However, these provisions are subject to the standard 90-day waiting period for implementation of new state laws, and therefore do not go into effect until Nov 7, 2016.
In the context of our overall commitment to safety and our recent commitment to Vision Zero, the ability to implement lower speed limits is a critical tool to achieving our transportation, public health, and community safety goals. As a result, we intend to request that the City Council accept both speed limit-related provisions of the Municipal Modernization legislation, once the new law officially goes into effect on Nov 7. If these sections are accepted, we would then move forward to lower the general speed limit within Cambridge to 25 mph on streets owned by the City. We believe that the implementation of 20 mph safety zones will require additional consideration and analysis, since enforcement of a 20 mph speed limit will be challenging unless that speed limit is supported by consistent street design and land use characteristics. In the interim prior to these provisions going into effect, we are also seeking guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding the types of signs and public information that will be required to implement the lowered speed limits.
We look forward to continuing to work with the City Council to continue to make our streets and sidewalks as safe as possible.
6. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Community Advisory Board on the Living Wage for a term of three years, effective Oct 1, 2016: Elaine DeRosa, Marcia L. Hams, Richard Kevin Monks, Neil Rohr
Placed on File
Sept 19, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the following appointments to the Community Advisory Board on the Living Wage for a term of three years, effective Oct 1, 2016:
Elaine DeRosa
Ms. DeRosa is a Cambridge resident and has extensive experience working on behalf of low-income individuals and families serving as Executive Director of CEOC for the past 28 years. She has committee experience working on city public policy, affordable housing, health care and delivery of community services issues.Marcia L. Hams
Ms. Hams is a Cambridge resident with a long commitment to equity and economic justice issues. She has worked at Community Catalyst and Heath Care for all, and has also been a labor activist and negotiator.Richard Kevin Monks
Mr. Monks is a long time member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 877, which has a strong presence in the City of Cambridge. He has served on their Executive Board, and currently works as a consultant for Local 877.Neil Rohr
Mr. Rohr is a Cambridge resident who was an active supporter of the original Living Wage Ordinance. He was formerly the Assistant Director of Leased Housing for the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP), and has served as a tenant counselor and community organizer.Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
7. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointments of the following persons as a members of the Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board for a term of three years: Jamie Porreca and Candace Young
Placed on File
Sept 19, 2016
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the following appointments to the Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board for a term of three years, effective Sept 19, 2016:
Jamie Porreca
Ms. Porreca is a Cambridge resident and has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of New Jersey and has completed graduate level courses at the University of Massachusetts-Boson. Ms. Porreca's studies have focused on ecological and environmental topics and has worked on advocating for and educating others about the importance of ecosystems and watersheds. She taught 7th grade environmental science and developed a school day's worth of field experiments at the local stream. More recently, Ms. Porreca was a National Science Foundation WISP (Watershed Integrated Sciences Partnership) Fellow, where she helped a Boston Public School teacher create weekly lessons about their local Neponset River watershed.Candace Young
Ms. Young is a Cambridge resident and is the owner and founder of From The Ground Up, a landscape and garden design business. Prior to her landscape design career, Ms. Young spent 20 years in finance and business. She was a hands-on CFO for Potpourri Designs, a privately owned retail business in need of computer systems and internal controls. Before joining Potpourri Designs, Ms. Young served as a finance executive in various public and private companies supporting both US and international operations.Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a report from Public Works Commissioner Owen O'Riordan, regarding the Polystyrene Ordinance implementation. [Report]
Placed on File
9. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to CPA. [Report]
19 separate Roll Call Votes taken, all Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)
10. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $200,000 from the General Fund Employee Benefits Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Law Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and future disbursements that must be paid from this account.
Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)
11. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, requesting that the City Council move to Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.
Moved to Executive Session 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)
CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Axiom, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 159 First Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Devereux on Sept 12, 2016.]
Adopted
ON THE TABLE
2. 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.]
3. 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.]
4. 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.]
5. 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 June 20, 2016. Tabled on a motion by Councillor by Councillor Mazen on June 27, 2016.]
6. An application was received from the Boston Ballet, 19 Clarendon Street, Boston, requesting permission to hang twenty-three temporary banners on electrical poles in Harvard Square. These banners will promote the Boston Ballet's The Nutcracker. The temporary banners will be hung from Nov 17 to Jan 3, 2017. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department. [Charter Right exercised by Mayor Simmons on Aug 1, 2016. Tabled on motion of Councillor Toomey on Sept 12, 2016.]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
7. A proposed amendment to the Ordinance entitled "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge" to create an additional Medical Marijuana Overlay District (MMD-4) that would be coterminous with the Business B and Office 3 Districts that are within the Harvard Square Overlay District. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Sept 26, 2016. Planning Board hearing was held Aug 16, 2016. Petition expires Nov 29, 2016.
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from US-Parcel C, LLC/Jeff Hirsch, requesting permission for new curb cuts and to close existing curb cuts at the premises numbered 29 Charles 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 association.
Adopted
2. An application was received from Mainely Burgers MA LLC, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign, three tables and eight chairs for outside seating enclosed with flower pots in front of the premises numbered 704 Mass. Ave.
Referred to City Manager with Power
3. An application was received from Nails by Porter, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 7 Upland Road.
Referred to City Manager with Power
4. An application was received from Harvard University Employees Credit Union, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 104 Mount Auburn Street.
Referred to City Manager with Power
5. An application was received from Lotus Harvard Enterprise LLC, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 1699 Mass. Ave.; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Adopted
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Laura Blacklow, 215 Erie Street, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
2. A communication was received from Colleen Gillard, 82 Magazine Street, regarding parking permit pricing.
3. A communication was received from Sonia Kowal, 59 Market Street, regarding the Leaf blower ordinance.
4. A communication was received from Caroline Jaffe, 18 Amory Street, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
5. A communication was received from Chris Roof, 465 Concord Avenue, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
6. A communication was received from Matt Carty, Medford, MA, regarding in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
7. A communication was received from Andrew Greenspon, 14 Boston Street, Somerville, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
8. A communication was received from Jane Katz-Christy, 166A Elm Street, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
9. A communication was received from Elinor Karlsson, 560 Franklin Street, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
10. A communication was received from Adrienne Naylor, 8 Carlisle Street, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
11. A communication was received from Jeremiah Schuur, 300 Walden Street, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
12. A communication was received from Audrey Huang, 158 Appleton Street, regarding the Boudreau Library.
13. A communication was received from Christopher Bradford, 158 Appleton Street, regarding the Boudreau Library.
14. A communication was received from Mike Solet, 15 Berkeley Street, regarding the leaf blower report.
15. A communication was received from Elizabeth J. Hohlen, 111 Chestnut Street, regarding the Leaf Blower Ordinance.
16. A communication was received from Marci Spector, 34 Avon Street, regarding the Graham & Parks playground.
17. A communication was received from Lea Lortie, regarding Graham & Parks playground.
18. A communication was received from Carole Perrault, 9 Dana Street, regarding protecting Harvard Square.
19. A communication was received from Susan Miller-Havens, 18 Brattle Street, regarding protecting Harvard Square.
20. A communication was received from Adam Hirsch, 1 JFK Street, transmitting support for the policy order on Harvard Square District.
21. A communication was received from Roy Russell, Cottage Street, regarding parking permits in Cambridge.
22. A communication was received from Joseph Poirier, in support for Policy Order #17 of Sept 21, 2016 increasing the parking permit fee and encourage the use of sustainable transportation modes.
23. A communication was received from Arthur Strang, requesting the DCR to post 25 MPH on Fresh Pond Parkway and the steps and timeline on lowering our speed limit.
24. A communication was received from Emory and Xonnabel Clark, transmitting thanks for the beautiful sign.
25. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, expressing her concerns about the Lighting Ordinance.
26. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, on items relating to homelessness and poverty.
27. A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, 213 Hurley Street, in opposition to only one meeting being schedule for the public to speak with the candidates for the position of City Manager.
28. A communication was received from Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, 1221 Cambridge Street, in support of the vote of the City Council of 80% of CPA funding for affordable housing together with an article from the "Urban Institute" entitled "Anatomy of a Preservation Deal."
RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth (DiNitto) Micozzi. Councillor Maher
2. Thanks to City Manager Richard Rossi for his 45 years of service to the City of Cambridge and best wishes for a truly happy and joyful retirement. Mayor Simmons
Resolution #2 Sept 19, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Sept 30, 2016, Richard C. Rossi is stepping down as City Manager and retiring, capping off 45 years of working for the City of Cambridge and closing the books on an extraordinary record of public service; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi was born and raised in Cambridge, he was educated in the Cambridge public schools and he would go on to earn his Masters Degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi’s earliest job working for the City included a stint as a laborer in 1964, followed by summertime shifts in the Public Works Department, and internship with the Water Department in 1971, where he worked his way up to Assistant to Superintendent in 1976; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi continued to work hard and gain experience within the municipal government, becoming the City’s Purchasing Agent in 1978, the Acting Deputy City Manager in 1981, the Deputy City Manager in 1982, and finally, the City Manager in 2013; and
WHEREAS: During his decades of work in the City Manager’s Office, Richard C. Rossi played an important role in helping Cambridge evolve into a world-class, 21st Century City, actively helping to lay the groundwork that would transform Kendall Square into one of the world’s premier hubs of the biotechnology sector, transforming Danehy Park from a 50 acre landfill into a wonderful, open-air oasis for families throughout the city to enjoy, and renovating many of the public school buildings into modern, state-of-the-art institutions; and
WHEREAS: During his time as Deputy City Manager and City Manager, Richard C. Rossi has demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high quality services and responsiveness to residents, neighborhoods and businesses, he has made significant investments in the City’s information technology initiatives, expanded public safety capabilities, maintained the City’s three AAA bond ratings, grown the City’s planning capacity, and invested in long-term infrastructure projects like sewer and storm water management, street and sidewalk improvements, and construction of Cambridge’s first near NetZero public school; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi has also worked to expand the City’s commitment to its youth by creating new opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) programing, as well as in early childhood education, and his continued work with the business, innovation, and bio-technology sectors has helped keep Cambridge as a strong economic and research engine for the region; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi also played key roles in facilitating the construction of the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility, the Cambridge War Memorial Recreation Center, the Alice K. Wolf Center, and the award-winning expansion of the City’s Main Library; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi has also been a key figure in the City’s efforts to preserve and create hundreds of units of affordable housing, playing a large role in ushering in the City’s Inclusionary Zoning program, helping to select Commissioners of the Cambridge Housing Authority, and serving upon the Affordable Housing Trust Board, and his work has helped protect the cultural and economic diversity in the community; and
WHEREAS: During his tenure with the City, Richard C. Rossi focused on building a core leadership team and creating bold initiatives focused on sustainability efforts, affordable housing, economic development, fiscal management, and strengthening the City’s ongoing commitment to its diverse population; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi has also been a key figure in region-wide collaboration, working to help ensure the viability of the Green Line Extension Project, and supporting the creation of the regional Life Sciences Corridor; and
WHEREAS: Richard C. Rossi’s retirement will allow him to spend more time with his devoted wife, Jane Ellen (Gately) Rossi and their three children, Allison Goodwin and her husband Jonathan of Belmont, Richard C. Rossi Jr. and his wife Dawn of Belmont, and Jennie Romiti and her husband Scott of Watertown, along with his grandchildren Jane and Addison Goodwin, Charlie Rossi, and Briana and Juliet Romiti; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record thanking City Manager Richard Rossi for his 45 years of service to the City of Cambridge, for thanking him 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 Richard C. Rossi on behalf of the entire City Council.
3. Resolution on the death of Lisa Marie Perdomenico. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Mark Perdomenico. Councillor Toomey
5. Resolution on the death of James J. Lordan Sr. Councillor Toomey
6. Congratulations to Gabriel Kouadio Mondon on the occasion of his graduation of Northeastern University. Mayor Simmons
7. Resolution on the death of Armando Paolo. Councillor Maher
ORDERS
1. That the City Council amend Policy Order #2 of Aug 1, 2016 by striking out “election issues” and inserting “charter schools,” so that the Oct 24, 2016 Roundtable/Working Meeting’s focus will now be charter schools. Mayor Simmons
Tabled - Devereux
2. That the Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for Mon, Nov 14, 2016 be changed to a Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss Envision Cambridge. Mayor Simmons
Adopted
3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City departments to determine the feasibility of replacing all crumb-rubber turfs in the City with a suitable replacement. Councillor Cheung
3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City departments to determine a suitable replacement for the crumb-rubber turf used on City playgrounds and report back to the City Council.
Adopted as Amended
4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to determine if stop sign markings can be added to the intersection of Plymouth and Hamlin Streets to improve safety. Councillor Toomey
Adopted
5. That the Manager is requested to instruct the relevant City departments to explore the possibility of putting copies of the Cambridge Bicycle Ordinance in a welcome package for new residents, which will promote a quick familiarity with the ordinance, reinforce the city’s reputation as a bicycle friendly city, and promote the safe use of Cambridge roadways by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Mayor Simmons
Adopted
6. That the City Manager is requested to work with Hubway to explore ways of posting a copy of the Cambridge Bicycle Ordinance on Hubway Stations around the City to foster greater awareness of the ordinance by cyclists in Cambridge and, by default, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the City. Mayor Simmons
Adopted
7. That the City Manager is requested to work with area colleges to include a copy of the Cambridge Bicycle Ordinance in orientation materials for new students, and to post a copy on their websites to promote awareness of the ordinance and adherence to its stipulations, especially by students of area colleges who make up a good deal of the cyclists in the City. Mayor Simmons
Adopted
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Councillor Craig A. Kelley, transmitting a copy of a letter sent to Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, transmitting concerns regarding the Light Ordinance.
Placed on File
2. A communication was received from Councillor David P. Maher, regarding "Meet the Finalists Forum" for the selection of the City Manager. The forum will be held on Tues, Sept 20, 2016 at 6:00pm at the Fitzgerald Auditorium at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.
Placed on File
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Sept 21
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting to publicly interview finalists for the position of City Manager, the City Council may meet in Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the prospective City Manager or to conduct contract negotiations with the prospective City Manager. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Sept 22
3:00pm The Ordinance committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the zoning petition filed by Jane W. Heatley, President of the William Noyes Webster Foundation, Inc. to amend Section 20.700, Medical Marijuana Overlay Districts by extending the district. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Sept 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm The City Council will conduct a public hearing to discuss the property tax rate classification. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Sept 28
3:30pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the ongoing drought and the impact on the Cambridge water supply, what restrictions on water use may be appropriate to consider and what public outreach is needed on water conservation measures. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 5
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the refiled petition to amend the Zoning Map in the Riverside Neighborhood from the existing Residence C-1 to Residence C within the area bounded by Franklin Street, River Street and Putnam Avenue. The most significant changes would be that the allowed Floor Area Ratio would decrease from 0.75 to 0.60, the required lot area per dwelling unit would increase from 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, and the open space requirement would increase from 30% to 36% of a lot. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Oct 6
6:00pm Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee (Basement Conference Room, 831 Mass. Ave.)
Mon, Oct 17
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 18
5:30pm The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the work of the first phase of the Broadband Taskforce. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Oct 19
5:00pm Housing Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 24
5:30pm City Council Roundtable/Working Meeting topic to be determined. No public comment. No votes will be taken. Meeting will not be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Oct 25
6:00pm Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Oct 31
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 5
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 12
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 19
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Jan 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Feb 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 6
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 13
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 20
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Mar 27
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Apr 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 19, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On Aug 1, 2016, the City Council voted to schedule a Roundtable/Working Meeting on Oct 24, 2016 to discuss election issues; and
WHEREAS: Oct 24, 2016 is the first day for early voting and the Election Commissioner will be otherwise engaged and unable to attend this Roundtable; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council amend Policy Order #2 of Aug 1, 2016 by striking out “election issues” and inserting “charter schools,” so that the Oct 24, 2016 Roundtable/Working Meeting’s focus will now be charter schools; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this information to the Executive Secretary of the School Committee for transmittal to the members of the School Committee and the Superintendent of Schools.
O-2 Sept 19, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for Mon, Nov 14, 2016 be changed to a Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss Envision Cambridge.
O-3 Sept 19, 2016 Amended
COUNCILLOR CHEUNG
WHEREAS: The City has an obligation to ensure that its parks and playgrounds are safe for all children to use; and
WHEREAS: It has been brought to the attention of the City Council that the crumb-rubber turf used on some City playgrounds carry a potential health risk; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has received numerous inquiries about replacing the crumb-rubber turf at the Graham and Parks School; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant City departments to determine a suitable replacement for the crumb-rubber turf used on City playgrounds; and be it further and report back to the City Council.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant City departments to determine the feasibility of replacing all crumb-rubber turfs in the City with a suitable replacement.
O-4 Sept 19, 2016
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to determine if stop sign markings can be added to the intersection of Plymouth and Hamlin Streets to improve safety.
O-5 Sept 19, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the relevant City departments to explore the possibility of putting copies of the Cambridge Bicycle Ordinance in a welcome package for new residents, which will promote a quick familiarity with the ordinance, reinforce the city’s reputation as a bicycle friendly city, and promote the safe use of Cambridge roadways by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
O-6 Sept 19, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with Hubway to explore ways of posting a copy of the Cambridge Bicycle Ordinance on Hubway Stations around the City to foster greater awareness of the ordinance by cyclists in Cambridge and, by default, the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the City.
O-7 Sept 19, 2016
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with area colleges to include a copy of the Cambridge Bicycle Ordinance in orientation materials for new students, and to post a copy on their websites to promote awareness of the ordinance and adherence to its stipulations, especially by students of area colleges who make up a good deal of the cyclists in the City.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
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. See Mgr #1
Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 3/14/2016
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 Mass. Ave.
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
16-33. Report on the feasibility of hosting additional drop-off locations to provide for the safe disposal of unused prescription medications. See Mgr #4
Councillor Devereux (O-3) from 4/11/2016
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
16-47. 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 to determine any decrease in pedestrian legal rights should they be hit.
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 at a reduced cost.
Mayor Simmons (O-7) 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. See Mgr #3
Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-10) from 6/20/2016
16-58. Report on outreach efforts 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.
Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 6/27/2016
16-63. Report back on the state of the Cambridge Climate Vulnerability Assessment's completion date. See Mgr #2
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Maher (O-5) from 8/1/2016
16-64. Report on reinstating trash and recycling pick up for small businesses.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Maher (O-8) from 8/1/2016
16-66. Report on how traffic laws pertaining to crosswalks are currently enforced throughout the City and whether there can be stricter laws to ultimately increase pedestrian safety.
Mayor Simmons (O-12) from 8/1/2016
16-68. Report on implementing a nomination based "Artist of the Month" program along with a $2,000 grant and to remove the long-form application in favor of a nomination-based system.
Councillor Mazen (O-15) from 8/1/2016
16-69. Report on the necessary resources needed to survey, plan and restore the Cambridge mural at Rindge Field.
Councillor Mazen (O-16) from 8/1/2016
16-70. Report on what measures the City can take to reimburse the filing fees for individuals who have successfully contested their civil traffic tickets issued in Cambridge in court.
Mayor Simmons (O-3) from 9/12/2016
16-71. Report on the feasibility of creating a temporary jobs program geared toward Cambridge’s homeless population and/or determine the feasibility of awarding homeless with priority in the City’s 9-week temporary jobs program.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Mazen (O-8) from 9/12/2016
16-72. Report on resolving the audio and visual issues in the Sullivan Chamber.
Councillor Devereux, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen (O-10) from 9/12/2016
16-73. Report on Municipal Modernization and next steps on how to go about lowering our speed limits as well as the timeline for these actions. See Mgr #5
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mazen (O-14) from 9/12/2016
16-74. Report on producing a new status report that reviews the Harvard Square Conservation District’s effectiveness since 2005, and that considers whether new zoning regulations may be necessary to fulfill the community’s goals.
Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-18) from 9/12/2016