Cambridge City Council meeting - Sept 24, 2018

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 2016 Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) funding for $500,000 received pursuant to the MOA between the City of Boston and the City of Cambridge, under the Communications Interoperability Goal Area, to the Public Investment Emergency Communications Extraordinary Expenditures account ($500,000) which will be used to support the City of Cambridge’s radio equipment relocation project involving the installation of new microwave links due to the upcoming loss of the Cambridge Courthouse as a regional radio site.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to new and reappointed members of the Climate Protection Act Committee for a term of three years effective Sept 24, 2018: John Ullman, Emily Flynn Pesquera, Olga Faktorovich Allen, Roaslie Anders, Melissa Chan, Thomas Chase, Peter Crawley, Keith Giamportone, Brian Goldberg, Jerrlyn Huckabee, Johanna Jobin, Ted Live, Lauren Miller, Paula Phipps, David Rabkin, Karen Schlomy and William Zamparelli
Placed on File

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Fresh Pond Advisory Committee for a term of three years to expire May 31, 2021: Janet Burns, Claudia Thompson and Susan Agger.
Placed on File

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the new appointments of the following persons as a members of the Public Planting Committee for a term of two years effective Sept 24, 2018: Seanna Berry, Nancy Jordalen, Sayem Khan, Joan Krizack and Ann MacAdam.
Placed on File

5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-29, regarding a report on reevaluating the fees associated with community block parties, specifically entertainment fees for unpaid, local musicians.
Placed on File

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-80, regarding Sherman Street Quiet Zone.
Placed on File

7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-30 regarding a report on the possibility of Cambridge joining the national suit against opioid manufacturers and distributors.
Placed on File

CHARTER RIGHT
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-82, regarding purchasing buildings being sold by the Episcopal Divinity School. [Manager's Agenda #7 of Sept 17, 2018]
Report Accepted, Placed on File

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to establish a Senior Living Overlay District at the current site of Sancta Maria Nursing Facility to encourage and incentivize redevelopment specifically for continuum of care services. [Order #1 of Sept 17, 2018]
Placed on File

3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to explore the feasibility of establishing a crosswalk at the intersection of Soden Street and Western Avenue. [Order #2 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Mayor, representatives of Harvard University, and any other parties that the City Manager deems necessary in order to draft a plan that shall allow the Mayor’s Annual Harvard Senior Luncheon to be held regardless of the weather conditions. [Order #5 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments and relevant housing partners to aggressively attempt to obtain, or help others obtain, the Santa Maria property for purposes of affordable housing. [Order #3 of Sept 17, 2018]
Placed on File

6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Police Commissioner to increase enforcement of the Bike Lane Bill to keep our bicycle infrastructure free and unobstructed. [Order #4 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the tax status, zoning history, and sale of The Constellation Center's Parcel C in Kendall Square. [Order #7 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

8. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department and other City departments to consider working with consultants and other available resources to help incorporate data access and management concerns into discussions, permits and licenses for new mobility platforms. [Order #8 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

9. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to provide an explanation for the change in parking regulations which does not allow for property owners to park in front of their own driveways. [Order #9 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

10. That the City Manager is requested to report to the City Council with an explanation of how the City views internet-based platforms as opportunities for outreach and communication and what sort of guidelines have been, or are being, developed to help everyone understand how the City’s various departments do or do not utilize these communication resources and how any communications on these platforms are managed so that the messaging and information is kept up-to-date. [Order #10 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

11. That the City Manager is requested to televise the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee hearing on Sept 20, 2018. [Order #11 of Sept 17, 2018]
Placed on File

12. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Economic Development Division to regularly update the vacant property database as well as review the strategies presented in the Storefront Vacancies Best Practices Report and report back on the feasibility of implementing these recommendations. [Order #12 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

13. That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee conduct a hearing to discuss the increase enforcement of the dog leash ordinance, the possibility of an awareness campaign about the importance of following the law, the possibility of creating an opt-in liability insurance program for dog owners, and an update on staffing levels at the Animal Control Department. [Order #15 of Sept 17, 2018]
Order Adopted

14. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Craig A. Kelley, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on July 23, 2018 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 10.17 entitled “Vehicle Trip Reduction Ordinance” in section 10.17.070 entitled “Fees for Residential Parking Stickers.” [Committee Report #6 of Sept 17, 2018]
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order #6 Fails 4-3-2 (DC,JD,SS,QZ - YES; CK,AM,MM - NO; DS,TT - ABSENT)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
15. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to the following ordinance: and proposed amendments to Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code (the "Fair Housing Ordinance). Fair Housing (passed to a 2nd reading) Awaiting Home Rule Legislation - before proposal can be ordained.

16. That the proposed Municipal Code entitled “Street Performers” in Section 12.16.170 as amended on June 25, 2018 by Policy Order #15 be placed on Unfinished Business awaiting revised ordinance language from the City Solicitor after consultation with the Arts Council based on the recommendations in the Committee Report dated June 25, 2018.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Lena Kalachian, requesting permission for replacement of the facing of the projecting sign at the premises numbered 585 Massachusetts Avenue approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
Order Adopted

2. An application was received from Margaret Ranstrom, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 73 Aberdeen Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association with approval.
Order Adopted

3. A petition was received from Charles Teague, regarding Saving Linear Park.
Referred to City Manager

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Marjorie Freedman, Green Street, regarding support for Bike lane enforcement.

2. A communication was received from Marie Saccoccio, regarding Inman Square redesign area calculations.

3. A communication was received from Robert Travers, 54 Fulkerson Street, regarding Community Preservation Act Committee.

4. A communication was received from Joshua Hartshorne, regarding support of increased enforcement of the Bike Lane Bill.

5. A communication was received from the Cambridge Bicycle Safety, regarding thanking the City Council for the Inman Square redesign.

6. Communication from Ken Johnson, 18 Harrington Road, urging the City Council to pass Policy Order # 3 regarding Linear Park.

7. Communication from Emily Thai, 363 Columbia Street, in support of the resolution for the yes on 3 vote.

8. Communication from Hannah Mahoney, 7 Rindge Terrace, in support of Policy Order # 4 relating to the gas structure work in Cambridge, the damage to trees and the threat to health and climate.

9. Communication from Leo Austin-Spooner, 48 Avon Hill Street, relating to the ballot question # 3 on transgender rights for public accommodations.

10. Communication from Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street, regarding the condition of Linear Park.

11. Communication from Catherine Sullivan, 16 Notre Dame Avenue, regarding the number of trees that are dead or dying on Linear Park.

12. Communication from Hasson Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding issues of homelessness.

14. Communication from Susan Redlich, 19 Sacramento Street, regarding Policy Order # 4 and supporting Feeney Company’s gas-line work.

15. Sundry communication received regarding the re-establishment of a Quiet Zone at the Sherman Street Crossing.

2. That the City Council go on record welcoming Dr. James Barrett to his new role as Director of Clinical Services and wishing him success in this important job. Councillor Mallon

3. Congratulations to the State Representative Jay Livingstone and his family on the birth of Harry Dean Livingstone. Councillor Zondervan

4. Congratulations to Eric Gastfriend and DyanmiCare Health on being selected as one of twelve PhaseTwo Prize Recipients in the Ohio Opioid Technology Challenge on Sept 12, 2018. Councillor Siddiqui

ORDERS
1. That the City Council go on record declaring Oct 5, 2018, as Energy Efficiency Day in Cambridge, in recognition of National Energy Awareness Month, as a means of highlighting the importance of achieving the goals set forth in the Net Zero Action Plan. Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted

2. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Executive Director of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission to investigate the potential for the creation and implementation of a survey or other feedback mechanism for individuals who have been in contact with the Human Rights Commission. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon
Order Adopted

3. That the City Manager is requested to take all possible immediate actions to preserve and restore Linear Park. Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley
Order Adopted

4. That the City Manager is requested to immediately freeze Feeney Brothers Utility Services from doing any future work in the City of Cambridge until the federal investigation has been completed. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted

5. City Council support of Freedom for All Massachusetts’ Yes on 3, campaign to uphold the law ~~protecting~~ preventing gender identity based forms of discrimination. Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended

6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with the cost of implementing a means testing for the resident parking sticker program for those who would receive a reduction in the resident parking sticker fee using existing means testing done by other department for other programs in the City for those who are in financial need. Councillor Zondervan
Order #6 Fails 4-3-2 (DC,JD,SS,QZ - YES; CK,AM,MM - NO; DS,TT - ABSENT)

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councilor E. Denise Simmons, Chair and Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on June 12, 2018 to discuss the housing ombudsman position, receive a detailed update regarding the timeline and plan for the affordable housing overlay district, an update on the inclusionary housing report, and the map of all affordable housing in the city.
Report Accepted, Placed on File

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Sept 24
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Sept 27
3:00pm The Health and Environmental Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss storm water management practices and get an update on how Cambridge will be impacted by the EPS’s new MS4 permit which took effect on July 1, 2018 (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update from the Community Development Department on the Affordable Housing Overlay District, and an update on the annual Inclusionary Zoning report. The Housing Committee shall also meet the City Manager's candidate for the open Cambridge Housing Authority Board position (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 1
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
6:30pm Tax Rate Hearing (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 2
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a petition filed by the City Council to amend Articles 2.000, 4.000, 6.000 and 11.000 of the Zoning Ordinance to establish provisions for Cannabis Uses. This Hearing is to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 3
4:00pm The Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to further discuss a City-based Cannabis Social Equity Program and Policy Order #10 from June 25, 2018 (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 9
1:00pm The Health and Environmental Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on progress towards the Zero Waste goals and to discuss successes and challenges of the citywide composting and recycling programs to date. (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, Oct 16
3:00pm The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will meet to discuss CMA 2018 #196 and any other matter related to Jerry’s Pond. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Oct 22
5:30pm The City Council will conduct a Roundtable/Working Meeting to discuss the Envision process This Meeting is to be televised (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, Oct 25
10:00am The Human Services and Veteran’s Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Summer food program update. (Sullivan Chamber)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 24, 2018
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Energy efficiency is the art of getting the same or better performance using less energy, all while cutting utility bills for residential, business, and industrial customers; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has adopted a goal of using 100% renewable energy in the city by 2035, and a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% of 1990 levels by 2050; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has adopted the Net Zero Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which constitutes most of our emissions, to zero; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a leader in assisting its residents and businesses in choosing measures that will lead to increased energy efficiency through the city’s Cambridge Energy Alliance programs and increased renewable energy utilization through the Community Electricity Aggregation plan; and
WHEREAS: All Cambridge residents and small businesses on the Eversource basic service plan are eligible to enroll in the Standard Green option through the Cambridge Community Electricity Program, which introduces more renewable energy into the city’s electric power supply, while lowering costs; and
WHEREAS: Residents and businesses can contribute further to our energy goals by opting-in to the city’s 100% Green electricity program, using all renewable energy sources to power their homes and businesses; and
WHEREAS: In the first year community aggregation was offered (June 2017 - present), only a small percentage (approximately 2%) of eligible rate payers have made the switch to 100% Green, leaving ample room for improvement; and
WHEREAS: A nationwide network of energy efficiency groups and partners has designated October 5th as the national annual Energy Efficiency Day; and
WHEREAS: Together, the residents of Cambridge can contribute to our sustainability efforts by learning more about energy efficiency and practicing smarter energy use in their daily lives; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record declaring Oct 5, 2018, as Energy Efficiency Day in Cambridge, in recognition of National Energy Awareness Month, as a means of highlighting the importance of achieving the goals set forth in the Net Zero Action Plan; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the staff at the Community Development Department to redouble our outreach to residents asking them to consider enrolling in the 100% Green program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the results of those efforts.

O-2 Sept 24, 2018
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MALLON
WHEREAS: On Mon, Sept 17, 2018, the City Council heard a comment from a Cambridge resident in reference to City Manager Agenda Items #28 and #29, who requested an opportunity be provided for residents to give feedback to the Cambridge Human Rights Commission; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Executive Director of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission to investigate the potential for the creation and implementation of a survey or other feedback mechanism for individuals who have been in contact with the Human Rights Commission; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter by November of 2018.

O-3 Sept 24, 2018
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
WHEREAS: Linear Park in North Cambridge is an award winning and cherished open space for people exercising, being outside with their children and dogs, or for commuting by bicycle or foot to nearby transit at Alewife and Davis Square; and
WHEREAS: The mature Linear Park trees, by way of both shade and transpirational cooling, protect all the people using the park from the increased heat from Climate Change that Cambridge already experiences and that the city’s studies predict will only further increase; and
WHEREAS: Replacement trees take decades to achieve the cooling effects of mature trees and this process will likely be further slowed by Climate Change through more frequent and more intense droughts, dry spells and storms; and
WHEREAS: A key design element of Linear Park, the allées (lines of evenly spaced, identical trees), are in jeopardy; and
WHEREAS: At least 15 trees were cut down in the section of the park from Cedar Street to Harvey Street in November 2017, there are at least another 20 trees inside the park that are dead but haven’t been removed yet, and another 20 trees that are in trouble, representing hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost value; and
WHEREAS: An irrigation system already exists at the Russell Field end of Linear Park, runs all the way to Cedar Street, and then past Trolley Square to the Somerville boundary line but is only functional in a few areas; and
WHEREAS: The current irrigation system maintenance city-wide contract is up for renewal, will no longer include the now artificial turf soccer fields, but already contains Trolley Square and Russell Field; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take all possible immediate actions to preserve and restore Linear Park and report back to the City Council as soon as possible.

O-4 Sept 24, 2018
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The recent gas pipeline explosions in Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover impacted at least 50,000 customers, destroyed at least 80 homes, caused at least 70 fires, and resulted in at least 25 injuries as well as one tragic fatality; and
WHEREAS: Massachusetts Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey recently wrote an open letter to the gas distributor, Columbia Gas, which stated that the National Transportation Safety Board has determined that just before the incident, pressure in the gas pipelines had spiked to about 6 pounds per square inch (PSI), a twelve-fold increase over the 0.5 PSI that is considered safe and expected; and
WHEREAS: Feeney Brothers Utility Services had been hired by Columbia Gas to do work on pipelines in Lawrence in the days leading up to the incident, and one of their worksites is being heavily scrutinized as a part of the federal investigation, which could take as long as 24 months to complete; and
WHEREAS: Feeney Brothers Utility Services is also contracted by Eversource to do work in Cambridge, and the contractor has already demonstrated negligence on our streets including a summer 2018 incident where they mistakenly and severely damaged the root system of a 36 caliper-inch oak tree on Gore Street while excavating a trench for new pipeline service as part of the larger street reconstruction project, forcing the city to remove the tree in order to protect the safety of nearby residents; and
WHEREAS: Nobody was hurt in that instance thanks to the swift action of city employees, but in an official notice to residents, the city called the mistake “simply unacceptable” and “an egregious breach of the City’s permit requirements with Eversource”; and
WHEREAS: Organizations like HEET and Mothers Out Front have mapped and raised awareness about hundreds of unrepaired gas leaks in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Feeney Brothers has also been contracted by National Grid during the lockout of more than 1,200 United Steelworkers from USW 12012 and USW 12003, who have collectively reported nearly 100 safety complaints to the Department of Public Utilities regarding Feeney Brothers worksites since the lockout began; and
WHEREAS: We don’t know exactly what caused the tragedy in Merrimack Valley last week, but we cannot afford to take any chances with apparently negligent contractors working on our aging pipeline infrastructure; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to immediately freeze Feeney Brothers Utility Services from doing any future work in the City of Cambridge until the federal investigation has been completed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide assurances to the City Council that all recent gas line work done by Feeney Brothers and other contractors is safe; and be it further
ORDERED: That this Policy Order be referred to the Health & Environment Committee for a hearing.

O-5 Sept 24, 2018 Amended
MAYOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Cambridge has long been at the forefront in protecting against discrimination; the City Council first enacted protections against gender-based discrimination on Feb 24, 1999, when it passed the Human Rights Ordinance with unanimous support; and
WHEREAS: In 2016, the Massachusetts Public Accommodations Law was updated to protect against discrimination based on gender identity statewide; and
WHEREAS: The November 6, 2018, statewide ballot includes a question seeking to strip away the provision in the Massachusetts Public Accommodations Law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender identity in places of public accommodation; and
WHEREAS: Such “public accommodations” where protections for transgender and gender-nonconforming people would be withdrawn should this regressive, discriminatory ballot referendum succeed encompasses “any place, whether licensed or unlicensed, which is open to and accepts or solicits the patronage of the general public,” to include not only public restrooms, but also hotels, stores, restaurants, hospitals, banks, museums, public swimming pools, and homeless shelters; and
WHEREAS: Repeal of this law would be devastating for transgender and gender-nonconforming people across the Commonwealth, and would be antithetical to the core values our city proudly upholds and affirms; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record as standing in vigorous support of Freedom for All Massachusetts’ Yes on 3 campaign to uphold the law ~~protecting~~ preventing gender identity based forms of discrimination; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Massachusetts Legislative Delegation and the Freedom for All (Yes on 3) campaign on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-6 Sept 24, 2018 Failed 4-3-2
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with the cost of implementing a means testing for the resident parking sticker program for those who would receive a reduction in the resident parking sticker fee using existing means testing done by other department for other programs in the City for those who are in financial need.

TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Tues, June 12, 2018 at 3:03pm in the Sullivan Chamber to discuss the housing ombudsman position, receive a detailed update regarding the timeline and plan for the affordable housing overlay district, an update on the inclusionary housing report, and the map of all affordable housing in the city.

Present at the hearing were Councillor Siddiqui, Co-Chair of the Committee; Councillor Simmons, CoChair of the Committee; Vice Mayor Devereux; Councillor Mallon; Councillor Kelley; Councillor Carlone; Councillor Zondervan; Mayor McGovern; Louis DePasquale, City Manager; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Chris Cotter, Housing Director, Community Development Department (CDD); Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor; Ann Lee Hirschi; Neal Alpert; Nora Bent; Liana Ascolese; Councillor Toomey (?), and Deputy City Clerk Paula M. Crane.

Also present were Tina Alu, Executive Director, CEOC, Peter Daly, Executive Director, Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc., Susan Schlesinger and Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) members, Elaine DeRosa, Brooke Murphy, Hannah Lodi, Margaret Moran, Lee Farris, Michael Turk, Judith Nathans and Ken Eisenberg.

Councillor Siddiqui convened the hearing and read from a prepared opening remarks (ATTACHMENT A). She stated that this position will be funding through the City Manager’s Office but will be physically located at the Multiservice Center. She questioned how much time the ombudsman will be spent on case management and how much will be spent on communication between the City and providers. Ms. Farooq said that they are in the process of drafting the job description, so they do not have that level of specificity. She noted that her hope is that the conversation today will fine tune the position and its duties better.

Councillor Siddiqui asked her colleagues for their thoughts about the what constituents that their constituents are having difficulty in navigating. Mayor McGovern said that it depends on the situation the person is in as sometimes a resident is facing eviction and oftentimes asking for legal opinions. He said that there are other times that people are in need of housing and want information on programming. He said that he envisions that there would be some level of case management in this position. He noted the need to have someone who can help navigate the process. He stated that he wants this person to be hands-on to aid in a confusing process.

Councillor Mallon asked how many case managers there are at the Multiservice Center. Mr. Cotter responded 3 or 4. Councillor Mallon asked if that number includes case management from the STAR program. Mr. Cotter responded that he does not believe so. Councillor Mallon said that it is her understanding that the Multiservice Center case managers deal with people who are experiencing homelessness while the Star program deals with people at risk of eviction. Mr. Cotter replied that Councillor Mallon is correct. Councillor Mallon asked if the City is looking at the ombudsman position will be overarching or “feet on the ground.” Ms. Farooq said that the value of the today’s conversation is to narrow down the City Council’s goals for this person. She said that she has heard a wide range of goals as to how this person’s time will be utilized so therefore they are trying to frame this position in a way that it is a manageable job with manageable duties.

Councillor Siddiqui said that she has seen certain gaps and this position will not solve those gaps. She said that the big gap that she has identified is that there are not enough housing attorneys which impacts the City on a daily basis. She said that there must be more conversation about identified gaps. She asked Ms. Semonoff to talk about some of the gaps.

Ms. Semonoff said her understanding is that the City is not looking to hire a lawyer for this position. She said that while the idea was that the person would do a combination of work, legal services would not be done. As it relates to case managers, she said that there are 2 general case managers at the Multiservice Center and one senior case manager. She noted that their scope of work includes meeting with clients, advise on locating housing, referral to legal services, negotiation with landlords on behalf of tenants, and helping people pay for back rent with a plan for management moving forward. She said that significant housing searches and accompanying people to individual sites is not something that the City has the capacity to do. She noted that legal services are onsite every other week. She added that contracted legal services serves about 85 clients. Ms. Semonoff said that due to a contract with the City, legal services can serve individuals at a higher income. She said that due to City support, they can support people up to 60% of median income. She said that legal services offer advice for City staff in strategy negotiations with landlords. She said that the Multiservice Center works quite a bit with the Cambridge Housing Authority.

Councillor Siddiqui spoke about the possibility of more funding for attorneys. Ms. Semonoff responded that these questions would be directed to the City Manager. Mayor McGovern said that the City does not have any desire to hire attorneys for city residents but increasing money to current contracts is something that the City Council could direct the City Manager to do.

Vice Mayor Devereux said that it may help to have an additional case manager. Councillor Mallon stated that said salary is $130,000 with benefits for the ombudsman position. Vice Mayor Devereux said that unless the City Council wants another case manager or an increase the contract, the committee should be talking about the things that current staff is unable to accomplish. She asked if the committee members are looking at this position to be someone with a bigger picture view to identify places where existing programs and services are not matching up and could be changed from a policy standpoint in addition to being more proactive to identify buildings that are at risk and collecting data. She felt that there was a different range of responsibilities for this position.

Councillor Zondervan read the definition of ombudsman. He said that this person may deal with particularly complex situations or at least identifying issues and potential solutions.

Councillor Carlone said that when he sees a position that is case management and policy maker, it is flexible. He said that he assumes that this is the most important position needed to help the housing issue in the city. He said that he heard mention of all the things a case manager does. He wondered about the success rate of that compared to legal representation. He said that many people who need services do not have legal representation and lose. He said that this is the most important role for the money, but we must beef up the legal side. He asked about the 85 clients that are being helped and the many that cannot be helped because we have reached the ceiling. Ellen Semonoff said that it is fair to say that if there were more legal services, there would be the ability to support more individuals at risk for losing their housing.

Councillor Carlone said that he wants a sense of how many people we are not helping. Mayor McGovern questioned if the 85 residents that are served is the number of cases that they are fully representing throughout the process or is it the number of individuals to whom they have given advice.

Tina Alu, CEOC, said that there are all kinds of gaps. She said that if it is a gap in a housing search, she would hate to think that the City would use this position because the person is doing case management day in and day out. She said that it is easy to get sucked into direct service. She said that placing this position in the Multiservice Center makes it a direct service in her opinion. She said that this position would be the one looking at all the gaps and trying to get people together to identify solutions. She said that this person would hear from the case managers about trends that are being identified. She said that the person that the City is looking for requires a very different skill level such as someone who has real housing policy experience.

Peter Daly said that an important role for this position is to know how to navigate the application process to affordable housing. He said that this person should be aware of what opportunities are coming online to allow for the best opportunity for people in crisis. Cheryl-Ann Pizza Zeoli said one must go to a lot of meetings to begin to understand just the programs, not only the policy.

Susan Schlesinger said that the AHT is not a service entity but what is intriguing about this position is the opportunity for this person to look across the issues and see how they relate to policy. She explained that if there is a trend, then the AHT and the City Council can react to necessary changes in policy. She said that many are forced to move out of the city because there are not enough affordable units in the city.

Louis DePasquale said that the creation of the ombudsman position came out of the meetings held by the Housing Committee. He said that the initial job description was developed by listening to the Chair of the Housing Committee and the City Council He noted that this is one position and he is concerned that it cannot be a position that will solve all the problems. He said that this is the beginning. He said that this position will be a benefit to the residents. He said that this person will help from Step 1 right through to the end of the process. He noted that he is open to suggestions but noted that there were many discussions about the duties of this position.

Councillor Carlone said that it is imperative to be specific about what the role of this person will be. Mr. DePasquale noted the importance on ensuring that this position does not drift into too many other areas. He said that it is a job description where too much is trying to be accomplished.

Ms. Farooq stated that the goal for the discussion is to receive input on the duties of this position. She noted that the services piece is where there is the biggest gap and where there is need. She said that through providing services, the ombudsman will learn a lot. She noted that this person will not be functioning as an island because there are three departments that they will work in tandem with. She said that she would like the City Council to see this position in the team aspect.

Councillor Siddiqui summarized the feedback she has heard from the City Councillors. She said that the duties of the ombudsman would include assisting in housing searches. She said that this is a good conversation to have to determine what this position will not cover. She said that there is a sense that this person will be looking at the big picture as well as service to residents. She encouraged the City Council and providers to share their thoughts with CDD.

Councillor Zondervan said that in order to address Councillor Carlone’s concerns about this position being boxed into only providing services, they could be limited by time allocation. He said that this person can handle the non-routine case business. He said that this person could help answer questions about where the biggest gap is and specific limits in the job description would be beneficial.

Councillor Mallon said that she and Ms. Alu have spent a lot of time doing direct service together. She said that it is difficult to allocate time. She said that the City needs someone who is identifying needs and gaps. She said that the City Council is excited about the creation of this position. She asked if the members are looking at building this position out and having the capacity to help the residents.

Councillor Siddiqui noted that the Office of Housing Stability in Somerville is not case management, it is only policy related.

Vice Mayor Devereux said that rather than hours allocated for certain job functions, cases could be taken by type of case. Mr. DePasquale stressed that the specifics of how the person will work will fall under the guidance of the City Manager and we must be careful in terms of who manages the position. He said that this is a City of Cambridge position and he does not want to get down to a level that we should not be getting to. He said that he has shown his willingness to work with the City Council.

Mayor McGovern said that we must be careful about what we are calling this position. He would like to see this position move towards what Boston is doing in the Office of Housing Stability. He said that he is unsure that the title is correct.

Councillor Zondervan said that it is always difficult to manage time. He said that he supports the City Manager in managing that aspect of the job. He said that it is the role of the City Council to give guidance.

Ms. Farooq said that it was helpful to hear the range of discussion and they clearly have some whittling down of the job description on their end. Councillor Siddiqui said that she is grateful that this position is forthcoming but added that it is impossible for one person to do all the work that was discussed. She said that she is clear that the City Council would like to ensure that top needs and priorities are met through this position.

Councillor Simmons moved the conversation to zoning for new affordable housing developments. Mr. Cotter gave an overview of the Zoning for New Affordable Housing Development handout (ATTACHMENT B) which is similar to what was shared with past members of the Housing Committee.

Councillor Simmons said that in the last term, there was a lot of discussion about an overlay district. She said that it is important to her to know the necessary steps to get to an Affordable Housing Overlay District. She asked if there are any other overlay districts that will impact the Affordable Housing Overlay District and she questioned if they can all exist without interfering with one another.

Councillor Carlone said that he and Councillor Kelley will meet with CDD to go over all the potential petitions or overlays to get an initial read on a reasonable schedule from CDD. He said that this could then be discussed with the City Council as it relates to priorities. He said that he and Councillor Kelley will report back to the City Council. He noted that he and Councillor Kelley are also discussing policy as to what a petitioner must do before submittal to the City Council to better manage timing problems. He said that the Affordable Housing Overlay District is exciting to him. He said that in East Cambridge they lowered the base zoning of a district to get back to the maximum zoning, which is where the overlay came in. He said that he hopes that the City will look at that to a certain degree as it certainly worked in East Cambridge. He said that there is a need for strong guidelines for design review.

Councillor Zondervan said that his concern about trying to create incentives for housing through an overlay district is that a lot of developers are saying that they cannot make the numbers work so they build hotels. He said that if we build too much too fast, we will get out of balance with property taxes. He said that the City could require a certain amount of housing in order to approve commercial developments. He said that if there is a housing requirement, it could be off-site but could cause some land to be given for the development of housing. He noted that affordable housing and market-rate housing help the market. He said that the market changes very quickly.

Councillor Mallon said that during the Envision Roundtable, Utile stated that they would be helping in this process. She asked what Utile’s role is in this process. Ms. Farooq responded that Utile will be dealing with two components: the financial analysis and modeling of a few different situations on how density will play out to better understand how that will work. She said that this was not specifically in their scope of work.

Councillor Simmons asked when the information will be delivered by Utile. Ms. Farooq said that Envision is anticipated to be complete by the end of this calendar year. She said that they need to utilize the analysis to begin the framing. Councillor Simmons said that her concern is that she does not want to wait for information. Ms. Farooq clarified that they have told Utile to work on it now and they expect analysis prior to completion of work with Envision. She said that they will work to get it to the committee by September which is enough time for Utile to conduct the analysis. She said that early conversations may have to be on framework rather than text. As it relates to models on how the density will play out, Councillor Mallon said that she does not understand. Ms. Farooq explained that it means what it would look like in the neighborhood context.

Vice Mayor Devereux said that they have identified areas of potential changes being along the corridors and hopefully that will make affordable projects more viable in those places. Ms. Farooq said that the challenge is more with the market-rate housing and less so with affordable housing. She said that there are multiple constraints: land being the principle constraint. As it relates to an Affordable Housing Overlay District, Mr. Cotter explained that it will be a small pipeline of projects going forward limited by resources and the ability to get funding from other sources, particularly the State. He said that this will improve the ability to move projects through the pipeline effectively to most efficiently advance all affordable projects within available resources.

Councillor Kelley said that an overlay district should be done in a broad way. He said that the better discussion to have if we want more affordable housing is that it should be located everywhere in the City. He said that he feels that to put it down the spine of the City is not the only way to look at it.

Councillor Simmons said that the City Council approved a Policy Order that requested that the City commit $20 million dollars per year to preserve and create affordable housing. She said that $20 million dollars allows for 100 units per year which will not meet the vast need.

Councillor Carlone said that when thinking about what is needed to make it all affordable, to get 20% if we are giving a 30% bonus, one could extrapolate that we are talking about doubling the FAR. He said that he is not as worried about that as he is the height which gets back to urban design. He said that a lot of work must be done. He said that the existing density must be cut back, at least for commercial. He said that this is an interesting and complicated issue.

Councillor Siddiqui said that she likes the visual of boxed graphs in handouts as they are helpful in answering questions. She noted that if there is an outlined presentation, it would helpful for her to have the graphs. She said that if CDD is looking for concrete feedback, her suggestion is that the information be in a different format.

Councillor Simmons said that she was concerned about Mr. Love’s (Utile) discussion around growth. She said that the idea of the housing overlay is that there is a housing overlay everywhere in the city. Ms. Farooq concurred. She said that everything that they have heard to date from the City Council is that they are looking at overlay that is citywide. She said that the analysis from Utile is blind to whether projects are affordable or not.

Councillor Simmons said that she anticipates $20 million dollars is 100 units of housing which will not win the battle. She said that the Envision process wanted to create 1,000 new jobs per year. She noted that some people who get those jobs will want to live in Cambridge and it is already a tight market. She asked how this will impact housing affordability and what housing will look like in the future.

Councillor Simmons stated that the City Council should look at policies and procedures through the prism of housing and she noted that Utile did not look at the impact on housing.

Peter Daly said that he is anxious to see Utile’s presentation and the discussion that follows.

Susan Schlesinger said that the citywide Affordable Housing Overlay is part of the solution to creating more affordable housing in the city. She said that an incentive is one piece and inclusionary was another. She talked about where we will see the bulk of affordable housing moving forward. She said that the AHT is trying to advantage people who create a high degree of affordable housing to move more quickly in the market. She said that it is important because the units that the non-profits create are units that the market will not create as much of. She said that it is important for there to be a lot more City money in the mix. She said if the citywide zoning happens it will be more necessary.

Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli said that density is not valued by everybody in the same way. She said that she loves density and as we go through the process of the specifics of the overlay, it is an opportunity to show people what density looks like. She said that we say that we have a commitment to affordable housing, but it would be great to build community support for affordable housing as we continue to figure out the overlay. She said that it is a community conversation.

Councillor Carlone said that through the Envision process and looking at the corridors, it makes sense to look there. He said that there is also a requirement for ground floor retail or active use along many of the corridors. He said that somehow, the public subsidy must play into that. He said that it is an issue that will come up again.

Councillor Zondervan said that this also represents an opportunity to do affordable retail. He suggested that there may be an opportunity to combine these issues.

Councillor Siddiqui asked CDD if they have update on the inclusionary report and the affordable housing map. Mr. Cotter said that the inclusionary report is being worked on and will be transmitted to the committee when complete. Councillor Simmons said she would like something more concrete in terms of a timeframe.

Mr. Cotter said that they have some information and it would be helpful to get more information on what the Committee wants to see. He said that they can compile some information but stated that he would like a sense of what is helpful while recognizing the concerns of affordable housing providers and residents regarding privacy issues. Ms. Farooq suggested that for the map, it be done on a neighborhood level to address the concerns that Mr. Cotter explained. Councillor Simmons said that having a neighborhood perspective would be beneficial in deference to concerns of the affordable housing providers. Councillor Siddiqui stated her agreement with Councillor Simmons.

Public comment began at 4:55pm.

Brooke Murphy, 1054 Cambridge Street, stated that she appreciates the comments to allow the position to provide advocacy. She said that the biggest gap is that there are not affordable housing opportunities for people who need aid. She said that focusing the position on why the need is great in the first place will answer the bottom place issues. She stated that as a direct services provider, she can offer her perspective that the big gap is neither legal or case management services. She said that what is missing is equitable and affordable housing attentive to the intersectional lived-in experiences of families and individual in the community. She said that the ombudsman position could serve as a way to not only help advocate for those in crisis, but as a way to investigate how policy choices can better understand how to build intersectional-based responses that provide equitable opportunities and effective housing programs for the diverse community. Ms. Murphy forwarded her written comments to the Deputy City Clerk (ATTACHMENT C).

Lee Farris, 269 Norfolk Street, stated that she is on Envision Housing working group. She said that as it relates to the overlay, what CDD has put in the document given out today is very good. She said that she would like to see some amount of this housing be affordable to middle income. She said that this has been an ongoing gap in what we are providing to people in the city. She said that we must find a way to find a stream of middle income housing. Regarding the market rate units, her view is that we are trying to prioritize the scarce, remaining land to create more units that are below-market and affordable. She said that she is personally for 100% affordable for the overlay. She said that for the overlay, one of her goals that is shared by many City Councillors is that she would love to see affordable housing getting into the Residence A and Residence B zoning districts.

Michael Turk said that from the comprehensive housing plan that was introduced to the City Council, the majority that was subsidized was being held by Section 8 voucher holders. He said that there is a fundamental misplacement. He said that the problem is income discrimination and rents offered at a level above the ceiling provided by HUD guidelines. He said that these issues need to be addressed. He said that there must be more conversations with HUD and landlords about using a rent just above the threshold. He said that when thinking about 340 units, imagine that half are freed up and tenants were able to use Section 8 vouchers. He noted that this would create an additional 170 affordable units of housing.

Ken Eisenberg, 200 Hampshire Street, stated that he would like Representative provost’s timely research being made part of the Housing Committee record (ATTACHMENT D). He said that Airbnb and similar businesses are to housing what Amazon is to the retail book industry. He said that if you look at the numbers, Representative Provost focused on Boston, Cambridge and Somerville and it is a major crisis.

Public comment closed at 5:06pm.

Councillor Siddiqui and Councillor Simmons thanked all those present for their attendance.

The hearing adjourned at 5:07pm.

For the Committee,
Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui, Co-Chair
Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Co-Chair

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 4/4/2016

16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016

16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016

16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016

17-22. Report on the potential growth of next-generation wireless technology in the City, to include: the expected footprint of citywide coverage from just one company and what market competition might produce; the integration of public and private infrastructure to support the network; what local standards the City might hope to maintain relative to aesthetics and safety; and how this new technology fits into our Broadband access plans. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-14) from 2/27/2017

17-60. Report on the feasibility of making the section of Kinnaird Street between River Street and Western Avenue into a one-way. REFERRED BACK TO THE CITY MANAGER TO ARRANGE COMMUNITY MEETING ON MOTION OF VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN ON NOV 13, 2017 . On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 8/7/2017

17-87. Report on a schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates clearer wording and/or more clearly explains each section in less technical jargon and is more coherent in its entirety, with the goal of seeing such an Ordinance adopted by the end of this City Council term. On a communication from Councillor Kelley and Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 9/18/2017

18-4. Report on exploring mechanisms for achieving greater levels of snow clearing by the city and increase the public response during major snow events or heavy snow winters.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-5) from 1/22/2018

18-6. Report on information regarding electronic device usage by City-elected officials.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 1/22/2018

18-7. Report on the possibility of changing the snow removal exemption to include two and three-family houses.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 1/29/2018

18-9. Report on necessary repairs to the Gold Star Mothers Park and all play and water feature, including drainage issues, with an eye towards mitigating the impacts of local construction and the development of a plan with the community for improving this significant piece of open space.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 1/29/2018

18-10. Report on creating a list of mitigated meeting and conference room private spaces that are available to the public, what the exact eligibility of using these spaces is, and making the list available to the public.
Councillor Toomey (O-5) from 1/29/2018

18-11. Report on the potential of utilizing trenchless technology, micro tunneling and/or pipe jacking to lessen the time and impact on the residents of Gore Street.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 1/29/2018

18-12. Report on maximizing the community benefits from and mitigating the impacts of the Cambridge Crossing sewer construction.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 1/29/2018

18-15. Report on any other relevant City Department to gain a sense of who is purchasing buildings in Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 2/5/2018

18-21. Report on the feasibility of initiating a formal transit study and action plan of the Alewife area in response to unanimous concerns of the Envision Alewife Working Group.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-7) from 2/26/2018

18-27. Report on why there continues to be significant audio and video difficulties during live internet broadcasts of City Council meetings.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 3/5/2018

18-29. Report on the possibility of re-evaluating the fees associated with community block parties, specifically entertainment fees for unpaid, local musicians. See Mgr #5
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 3/5/2018

18-30. Report on the possibility of Cambridge joining this national suit against opioid manufacturers and distributors. See Mgr #7
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon (O-3) from 3/5/2018

18-37. Report on the possibility of accepting the City of Boston's invitation to join their intergenerational housing pilot program.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 3/26/2018

18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018

18-40. Report on notifying the owners of the former Harvard Square Theater to provide a firm schedule for when they will submit their application to the Cambridge Historical Commission and a projected timeline for the rest of the process.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 4/2/2018

18-44. Report on ensuring an additional commitment of $20 million from the City’s budget is devoted over the next five years toward the City’s efforts to preserve and create affordable housing units.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 4/23/2018

18-53. Report on an updated schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates suggestions from the Light Cambridge Committee by June 11, 2018.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 5/14/2018

18-58. Report on the Housing Committee and how the City could establish a method of eviction data collection.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 5/21/2018

18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018

18-61. Report on commissioning a public art piece, statue, or memorial that would commemorate the dedication of women in Cambridge to passing the Nineteenth Amendment.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/4/2018

18-62. Report on acquiring Big Belly Solar trash cans to replace the current open top trash receptacles, with an emphasis on the business districts.
Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 6/18/2018

18-65. Report on working with the Mayor’s Summer Youth Program and other appropriate City departments to organize a Town Hall Meeting for Cambridge youth.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-5) from 6/18/2018

18-66. Report on establishing a Young Adult Civic Unity Committee to be modeled after the Citizen Civic Unity Committee and to recruit applicants from all across the community and across all socio-economic backgrounds.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 6/18/2018

18-67. Report on allocating additional supplemental funds in the FY19 Budget and a line item allocated in the FY20 Budget for legal aid contracts so that more legal assistance is available to residents facing displacement and other housing-related emergencies.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Mayor McGovern (O-10) from 6/18/2018

18-68. Report on determining the permitting and legality issues of Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-11) from 6/18/2018

18-69. Report on identifying additional opportunities to plant trees in public spaces throughout the city, particularly in underserved areas of the city, and present a timeline in which this will happen including any necessary fiscal appropriations, as a part of the broader effort to rebuild our declining tree canopy.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-12) from 6/18/2018

18-70. Report whenever a city owned public tree (not considered a “street tree” under 87.3) must be removed for reason other than disease or threat to public safety, and that a public hearing be scheduled prior to its removal.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-13) from 6/18/2018

18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018

18-76. Report on including a Job Linkage fee to the list of topics being evaluated in the upcoming Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-11) from 6/25/2018

18-78. Report on meeting with representatives from DCR, Friends of Magazine Beach, the cycling community, and all other stakeholders to develop a design and funding plan to ensure that the essential safety upgrades to the Paul Dudley White Community Path are completed to complement the ongoing Magazine Beach renovations.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-13) from 6/25/2018

18-79. Report on the Grand Junction Overlay District and provide update in September.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 7/30/2018

18-80. Report on the Sherman Street train crossing and related train traffic with the goal of implementing whatever street and intersection changes are necessary to get this area re-designated a “quiet zone.” See Mgr #6
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 7/30/2018

18-81. Report on efforts to be made to ensure that at least one public building at an accessible location can be open on a Sunday or holiday that coincides with an extreme heat event.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-4) from 7/30/2018

18-82. Report on discussions with Lesley University or the Episcopal Divinity School about purchasing the property for affordable housing development and the results of any such discussion.
Councillor Toomey (O-8) from 7/30/2018

18-83. Report on an action plan to work with the City’s Community-Based Organizations to create a network of summertime evening programming to reduce the threat of violence in the City’s public spaces in 2019 and beyond.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon (O-9) from 7/30/2018

18-85. Report on the feasibility of appointing an advisory committee to work through resiliency elements raised during the Envision process and through the Brown petition.
Councillor Toomey (O-13) from 7/30/2018

18-86. Report on the feasibility of adopting a policy of replacing any failed 4000K LED streetlights with warmer alternatives as opportunities arise, and offering shielding/filtering upon request from nearby residents whenever possible.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-14) from 7/30/2018

18-87. Report on the navigational editing capabilities of the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-16) from 7/30/2018

18-88. Report on contracting with an outside survey company to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of inclusionary tenants' experiences, with a particular emphasis on biased practices.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-17) from 7/30/2018

18-89. Reporting on establishing an Inman Square Business Impact Plan ahead of formally initiating the Inman Square street reconfiguration process.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon (O-6) from 9/17/2018