RECONSIDERATION
1. Councillor Toomey has notified the City Clerk of his intention to file reconsideration on the vote taken on Aug 10, 2015 adopting Policy Order #15 that the City Council hereby goes on record urging Governor Baker and the State Legislature to move expeditiously in issuing guidelines and regulations that will ensure that taxi services and ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are able to operate on a fair and even plane throughout the Commonwealth.
No Action Taken - Vote not reconsidered

2. Councillor Toomey has notified the City Clerk of his intention to file reconsideration on Policy Order #18 of Aug 10, 2015 adopted by the City Council requesting that the City Manager confer with the appropriate City Departments about the feasibility of placing an immediate moratorium on any fees paid by the Taxicab industry to the City of Cambridge until: the State has enacted ridesharing regulations; and/or action is taken by the City to deregulate the Taxicab industry following the Mayor's Roundtable on this matter.
No Action Taken - Vote not reconsidered

3. Councillor Toomey has notified the City Clerk of his intention to file reconsideration on Policy Order #24 of Aug 10, 2015 adopted by the City Council urging the Massachusetts House and Baker administration to move swiftly in clarifying new law and associated regulation, taking into account the needs of municipalities in flux, and ultimately act with the intention of achieving parity and safety amongst transit operators of all kinds.
No Action Taken - Vote not reconsidered

4. Councillor Cheung has notified the City Clerk of his intention to file reconsideration on Policy Order #25 of Aug 10, 2015 adopted by the City Council to petition the Massachusetts General Court to enact the attached Home Rule Petition entitled "AN ACT TO ENABLE CERTAIN NON-CITIZEN RESIDENTS OF CAMBRIDGE TO VOTE IN SCHOOL COMMITTEE AND CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS".
Reconsideration Prevailed (7-2) - Matter referred to Committee on Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations (This makes no sense whatsoever. This CLEARLY should have been referred to the Government Operations Committee.)

21. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to recommendations from the Community Preservation Act Committee Chair that the City Council formally appropriate/allocate the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds as follows:
1A. 80% of the FY2016 CPA Local Fund revenues ($6,560,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust;
1B. 10% of FY2016 CPA Local Fund revenues ($820,000) allocated to Historic Preservation;
1C. 10% of FY2016 CPA Local Fund revenues ($820,000) allocated to Open Space;
2A. 80% of FY2015 State Match revenues ($1,180,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust;
2B. 10% of FY2015 State Match revenues ($147,500) allocated to Historic Preservation;
2C. 10% of FY2015 State Match revenues ($147,500) allocated to Open Space;
3A. 80% of the Fund Balance ($1,620,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Affordable Housing Trust;
3B. 10% of the Fund Balance ($202,500) allocated to Historic Preservation;
3C. 10% of the Fund Balance ($202,500) allocated to Open Space;
4A. Appropriate ($10,000) from the Fund Balance for the cost of the Community Preservation Coalition Membership Dues.
All Orders Adopted 9-0

Sept 21, 2015

To the Honorable, the City Council:

Listed below are the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY16. For additional information, please see attachments from the CPA Committee Chair, Lisa Peterson, dated Sept 15, 2015.

The CPA public process this year began with a public meeting held on June 16, 2015 to solicit suggestions on CPA projects for FY16. Based on that meeting and other inputs, the CPAC was provided information on project funding requests without any recommendations for percentage allocations of anticipated CPA funds. A public hearing was held on Aug 25, 2015, to solicit recommendations from the public on percentage allocations. The CPAC also received several petitions, letters and e-mails along with online project requests from the public relative to CPA recommendations. The CPAC, on Sept 15, 2015, unanimously voted for an allocation of 80% for Affordable Housing, 10% for Historical Preservation Projects and 10% for Open Space Projects.

In accordance with the CPAC's recommendations, I am requesting that the City Council appropriate CPA funds raised by the City's FY2016 CPA surcharge, the FY15 state match funds received in FY16 and a portion of the existing CPA fund balance.

For this appropriation, it is estimated that the net local receipts from the CPA surcharge for FY16 will total $8,200,000, with an additional state match of approximately $1,475,000. In addition, $2,025,000 from CPA Fund Balance is being recommended for appropriation, plus an additional $10,000 from the Fund Balance for annual membership dues to the Community Preservation Coalition.

On Sept 15, 2015, the CPAC made recommendations for allocation of these FY16 funds. By unanimous votes, the CPAC recommended to the City Council, through the City Manager, that the CPA funds be allocated and appropriated as follows:

Recommended FY 2016 Allocation and Appropriation of CPA Funds

VOTE 1: Fiscal Year 2016 Local Funds ($8,200,000)
Vote 1A
80% of FY16 CPA Local Fund revenues ($6,560,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.

Vote 1B
10% of FY16 CPA Local Fund revenues ($820,000) allocated to Historic Preservation as follows:
1. $600,000 appropriated to the Historic Preservation Grants program
2. $220,000 appropriated to the City Clerk vault construction

Vote 1C
10% of FY16 CPA Local Fund revenues ($820,000) allocated to Open Space as follows:
1. $500,000 appropriated to the Amigos School Playground
2. $260,000 appropriated to the Clarendon Avenue Playground design
3. $60,000 appropriated to the CRLS Tennis Courts Structural Study

VOTE 2: Fiscal Year 2015 State Funds [received in FY16] ($1,475,000)
Vote 2A
80% of FY15 State Match revenues ($1,180,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.

Vote 2B
10% of FY15 State Match revenues ($147,500) allocated to Historic Preservation as follows:
1. $93,325 appropriated to the continuation of digitizing Cambridge Newspapers
2. $26,675 appropriated to the City Clerk vault construction
3. $27,500 appropriated to creating a database of Cambridge Cemetery burials

Vote 2C
10% of FY15 State Match revenues ($147,500) allocated to Open Space as follows: 
1. $90,000 appropriated to Greenough Blvd./ Hell's Half Acre
2. $57,500 appropriated to the Morse School Playground design

VOTE 3: CPA Fund Balance ($2,025,000)
Vote 3A
80% of the Fund Balance ($1,620,000) allocated to Affordable Housing and appropriated to the Affordable Housing Trust.

Vote 3B
10% of the Fund Balance ($202,500) allocated to Historic Preservation as follows:
1. $7,500 appropriated to creating a database of Cambridge Cemetery burials
2. $50,000 appropriated to the Longfellow Park, staircase restoration
3. $85,000 appropriated to Lowell Park, landscape plan and wall restoration
4. $30,000 appropriated to Kingsley Park overlook restoration
5. $30,000 appropriated to Old Burying Ground, headstone and tomb restoration

Vote 3C
10% of the Fund Balance ($202,500) allocated to Open Space as follows:
1. $202,500 appropriated to the Morse School Playground design

VOTE 4: CPA Fund Balance - Administration ($10,000)
Vote 4A
1. $10,000 appropriated to Administrative Costs for Community Preservation Coalition Membership Dues.

Table 1. Summary of Recommended Appropriations by Expenditure Type

Affordable Housing Trust	$9,360,000
Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Grants	$600,000
Digitizing Cambridge Newspapers	$93,325
Create Database of Cambridge Cemetery Burials	$35,000
Kingsley Park overlook restoration	$30,000
Lowell Park, landscape plan and wall restoration	$85,000
Old Burying Ground, headstone and tomb restoration	$30,000
City Clerk vault construction	$246,675
Longfellow Park, staircase restoration	$50,000
Subtotal (Historical)	$1,170,000
Open Space
Morse School Playground design	$260,000
Amigos School Playground	$500,000
CRLS Tennis Courts Structural Study	$60,000
Clarendon Avenue Playground design	$260,000
Greenough Blvd/ Hell's Acre	$90,000
Subtotal (Open Space)	$1,170,000
Administrative/Community Preservation Coalition	$10,000
Total:	$11,710,000

Table 2. Summary of Recommended Appropriations by Funding Source

	FY16 Local Funds $8,200,000	FY15 State Match $1,475,000	CPA Fund Balance $2,035,000	FY16 Total $11,710,000
Affordable Housing Trust	$6,560,000	$1,180,000	$1,620,000	$9,360,000
Historic Preservation Projects	$820,000	$147,500	$202,500	$1,170,000
Open Space Projects	$820,000	$147,500	$202,500	$1,170,000
Admin./Community Preservation Coalition Membership Due			$10,000	$10,000
Total	$8,200,000	$1,475,000	$2,035,000	$11,710,000

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

22. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Iram Farooq as Assistant City Manager for Community Development.

Sept 21, 2015

To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Iram Farooq as Assistant City Manager for Community Development. Ms. Farooq's background as an urban planner, experience in staff management and department leadership, knowledge of Cambridge, and existing relationships in the community, makes her the right choice for this key positon in my Administration.

During her 16 years of employment at the Community Development Department (CDD), Ms. Farooq has built a strong understanding of the unique characteristics of Cambridge and created strong relationships with partner departments, organizations, the Planning Board, and community and neighborhood groups. As Assistant City Manager, she will work to strengthen these connections and expand opportunities to enable residents to participate in policy making and public processes while ensuring that Cambridge retains it distinction as an innovation community with a strong tax base that allows a high level of public services and amenities.

Ms. Farooq has led many large-scale, multidisciplinary visioning and planning projects for the City. One example is her successfully management of the Kendall Square-Central Square Planning Study (K2C2) which involved addressing the challenging balancing act between economic development and livability in areas that are at the center of the rapidly evolving knowledge ecosystem of the city. Recently, she has been overseeing the Department's efforts as we embark on the Citywide Planning Process and the City's Climate Change Preparedness/Resilience Planning.

Additionally, for the past two years as Deputy Director and Acting Assistant City Manager for Community Development, she has overseen several major CDD initiatives. Some examples are:

• The development and approval of the Net Zero Action Plan that puts us on the trajectory for become a net zero community over the next 25 years from the perspective of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings;
• A proposal for revisions to the incentive zoning provisions that would significantly expand the scope and rate of contributions to affordable housing;
• Support for local businesses such as the Lovin' Local campaign and Inman Square Intercept Survey; and
• The Connect Kendall Open Space Competition, Bike Network Plan the Transit Strategic Plan.

Ms. Farooq has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the overall health, sustainability, quality of life, and diversity of our city. Her commitment to the programmatic areas of the Department-community planning, economic development, environmental and transportation planning, and affordable housing-positions her well to lead the Community Development Department in the years to come.

Ms. Farooq received a Bachelor in Architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi, India and a Master in Landscape Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Additionally, she holds professional accreditations from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-AP).

Please join me in congratulating Iram Farooq on her appointment as Assistant City Manager for Community Development.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

28. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a request from Normandy Real Estate Partners and Twining Properties ("Normandy/Twining") to make available for disposition approximately 1,042 square feet of City owned land known as Coolidge Place, which is an eight (8) foot wide public way that connects Massachusetts Avenue to the City-owned Municipal Parking Lot Number 6 on Bishop Allen Drive.
Order Adopted

Sept 21, 2015

To the Honorable, the City Council:

The City of Cambridge has received a request from Normandy Real Estate Partners and Twining Properties ("Normandy/Twining") to make available for disposition approximately 1,042 square feet of City owned land known as Coolidge Place, which is an eight (8) foot wide public way that connects Massachusetts Avenue to the City-owned Municipal Parking Lot Number 6 on Bishop Allen Drive (hereinafter referred to as the "proposed disposition parcel"). A copy of Normandy/Twining's letter describing their request in more detail is attached hereto for your information and is summarized below.

The purpose of the proposed disposition is to enable Normandy/Twining, owner of the adjacent property at 447 Massachusetts Avenue, to develop residential uses for the site, 20 per cent of which will be permanently and privately affordable and middle income subsidized housing units, while providing the City with two equivalent alternative means of access, one fifteen (15) feet wide and the other ten (10) feet wide, to Municipal Parking Lot Number 6 from Massachusetts Avenue (over 3,200 square feet in total). Normandy/Twining would be responsible for the construction of the two new pedestrian ways together with the construction of new city utilities located under the new pedestrian ways that will connect a future stormwater storage tank located within the Municipal Parking Lot to the existing drain line in Massachusetts Avenue.

An action by the City Council to declare this land available for disposition would initiate a process, during which the value of the land would be assessed, formal proposals would be solicited and public hearings would be held to evaluate the proposals. At the end of this process, the City Council would decide whether or not to dispose of the land at a specified price, along with any other terms and conditions of the sale. The City's Public Works and Community Development Departments have reviewed the request and determined that given the benefits to the community that would be achieved with the addition of the two new pedestrian pathways and the construction of the city utilities, together with the new residential project that would include 20 per cent affordable and middle income housing units, it could be in the best interests of the City to make this land available for disposition.

Normandy/Twining has indicated that this request is being made in order to facilitate the development of approximately 234,000 square feet of housing with ground floor retail, which will contain not less than 17 percent "affordable" units and 3 percent "middle income" units for a combined 20 percent permanently and privately subsidized housing units consistent with the recent Mass and Main rezoning. As is discussed in greater detail in Normandy/Twining's attached letter, the proposed relocation of Coolidge Place to the western edge of their parcel and the addition of a new pedestrian passageway along the Columbia Street edge of their parcel was shown throughout the rezoning process for the recently passed Mass and Main Mixed Income Residential zoning. These two pedestrian passageways are strategically placed to provide increased permeability through the site and to encourage pedestrian and retail activity.

There was general public support for the concept of mixed income housing at this site during the rezoning process, and Normandy/Twining has stated that there was significant public support for the proposed additional public access point along the Columbia Street edge of their property, which is currently not accessible due to the existing Quest laboratory building. The new pedestrian access will connect Lafayette Square Park to Bishop Allen Drive and extend the public realm along the Park. The proposal also responded to the community and planning goal of "activating" this area with new retail along Massachusetts Avenue and Columbia Street.

In connection with this project, Normandy/Twining was asked by the City's Department of Public Works ("DPW") to ensure that the development supports the City's proposed stormwater storage tank, which will be located in Municipal Parking Lot Number 6 adjacent to the project site. Over the past several months, Normandy/Twining has met with DPW staff to understand the conceptual design of the storage tank and the utility connections from the tank to the existing drain line in Massachusetts Avenue, which pass through a portion of the development parcel. Normandy/Twining has indicated that they agree to give the City both underground rights and access to their property for the utility connections so that the stormwater tank project can proceed. Normandy/Twining will install the utilities located under the new pedestrian ways in advance of the City's stormwater tank construction to ensure the construction is properly coordinated. They have also agreed to provide permanent rights of public access above grade, which will result in the City not only replacing the public connection that Coolidge Place now provides but also providing a second public connection between the City-owned parking lot and both Massachusetts Avenue and Columbia Street.

Land Disposition Process

These are the critical steps in the land disposition process:

Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws

Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws requires that the City secure appraisals for the land and issue a Request for Proposals ("RFP") from parties that may be interested in acquiring the land according to the conditions set forth by the City in the RFP. A winning bidder would be selected, but the eventual disposition of land would be conditioned upon completion of the additional process set forth below. In addition, this proposed disposition is subject to the provisions of Chapter 2.110 of the Cambridge Municipal Code.

Request for Disposition Under Chapter 2.110

Chapter 2.110 of the City of Cambridge Municipal Code (the "Disposition Ordinance"), outlines a process required for the City to dispose of City-owned property which will result in a "fair analysis of how the greatest public benefit can be obtained from the City property in question." The City Council must vote by a two-thirds majority to approve disposition of the land at an agreed-upon price. If the vote were to fail at that time, then the land would remain with the City.

I am requesting that the City Council declare the land depicted on the attached plan submitted by Normandy/Twining and known as Coolidge Place available for disposition. This action would authorize me to begin the disposition process required under G.L. Chapter 30B as well as under Chapter 2.110. I appreciate your consideration of this matter and welcome any questions you may have.

Very truly yours, Richard C. Rossi, City Manager

---

Agenda Item No. 28A     Sept 21, 2015
WHEREAS: Normandy Real Estate Partners and Twining Properties (Normandy/Twining") has requested that the City of Cambridge ("City") make available for disposition approximately 1,042 square feet of City owned land known as Coolidge Place, which is an eight (8) foot wide public way that connects Massachusetts Avenue to Municipal Parking Lot Number 6 on Bishop Allen Drive (the "Parcel") for the purpose of enabling Normandy/Twining, the owner of the adjacent property at 447 Massachusetts Avenue, to develop residential uses for the site, 20 per cent of which will be permanently and privately subsidized affordable and middle income housing units, while providing the City with two equivalent alternative means of access, one fifteen (15) feet wide and the other ten (10) feet wide, to the Municipal Parking Lot Number 6 from Massachusetts Avenue (over 3,200 square feet in total). Normandy/Twining would be responsible for the construction of the two new pedestrian ways together with the construction of new City utilities located under the new pedestrian ways that will connect a future stormwater storage tank located within the Municipal Parking Lot Number 6 to the existing drain line in Massachusetts Avenue; and
WHEREAS: The disposition of the Parcel would facilitate the delivery of much needed affordable housing and above described new infrastructure; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council hereby declares that the Parcel is available for disposition and authorizes the City Manager to initiate a process pursuant to Chapter 30B of the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 2.110 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, and other applicable laws, during which the value of the Parcel will be appraised, formal proposals will be solicited from interested parties, and public hearings will be held, which will result in a fair analysis of how the greatest public benefit can be obtained from the Parcel and assist the City in determining whether and on what terms to dispose of the Parcel.

O-4     Sept 21, 2015
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
WHEREAS: MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms and Professor Neil Gershenfeld started the class "How to Make Almost Anything," which revealed the potential for 3d printers, laser cutters, and other rapid fabrication equipment to impact the creative drive of students and the entire manufacturing sector, over a decade ago; and
WHEREAS: This class eventually gave way to an international Fab Foundation of nonprofit fabrication labs, scattered across the globe and doubling in total number of community labs worldwide every 1.5 years, now numbering more than 600; and
WHEREAS: At the tenth annual conference of all Fab Labs, in 2014, Barcelona led a 40-year challenge to make sure that, by 2054, the city will create locally all the goods that it needs to consume-whether food, energy, or products; and
WHEREAS: The eleventh annual conference, FAB 11, has been hosted in Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville over the last several days, extending the 39-year challenge on self-sustainability to these host cities; and
WHEREAS: Mayors Walsh and Curtatone accepted the challenge on Sat, Aug 8, on behalf of their cities; and
WHEREAS: The challenge now stands before Cambridge, waiting for adoption; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record committing Cambridge to produce locally what it needs to consume by 2054; and further be it
RESOLVED: That Cambridge commits to working this year to discuss with the other regional cities what parts of our current expenditure on infrastructure, energy, food, and services is locally generated-and what additional portion may be locally generated in the future; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Fab Foundation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-6     Sept 21, 2015  Amended
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: In October 2012, the Massachusetts Cultural Council designated Cambridge's Central Square as one of the twenty-one Cultural Districts in the State; and
WHEREAS: Central Square is home to a mix of diverse churches, restaurants, independently owned shops, creative start-ups, and working artists; it serves as the commercial center for the surrounding neighborhoods of Area 4, Cambridgeport, Mid Cambridge, MIT, and Riverside; and Central Square is also a part of the MIT and Cambridge College campuses, making it a destination for local residents, students, professors, artists, restaurant patrons, and tourists among others; and
WHEREAS: Central Square is a place often avoided by some residents due to public safety considerations and unkempt conditions; and
WHEREAS: Some sidewalks, tree wells, and areas of Central Square are covered with litter, cigarette butts, human waste, and light debris; and
WHEREAS: Many of the solar powered big belly trash barrels have been reported to be faulty and nonfunctional; and
WHEREAS: Residents have reported witnessing several physical fights, altercations, and acts of violence in Central Square at various hours of the day; and
WHEREAS: It is self-evident that Central Square has not been immune to the opioid drug epidemic given the ever-increasing numbers of persons "hanging out" in and around Central Square who are coping with substance abuse; and
WHEREAS: Considering all these social and economic ills in our beloved Central Square, also known as the Cultural Heart and Downtown of Cambridge, residents have complained consistently and repeatedly about limited police presence to help alleviate these social and economic ills plaguing Central Square, its businesses and its residents; and
WHEREAS: No family or person should feel unsafe and uncomfortable visiting or passing through Central Square; and
WHEREAS: The population of the City of Cambridge has increased by 3.8% from the 2000 U.S. Census to the 2010 U.S. Census; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has only one police station for the City; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston has twelve police stations for 617,594 residents (2010 US Census Figure); and
WHEREAS: It is anticipatable and foreseeable that Cambridge will see more housing and commercial growth in and around Central Square; maintaining the highest levels of public safety, civil order, and cleanliness may require increasing our Cambridge Police and Public Works resources and personnel staff; and
WHEREAS: Notwithstanding a history of policy orders related to improving public safety and cleanliness of Central Square, these issues remain a serious and surmountable challenge; and
WHEREAS: Recently, our community suffered the tragic death of Tywann Jones, a 35-year-old Roxbury resident who was stabbed to death in the intersection of Pleasant Street and Massachusetts Avenue; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to determine the feasibility of developing a seasonal Litter Patrol and Control Program staffed by persons living in local shelters and/or receiving drug treatment by local non-profits such as the Salvation Army; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Police Department, other appropriate City departments, the Central Square Business Association, and other local businesses to determine the feasibility of installing a satellite police station in Central Square to help address, deter, and build a greater sense of security and public safety for Cambridge residents, local businesses, tourists, restaurant patrons, and others visiting our Cultural District; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to gather and report data over the last six months related to the number of arrests, removals, First Responder calls and/or 911 calls to the Central Square area; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments including, but not limited to, the Department of Public Health, Cambridge Police, Cambridge Health Alliance, and agencies and groups such as the Cambridge Salvation Army, Cambridge Overcoming Addiction, the Cambridge Needle Exchange Program, and other related stakeholders to determine the feasibility of increasing our City's drug treatment capacity and beds; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City Departments about adding additional trash barrels in Central Square and replacing the solar powered big belly trash barrels with more appropriate and better functioning trash barrels; and be it further
ORDERED: The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments about an update and timeline for any sidewalk and street infrastructure improvements to the Central Square Area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner within two meetings; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the non-zoning C-2 recommendations for Central Square; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate the possibility of subsidizing a business improvement district in Central Square for a certain amount of time; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to re-paint the electrical and fire alarm boxes in Central Square with the assistance from the Arts Council.

O-7     Sept 21, 2015
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council meetings scheduled for Nov 30, 2015 and Dec 28, 2015 be and hereby are cancelled.

O-14     Sept 21, 2015
MAYOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the following regular City Council meetings be scheduled as Roundtable/Working meetings:
Oct 5, 2015 - Roundtable to discuss Opioid Abuse
Oct 26, 2015 - Roundtable to discuss City-Wide Planning
Nov 16, 2015 - Roundtable between the School Committee and the City Council
Dec 14, 2015 - Roundtable to discuss Transportation Issues

O-20     Sept 21, 2015
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Metropolitan Moving & Storage has, for over 120 years, served the Cambridge community with a low-cost, locally based, and family-owned alternative to national storage chains such as UHaul, and the storage facility has been of particular importance to low-income residents in Cambridge for generations; and
WHEREAS: MIT, the landlord of this property, has recently opted not to renew the lease for the 900-unit Metropolitan Moving & Storage in order to develop the building into student housing, and those with items in storage at this facility had been given an initial deadline of Oct 31, later extended to January 2016, to remove all their possessions; and
WHEREAS: While the City Council applauds MIT for recognizing that it must house a greater number of its students, the fact remains that the loss of this local business of more than a century is a great blow to this community, particularly to the hundreds of low-income residents who utilized it specifically due to its affordability and easy accessibility; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record formally urging MIT to reconsider the decision to not renew the lease for Metropolitan Moving & Storage, and to determine whether any other viable alternatives to this plan exist; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging that, at the very least, MIT consider granting one year to allow Metropolitan Moving & Storage customers find alternative arrangements to move and store their possessions; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to MIT President L. Rafael Reif, and to Paul Paravano and Sarah Gallop of the Government and Community Relations Office of MIT, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-21     Sept 21, 2015
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
COUNCILLOR MAZEN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Planning for development in Cambridge should anticipate the various effects that a growing population will have on communities, including where residents will park their vehicles; and
WHEREAS: Residents should expect some stability in on-street parking expectations, which can quickly vanish when large developments bring many cars to local streets; and
WHEREAS: Developers of large projects frequently use the explanation that relatively few of their residents own cars to support arguments for zoning changes or permit applications; and
WHEREAS: It is possible that relatively few of their residents buy or lease parking spaces in the development but may, instead, use City parking stickers to park on local streets at a fraction of the cost of purchasing parking in the development or they own more cars than the number of parking spaces associated with a particular unit; and
WHEREAS: Information on how the number of parking stickers obtained by residents of new projects is not readily available, thus there can be no reasonable, fact-based discussion with developers about the likely impact of projects on local parking conditions; now be it therefore
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation to create an electronic list containing the number of parking stickers issued to each development in the past ten (10) years should be made publicly available, to include, if possible, any demographic information that would help inform car ownership discussions such as age of the car owners; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter.

O-26     Sept 21, 2015  Amended
VICE MAYOR BENZAN
ORDERED: That the attached amendment to the Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to amend the provisions of the PUD-KS District set forth in Section 13.10 of the Zoning Ordinances and which includes a majority of the Volpe Transportation Systems Center site, be refiled as of Sept 28, 2015; and be it further
ORDERED: That an urban design plan be created for the City's aspirations for the site; and be it further
ORDERED: That the amendment be referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee for a hearing and report.

O-27     Sept 21, 2015
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The recent zoning petition filed by the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) would allow a significant increase in square footage to the MXD District; and
WHEREAS: Boston Properties has developed all or significant amount of the land in MXD District that is under the control or owned by the CRA; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the CRA and report back with clarification regarding the past and future relationship between the CRA and Boston Properties and if Boston Properties will be the party to develop and lease any new square footage as a result of the zoning petitions passage and if the City Council can require a process for new developers to bid on CRA projects.

O-31     Sept 21, 2015
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: There has been little progress resolving the issues with the property at Vail Court; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority has expressed an interest in purchasing said property; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority with the view in mind of purchasing the property on Vail Court in order to convert to affordable housing.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Aug 11, 2015 at 2:03pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the Concussion Ordinance which seeks to prevent and manage concussions in youth activities taking place in Cambridge facilities.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Dennis J. Carlone; Councillor Marc C. McGovern; Arthur Goldberg, Deputy City Solicitor; Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer; Barbara Meade, Clinical Manager, School Health Program, Cambridge Public Health Department; Paul Ryder, Recreation Director; Christian Schlachte; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Christopher Nowinski, Sports Legacy Institute, a nonprofit foundation started by him and Cliff Robbins, Sports Legacy Institute.

Councillor Cheung convened the hearing and explained the purpose. Councillor Carlone explained his experience with concussions. Councillor Cheung stated that the City has worked on this for a couple of years.

Paul Ryder stated that there are two mandatory concussion trainings. He stated that 100 coaches have been trained about concussions. Councillor Cheung stated that he was impressed with what the City is already doing on this issue and the involvement in the schools.

Mr. Claude Jacobs, Chief Public Health Officer explained that the Regulation to Prevent and Manage Concussions in Youth Activities at City of Cambridge Facilities (ATTACHMENT A) goes into effect in Sept 1, 2015.

A presentation was given by Mr. Nowinski, Sports Legacy Institute, entitled "Solving the Concussion Crisis" (ATTACHMENT B). He stated that concussions can affect lives of kids.

Mr. Cliff Robbins explained the work of Sports Legacy Institute on this issue. He spoke about three factors regarding concussion: a (1) mechanical force that is (2) applied to brain, which then (3) creates symptoms. He outlined how the brain can be damaged. He outlined the 4 concussion symptoms. He pointed out that it is difficult to identify concussion injuries. He stated that for every one concussion reported there are 6 that are not reported. He explained the affects that can occur from a concussion and the consequences of a delayed response to diagnosis. If injuries are missed there are a variety of effects. He stated that children's brains are still developing until age 11 and more sensitive to stresses. Children have a poor head to body ratio. He spoke about the fact that children have improper fitting sporting equipment. He spoke about the various levels of training that coaches have. Increased education leads to increased identification of concussion injuries. He spoke of a proposed ordinance and suggested that notifying parents is an effective way to help recovery and to provide educational materials to parents.

Mr. Ryder asked for a copy of the SLI Fact Sheet.

Mr. Jacobs spoke about the Health Regulation. Cambridge Health Department is charged to protect the health of its citizens. The City has made investment in the Health Department infrastructure. He stated that the nurses and diseases investigators help with the health of the community. The Health Department is working on become an accredited health department, one of few in the Commonwealth. A health assessment was presented to the City Council.

Mr. Jacobs highlighted the concussion regulations promulgated by Health Department on Apr 9, 2015 which goes into effect on Sept l, 2015. He stated that the state law applies to all students, but does not apply to children under five and not participating in school activities. All city programs must be contain training on concussion. If there are symptoms of a concussion, Children will be removed from the activity, the parents and the school will be notified and the child is required to receive medical clearance. He spoke about liability issues for volunteer coaches. The Recreation Department is required to approve the permits required. He explained the role of Health Department. These were promulgated as regulations. He passed out report on concussion (ATTACHMENT C). He explained the plan that is in the works by the Health Department. It easier to dispense information to students in the schools. He distributed a brochure that described the school health program (ATTACHMENT D).

Mr. Ryder stated that there is no resistance from any coach in the City. All want to keep the kids safe.

Councillor McGovern stated that in the heat of competition what can be done to change attitudes around concussions. Training the coaches is great but how can we deal with the "weak factor". Mr. Nowinski stated that this is huge program to execute. With limited resources one will not get good concussion care. He stated that it takes a village mentality relating to players and coaches with playing sports. He spoke about training kids to report concussions. He stated that referees are not trained about concussions.

Mr. Robbins spoke about concussion education and the negative effect. Research is showing it is the attitude of the players and coaches. It is being portrayed as a "stand up for your team mates" and making the attitude more positive. Mr. Nowinski will follow up with the information.

Mr. Jacobs stated that on page 5 of the CDC information highlights the issues of attitude. On page 4 speaks to the progress that has been made in this endeavor. On page 9 on the road to create a safer culture contains 6 factors.

Councillor McGovern spoke about the big business attitude for playing sports. The focus on winning and competitiveness and not on the sport itself. He asked if there are things that the City should not be doing, such as age allowance for playing sports.

Mr. Nowinski stated that brain does deal with concussions, but the problem is getting many concussions. He spoke about a bad practice to encourage kids to use their head in sports for hitting. He spoke about forced limits. Pop Warner is the only league that has forced limits. He does not think any kid should play tackle football. Councillor McGovern asked Mr. Ryder how hard is it for it to be mandatory for parents to take this training. Mr. Ryder stated that he has no authority to require the parents to take this mandatory training. He would work to encourage the parents to be trained. Mr. Nowinski spoke about the one signed page of information given to parents. Mr. Ryder suggested soccer parents be trained, but enforcing it is hard.

Ms. Betty Meade stated that in the school parents have to sign a mandatory sheet. This regulation increases the communication process and it provides for data collection. Mr. Ryder wanted the parent's signature form from the school. Ms. Meade spoke about accidents that are not related to sports. Councillor Carlone spoke about unstructured accidents. Ms. Meade encouraged parents to communicate to the schools about any related injury. She stated that 49 injuries have been reported. School concussion are required to be reported to the state.

Councillor Cheung asked are there any not city related facilities. Mr. Ryder responded the hockey rink. Councillor Cheung asked can this be included. Mr. Jacobs explained that the regulations only apply to city related facilities or activities. Councillor Cheung suggested asking children and referee to sign a form. Mr. Ryder explained that the City does not pay referees. He did not know if there is any way to make it mandatory for parents and referees to get this training. Councillor Cheung asked if the City can promulgate a regulation of no hitting before high school. Councillor McGovern stated that there are two types of soccer in Cambridge. In town soccer anything can be done. Bays soccer does not have a rule about hitting the ball with head.

Mr. Jacobs spoke about people who the City has access to and this is more complicated about head hitting. Mr. Ryder suggested meeting with the coaches. Mr. Nowinski stated that in Arlington VA head hitting has been banned. Mr. Ryder stated that there is no need to head hitting before high school. Ms. Meade stated that the data needs to be reviewed and changes can be made based on the data. Mr. Nowinski spoke about the state data and the questions asked.

Councillor McGovern asked if the state of art equipment is being provided for players. Mr. Ryder stated that players buy their own equipment; city does not provide equipment. He stated that helmets use are regulated. He wanted to make sure that the players have the best equipment. Mr. Nowinski stated that focusing on the equipment is not the right approach.

Councillor Cheung thanked all those present for their attendance. He asked for a copy of presentation for the report. He wanted information from Mr. Jacobs on what the Health Department is doing attached to report (ATTACHMENT E).

Councillor Cheung applauded the work by city staff and the Health Department.

Councillor Cheung commended the Health Department on their regulations and stated that the Health and Environment Committee endorses the Health Department Regulation on Concussions.

He made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the next steps necessary to working with league presidents to strengthen the regulation on concussions within their jurisdiction and expanding education on concussion to a broader group.

The motion carried on a voice vote of three members.

The hearing adjourned at 3:05pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Leland Cheung, Chair

Committee Report #2
The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Aug 11, 2015 beginning at 5:02pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to conduct a public hearing to discuss how to assist tenants in danger of losing their homes due to the recent sale of their buildings on Harding Street.

Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Marc McGovern; Councillor Dennis Carlone; Councillor Nadeem Mazen; Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan; Richard C. Rossi, City Manager; Iram Farooq, Acting Assistant City Manager; Linda Prosnitz, Housing Project Planner, Community Development Department; Jason Alves; Wil Durbin; and Neal Alpert.

Also present were Greg Russ, Executive Director, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA); Denise Belloste, Nancy Seymore, Elaine DeRosa, CEOC; Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Jean Hannon, Alliance of Cambridge Tenants (ACT); Lee Farris; Ti-Grace Atkinson; Michael McIntosh; Susan Hegel, Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services; Peter Daly, Executive Director of Home Owners Rehab, Inc.; Attorney Jeffrey C. Turk; Tony Madan; Rekha Madan; James Williamson; and Lucille Kenney.

Councillor Simmons convened the hearing and read an opening statement (Attachment A) and gave a brief overview of the agenda for the meeting. (Attachment B)

Councillor Simmons opened the meeting to public comment at 5:08pm.

Elaine DeRosa, CEOC, stated that she hadn't intended on speaking. In the spirit of the opening remarks, however, she suggested that this meeting represents a good opportunity for everyone present to work together, to reach consensus, and to hopefully reach an agreement in which the Harding Street tenants would not have to be displaced. She said she hoped that the building's owner would rescind the eviction notice that has been issued to a tenant, and would commit to refrain from issuing other such notices.

Cheryl-Ann Pizza Zeoli, Alliance of Cambridge Tenants, said that she echoes the comments of Ms. DeRosa, and that while she had no other immediate remarks, she might speak later in the meeting.

Ti-Grace Atkinson, Harding Street resident, said that this crisis has made her think hard about why exactly this is so upsetting to her. She said that this made her think about the concept of what a home is, and how it is more than simply four walls and a roof. She said it is about all of the experiences and feelings, the good times and the bad times, that a person has in that home. She said she has lived there 18 years and she has deep connections with her neighbors, who are friends and feel like extended family. She said that her life at Harding Street can be summarized as pre-sale and post-sale of her building. She remembered when she first moved here in 1997, waking up one day that September to the sounds of the Cosmas and Damian Festival, and being overjoyed by how festive and vibrant it was. She noted that giant likenesses of these saints are paraded around and bless peoples' houses. She said that this gives a good sense of what it's like to live in this neighborhood.

Ms. Atkinson said that this situation has also made her think of her late neighbor, a woman named Rosie. She said that Rosie was one of her first friends when she moved to the building, she gave her advice about how to get around the area during the winter months, and that Rosie was an artist who painted pictures of the local buildings, capturing their mood and spirit, and the essence of the neighborhood. Ms. Atkinson said that she would love to help save some of the spirit of what Rosie was painting.

Ms. Atkinson said that, if you added up the combined tenancy of all the Harding Street residents, it would equal 195 years. She said you cannot replace that kind of community. She said that there are differences between short term tenants and long term tenants, with the long term tenants having more investment in the neighborhood, in the people around them, and in preserving the buildings for the future. She said that Boston Investments doesn't seem to care about the sense of community, and the company has been making moves that would encourage short-term tenancy. She said the new owners have been harassing the tenants, and have been negligent in ensuring that the trash bins are taken out to the streets for collection. She said that Boston Investments doesn't seem to care about letting the current tenants live there in peace, but rather they bombard the tenants with site visits and realtor visits.

Peter Daly, Executive Director of HRI, Inc., said that he was very concerned about the stories he was hearing. He said that HRI is focused on the community, and that each building is a community, and he is very concerned about that sense of community being lost.

Lee Farris, of 269 Norfolk Street, said she sent the committee an email on behalf of the Cambridge Residents Alliance (Attachment C) and that she would briefly summarize its contents. She said that the CRA would like to work with the City Council and the tenants of Harding Street to come up with whatever solutions are possible for each individual. She said that the CRA has some legislative ideas. She said that one idea might be for the CEOC and other community-based organizations to helm an informational campaign to let tenants know about the resources available to them, prior to these types of situations taking place. In a situation where peoples' homes are at stake, time is of the essence, and having this information at the outset could be quite beneficial.

James Williamson of 1000 Jackson Place said that he was quite moved by Ms. Atkinson's testimony. He said that if illegal actions are taking place, then he hopes legal organizations like Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services are ready to step in to counteract these. He said that he hopes the City, likewise, would take action against any illegal practices. He asked what action the City could actually take to help these tenants. He also said that this situation takes place inside a socially constructed market system, and that we have a choice in what these markets are like. He said we don't have to allow this type of behavior to be tolerated.

Michael McIntosh of 33 Harding Street, Apartment 2, said he has lived in this unit for 15 years, and in Cambridge for 30 years. He thanked the Housing Committee for discussing this topic. He said this whole conversation can be summed up in the word "community." He said that he moved around every couple of years when he was young, and then when he was in the military he was moved around repeatedly. He said he didn't have a sense of belonging to a specific place until he arrived in Cambridge in 1985, and he suddenly felt connected to his surroundings and the people around him. He said that, upon moving to Cambridge, he felt compelled to vote for the first time in his life. He said that he has had two great teachers in his life: Cambridge, and his great-aunt, Marie M. Runyon. He recounted his great-aunt's early struggles in New York, her activism and her work in dealing with Columbia University, and how she inspired him to stand up for what he believes in, and to find ways to work collaboratively towards mutually beneficial resolutions. He said that he prayed that the people at Boston Investments could work towards a resolution that gives them what they want, while also factoring in the needs of the Harding Street tenants.

Susan Hegel from Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services said that she was here on behalf of her vacationing colleague, Ellen Shachter, who has been working with the Harding Street tenants throughout this process. She said that she is not here to discuss specific cases, but she had two points she wanted to make. She said that when Attorney Shachter first became involved in this situation, she reached out to the Cambridge Housing Authority and inquired about the possibility of having the CHA issue Section 8 vouchers to the tenants, to hopefully give them the opportunity to remain in their homes. She said that the CHA would be discussing this proposal at its next board meeting, and that this would hopefully help the Harding Street tenants. She said her other point was that it is important for the City and nonprofits to try to reach out to building owners, like the Martins, who had owned the Harding Street buildings, prior to the point at which they sell their buildings. She said that starting these conversations early, getting a sense of who does own all the buildings in the City and who may be looking to sell in the near future, could be an important way of holding on to a larger number of affordable units.

Denise Belloste of 43 Harding Street introduced herself as a lifelong Cambridge resident. She said that she was at this meeting to support Ms. Atkinson. She said she was concerned about her street, as several buildings there had been sold off to investors, and the neighborhood was losing many families and longtime residents. She was very sad about this, and that this is all about business. She said she understood why Mr. Martins had to sell his buildings, but she was sad that the tenants had not been notified that this was in the works.

Public Comment closed at 5:44pm.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked that a disruptive individual sitting in the gallery be removed from the chamber. Councillor Simmons advised the individual that if he did not refrain from being disruptive she would have him escorted from the room. She then asked if Tony Madan or his attorney would like to speak.

Attorney Jeffrey Turk stated that Mr. Madan and his sister agreed to attend this meeting in order to provide the committee with a better sense of who they are. He said that this is not a case where some faceless, absentee corporate landlord was coming in and taking over. He said that the Madans were local people, longtime residents of Cambridge and Somerville. He said that they are the children of immigrants. He said that they started from nothing and worked their way up to what they are now. He said that the Madans are committed to providing decent and safe housing. He said they purchased these thirteen apartments on June 15 and recognized that all the tenants were paying rents that were about 50 percent less than what the apartments are worth. He said that the property is in desperate need of renovations, and that the Madans are committed to doing that work. He said that they had to take out a large loan in order to have that renovation done. Attorney Turk said that the Madans have been willing to work with any tenants that have reached out to them for assistance, and they have been most cooperative. He said that the Madans are willing to cooperate with the CHA, they support the move to issue vouchers to the tenants, and they would be happy to accept these vouchers for a period of time. He also noted that the Madans have struck an agreement to pay one of the residents to take the trash bins out to the street, and that they should be applauded for keeping a local person employed in this manner. He said that the Madans were happy to answer any further questions at this meeting.

Councillor Simmons said that the Housing Committee members were aware of the CHA's proposal to consider issuing vouchers to the Harding Street tenants, and that they are very appreciative of this possible policy shift. She said the committee members were also very appreciative of all the individuals who had been working to make this policy shift happen. She said to the Madans that she was pleased to hear that they are willing to work with the CHA, but she was concerned that if the Madans set the rents too high, then the tenants wouldn't be able to stay even if they were issued vouchers. She asked whether the Madans might consider setting slightly lower rents, if need be, in order to make the math work with the vouchers. Councillor Simmons reminded the Madans that the City Council would very much like to work to make this happen, and the Housing Committee members very much want to allow these residents to remain a part of the Cambridge community. She reiterated that these units had been home to some of these tenants for a very long time. She asked Attorney Hegel if she happened to know what the value of a mobile voucher is.

Attorney Hegel said that her understanding is that a voucher for a two bedroom unit is $1,660, although it is a little unclear what bedroom size these particular units would be classified as. She said that a voucher for a three bedroom unit is $2,326, and this does not count the utility rates. She said that this is approximately double what the current tenants are paying. She said that there may be some flexibility to allow the tenants to pay a little more out of pocket, to make the voucher work, but that this eventually becomes untenable due to the other general expenses that tenants must pay, but would not be able to afford.

Mr. Madan said that he and his sister are sympathetic to the Harding Street tenants. He said that he understands we are talking about their homes, and that this isn't just an apartment, it is people's lives. He said that he and his sister grew up in California when their father went bankrupt, and the family had nothing. He said that they were destitute. He said that when he and his sister came here, they had to pick up the pieces and start all over. He said that they understand how it is. He said that he is on the board of the Cambridge Action Fund, and he donates to the homeless. He said that his family is sensitive to people's issues. He said that, at the same time, he has his limitations. He said the prior owner of Harding Street inherited the property from his parents, had no mortgage, and seemed content to receive whatever rent monies he received, without working to maintain the property. He said that the property was sold at an obscene Cambridge price, and in order to obtain a mortgage, Mr. Madan and his sister had to promise that they would be making a certain amount of profit by September 2016. He said if they did not meet this goal, they would risk defaulting on the mortgage, and this is not a position they can afford to be in. He said that he and his sister need to bring the property up to decent standards, and furthermore, they have no desire to own a property in disrepair. Mr. Madan said that every person that has approached him for assistance has been worked with, but if they do not email him, then he cannot work with them.

Councillor Simmons said if we take this meeting as a starting point of the conversation, where all parties seem willing to work together towards a positive resolution, then she is optimistic that such a resolution can be reached. She said she was heartened to see the Madans present and saying they're willing to work with the City. She said that she wanted to note that the City has begun taking preliminary steps toward conducting the kind of survey of building owners that was discussed earlier in the meeting, which she hopes will help stabilize situations like this one. She stated that Councillor Carlone would have to leave the meeting early due to a previous obligation, and she invited him to speak.

Councillor Carlone said that what is happening in Cambridge, in terms of the loss of affordable units, is something that is happening on a larger scale all over. He said that the members of the City Council regularly hear from people who wish rent control could be reinstated. He asked if Mr. Madan could clarify how many tenants remained in the units. Mr. Madan responded that, out of thirteen units, nine units still had tenants in place, and of those, about half of the units have had their situations worked out. Mr. Madan said that those tenants are being allowed to remain in place in leases that ranged from a few months to a year at a subsidized rent. He said that he is committed to giving people the time they need to ease their transition.

Councillor Carlone said that the stories he has heard from the tenants have clearly struck a chord with him and his colleagues on the Housing Committee. He asked if Mr. Madan needs to have his buildings vacated in order to do the necessary renovations. Mr. Madan replied in the affirmative, due to the extensive repairs that need to be made. He also confirmed that his financial analysis was premised upon having these units renovated, and that these units are intended to remain as rental units, and they will not be converted into condos. Councillor Carlone said that providing extra time to the tenants will be helpful, but that this committee is most interested in long term solutions. He stated that this committee has been exploring whether there are new policies the City could enact that would mandate a certain percentage of rehabilitated units be set aside as affordable, and that this is information that Mr. Madan should be aware of.

Councillor McGovern thanked Ms. Atkinson and Mr. McIntosh for their earlier comments. He said that he grew up in Cambridge as well, and that his children are fifth generation Cantabrigians. He said that his family lives in a house his great-grandfather purchased, and he has seen the city change dramatically in his lifetime, both in good ways and in bad ways. He said that these scenarios where affordable units are converted to market rate are bad changes. He noted that this is the kind of development that is truly hurting Cambridge, not the development where housing is built on a formerly empty lot, replacing nothing. He said that the City has lost over 4,000 affordable units since the loss of rent control. He said that his family owns eleven units that it rents out, and his family made the choice to charge rates below market. He said that they could charge market rate, which would help his personal financial situation, but that they made the choice not to because some things are more important than making money. He said that it's more important to make decisions that allow the community to remain intact. He said that he is glad that the Madans have indicated a willingness to make the transition easier on their tenants, but that what he really wants is to find a way that lets these tenants stay in their homes. He said that even with a housing voucher, these people will ultimately get pushed out of Cambridge, because the rates will be too high. He asked that the people at this meeting think creatively about ways to not just buy time for the Harding Street tenants, but to help them stay.

Councillor Simmons acknowledged that CHA Executive Director Greg Russ has joined the meeting, and she recapped the conversation for him. Councillor Simmons said that she would give Mr. Russ time to get his bearings while others had their turn to speak. She then invited Councillor Mazen to speak.

Councillor Mazen said that the members of the Housing Committee understand the financial situation and the constraints the Madans are bound to. He cautioned that people should not come to Cambridge and purchase a building with the intention purely of making a profit. He said that the concept of buying a below-market building and renovating it into luxury apartments is a false proposition. He said there has to be a middle ground. He said that this is not a safe bet, buying this type of property and taking out a mortgage in order to renovate it and ultimately make a profit, and people should not be making those kinds of speculative deals in Cambridge.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked for a show of hands from the tenants present to give a sense of how many of them are on fixed incomes. Those present indicated that they all are on fixed incomes. Councillor Simmons then asked if someone from the Community Development Department could discuss the income eligibility requirements for the City's inclusionary housing program. Linda Prosnitz stated that she brought some flyers with information about upcoming affordable housing sessions with her. She said that there has already been one Harding Street tenant that has applied for an inclusionary unit, and she would encourage the other tenants to apply as well.

Vice Mayor Benzan said that he was concerned because he was thinking about residents who may be seniors on a fixed income. These individuals may not be income-eligible for inclusionary units, and they may not qualify for emergency housing vouchers. He said that the City should reexamine its inclusionary zoning program, and exactly who qualifies for this program, or we will see many more situations like the Harding Street situation, which won't be easily resolved. He said that the city also needs a greater amount of affordable housing, which would provide a greater amount of flexibility in assisting those facing a housing crisis. He said that he would like to see a motion coming from this meeting that explores whether the City should be creating a transfer tax, and whether or not a home rule petition would be needed to allow that to happen. He also said that he would like the City to consider creating a tenant first refusal program.

Greg Russ said that he would be meeting with the CHA Board the next evening, and he would be recommending a change to the emergency housing voucher program. He said that this change was being driven by situations similar to what was being discussed at this meeting. He said that this change would be focused on, in certain situations, trying to allow eligible people to remain in their current units, provided that their landlords would be cooperative and willing to accept the vouchers. He said that this is just a step in addressing this issue, but that there is a bigger problem to consider. Mr. Russ suggested that a hypothetical Cambridge couple making $55,800 per year that devoted thirty percent of their income to housing would be paying $1,395 per month in rent, and he defied anyone to find a suitable unit in Cambridge (that is not a room in someone's house) in that price range for this hypothetical couple. He said the average two bedroom unit in Cambridge costs around $2,600 per month. The gap is substantial, and as long as it exists, Mr. Russ said that we will all be trying to play catch up with what the market is charging.

Mr. Russ said that the CHA Board is considering changes that would be allow the CHA to consider issuing emergency vouchers to applicants who do not meet their current criteria of no-fault evictions, but who do fall within the following circumstances: if they are not earning more than 80 percent AMI, if they've resided in Cambridge for at least one year, if they are faced with a rent increase of 25 percent or more and they have a shelter burden of 40 percent or more (including utilities). If all those circumstances are met and the building owner is willing, the CHA would enter into a voucher agreement to keep the residents in the unit they currently occupy, or in another unit that the owner has available elsewhere in Cambridge. This would allow some families that are impacted by a change in building ownership to have some opportunity to remain housed where they are. Mr. Russ said that this was a slightly revised version of a policy that the CHA had many years ago, which was known as a "finders keepers preference." He said he believed the CHA Board would approve of this policy change. He said that, in addition, the CHA is in the process of taking some names off the public housing waiting list, and the CHA hopes to reopen the Section 8 list later this year, hopefully before the end of December.

Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli thanked the CHA for considering this policy change, and she thanked the CHA for being so willing to adapt their policies to meet local conditions. She said that it would be economically feasible for the Madans to accept these CHA vouchers due to the small number of tenants that would be utilizing them. She said that, since the Madans have stated that they are able to negotiate higher rents in some of the other units, this seems like a reasonable compromise. She said people need to be willing to negotiate. She also noted that she resents the way that Mr. Madan had used the word "subsidy," since he has negotiated higher rents for people to remain in their units for a short length of time, and this is still a much higher rent than they were previously paying.

Elaine DeRosa stated that she wanted to circle back to Mr. Madan's statement about his willingness to work with the tenants, and she noted that many people at this meeting have stated their willingness to work with the Madans. She said that everyone was coming at this from a good-faith perspective, and she felt that it would generate a sense of goodwill if Mr. Madan were to rescind the eviction that was issued to Ms. Atkinson, and if he were to pledge to refrain from issuing other eviction notices during this process. She said this would be a good faith measure from Mr. Madan, and it would relieve much of the stress that the tenants were feeling.

Councillor Simmons stated that the fact that Mr. Madan and Ms. Madan were at this meeting was a good sign and it suggested they were open to working with the City. She said that the Housing Committee, the CEOC, the Affordable Housing Trust, and staffers from the Community Development Department were here and showing they are poised to work with the building owner, and that there is a great hope that the Madans would be willing to see if there are ways to allow the Harding Street tenants to remain in their homes on a longer term basis. She said that one of the great strengths of Cambridge is its diversity, not only in terms of culture and ethnicity but in terms of economic background. Councillor Simmons thanked the Madans for bringing everyone here together, in common cause, and she said that this process may actually result in a net positive for the City.

Vice Mayor Benzan said that he was thankful for the CHA working hard on behalf of those in need of affordable housing. He asked Mr. Russ if he could specify the highest amount that the CHA is able to contribute toward a one bedroom unit. Mr. Russ said that it would be $1,300 for an individual, and near $2,000 for a two-bedroom unit. He said that the CHA is willing to look at the amounts it can give. Vice Mayor Benzan then asked Mr. Madan if the CHA policy change is approved and if the Harding Street tenants were able to take advantage of this program, would the building renovations be able to take place without their having to vacate the buildings. Mr. Madan responded that, yes, the renovations could theoretically take place around the tenants, but that he had concerns over whether the property would currently meet CHA standards and minimal requirements. Mr. Madan said that he must bring these units up to a standard, and he needs to invest money in order to get them even to minimum standards.

Mr. Russ responded to these concerns by stating that the CHA would need to inspect the units and evaluate whether or not they meet CHA standards, and what amount of work they would need in order to be brought up to code. He said that he cannot speculate about the amount of work that might need to be done.

Councillor Simmons said that her understanding is that, regardless of whether or not the CHA was issuing vouchers, Mr. Madan would be seeking to renovate the property to bring it up to code and ensure that it is not a slum. Mr. Madan concurred that he had no desire to be considered a slum lord. Mr. Russ said that there are sources of funding, there are thirteen units that need repairs, and there is probably a sweet spot Mr. Madan needs to find in terms of where he wants to be after doing repairs. The question is whether he can do that with the economics of the vouchers in the building. If he cannot make that work, he would need to notify the CHA. Mr. Russ suggested that Mr. Madan inform the CHA what his rental income is, and then the CHA can work with him. He said he thinks the voucher rates are reasonable, and this could be attractive to a landlord since it is guaranteed, steady rent from the CHA, and the tenant only pays what they can afford. This makes the units slightly different, as they become a steady stream of income for the landlord every month. Mr. Russ said this takes some of the load off of what a landlord needs to contend with every month.

Councillor McGovern said that perhaps it is a difficult ask, but he urges that Mr. Madan and Ms. Madan strongly consider cooperating with this idea. He said that there are benefits to having reliable tenants, and it may mean that the landlords don't turn a profit for a year beyond what they expected, but they will eventually make their money. He said that their story mirrors that of his family's story in some ways. He said if their story is true, then they should be compelled to work with the tenants, and to work with the City. He said that he is ready and willing to work with Mr. Madan and Ms. Madan, and that he has been playing nice so far, but he is also willing to turn adversarial if need be. He said that, if this does turn adversarial, he wants the landlords to know that he is on the side of the tenants. He said he hopes it does not get to that point.

Councillor McGovern made the following motions:
ORDERED: That the Housing Committee strongly urges the owner of 33-35 Harding Street 34-42 Harding Street to accept Section 8 vouchers obtained by qualified tenants to allow them to continue to reside in their homes long-term.

The motion carried.

ORDERED: That the Housing Committee strongly urges the owner of 33-35 Harding Street and 34-42 Harding Street to rescind and refrain from issuing any eviction notices until such time as further discussions can take place to resolve these issues.

The motion carried.

Vice Mayor Benzan made the following motions:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City staff to explore the feasibility of establishing a transfer tax via Home Rule petition.

The motion carried.

ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments to explore the feasibility of establishing the Right of First Refusal.

The motion carried.

Councillor Simmons made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Community Development Department to expedite the conversation on applicability in the Inclusionary Housing program.

The motion carried.

Councillor Simmons asked that, since the next City Council meeting is several weeks away, the essence of these motions be placed in writing and forwarded to all applicable parties, including Mr. Madan and Ms. Madan, the Community Development Department, the CEOC, and Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services. She said that she hopes that the Madans and the representatives from the Community Development Department and the CHA would continue to talk following the end of this meeting, and that she would like a letter to go out to these parties confirming what was discussed at this meeting, and the expectations for next steps going forward.

City Manager Richard C. Rossi encouraged Mr. Madan and Ms. Madan to talk with CDD staffers to see if there might be any ability for the City to invest affordable housing money into this project. He said this could be a worthwhile conversation, and the staff may have some creative ideas.

Councillor Simmons reiterated the offer that the City Manager's offer to Mr. Madan and Ms. Madan, and she also said the CHA is willing to work with them. She clarified that the Housing Committee and the City Council is not here to work against them, but that they are clearly working to assist the tenants. She said that these tenants represent the life blood of the community, there is clearly much passion in wanting to help them, and they are the City Council's priority.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked Mr. Madan and Ms. Madan for coming to this meeting and staying in the heat. He said it is not easy for anyone to confront these issues that are challenging for the whole country. He also thanked the tenants for their courage in coming to this meeting, and he hoped that they understand the support they have from the City Council.

Councillor Simmons said that there will be a letter going out to confirm this meeting, there are motions that have been voted on, and one last item she wanted to discuss was whether Mr. Madan would be willing to rescind the eviction notice that was issued to Ms. Atkinson.

Mr. Madan said that with regard to the evictions, he cannot discuss any specific case, but that he and his attorney have been working with Attorney Susan Hegel and they are working to resolve this matter. Councillor Simmons said that any resolution that leads to Ms. Atkinson ending up on the sidewalk would not be acceptable. Attorney Jeffrey Turk said that he cannot discuss specifics. Councillor Simmons replied that the Housing Committee was looking for some assurance that this tenant would not be left homeless as the result of any resolutions to this situation. Attorney Turk said he was confident this case would be resolved this week.

Councillor Mazen said that the Housing Committee was looking for an immediate resolution, and that it was within Mr. Madan's discretion to say, here and now, whether he would rescind Ms. Atkinson's eviction notice. Attorney Turk responded that he and his clients are working with Ms. Atkinson's attorney. Councillor Mazen said that this response is entirely unsatisfactory. Councillor Simmons said that the committee members have been polite up to this point, but that politeness was being tested.

Attorney Turk stated that he and his clients have been working cooperatively and are happy to work with the Housing Committee. Councillor McGovern stated that he was glad to hear this, but that this is separate from the issue of Ms. Atkinson's eviction. He said that his understanding is that Ms. Atkinson was issued this eviction notice immediately after Mr. Madan learned she had organized a meeting of the Harding Street tenants. He said that this seemed like a case of retaliation. He asked if the Madans were now willing to rip this eviction notice up. Mr. Madan responded by stating that nothing is black and white. Councillor McGovern stated that his understanding is that Mr. Madan is not willing to rescind the eviction notice.

Mr. Madan stated that we have reached a point where the Housing Committee members are now all steamed and overreacting. Several committee members and members of the gallery immediately spoke up, prompting Councillor Simmons to demand order. Mr. Madan stated that he has been working with Attorney Susan Hegel and he believes that they are very close to a resolution of Ms. Atkinson's situation. He asked whether anyone here has bothered to ask Attorney Hegel whether she could disclose where she was in discussions with Mr. Madan regarding Ms. Atkinson's eviction. Attorney Hegel requested a moment to confer with Ms. Atkinson. Councillor Simmons called for a two minute recess in order to provide time for this consultation. The meeting recessed at 7pm, and resumed at 7:02 pm. Attorney Hegel stated that she and Ms. Atkinson discussed this matter and determined that they would prefer not to discuss this matter on the record.

Councillor Simmons thanked Attorney Hegel. She reiterated that it would be a show of good faith for Mr. Madan to rescind the eviction issued to Ms. Atkinson. She said that Mr. Madan had told a very heart wrenching story about his beginnings. She said she looks at Ms. Atkinson and she sees her own mother, and she hopes that Mr. Madan does as well. She said that she hopes when Mr. Madan sees this woman, he asks himself if he would want to see her out on the street. She said that rescinding this eviction would certainly buy him some good faith. In any case, whatever action Mr. Madan chooses, the Housing Committee is watching him closely.

The hearing was adjourned at 7:04pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair

Committee Report #3
The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee held a public hearing on Sept 1, 2015 at 5:45pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss the city's street performance, artist coordination, busking policies, and to engage local and Greater Cambridge artists in conversation with a view to increasing opportunities for public performance, while decreasing any barriers to entry that currently exist.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan; Councillor Dennis Carlone; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Councillor Marc McGovern; Councillor Craig Kelley; Julie Barry, Community Arts Program Director, Cambridge Arts Council; Dan Schwartz; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present at the hearing were Ilana Katz, Ian MacKinnon, Stephen Baird, Marty Levin, Al Millar, Marcien Toussaint, Jason Ash, Thomas Newell, Roger Nicholson, Pete Cassani, James Williamson, Chien Hwe Carol Hong, Shaun Kennedy, Romaine Waite, Sharon Williamson, and Jane Wang.

Councillor Mazen thanked Honk for their entertaining performance prior to the start of the hearing. He asked Julie Barry of the Cambridge Arts Council for her comments.

Julie Barry stated that the street performer permitting process is simple, quick and painless. She stated that an applicant must appear in person to the Arts Council with a picture identification, fill out a simple application, and pay the $40 application fee. She stated that the Arts Council does not discriminate against the type of performance or age of a performer with the exception being that a performer is under the age of 18, a guardian is required. She noted that the process takes approximately three minutes. Ms. Barry added that a Performance Permit is not a permit to create artwork, but for performative-based work while on the street. She stated that this permit does allow a performer to sell items that are directly related to their performance activity.

Councillor Mazen stated that Cambridge has richness in arts and performing arts. He said that his hope is that public spaces, squares, corporate halls and the like can be made more alive with more performance more of the time. He stated that the energy in the Sullivan Chamber was palpable. Councillor Mazen commented that 1 in 5 people are artists of some kind.

Ms. Barry stated that the Arts Council has three monitors who go into the streets to act as advocates for the performers. She said that these monitors support performers as well as ensuring that performers are abiding by the rules and regulations of the permit. Ms. Barry added that Harvard Square is a very popular location for street performers and noted that space is at a premium but added that there are opportunities in Central Square, Inman Square and Porter Square for street performers. She explained that 700 hours of the Arts Council budget are dedicated solely for seasonal monitors. She explained that various locations are monitored from Thursday through Sunday. Ms. Barry stated that the position of Community Arts Assistant has not been filled in approximately 9-10 years.

Councillor Mazen asked what the monitors do in the off-season. Ms. Barry responded that these positions are seasonal and part-time. She stated that it is the goal of the Arts Council to have monitors on City streets by May 1st. She added that she would like to see the monitors on the streets before May 1st, but again affirmed the 700 allotted hours to these positions. She explained that the monitors work through the end of October but noted that one monitor remains on staff for spot checks and holidays. Ms. Barry stated that approximately 550-600 monitoring hours are utilized between May and October while reserving 150 hours for spot checks. Councillor Mazen stated that it is his assumption that if the monitoring hours are increased along with the ability to fill the Community Arts Assistant position, the number of permits could potentially increase. Councillor Mazen stated that the City should not wait for the number of permits to increase before the position of Community Arts Assistant is filled. He stated that there must be energy behind these positions but first there must be coordination. Ms. Barry agreed and stated that it would be helpful to have increased hours for monitors and the assistant position filled, which would provide for greater coverage and support.

Councillor McGovern questioned why there were far more street performers 15 years ago. Ms. Barry explained that there are trends that take place. She added that tourism also plays a role. She explained that if there are too many performers in one location, this draws on everyone's pool.

Stephen Baird stated that the Street Performers Ordinance came about after a 25 year battle. He stated that performers were arrested even when they did possess a permit. He stated that dynamic changes in the transportation system have a lot to do with street performances. He stated that transportation hubs are primary locations for street performers. He explained that when Harvard Square changed, the business community changed and diversified. He explained that stores in Harvard Square were unique because of higher rents. Mr. Baird stated that another concern is development. He remarked that the bigger the buildings, the bigger the canyons. He said that noise level goes up because sound bounces off bricks and glass and therefore ambient noise is then increased. He said that the number of artists that need quiet cannot play anymore in Harvard Square. He stated that in 1976 performers were only allowed to perform on traffic islands. He noted that the plaza around Brattle Square is no longer public space as it has been privatized.

Ilana Katz stated that she plays violin and fiddle music. She stated that she first played in Harvard Square in 1985 but now plays primarily in the subway. She stated that the City of Boston does not require a performer to pay for a permit. She stated that Harvard Square is not friendly for all of the reasons stated by Mr. Baird.

Councillor Mazen stated that the City collects only $12,000 per year, approximately, in permit fees.

Marty Levin, 411 Franklin Street, stated that he is a performer and added that he has a good sense of what is going on around him because he is an intimate performer. He stated that he has noticed that through the years there seems to be more hostility in Harvard Square. He added that this hostility includes performers vying for space. He stated that when he went back to the street to perform after 9/11 after many years of not performing, something happened. He stated that people starting getting more uptight and lost the magic of the clown. He stated that he noticed that when Harvard Square became upscale it lost its funk and at that time there was a decline of street performing in Harvard Square.

Councillor McGovern stated that the heights of buildings and the landscape of Harvard Square has not really changed. He stated that even though Harvard Square has lost its funk, the number of people visiting Harvard Square has increased according to Harvard Square Business Association. Councillor McGovern questioned if the $40 permit fee may have something to do with the decrease in street performers. He stated that Somerville and Boston do not charge permit fees. He stated that there is a fine line between protecting the rights of people to do something and stifling their ability because the ordinance is too cumbersome. Councillor McGovern asked if the monitors are trained and have mediation skills. He noted the importance of establishing relationships between monitors and performers. He stated that most of the stories he has heard from street performers regarding the monitors and the process have been negative. He stated that he thinks part of the decline in street performers is that Cambridge has become more restrictive while other cities and towns are less restrictive. He inquired about the legality of charging an individual to express their First Amendment Rights.

Ms. Barry explained that the Ordinance has not changed and the permit fee has not increased since it was instituted. She stated that the monitors are crucial to the coexistence of performers amongst themselves and amongst the businesses. She stated that businesses complain about the performers in front of their businesses. She said that having an ordinance allows for protection for the performers. She stated that the monitors are trained and noted that one of the monitors worked as a seasonal monitor for three years while another monitor was seasonally employed for seven years. She stated the Arts Council tries to maintain consistency but added that this year there will be a new group of monitors. She stated that while there is a learning curve, the monitors are trained. Ms. Barry stated that she feels the Ordinance, as well as some sort of checks and balance system, is vital. She stated that the fees are secondary. Steven Baird noted that there have been three increases in fees since inception. He noted that fees have been challenged in federal court which determined that a $40 fee is constitutional, while a $100 fee is not.

Roger Nicholson stated that the reason for the decline in street performers in Harvard Square is that it has become an unfriendly place for musicians to play. He stated that he performed in the same location for 15-20 years but the owners did not want musicians outside their stores. He stated that they put chairs and outdoor seating in the way. He stated that seats are now placed in The Pit in Harvard Square where bands used to play. He stated that in the mid-90s the allowable decibel level went from 80 decibels at 50 feet to 80 decibels at 25 feet. He explained that at this level, one cannot be heard over the traffic. He stated that the monitors do not understand the culture which is unnerving. He stated that he last played in Harvard Square in The Pit in late October. He stated that he had not gotten a permit for the year and there was a monitor present. He stated that the Police were called on him. He stated that First Amendment rights should not be regulated by the Arts Council and asserted that Somerville is doing great without monitors. He stated that in his opinion, the Arts Council has not been a great advocate for street performers.

Councillor Mazen stated his belief that the Arts Council is an authentic advocate for artists, but that if changes need to be made, we should work together so that artists feel more supported.

Councillor Carlone stated that the urban design analysis of Harvard Square is spot on. He stated that he conducted a study in graduate school regarding what stimulates community interaction. He stated that food, a sense of water and adjustable seating working together are components that make for a stimulating environment. He stated that the issue of privatization needs to be studied. Councillor Carlone stated that public spaces need a lot of attention. He stated the need to create places for activity to occur where the decibel level is more reasonable. He stated that this could be added as one of the conditions of the Special Permit process. Regarding fees, he stated that the City could regulate them in a more positive way. He stated that urban design and planning can help the performers.

Marcien Toussaint stated that he has played mostly on the T. He stated that he has played in Harvard Square a few times but he stopped playing after 9/11 as the culture changed. He stated that most of the vendors on the T are from the Middle East. He stated that he sings in Creole. He noted the discrimination they face and that he faces. He explained that his license was revoked without any reason and businesses do not want performers in front of their businesses. He suggested that businesses be asked what type of performers they would like in front of their businesses. He stated that only the businesses can give authorization for performers when public spaces are so privatized.

Pete Cassani stated that he makes his living as a street performer. He stated that playing on the street is something that society doesn't really know what to do with. He said that people like it but the government and businesses don't know how to control it. He noted that it is always a struggle. He stated that when he first started playing in Harvard Square there was no Arts Council in place and no monitoring was taking place. He noted that at any given time there would be 25-30 performers all over Harvard Square. He stated that everyone would get a spot and respect each other and in turn, everyone made money. He commented that when the Arts Council first began sound monitoring the performers worked with them. He stated that when the decibel level was made lower than the sound of traffic, the performers would try to decrease their volume but it was nearly impossible. He stated that musicians have to play at a noise level lower than traffic and if they get fines every time they are too loud then they will not perform. He noted that musicians are not among the wealthiest groups of society. Mr. Cassani stated that this is the reason he loves Boston. He stated that he would not play in Harvard Square in the current situation. He explained that in his opinion the cost of the permit and the sizes of buildings have nothing to do with the conversation about lack of street performers. He feels that the reduction in performers is directly related to the Arts Council.

Councillor Mazen stated that his understanding, based on the conversation that has taken place thus far, is that performers would benefit from the decibel threshold being measured relative to background noise; more cooperation from businesses; and the hiring of a Community Arts Coordinator.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked the artists for their attendance at the meeting. He stated that he was a street performer as a teenager. He stated that he was in a group called the Cosmo Crew. He stated that one of the big issues is that the City needs to express its support for the arts. He stated that he feels that the arts are not encouraged in the school system. He stated that as the City continues to develop, it is important to create spaces for artists to perform. He commented that he sees this as one of the biggest weaknesses in the development that is taking place. He stated that Central Square as a Cultural District does not really have many areas that can be utilized by performers. He stated that there is the opportunity at the Volpe site to incorporate the arts. He stated that Caribbean Carnival takes place in Kendall Square but noted that Kendall Square is not meant to accommodate such a carnival. Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he would like to see the creation of public forums that accommodate festivals in the city. He stated that it is important to ensure that the Arts Council is friendly to the community.

Julie Barry noted that the Arts Council did not originate the Ordinance, which was a result of a class action lawsuit by the performers against the City. She noted that the Arts Council was asked by the License Commission to oversee all that the Ordinance requires. She added that the Arts Council did not implement the monitoring rules. Ms. Barry stated that the Arts Council is an advocate for the performers and is always willing to listen and assist the performers.

Councillor McGovern thanked Councillor Mazen for holding this hearing. He stated that there are certainly things that can be done policy-wise. He stated that it is great for Ms. Barry to be available to performers and suggested that there be way to formalize the conversation between the Arts Council and street performers. He asked Ms. Barry to look at ways in which communication between the street performers and those in charge to mitigate issues could be improved. Ms. Barry stated that additional staffing with additional hours may be able to help in mending bridges.

Tom Newell asked how the sound level of 80 decibels was determined.

Sharon Williamson stated that she has been street performer since 1982. She stated that she was a monitor for the Arts Council monitoring street performers from 2005-2011. She noted that she also was one of the original street performers who negotiated with the City of Cambridge to create the ordinance. She stated that the group worked with the City and for two weeks a group of musicians went out with City Councillors to many spots all over Harvard Square where performers were playing. She stated that they were conducting sound metering and tried to determine what would work for the City and what would work for the musicians. She pointed out that the street performers were very involved. She stated that mostly all of the group was happy with the 80 decibels at 50 feet criteria. She explained that when it was later changed to 80 decibels at 25 feet criteria, people were getting drowned out by traffic noise. She stated that she has great respect for her performer friends but her perspective is from a different place. She stated that she spent many years unhappy when she got drowned out and she did not feel protected. She stated that the First Amendment protects her rights as a performer but the First Amendment does not protect a performer's right to play as loud as they would like. She stated that monitors and sound level requirements are necessary for this reason. She stated that large bands can play between 75 and 80 decibels in The Pit and noted that she has seen this done. She added that although it can be difficult, it must be done because we are a community.

Mike Doyle stated that he has been performing in Boston and Cambridge since 2004. He stated that there are a lot of competing perspectives. He stated that he is surprised that he has not heard anything about paying musicians to be on the street. He asked why spaces cannot be designated and an allocation of funds be given. He stated that the City could book performers for specific locations at specific times. He stated that the City could ensure that Harvard Square looked the way it did in the 70's and 80's. He remarked that he would like resources allocated to get talent into the city. Mr. Doyle asked why monitors are not being hired out of the pool of street musicians as the music industry is being run by people who are not musicians.

Marcien Toussaint suggested talking to the businesses to hire performers.

Jane Wang stated that she has performed on the street, usually for one program "May is Dance Month" which was started by Rosanne Kraus.

Councillor Kelley stated that government is a very poor regulator of art. We can encourage spaces for art of all types: performing, visual, music, dance-but if one person or entity is regulating, it limits art to that subjective taste.

Councillor Kelley noted that we need a level playing field that is reasonable and enforced, but then performers have to figure out amongst themselves how to make it really work.

Al Miller stated that he began street performing in Australia. He noted that Harvard Square was known to be a place to perform and added that it was a famous spot for performers around the world. He stated that he performed from the mid-90's to 2006 in Harvard Square. He noted that there were fewer people at his shows in Harvard Square over time and added that during his performances, as he's starting to pick up steam, he would be approached and asked to show his permit by monitors. He stated that he now performs in Faneuil Hall. He then spoke of a potential street performers festival at Assembly Row.

Chien Hwe Carol Hong stated that she is a dancer. She stated her thanks to all who support arts in the community. She suggested that businesses hiring performers would perhaps be a win-win situation.

Councillor Mazen made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Arts Council and appropriate City departments to determine a decibel level that is relatively, in relation to ambient noise.

The motion passed.

Councillor Mazen made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine the feasibility of appropriating additional funding to the Arts Council to allow for the continuation of monitor work in the off-season.

The motion passed.

Councillor Mazen made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to discuss the costs and benefits of adding a Community Arts Coordinator with the view in mind of increasing the numbers of street performers in the City.

The motion passed.

Councillor Mazen made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to investigate ways in which to garner business cooperation, along with messaging and training, to make public spaces friendlier and more proactive as it relates to public performances.

The motion passed.

Councillor McGovern made the following motion:
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested confer with the City Solicitor with the view in mind of reviewing the Street Performers Ordinance and development of a plan wherein the Arts Council and the City work in conjunction with community artists to increase the number of street artists in the City.

The motion passed.

Councillor McGovern stated that the Finance Committee conducts budget meetings beginning in May and urged the street performers and residents to take part in the process by offering input to these important discussions. He stated that this an important way in which people can shape the way in which City money is spent. Councillor McGovern added that the Cambridge Public Schools has increased monies for arts.

Councillor Mazen thanked those present for their attendance and invited the attendees to stay and enjoy the upcoming performances that would take place at the conclusion of the hearing.

The hearing adjourned at 7:22pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen, Chair

Committee Report #4
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Aug 6, 2015 beginning at 5:37pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.70 entitled "Prohibition on the Use of Polystyrene Based Disposable Food Containers (ATTACHMENT A)

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen; Councillor Marc C. McGovern; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Arthur Goldberg, Deputy City Solicitor; John Nardone, Deputy Public Works Commissioner; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were Clint Richmond, Brookline; Emily Norton, 58 Prescott Street, Newton; Robert Winters, 366 Broadway; and Max Ingersoll, 120 Lakeview Avenue.

Vice Mayor Benzan convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that the committee would hear from City Staff and then public comment.

Deputy City Solicitor Goldberg stated that the ordinance text is based on other cities that have done this and parallels the plastic bag ordinance. Polystyrene products are recyclable but are costly and he recommended different language. In the definition section the Public Works Department would enforce the ordinance. He stated that disposable food containers in the definitions outlines the containers that are prohibited. He stated that definition # 4 will include the School Department and may require further discussion. The chapter will take effect 120 days after passage but if the City Council wanted this to be similar to plastic bags which was made to be effective in one year it would require an amendment. The exemptions in this ordinance is the same that is in the plastic bag ordinance.

John Nardone stated that Public Works discussed this ordinance with their processor. There is a market for this recycling. When this gets to recycling the polystyrene is already broken down and when it breaks down to small particles it is difficult to pick up.

Councillor McGovern asked if this bans all forms of polystyrene. Mr. Nardone stated that originated polystyrene is similar to a # 1 plastic this is processed as a plastic bottle. This is geared to food, plates, cups and clams shells. Deputy City Solicitor Goldberg pointed out that originated polystyrene is excluded. Mr. Nardone noted that this is because this can be recycled economically.

Councillor McGovern asked what the harmful impacts are and what the risk to ban all polystyrene are. Mr. Nardone stated that he cannot tell what the risks are and what can be recycled now; this is a bigger discussion. It is not just the local business issue. Councillor McGovern noted that this includes cups, lids, straws and stirrers and unprepared food packages on premises, included foam trays.

Councillor Carlone asked Deputy City Solicitor Goldberg why the School Department would not be included in this. He stated that maybe there is an estimate as to what this will add to the budget. He asked if there is an estimate. Deputy Solicitor Goldberg stated that maybe this is a matter for the school committee to weigh in. Mr. Nardone stated that the ordinance does include the School Department. He stated that there are budget impacts. He explained that biodegradable is 3 times more expensive. Councillor Carlone stated that this information is needed by the City Council to do this correctly.

Councillor Cheung spoke about this being an environmentally good thing to do. He stated that businesses and restaurants have shown that you can use environmental responsible packaging and be economically sound. He stated that the more cities that do this it puts pressure on contractors to make these products. He wanted to make this ordinance stronger. He stated that if this is done it will not cause adverse impacts. He wanted Cambridge to do something and not wait another 3 years.

Councillor Simmons asked how the plastic bag and polystyrene ordinance work does together. She further asked how will the impact to restaurants be minimized and how will outreach be done on the polystyrene ordinance. She stated her concern about the timing of two important pieces of legislation coming back to back. Mr. Nardone stated that there is an impact. More footwork needs to be done on "bring your own bag" ordinance. It is different with food services; businesses are more impacted. He stated that New York City passed a polystyrene ordinance. This will be a change for the small businesses. He stated that there is information about alternative products that can be used. Councillor Simmons noted that the impact of this is on the business owner rather than the user. She asked about engaging, educating and providing a time line for the small businesses. How will this affect the church fairs and festivals? She is very concerned about public outreach. She asked will there be an advisory committee. She stated that she wanted the rollout to be well thought out.

Councillor Mazen stated that he is for this immediately and for this be tweaked as suggested by the Sierra Club. He spoke about behavioral change from using these products.

Councillor Carlone stated that there is a new plastic made from potatoes that is biodegradable. The more the need the more there will be for this. He stated that cardboard containers can be used. He spoke about alternatives to polystyrene and how they are different and how are they used. He noted that the extra cost would be passed onto customers. Mr. Nardone stated that there are a number of alternatives such as cardboard, plastic utensils are made from potatoes that are biodegradable. He stated that if the ordinance is passed a list of alternatives would be provided for businesses.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked about the red solo cut submitted by the Sierra Club. Mr. Nardone stated that this is recyclable. He stated that plastic recyclables are not included in the ordinance. Vice Mayor Benzan stated that the intent of this ordinance would be to ban any products that are not recyclable. Deputy City Solicitor Goldberg stated that this is the intent of the ordinance but it is up to the City Council. Vice Mayor Benzan questioned what items you want to include in the ordinance.

Councillor McGovern responded cup lids, straws, stirrers and foam trays for unprepared foods. These are what other communities have done. He wanted this effective.

Vice Mayor Benzan opened public comment 6:16pm.

Clint Richmond, Legislative Action Committee, Massachusetts Sierra Club, 10 Milk Street, Boston, stated that the Sierra Club supports efforts to reduce plastic waste. He stated that the Sierra Club strongly supports restrictions on both foam and rigid polystyrene (ATTACHMENT B). He stated that there are eight cities with polystyrene bans and were also implementing plastic bag bans. Cambridge can lead the Commonwealth but will have to strengthen the ordinance. He had examples of the poly products (ATTACHMENT C). He stated that Styrofoam crumbles when it gets into the waste stream. He stated that Brookline pays for recycling. He stated that alternative products are readily available. He was surprised that Cambridge accepts plastic food containers in their recycling. He stated that Solo cups are polystyrene and he is surprised that Cambridge accepts this as recycling. He stated that the draft ordinance is good but the Sierra Club supports a stringent ban. He spoke about returning to traditional materials, such as washing trays and utensils. He stated that polystyrene is unsustainable even if it is recyclable.

Emily Horton, Massachusetts Sierra Club, Alderman in Newton, stated that this is a priority of the Sierra Club to reduce the toxins for the environment. Background information was provided on the laws and bylaws proposing a ban (ATTACHMENT D).

Councillor Carlone spoke about substitution for polystyrene; cost wise are the products the same cost. Mr. Richmond stated that looking at the cost is the worst way of looking at this issue. The cost is being borne by the municipality.

Councillor McGovern asked why it is important to include cups, lids, utensils and stirrers. Mr. Richmond stated that he wanted to switch to sustainable material. Councillor McGovern stated that people adjusts when they are pushed to use the alternatives. What has the transition been like in other communities? Mr. Richmond stated that in Brookline inspectors had pictures on their phones with the substitutes. He suggested banning will prevent their use.

Councillor Simmons stated that she favors this ordinance, but felt that churches and bazaars are the last to get the information about changes to ordinances. This ban needs to be financed in a way that is thoughtful. She spoke about putting people in the information stream that may not normally be in this stream. She wanted the information piece to be just as strong as the ordinance. Ms. Horton stated that more religious organizations are stepping up for environmental issues. She suggested asking churches how to get this information out to the public.

Councillor Cheung stated that polystyrene is a probable carcinogen. Solo cups if used in the microwaved is unhealthy for humans.

Robert Winters, 366 Broadway, spoke about philosophy. He served on the recycling committee. He stated that he has not used Styrofoam for decades and has not used plastic bags; he did not need a ban. He stated that companies have made the decision to move to more environmental products. He stated that best practices are established and urge people to following the best practices. He stated that he felt you do not ban first and he asked what will be next. He suggested education first; Cambridge is a smart place. He wanted due diligence and outreach and then ban.

Max Ingersoll and Grace McCartney, CRLS students, spoke about what can be done to make Cambridge an environmental city. Ms. McCartney she stated that Styrofoam trays are used for serving food to students. She stated that kindergarteners like to break up Styrofoam.

Mr. Ingersoll stated that there may be push back from restaurants. There is a Styrofoam ban in Somerville and there was push back. He stated an important part of implementing a ban in Cambridge is the outreach to the restaurants and doing a major bulk purchase and making a special green order to a retailer for these products.

At 6:47pm public comment was closed on a motion by Councillor Simmons.

Councillor Simmons stated that the students made a good point; as well as Mr. Winters. She spoke about the effect of an unfunded mandate for small businesses. She suggested a one year push back on the implementation and having education and outreach as the major thrust. She wanted an aggressive outreach and education commitment. She also wanted an advisory committee for complaints and how will fairs and festivals be handled.

At this time proposed amendments to Chapter 8.70 "Prohibition on the Use of Polystyrene Based Disposable Food Containers" were proposed.

Councillor McGovern moved that in definition # 3 in 8.70.030 in the last sentence strike out the words "does not" and "nor does" and insert the word "and" in place of the "nor does". The sentence would then read - This definition includes single-use disposable items such as straws, cup lids, or utensils and it includes single use disposable packaging for unprepared foods.

The motion carried on a voice vote of six members.

He stated that he would favor making this easy for smaller businesses.

Councillor Cheung moved that in definition # 4 in 8.70.030 that the following sentence be added at the end thereof: School cafeterias are included in this ordinance.

The motion carried on a voice vote of six member.

Councillor McGovern moved that in definition # 5 in 8.70.030 in the last sentence the word "not" be stricken. Sentence would then read - The term "polystyrene" shall include clear or solid polystyrene which is known as "oriented polystyrene".

The motion carried on a voice vote of six members.

Councillor Mazen agreed that the City should reach out to the community for coalition building. It is necessary to do comprehensive outreach. He stated that all environmental steps should be taken to keep all safe. He asked how outreach is improved. Councillor Cheung asked can outreach be done for this as well as plastic bags. Mr. Nardone stated that curb side recycling is being rolled out. It would be difficult to do at the same time. He would prefer what is submitted. Councillor McGovern asked why it would be hard to do outreach about both issues at the same time. Mr. Nardone stated that plastic bags does not just affect businesses; poly only affects businesses. He stated that businesses need time for preparation on this. He explained that with food there are licensing issues and there are more opportunities to educate and do outreach.

Councillor Cheung moved to strike out the last sentence in 8.70.020 and insert the following new sentence. Polystyrene food containers are expensive and impractical to recycle and are not biodegradable.

The motion carried on a voice vote of six members.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that there are small businesses that will have a hard time with all the changes at the same time. Cambridge alone cannot save the planet. Many behaviors are being changed at the same time.

NM stated that he is a small business owner and now will change his behavior for the "bring your own bag" ordinance. He stated that Cambridge must do the maximum, if not there may not be a Cambridge in 100 years.

Vice Mayor Benzan spoke about the unknown effect of the cost passed on to the consumer because there are no businesses here tonight. Councillor Carlone commented that this can be discussed at the City Council meeting; this is a committee hearing. The cost is minimal and the benefits are many.

Councillor McGovern moved to strike out the words "hundred and eight days" in 8.70.050 and insert the word "year" so that the sentence would read: The Chapter shall take effect one year from the date of enactment.

The motion carried on a voice vote of six members.

Councillor McGovern moved that the matter be referred to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation together with the proposed amendments.

The motion carried on a voice vote of five members. Councillor Toomey was recorded as "Present."

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked all those present for their attendance.

The hearing adjourned at 7:12pm on motion Councillor McGovern.

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Co-Chair
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair

Committee Report #5
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Aug 20, 2015 beginning at 5:40pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss a zoning petition filed by Elizabeth M. Stern, et al to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map by changing the current zoning designation of Lot 84 (2551 Mass. Avenue) and Lot 65 (7 Richard Avenue) on Assessing Block Map 186 from Business A-2 to Residence B and remove both from the MAOD and the NMAS and revise Article 20, Section 100-111.

Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen; Stuart Dash, Director, Community Planning, Community Development Department; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.

Also present were David Rogers, 18 Richard Avenue; Elizabeth Stern, 20 Cambridge Terrace; Pat DesRoches, 9 Richard Avenue; Sarah Bell, 19 Muller Avenue; Elizabeth Boyer, 26 Richard Avenue; Cynthia Barros, 477 S. Main Street; Mark Adams, 2517 Massachusetts Avenue; Charles Teague, 23 Edmonds Street; Robert Beerman, 16 Newman Street; Arie Yaacobi, 12 Richard Avenue; John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street; Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue; and Robert LaTremouille.

Vice Mayor Benzan convened the hearing and explained the purpose. He stated that the meeting is being audio and video recorded. He asked the petitioners to come forward. He announced that the Attorney Sean Hope and the property owner would not be present at the hearing.

Representative Rogers had a PowerPoint presentation. This is a petition to change zoning at 2551 Massachusetts Avenue and 7 Richard Street. He stated that the developer and Attorney Hope are well respected and there is hope that there will be reasonable resolution. He stated that to date there has been no changes made to the plan except modest ascetic changes from clapboard to brick. The fundamental design of the plan, the scale and design has not changed or been modified. The petitioners have come to the City Council seeking help. He stated that a modest change is being asked for a tiny street, Richard Avenue which consists of six houses. This is a quiet area, a dead end and a special residential area. It is a two family district with one C-3 zone for senior housing. He stated that businesses struggle to thrive at this location. There is little foot traffic. He had a map of the proposed change to 2551 Massachusetts Avenue and 7 Richard Avenue. He spoke about the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District. The final parcel on the right hand side of Massachusetts Avenue is not zoned this way. He stated that the zoning only extends to the Massachusetts Avenue side. He gave a verbal tour of the neighborhood. He stated that the streets are one-block long streets; not through streets with two family homes. He stated that most homes were built in 1910-1920. He noted that retail space has been vacant in this area. He commented that the zoning went too far up Massachusetts Avenue. He spoke about what does not fit in the neighborhood. He spoke about the proposed development; a 4 story modern looking building that is enormous for the neighborhood. He stated that because this is the last parcel in the overlay district the next parcel down Massachusetts Avenue is residential. He stated that per the zoning ordinance the building has to step down. This is a small lot with two zoning districts bumping into each other and as a result the proposed development is poorly designed. He stated that the neighbors are trying to work with the developer, but not the proposal which is out of character with the neighborhood. The developer has asked for a special permit to make the retail smaller which he felt will fail because it is smaller. The neighbors want the developer to lower the building one story and make design changes. He stated that if there is another zoning that will work better than Residential B the neighbors will work with developer and the City. If the top floor were removed the developer would make money and make the neighborhood happy. He urged the City Council to encourage the developer to work with the neighbors. He cited that the purpose of the zoning is to lessen congestion. He stated that the developer bought the property as is without an environmental review and this is now impacting the neighborhood because of the cost to remediate. The developer wants to make the development bigger because of the cost to remediate.

Elizabeth Stern, 20 Cambridge Terrace, stated that she owns 7 Richard Avenue, the only three decker on the street. She spoke about the overlay zoning on Massachusetts Avenue which requires ground floor retail allows an as-of-right height of 50 feet. This puts the developer of 2551 Massachusetts Avenue between a rock and a hard place. The intent of the overlay zoning is to incentivize a mix of retail and residential to create a vibrant area. She stated that the Planning Board recommended that the Stern petition not be passed and urged residents and developer to work out a solution. She stated that the neighborhood would be happy with a 3 story 35 foot building. The developer wants underground parking. She stated that retail is not wanted on Richard Avenue. She asked the City Council to help find a solution for developer, residents. Ms. Stern's comments are attached (ATTACHMENT A).

Sarah Bell, 19 Muller Avenue, stated that 2551 Mass. Avenue is a school bus stop for kids and it is a pedestrian nightmare this corner on Massachusetts Avenue. A safe pedestrian pathway needs to be created here. It is important that the City embrace this to make it a reasonable development and make the area pedestrian safe. She stated that the developer has been deaf to the concerns of the neighbors about the height of the building.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked city staff to come forward. Stuart Dash, CDD, stated that the Planning Board heard the petition and felt that more work could be done on the proposal. The developer and neighbors need to do more work and need to work together. The Planning Board felt it was not appropriate to rezone the area to Residential B and to figure out a better way to work with this site. He added that City staff would also be part of this process.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked the City Council for their comments.

Councillor McGovern asked why the developer was not present at the hearing. Vice Mayor Benzan responded that there was a scheduling conflict. Councillor McGovern stated that height and density is based on the location of the height and the density. He stated that this is a buffer zone on Massachusetts Avenue and is a funny place. He stated that this is a hard conversation to have without the developer present. He spoke about the compromise made on the Masse site. He is hopeful that this compromise process will happen here, but there is no commitment from the developer to work with the residents. He suggested that the developer work with the residents and come back to the City Council.

Councillor Carlone stated that this is another Masse site approach and the City Council will encourage all to work this out. There are things that could be done to better balance all the interests. He stated that retail district stopped at Cottage Park Avenue and Clarendon Avenue and was extended in the 1940 for gas stations and not for active retail space. He stated that ideally retails wants to be on both sides of the street. He stated that the Masse compromise created a better building. There are ways to make the building have a more residential feel. He agreed with getting all parties together to come to compromise.

Councillor Mazen stated that the most important aspect is the willingness for all parties to work together in good faith for a better building. He stated that he did not understand why there was no representation for the developer present at this hearing. He stated that when housing is treated as a financial instrument as in this case with little community benefit and value. He is not inclined at all to care about this project. He is not interested in this project making money. If the idea is just to buy a parcel and flip it he stated that housing cannot be created this way. He stated that he is disinclined to care about the developer's project and the economic forces in which the developer works.

Vice Mayor Benzan opened the hearing to public comment at 6:16pm.

Charles Teague, 23 Edmonds Street, stated that the area is an oasis. He stated that there is no creativity with this project. He stated that area is dead as it relates to retail. There is no foot traffic and the area struggles with retail. He does not think taking the top story off of the building will make a difference. He stated that the zoning ordinance is a mess and this building is just an example of this fact. He spoke about need for 3d models. He stated that every year the City Council should clean up the zoning ordinance.

Michael Brandon, 27 Seven Pines Avenue, Clerk, North Cambridge Stabilization Committee, stated that the neighborhood association members have signed the Stern petition asking the City Council to protect the neighborhood by rezoning these properties in a way that makes more sense. What is currently there not is not working. The zoning ordinance is encouraging a crazy building at these two parcels. He stated that the building is clumsy and misshapen. This building is trying to fit as most development as possible that steps down at the side rather than at the rear. He stated that in his opinion the appropriate zoning is Residence B. He stated that the Massachusetts Avenue overlay district was created in 1986 and was modified to require ground floor retail. He stated that the B-A2 zoning has been here for half a century. The overlay district was created so that ugly building would not be built in this area on Massachusetts Avenue. This parcel should not been included in the overlay district. He stated that the neighbors have tried to meet with the developer and his Attorney. They have meet with the neighbors but have made no changes. The parcel is devoted to parking; it is a car centric project. He stated that the neighbors are willing to meet to develop a compromise that will benefit all. They wanted a similar Masse settlement. He stated that the architect is working under the existing zoning. He stated Planning Board was critical of the project as proposed - you cannot have all the parking, units and the small retail space on this small lot. He submitted additional signatures for the Stern petition. He was informed that the signatures will be submitted to the City Council on the Communication List for the Sept 21, 2015 City Council meeting.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked all the residents. The City Council has heard them loud and clear. He stated that the building is out of character for the area. He strongly urged the residents to meet with the developer and the Attorney to create a compromise that will work out for the best.

Councillor McGovern asked if this remains in committee if it is possible that a letter be drafted by the members present that it is strongly encouraged that the developer and the Attorney meet with the residents. Vice Mayor Benzan explained that he has spoken with Attorney Hope and he will reach out to the community soon.

Councillor Mazen stated that the strongest message with an absentee developer is to refer this back to the City Council with a favorable recommendation as ammunition in the pockets of the neighborhood. This will encourage the Planning Board's and the City Council's expectation for consensus.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he felt that this is not ready to go forward with a favorable recommendation. He recommended that this matter be left in committee and reconvene another hearing with all parties in the room.

Councillor Mazen stated that this needs to be passed back to the City Council with a favorable recommendation and that everything will unfold as anticipated. He stated that without additional ammunition the matter may stagnate a little too long. At this time Councillor Mazen moved that the matter be referred to the City Council with a favorable recommendation.

Councillor McGovern noted that this could cause more harm than good. There are four members here that want to see something worked out. This may create hostility. He favored more room for collaboration. Vice Mayor Benzan noted that the petition does not expire until Nov 18, 2015 so there is time. Councillor McGovern stated that if this is forwarded to the full City Council and if defeated then you have nothing.

Councillor Carlone suggested each City Councillor should write to the developer and Attorney Hope and state their position. Each member of the City Council took time to be at the hearing to discuss this issue with affects their property and they are not here. He stated that a junior person could have attended this hearing. It is insulting that no one from the development team is here.

Councillor Mazen wanted to make the developer understand that their absence and the community presence would provide momentum towards consensus building. He does not think it will come up for a vote and will only be voted if the votes are there. He does not think it will come up for a vote and fail. He felt pausing now will be better than later.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that if the City Council rejects the petition and the Planning Board rejects the petition the petition cannot be refiled for two years. Vice Mayor Benzan stated that the developer and Attorney Hope are being strongly urged to meet with the neighborhood and create consensuses for a building that is in character of the neighborhood. Vice Mayor Benzan recommended that the matter be kept in committee and strongly encourage the developer and the Attorney to meet with the neighborhood immediately to create consensuses for a building that is in character of the neighborhood.

Councillor McGovern stated that he strives for collaboration and conversation. He stated that this body did not have an opportunity to speak to the developer so he wants an opportunity to talk with the developer and if this does not happen he will not be willing to be understanding. He stated that people rearrange things all the time, if it is important enough. He noted that it is unfortunate that the developer is not here this evening; it is problematic. Councillor McGovern stated that he preferred keeping the matter in committee. He wants to see significant movement by the developer. He stated that he will not be in favor of the same design.

Mayor Maher stated that the expectation was that the developer would meet with resident. He was disappointed that this did not happen. It is his expectation that this will happen posthaste. He stated that there has never been a time when a zoning petition has been filed that the developer has been unwilling to meet with the petitioners. He would strongly encourage the developer to meet with the residents who are concerned with their homes and the integrity of the neighborhood. He noted that the North Cambridge area has seen significant changes over the years and whatever the City Council can do to work with residents to look at this. He stated that the request here is not ridiculous. There is a dialogue to be had and there can be a better plan for the neighborhood with a good conclusion. He spoke about leaving the matter in committee. He further stated that if the developer does not meet with the residents he will support the petition as filed.

Councillor Carlone questioned Mr. Dash about the Planning Board's responsibility for reviewing projects varies; what is the design review on this project. Mr. Dash stated that the petitioners are seeking a special permit so the Planning Board requires design review. He further explained that the Planning Board reviewed the building and gave a detailed critique of the building. Councillor Carlone asked if CDD meets with the developer about design issues. Mr. Dash explained that the Planning Board was clear that the developer should meet with the residents and not return to the Planning Board until this occurred. He stated that CDD offered assistance and it was accepted by the development team.

Councillor Mazen restated that if this went to the full City Council it would not be voted on immediately and in the worst case it could be placed on the table and visited at a later time to give the parties and opportunity to meet. He stated that it is naive to think that the developer will come to the table because the City Council wants then to. If this passes forward today he felt that the developer will be more likely to meet with the neighbors.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that there is a precedent and that is the Masse situation. He does not see why this cannot happen for this petition.

Vice Mayor Benzan moved that this matter remain in committee and that the developer and his attorney is strongly encouraged and urged to meet with the neighbors and to ensure whatever building is constructed is within the character of the neighborhood. Vice Mayor Benzan requested a roll call which resulted as follows:
YEAS: Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillors Carlone and McGovern and Mayor Maher -4
NONE: - 0
ABSENT: Councillors Cheung, Kelley, Simmons and Toomey -4
PRESENT: Councillor Mazen - 1
and the motion carried.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked all those present for their attendance.

The meeting adjourned at 6:50pm on motion of Councillor McGovern.

The following e-mails were received and made part of the report as follows:
Communication from Carolyn Hoffman, 100 Reed Street, not supporting making the building smaller and without retail. (ATTACHMENT B).
Communication from Mark Goldberg and Phyllis Emsig, 17 Foch Street, in support of the Stern petition (ATTACHMENT C).
Communication from Margaret E. Danehy, 19 Richard Avenue, in support of the Stern petition (ATTACHMENT D).
Communication from Cynthia Barros supporting building a new development in North Cambridge (ATTACHMENT E).
Communication from Mariagnese Cattaneo, 17 Richard Avenue, stated that the planned project is not conducive to the character of the neighborhood (ATTACHMENT F).
Communication from Walter and Janet DeGuglielmo, in support of the Stern petition (ATTACHMENT G).
Communication from Marie Gannon, 15 Richard Avenue, in support of the Stern petition (ATTACHMENT H).
Communication from Kathleen Aguero, 3 Gladstone Street, in support of the Stern petition (ATTACHMENT I).
Communication from Philip Anderson, 30 Churchill Avenue, in support of the Stern petition (ATTACHMENT J).

For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Co-Chair
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair

Committee Report #6
The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee held a public hearing on Sept 8, 2015 at 6:10pm in the Sullivan Chamber.

The purpose of the hearing was to discuss implementing a minimum wage of $15 an hour.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen, Chair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan; Councillor Dennis J. Carlone; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Marc McGovern; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor; Dan Schwartz; Neal Alpert; Wil Durbin; Maritza Merino; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.

Also present at the hearing were Robert Winters, Shaun Kennedy, Dazza Greenwood, Rebecca Lopez, Steve Kerlin, Will Beman, Angela Douyon, Marie Charles, Manjo Paddy, Abdu Salem, Sudeep Yadav, Hassan Asad, James Williamson, Dave Slaney, Brennan Carroll, Tony Smith, Lee Ferris, Jenna Benson, Erica Miranda, Naomi Zingman Daniels, Nora Dugree, Mackinley Celestin, and Wes McEnany.

Councillor Mazen gave an overview of the agenda for the meeting (Attachment A). He stated that this is a start. Anyone who is concerned that it is anything other than a start can lay those fears to rest. He stated that this is a start to raise procedural questions and a start for a more comprehensive wage justice in the city. It is about dignity, health and well-being of workers. He stated that there is no attendee against a fair minimum wage. He stated that there will be a lot of interim meetings to understand how to get to a fair minimum wage. He stated that in places that already have a $15 minimum wage or have just passed such measures, many had fears when they jumped from $9 to $12. Economically the research shows there is no substantial increase in unemployment when raising the minimum wage-when done so in line with half the area median wage. He stated that there is an exciting but untested positive and upside due to workers having more pay and there is a lack of downside. He stated that there are laws on the state level that are exciting and supportive of this work. He stated that there will be plenty of time to talk about FAQs.

Opened public comment at 6:16pm.

Rebecca Lopez, Operations Manager of The Just Crust, spoke on behalf of the owner. She thanked the COC for support and encouragement of its mission. She stated that they believe workers should earn a fair wage and reward their hard work.

Steve Kerlin, Zani Restaurant, stated that this would affect his restaurant. Tipped employees are averaging well above 15 per hour. He stated that his employees would average $73,000 per year at the higher minimum wage. He stated that when they opened they were on level playing field. They looked at other locations and wanted to come to Cambridge. He stated that when someone comes into work if required to start at 15 per hour, that money has to come from somewhere. He stated that the majority of his staff does not live in Cambridge. When we increase this fee, there are taxes and payroll fees that will increase. He stated that small independent businesses run on small margin with high risk to open. He stated that every one of their employees is paid more than the current minimum wage. He stated that they offer benefits such as meal discounts and tuition reimbursement, to take care of their workers. Servers average 20 per hour in tips without pay, anyway.

Will Beman stated that if the minimum wage were the same today that it was in 1968, adjusted for inflation and increased in worker productivity, it would be at least $15 per hour. He stated that the majority of jobs affected are in the service industry so they are not in danger of being outsourced, and because they are in competition with each other, a higher wage would likely come out of corporate profits rather than as an added cost passed down to customers. He stated that taxpayers right now are subsidizing corporate employers who choose to pay their workers poverty wages in the form of supplemental aid programs. .

Angela Douyon, Dunkin Donuts on Dana and Mass, stated that $15 per hour could make a big change in her life. She stated that $9 per hour does not cut it. She stated that it would be appreciated if the minimum wage could increase. She stated that CEO makes a lot of money and this type of wage increase would be helpful for those who cannot afford less.

Councillor Mazen stated that the CEO of Dunkin Donuts made $22 million last year.

Wid stated that he works at Panera and makes $9.50 per hour. There is no way that he can afford to live at all on such a wage, especially if he is not getting 40 hours. He stated his support for $15 minimum wage.

Jasmin stated that she works at Dunkin Donuts. She works for $9.50. She stated her support for a $15 minimum wage.

Frantz Denis stated that he works at Dunkin Donuts. He stated that it is very hard to care for himself and pay bills while taking care of his family. He stated that he is a student as well. He asked the committee to increase the minimum wage to $15.

Marie Charles, Malden, stated that she works for $11.11. It is not enough because she has 5 children. She does not have enough money to pay her bills. She stated that she cannot afford to live alone. She would like $15 please. She serves the elderly in Cambridge.

Abdu Salam, Cambridge, stated that he has worked for Eastern Security for 4 years. He is paid 9.50 per hour. He stated that all of the employees make 9.50. There are no benefits. He stated $15 would benefit him.

Manjo Pandy stated that she worked at Dunkin Donuts for two years. She makes $9 per hour. She stated that $15 would benefit her family.

Sudeep Yadav, works at Dunkin Donuts at Kendall. He stated that he is paid $9 per hour and it is not enough. He stated that he cannot pay monthly rent. He stated his support for $15 per hour.

Hassan Asad stated that he lives at 176 Prospect Street. He stated that the minimum wage should be $16-18 per hour. He commented that he has a Master's degree, and that working for such a low rate depletes his self-worth. He stated that $9-11 does not work, he supports $15.

James Williamson, 1000 Jackson Place, stated that he has been strong supporter of raising minimum wage to $15 per hour. He stated that Cambridge has a Living Wage Ordinance which is different from the minimum wage. He stated that there is a calculation and formula. Cambridge comes up with the living wage for the purposes of the ordinance, and that this wage is what is necessary to live in Cambridge. Current living wage in Cambridge is $14.95 per hour. There are a lot of exemptions and waivers allowed but the idea is that if you work with the city or have contracts with the city, you are expected to page a living wage. He stated that his experience is that people who make minimum wage, in his experience, run when they leave at midnight to get on subway to get to place where they can make connection to get home. He stated that these people are getting minimum wage. He stated that Dunkin Donuts is 1/3 publicly traded stock, 1/3 by Bain Capital and 1/3 by the Carlisle Group. He stated that there is no question that entities such as Dunkin Donuts can afford to pay more. He stated that the person who was the chair of the Living Wage Ordinance was the Government Relations person for the COC. He stated that there was an opinion for City Solicitor and the issue is whether Cambridge would have to ask for Home Rule Petition. If all that is required is that Cambridge submit a Home Rule Petition to have the authority to do this, what are we waiting for?

Sam, 286 Franklin Street, stated that he is not against increasing the minimum wage but the question is if raising the minimum wage would help the people and the COC. He believes the answer is no. He stated that if you pay higher wages, you pass it on to customers. He believes you are not helping the consumer in any fashion. It is his opinion that small businesses cannot afford to pay a higher wage. There has to be discussion. He claims that most people who wait on tables are students. These students have money or make money. He stated that we must be practical and do what is right.

Dave Slaney, 237 Norfolk Street, Living Wage Committee, stated that he admires the courage of the participants to come tonight to speak. He stated that the Living Wage Ordinance was passed unanimously in 2000. 3 current councillors were on at that time and voted for the Living Wage Ordinance. He stated that the purpose was to earn an hourly wage that would support a family of 4. The Living Wage is indexed to inflation. It is now at 14.95 and will be above $15 next February. He stated that when the City Council passed the ordinance they were making a clear statement that the city will use its control to ensure that no one working in Cambridge makes less than a living wage. He stated that he does not believe that we were bold enough at the time. Things have changed dramatically in the country. He stated that the key thing is for the City Council to unanimously and strongly state that it is the will of the City Council that anyone working in Cambridge get the Living Wage and communicate the same to the City Manager.

Councillor Mazen thanked Dave Slaney for his remarks and made a note of the wording of his suggested statement of support.

Brennan Carroll, Jamaica Plain, works at a non-profit. He stated that the problem he sees is that people have still been homeless while fully employed. Raising the minimum wage to $15 is a necessity. People are living in shelters while being fully employed. He stated his support for an increase.

Tony Smith works with men who come home from incarceration. He stated that raising the minimum wage to $15 hour is the right thing to do as it relates to public safety. He stated that data shows that reoffending is decreased for those that make a decent wage. He stated that for the sake of personal dignity and city economics, our community should raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Lee Ferris, 269 Norfolk Street, stated that of the people she heard speak, a point that she did not hear made is who is earning minimum wage now. Those folks are not the stereotype that people think of. The majority of them are women who are heads of households and people of color. Many people earning the current minimum wage are people who are already disadvantaged. When thinking about who it benefits, it is important to have good understanding of who that is. That then goes for families that are headed by women with children, a higher wage benefits the child. If there is a possibility of 2 parents earning a minimum wage of $15, then you can start to actually have a functioning household that has money to raise children without public assistance. She stated that it also benefits the state because if a person earns more, they receive less public benefits. She stated that it is a ripple effect. She stated that it is economically beneficial to society as a whole. She stated that people in Cambridge would be happy to know that their coffee is being made by someone who is not impoverished.

Jenna Benson, Dunkin Donuts, stated that she spoke on behalf of a co-worker and stated her support for a $15 minimum wage.

Don stated his support for minimum wage. His message is that there are a lot of people in his neighborhood that share the same concerns.

Erica Miranda, 142 Cherry St, stated that she grew up in Cambridge and she works for Harvard. She stated her hope for the opportunity to raise a family in Cambridge, which is becoming impossible.

Naomi Zingman Daniels stated that sanitary issues are compromised. These are people who may not have job that pays above $9 hour even once they graduate. Most people on minimum wage are heads of household, women and adults, not just teenagers.

Nora Dugree, Central Square, stated that the stories are hard to listen to. Our values are to offer neighbors and community workers a fair wage. She stated that we want to increase parents' abilities to spend more time with their children.

Mackinley Celestin, works in Cambridge and is father of three. He stated that minimum wage of $15 is a good idea. He works very hard for his children and has family in Haiti. He stated that he has been working a minimum wage job for many years.

At this time, approximately 15-20 audience members expressed their support for a $15 minimum wage but chose not to speak individually at this time.

Councillor Mazen stated that people come from all over the world trying to make it in Cambridge, economically. It needs to be noted and known what kind of minimum wage stories abound. This is the working class of our city. Minimum wage workers of all kinds make up much of Cambridge and represents one of the largest economic blocks in the world. He stated his hope that we take into consideration small businesses, and look to the cities that have already passed similar measures as inspiration.

He stated that San Francisco went to $12.50 with carve outs for collective bargaining. San Jose increased minimum wage with collective bargaining carve-outs. Seattle broke out small vs. large businesses. Washington D.C. and Oakland raised the wage to $12.25 recently. New York is also currently looking at raising the wage to $15 for fast food workers. He stated that one of the models for tipped workers allows for a compromise - where tipped workers are only paid $15 an hour by their employer if their tips fail to reach that amount. There are ways to handle this and be fair. He stated that many of the academic and empirical research studies that are taking place are coming to consensus that employment does not falter when cost is passed on to consumers. He stated that when he was living on $10 per day for the live the wage challenge, he did not purchase local goods as he was unable to afford them. The only stores he could go to were chain stores and only bought unhealthy food.

Councillor McGovern thanked all for sharing stories. He stated Mr. Slaney that as part of the NLC, they spent time talking to Seattle about what they did. Cambridge was highlighted for Living Wage Ordinance. He stated that this is the start of the conversation. This is complicated and there are differing legal opinions. When looking at Seattle, they did it quickly (4-5 months for process) but it included stakeholders from all walks of life. They were able to come up with a plan that could hold up to legal challenge and pass with broad support. He stated that if anyone knows about the state legislature, the easiest thing to do is kill a Home Rule Petition. Filing a Home Rule Petition is half-baked and not well thought out. It will make killing the petition easier. The "why wait" response is to make sure that they have something that will stick and not be challenged. He stated that there is a will. The City Council has a long tradition of supporting workers. He stated that within the first 2 months of being in office, all 4 new councillors were walking picket lines with workers at Lesley University and the Doubletree Hotel. He stated that there are many people who are touched by this issue in different ways. Councillor Denise Simmons is a single mother, Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan lived in public housing, and Councillor Marc McGovern works with low income people. He stated that this is towards the goal of getting to a place where minimum wage can be raised. He is Chair of the Mayors Income Insecurity Commission. The COC did a poverty study a year ago. The federal guidelines are irrelevant to Cambridge. He stated that for a family of 4 to live service free (just to pay bills and not be on public assistance) they must make $108,000. For a single person it was $58,000. He stated that $15 is not enough in many ways. We have to think about other ways to increase. If $15 takes away other services, that is a problem - must be in combination with Affordable Housing, and universal childcare for example. Just raising to $15 is not enough. The question is finding the road to get there. He is pleased to have the conversation and looks forward to the process.

Councillor Mazen asked if there is a version of Mr. Slaney's proposal regarding the support of $15 minimum wage that could be passed as a motion at the meeting. Councillor McGovern stated that there are 2 motions that are clear and easy which is support senate bills and support to representatives. An appropriate motion to come out of first meeting is to offer that support.

Councillor Mazen stated that the City Manager should begin conversations and form a working group with broad range of stakeholders to work towards raising minimum wage to $15 per hour.

Councillor McGovern stated that we need the people sitting around the table.

Councillor Carlone stated that the City Council present in the meeting and also rest of City Council supports this. Both of his parents had 2 jobs. He saw his parents on the weekends. Those were times when money would go further and they were able to make a decent living. That experience still leaves an imprint on him. He stated that pre-primary education and daycare are important to discuss as well. On NPR he heard that a speaker who said "What is the rightful wage?" That is the discussion that will come out of this in the long term. He fully supports the intent coming forth.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked SEIU and members of community for taking time to be here. This is an important issue. He stated that the income equality gap is significant in the country. Cambridge is committed to making sure that families can provide a roof to live under and food on the table. He stated that he would like clear the obstacles to increase the minimum wage. He asked City Solicitor to give sense of potential difficulty. He stated that conversation was had in June of 2014. There was a Policy Order asking City Manager to look into raising minimum wage by ordinance. They received City Solicitor opinion which stated that it would be incredibly difficult because the City Council did not have the authority to do so, by ordinance.

Councillor Mazen stated that we need to take vote before Councillor Carlone needs to leave. There will be discussion that shows that there is legal potential.

Vice Mayor Benzan suggested that the City Council put together working group made up of community members, small businesses, and employers to look at $15 minimum wage.

Councillor Mazen stated that he would also like there to be a task force under the guidance of the City Manager which would utilize language akin to that of Mr. Slaney's along with research from the City Solicitor defining how to achieve a $15 minimum wage, as well as inclusion of all stakeholders represented in proportion to attendance at the meeting.

Councillor Mazen suggested that a policy order should include wording that the City Manager would assemble and convene a task force with the view in mind of achieving $15 minimum wage in Cambridge with all stakeholders represented proportionately.

Vice Mayor Benzan asked whether or not Ms. Peterson suggests that this work be taken on by City Council or the City administration.

Ms. Peterson stated that the city administration has a full plate. She thinks it is hard for a task force to move on issues without input from City administration. There are a lot of questions that we need answers to. Some of those fundamental questions should be answered first.

Nancy Glowa stated that the question that was asked before was whether there could be a minimum wage ordinance. The response was no. She stated that the policy order did not ask questions regarding if there were other legal means to achieve the goal. She stated the City Solicitor could provide the City Council with the legal framework, which the task force should follow. Ms. Glowa has not looked at other options for implementation. She would welcome hearing theories that may be useful and applicable. They have not looked at questions of doing anything to achieve any other particular goals. This may be helpful.

Councillor Kelley stated that the lawyer in him is worried about definitions. He stated that the order - he thinks that a more defined description of stakeholders is necessary, along with who the minimum wage would be increased for, and a request that the City Manager come back with more useful legal options. He encouraged refinement of what we are asking the City Manager to do.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that Policy Order from last year and City Solicitor opinion were reviewed by the Economic Development Committee. It was the pleasure of City Council, through Economic Development Committee, to discuss the report. That would provide more guidance. He questioned what the alternative would look like based on the City Manager and City Solicitor's opinions. That is not clear to him. Would like better understanding of authority of City of Cambridge to raise minimum wage.

Councillor Mazen stated that it would be easy to do basic motion of asking for Task Force under City Manager.

Councillor McGovern made the following motions:
ORDERED: That the City Solicitor report back to the City Council, in as timely a fashion as possible, on all available legislative and executive pathways for implementing a $15 minimum wage within the City of Cambridge.
ORDERED: That the City Manager, in conjunction with the Chairs of the Economic Development & University Relations Committee and the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committee, convene a task force of proportionately represented stakeholders to address how best to implement a $15 minimum wage in Cambridge.

The motions passed.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that on Oct 13th there will be a hearing at State House to discuss Bill S1022 sponsored by Senator Wolf. This is an effort that will take the entire state and it is important to hear stories.

Councillor Kelley asked about definition for fear that we are asking City Manager an overly broad question which will cause concern for small businesses. He does not know where MSYEP may fit in or local bike shops. He suspects better answer for city staff if we can refine what we are asking.

Councillor Mazen stated that he would start by advancing the tipped worker idea where you have to achieve $15 an hour for workers, including tips, and the difference would need to be made up by employers, is a good starting point for potential carve-outs. He does not know how to regulate an income based threshold for small versus large businesses, given that this was challenged in court when Seattle did so. Could potentially allow for small- or new- business carve out.

Councillor McGovern stated that if you look at the ballot question for paid sick leave, it is any business with under 25 employees that is exempt. He is not sure how they got to that but he anticipates that something like this could be similar. He knows that when this has happened in other places studies were conducted, and we would have act similarly.

Councillor Kelley stated that maybe city staff could let us know if this needs to be refined. We don't want the policy to be too broad but we also don't want to drive small local businesses out of business. He wants to understand how to legally construct something that mitigates the definition.

Councillor Mazen stated that many businesses that rely on minimum wage workers, the prices to consumers don't increase as much as you would think with a higher minimum wage. A wage jump might be as little as a 2% increase in cost of goods sold.

Lisa Peterson stated that carving out small businesses may bring about other questions.

Councillor McGovern recommended that questions be forwarded to the task force.

Councillor Mazen stated that research shows that employers have better employee retention when they pay a higher minimum wage.

Dazza Greenwood, 16 Van Dyne Street, Cambridge, stated that he came because of the importance of minimum wage in Cambridge. He stated that he has read the City Solicitor's opinion and that he used to work for the State on matters of preemption. He stated that this is more complex than he thought. He stated that he wants to underscore Councillor McGovern's motion about the importance of engaging with the City Solicitor to reveal what the issues and options might be, and that we should extend the relationship between client and attorney as far as possible in order to achieve this. He stated that paths may be a good place to go during the stage setting period that is occurring. He stated that he wants to encourage the committee to do the hard work of convening a taskforce of stakeholders and understanding the economics. He stated that legal experts should be invited to take part. He stated that he is proud to see the city take the position that it has.

Vice Mayor Benzan made the following motion:
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of Senate Bill 1022 and House Bill 1773.

The motion passed.

Councillor Mazen thanked those present for their attendance.

The hearing adjourned at 7:55pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen, Chair

Committee Report #7
The Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee and the Economic Development and University Relations Committee conducted a joint public hearing to bring the STEAM working group together to develop strategies and timelines for summer research on June 29, 2015 at 1:00pm in the Community Room at the Cambridge Public Library.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked everyone for continuing to be here. The purpose of the meeting was to figure out how to work better with the community and corporations going into the fall. Vice Mayor Benzan is looking forward to continuing and pushing this work forward.

City Councillor Mazen said he wanted to give some historical context. The working group started by merging competing groups under the vice mayor. They wrote a four page report on STEAM education and the city manager committed a million dollars. The working group convened and presented records to the City Council. City Councillor Mazen hopes for this to become a model and for a coordinating office to work on forming the best practices. However, there is no singular inventory of opportunities. They are exploring how to meet with people and learners who are the beneficiaries of programs. Of the millions dollars, the first $200,000 was appropriated. This money is now ‘in play' and ready for use now. City Councillor Mazen then recognized Ms.Nolan of the Cambridge School Committee. City Councillor Mazen hopes to get the following accomplished: First, determine how community outreach will work. Second, meet with a group that does neighborhood stewardship and ask how they employ and activate Cambridge's youth. City Councillor Mazen has already talked to the Kendall Square Association about offsetting development goals with sustainable street work. City Councillor Mazen then asked how the STEAM coordination office will work. He said they should give the city manager some guidance for the hiring process. Third, they must structure the insight around what a STEAM office should look like; this should be done by Aug 10th. Traditionally, there have been four groups within the working group. The best practices are determining who would be a good coordinator, creating internships, ensuring opportunities are high quality, initiating community outreach, and determining messaging. Learners should meet with each group.

Vice Mayor Benzan wanted to add that this is mainly "the dessert". The main priority should be in schools, focusing on math college prep sequence. Communities of color need to be taking algebra by 8th grade. The STEAM Working group is filling a need, and Vice Mayor Benzan said they need to invest in the school side, specifically investing more in mathematics education. Vice Mayor Benzan added that the public outreach should focus on reaching out to universities. He then noted members from the university community present. Vice Mayor Benzan noted that people need to work together, coordinate better, and they need more ideas from the community. Vice Mayor Benzan noted he gets calls from neighborhoods asking why Kendall square and the Cambridge Innovation Center isn't doing enough.

City Councillor Mazen reflected on a pedagogical difference with Vice Mayor Benzan. He taught remedial math - "algebra for students who failed algebra"- to underachieving students in charter school. He ended up teaching calculus and they did extremely well. City Councillor Mazen said this is the time for experimentation, but it needs to be substantive. City Councillor Mazen concluded that the work should be showing students the context in which their math is useful.

Mr. Patrick Tai was new there and wanted to ask basic questions. He taught middle school students for a year and a half. He wanted to focus on details. Mr. Tai asked how they could solve problems without knowing why they are learning to do so in the first place. He believed things need to be taught the right way by moving from rote memorization to passion-based learning. He then asked what STEAM stood for.

City Councillor Mazen told him "A" is for arts. City Councillor Mazen believes to be a good artist, you need to know measurements/technical skills, and vice versa; all components feed in.

School committee member Nolan wanted to thank everyone for pushing this forward and acknowledged the school committee's involvement. She noted that Mrs. Nancy Tauber is involved in coordinating. School committee member Nolan then said that this can't be done without city partnership and further stated this work also applied to early education. School committee member Nolan then acknowledged Mr. Khari Milner. Ms. Nolan of the Cambridge school committee then stated that the school committee is partially funding a STEAM coordinator and that they applied for a STEM grant through Worcester Polytechnic Institute. School committee member Nolan said she does not know how much the grant is worth and stated that the point of the grant is to create STEM initiatives. She also acknowledged Ms. Cronin of the Cambridge school committee. School committee member Nolan then said the algebra issue has ramped up pressure. She said she is looking for a 50% increase in passing based on the current report of the Algebra program. She reported they're not there yet, but on track for 45% of 8th graders to get through a class- the highest it's been in two decades. School Committee member Nolan of the Cambridge school committee noted that these demographics are far more diverse demographics than in the past.

Ms. Joan Abrams wanted to specifically integrate STEAM into the curriculum.

School Committee Member Cronin wanted to reinforce that they are at the beginning of a new wave forward with the curriculum, but have not developed a fully integrated math and science curriculum. The STEAM education coordinator has taken a step forward in merging the math and science programs. This is also thanks to a grant from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). She said the DESE Report indicated college students need strong STEM skills to be employable. The report stated STEM jobs are perceived as the way to gain upper mobility in urban communities; 30% of jobs were STEM jobs, but 56% of students were in high-level need of STEAM skills. So, people need to be able to enter STEM careers to improve their futures. It was concluded that People need a STEAM portal coordinated office and advisory group. School committee member Cronin believes the school side needs to work closely with the city side to move forward because this is a community-based effort. She further stated they need Kendall Square, and tech & biotech industries to work closely to know the skills students need to succeed in the job market. School Committee member Cronin finished by stating she was thankful for the opportunity to speak.

City Councillor Mazen made up the time in the air on the next couple of sections. He re-explained the 3 goals for the meeting: One, to develop stronger and more coordinated partnerships with tech and university communities. This could mean putting a community liaison in each of those buildings, which KSA supported. Two, to increase interaction and alignment with CPSD because they are over taxed. KSA can't figure out how to get ideas to stick.

Ms. Dara Summer is a teacher at Harvard and directs cultural initiative. She wanted to know if there have been studies that index literacy levels with STEM skills. She is convinced that arts has a place, but wanted to know about literacy.

City Councillor Mazen read a study on correlation between STEM education and professional performance. He didn't remember exact numbers, but they were significant and he was convinced that there was another correlation between STEM education and literacy.

Vice Mayor Benzan claimed there are many studies on this. Mr. Bob Moses has done a lot of work on this. He said they could look at Kendall Square as an example.

School Committee Member Cronin stated the new literacy standards include social studies and are taken very seriously at the schools. Arts, sciences, and substantive analysis of problem solving are also taken seriously.

Mr. Patrick Tai said, based on tutoring experience that students are scared of word problems because they are often phrased poorly. Students find simple questions easier and more palatable, but have difficulty understanding complexly worded problems

Mr. Joe Beckman asked whether the speakers only meant literacy in English. 20% of Somerville High Students are Bilingual. He stated that bilingual doesn't mean poor and there are very smart bilingual students in Cambridge schools.

Ms. Jennifer Fries runs Cambridge School Volunteers. She just wanted to make sure that people know there is a resource in there. Ms. Fries emphasized Netpals initiative; it matches students with a "netpal" in a STEM related company. It involves face to face visits, field trips, and has someone to oversee students' communications. It builds literacy around science and instructs students in how to frame a professional email. It has five new partners this year, and could use more help. She talked with the science department and wants all 375 students to have a netpal. No initiative has been taken to do this with amigos or vassal lane yet.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked Ms. Fries. He also said he wants to dispatch university students into the community, but questioned how they make that connection.

Ms. Fries tells him that they have PHD students and undergraduates. PHD students have better schedules with the school calendar, allowing them better career aspects. Also, many undergraduates are helping with tutoring and work with reading buddies. There are 560 corporate volunteers; some do it part-time, for some it's part of their job.

City Councillor Mazen said CSV provides a great launching point onto more types of service. He hoped that they're not just asking for businesses to fund housing and a community organizer, but engaging professionals and similar individuals to become volunteers.

Ms. Karen Feinberg works with Feinberg consulting and knows innovation community. [] [] [] She loved the STEAM document, and its nuanced way of connecting each individual learner with the right company, just came from NOVESE center. They are extremely prolific, going to be extremely important to get companies to make realistic contributions.

Ms. Emily Dexter is part of internship subgroup, who are timing the work. They don't want this just to be getting kids into internships. This should be about design, innovation and design thinking. They want to create the right kind of internships. They want to start with high school internships and internships that already exist. Everything is STEAM related, landscaping for the city is STEAM related. Can they look at existing internships and evaluate them to make them cohesive and more similar?

Ms. Fries recalled that the difficulty brought up is in academia, not in the private sector.

City Councillor Mazen stated there are a lot of computer science jobs open. It definitely depends on the field

Mr. Jon Papadonis is the chair of science at Cambridge College, and stated that he cannot fill science positions. Not just in Cambridge, but Fall River, Taunton, etc. There is a huge void in science instruction at high school, middle school and elementary level.

Ms. Shana Sullivan works with Education First (EF), an education company in Cambridge. She came to talk about local challenge. The challenge has students come together to solve local science issues. They work together to study global case studies, create ideas, implement ideas, and pitch ideas to Cambridge science field. The winners go to EF global leadership summit in Costa Rica and Iceland. They are now working in partnership with the city of Cambridge in addition to Google. CDD and EF are going to work in partnership to make the upcoming challenge about the future of energy and the reduction of energy in Cambridge; a great example of what this group is trying to solve. It is the city, the school, and local companies working together to figure these things out. These are not just AP kids; they are students from all walks of life. They get to work on project-based learning and putting it into practice, not just studying and taking tests. There is also the travel part of it. They see ecological advancements at work and have come back and built green roofs at CRLS. They are always looking for companies to step up and support a team to be able to travel.

Ms. Meera Singh took this opportunity to speak about eco action, an interdisciplinary environmental awareness program, who with the help of professionals train high school age students to go into offices of local businesses and conduct eco audits, look at any consumable used in an office. They gather data in a method they are trained in, and prepare a report on how business can reduce their carbon footprint. It engages a broad variety of skills. Mr. Damon Smith has been very supportive, and it will be a course at the high school. It will also be a part of of the internship programs.

Mr. Reith came to this conversation late. He said clearly they need some sort of inventory for all the innovations in the area. They have to make all the pieces connect with each other. They try to help people understand math early on and help them think for themselves and thinking relative to assignments. The most powerful moments are connecting all three of these dots; co-designing these projects.

Vice Mayor Benzan speculated if they have done an inventory of all the things in the city.

Mr. Ben Clark responded it exists, but it's not exhaustive

City Councillor Mazen said let's get that list from the school department.

Mr. Reith stated the group should align interests (universities and corporations)

Mr. Craig Kelley has two high school students, noticed their introductions to STEM happened through performing arts. He noticed when people are working together to build something from nothing it clicks. They need to think beyond fourth wall, ART, etc. STEM and the arts outside Kendall Square.

City Councillor Mazen stated the small to medium size businesses in aggregate have a lot to offer and can receive guidance from larger businesses on how to create a meaningful internship.

Vice Mayor Benzan said as they break out, one of these groups can be in charge of these inventories.

City Councillor Mazen reemphasized groups: better practices, internships, etc.

Ms. Beverly Seally is a Professor at Simmons College. She asked whether you sign up to volunteer with STEAM?

City Councillor Mazen responded she should see Jake and there are three breakout groups. 1. Corporate & universities communities 2. Alignment with school department. 3. Out of school time coordinating office. He speculated what kind of people do they want to find.

Coming back from groups:

Mr. Jake Crutchfield talked about what coordination team would be. Put together list of key traits/characteristics. Take step back and set 3 goals we think they should do: 1. meetings w/ people in community to understand STEAM ecosystem 2. Supporting quality programs & those who run them to increase access to students 3. Put together finalized list of everything STEAM that is available. As for skills: someone who understands the importance of art, someone with strong community organizing skills, someone who can help give the same weight to each discipline, someone who has education connections (background in pedagogy), someone who understands youth, and really strong interpersonal schools

Vice Mayor Benzan said he would add cultural competency.

Ms. Monica Velgos started from the point one member made that an artist/scientist who said working with the school has not been very successful. This artist is building a lab to help students conduct experiments. She started with reaching out to school department (Lisa Scolaro). They start with a problem, how do they get kids here - logistical constraints are the first thoughts. Knowing who in the school district they can work with is important. The sense of equity our school department feels. One company cannot provide the same experience to all students in the school. Why can't they have different experience from different companies so that they get some kind of experience? How can that company do what they do best? Another member of the group said there are few experiences with CRLS. Students' interests are cast in stone before they even get to high school. They need to start sooner. Another member said we need to work with the reality of modern science - climate change science. A member from MIT said it's easier to work and make connections with high school students who already understand what an engineer does. Middle school students still don't have enough background to ask the questions they need to ask - we need to start earlier. There is difficulty with sports schedules. Maybe offering STEAM opportunities as sports-like offerings. Another thing is how can we incorporate this during the school day? One principal of daughter wanted to have longer classes and electives on some days. This didn't pass because all the schools had to do the same thing and some of them didn't want it. They need to have training programs that reconnect teachers to their love of science teaching and professional development. It was noted that BU had only 4 science majors in one class this year. The wondered how this is happening.

Vice Mayor Benzan wondered how does the state provide incentives to get more math teachers and more science teachers? In Cambridge, many of the teachers are not equipped or skilled enough to be math teachers, but they're still in that discipline.

Partnerships with workplaces stated they have learners on one side and lots of workplaces on the other side. They need a design team to figure out what's in that big circle and how to bring people together. How do they get youth involved? Creating a design team and getting corporations involved. Going all the way back to 4th grade, why is math getting lost? They need to find internships that meet mutual needs of corporations and students.

City Councillor Mazen said one thing to point out in creating internships and part of the discussion is how to reach out to businesses. In service of that, they'd like to notify companies and invite them into the process and doing the same with youth. For youth, by youth. Serving mutual interest - let companies put their brands on things. How can they engage the broadest set of learners in the neighborhood. What kind of jobs are there in STEAM? Not just the highest tech and most white-collar. Who wants to offer what? Who wants to find what? Craig brought up social barriers to tech learning. They have to make STEAM cool and fun but also analyze social factors. Danger Awesome does this. When kids design their own stuff it gives them social currency. Internships can be in the city. The fact that in school participation is required. This might make it more compact and equitable for high school learners. Sarah and Emily will combine forces to try to get us a timeline for engaging youth in this process.

Ms. Fries asked if they have someone who is designated. They've experienced finding people in the schools. They have also talked to schools that don't know how to do that and succeeded with teachers raising their hands to say they'll help or bulldozing over bureaucracy.

Vice Mayor Benzan responded they've heard this quite a bit, which is why it's good to have school committee members present. This effort is not just for our youth. It is also for our senior population who is often completely left out. About 18-35 population is bouncing around city - this is about workforce development as well.

City Councillor Mazen said they can't brush this point aside. They hear it a lot from a lot of companies. There is a clear mandate for people like Nolan and Cronin and the city side to actually have a concrete solution. They can't depend on a pilot program.

School Committee Member Cronin added they are in formation. They are looking at the changes they want to make and they are highly leveraged, because they have to be made.

City Councillor Mazen stated they almost need an external affairs coordinator.

Jennifer Fries said this happens in every government. The whole country struggles with trying to get things done. They just have to find people who will do it. So, if they can do this all in this same direction they can make a lot of change.

There is no space in AP math, so they need more spaces. There are a lot of people right now who can't get into AP science/math.

Vice Mayor Benzan stated that's a huge issue that they need to tackle.

School Committee Member Cronin said they have been in contact with science educators and they want to make a whole redesign of the science department. Essentially, they want to make more space and more available spaces.

Mr. Khari Milner said It's always a challenge when there are systems that have been established for decades to evolve. People in the system come from systems from the past not looking to the future. In Cambridge we're looking for more alignment, more equity. When they talk to people, they agree with them, but then who's going to do it? How do they navigate the science & math departments, the principals, the curriculum developers? This is not an excuse, but we need to appreciate the complexity of the issue. They've looked at the notion of education and learning in the city, when it's happening, who's involved, what can they gain in a city like this with so many resources. How do they redesign ourselves so they're not defined by traditional measures and benchmarks. People expect young people to have linear experiences when it's anything but linear. They want more young people to benefit. Who are the students who are able to get involved? Artists who want to get involved always ask how they can get involved with the schools. There's a lot that's great going on here. This is the next phase. How do we redesign so that we're not defined by old systems: you learn science from your science teacher, you learn algebra from your math teacher.

Vice Mayor Benzan thanked everyone for being here.

City Councillor Mazen said thank you to everyone and told them not to forget the homework.