Cambridge City Council meeting - October 2, 2023

TAX RATE HEARING
The Cambridge City Council will conduct a public hearing related to setting the property tax rate classification. Under the laws of the Commonwealth, the City has the option of taxing residential and commercial/industrial property at different tax rates. At this public meeting, the City Council will review tax rates/classifications proposed by the City Manager and the Board of Assessors. The votes taken will result in property tax rates that reflect the City’s property tax levy for Fiscal Year. [City Manager’s Tax Rate Letter]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA [Tax Rate Hearing]
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to votes necessary to seek approval from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue of the tax rate for FY2024. (CM23#250) [Tax Rate Letter]
Placed on File 9-0

Agenda 1A Oct 2, 2023
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is authorized to use $2,000,000 in Overlay Surplus Reserve to be used as a revenue to reduce the Fiscal Year 2024 tax rate.
Order Adopted 9-0

Agenda 1B Oct 2, 2023
ORDERED: That the City Council classifies property within the City of Cambridge into five property classes allowed for the purpose of allocating the property tax levy. Additionally, that the City Council herby adopts the 150% Shift and a Minimum Residential Factor of 65.0000.
Order Adopted 9-0

Agenda 1C Oct 2, 2023
ORDERED: That the City Council approves a thirty (30) percent residential exemption for owner-occupied homes.
Order Adopted 9-0

2. A communication was received from City Manager Yi-An Huang , transmitting City Manager’s tax rate letter. (COF23#169)
Placed on File 9-0

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA [Regular Meeting]
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a public health update. (CM23#245)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of David Kale to the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees for a term of one year. (CM23#246)
Placed on File 9-0

Oct 2, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of David Kale as a member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees for a term of one year. This appointment requires notification to the City Council only.

David Kale previously served as Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs and Treasurer/Collector for the City Cambridge from 2017 to 2023. Prior to that, Mr. Kale served as Town Administrator for the Town of Belmont, Deputy Finance Director/Budget Director for the City of Cambridge, Chief Financial Officer for the Arlington Public Schools, and as Director of Financial Services, Manager of Financial Services and Manager of Financial Operations for the Cambridge Public Schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in business administration from Suffolk University.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Cambridge Election Commission regarding the assignment of thirty-two (32) police officers and any additional officers as required to the City’s polling locations for all elections in FY24, pursuant to G.L. c. 54, §72. (CM23#247)
Recommendation Adopted, Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons to the Family Policy Council; Appointments: Matthew Nelson, Khalida Griffin Shepherd, Urbana Barua, Rehaan Anjaria, and Abel Asefaw. Reappointments: Michelle Godfrey, Tina Alu, and Michael Johnston. (CM23#248)
Placed on File 9-0

Oct 2, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to inform you that I am appointing the following persons as members of the Family Policy Council:

City Manager Designee
Matthew Nelson

Appointments
Khalida Griffin Sheperd
Urbana Barua
Rehaan Anjaria
Abel Asefaw

Reappointments
Michelle Godfrey
Tina Alu
Michael Johnston

Family Policy Council
The Family Policy Council, officially known as the Coordinating Council for Children, Youth and Families is dedicated to developing policy and program recommendations aimed at ensuring all children, youth, and their families have access to what they need to be successful, engaged residents who are prepared for life in our community and in the world.

Selection Process
The Family Policy Council advertised for a new Community-At-Large Representative between July 20th and August 21st, 2023, in the City’s daily digest emails, a press release to local media, and we shared the opportunity with the Family Policy Council and various other networks and groups in the City. They reached out directly to individuals who work with families. They received 15 applicants and interviewed 7 of those who applied.

City Manager Designee
Mathew Nelson – Mr. Nelson is the Director of Administration and Operations for the City Manager’s office. He will replace David Kale as the City Manager’s Designee.

Appointments

Community-At-Large Representative (3-year term)
Khalida Griffin Sheperd, Putnam Avenue. – Ms. Griffin Sheperd is a Library Assistant at the Valente Branch of the Cambridge Public Library and a single mother raising 2 young children. She volunteers as a Girl Scouts leader, and dance teacher, and started a book club in her community. Ms. Griffin Sheperd has also participated in many of the programs the City offers residents (Baby University, Center for Families, Cambridge Employment Program, etc.). Ms. Griffin Sheperd is inspired by all the people and programs she has connected with, which ultimately helped her become the professional and mom she is today.

Youth Representatives (2-year term)
Urbana Barua – Ms. Barua is a junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. She is starting her third year as a member of the Cambridge Youth Council. She is also a teaching assistant at a dance school and has interned for the Science Club for Girls, National Parks of Boston, and Crimson Summer Academy.

Rehaan Anjaria – Mr. Anjaria is a junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. He is starting his second year as a member of the Cambridge Youth Council. He is also a member of the media arts club, debate club, and drone club, and does website design.

Abel Asefaw – Mr. Asefaw is a junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. He joined the Cambridge Youth Council this year. He is also a member of the debate club and drone club and is on the fencing and track teams.

Reappointments

Early Childhood Representative (3-year term)
Michelle Godfrey – Ms. Godfrey is the Community Engagement and Family Support Director for the Department of Human Service Programs. She is an expert in early childhood and family engagement in Cambridge. Her insights and contributions to the Council are invaluable.

Specific Area Representatives (1-year term)
Tina Alu – Ms. Alu is the Executive Director of the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC). She represents not only CEOC, but the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition. Ms. Alu always volunteers her time to lead or join Family Policy Council subcommittees. Most recently, she co-chaired the Language Justice Subcommittee.

Michael Johnston – Mr. Johnston is the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority. It is vital that we have a representation who understands the complexities of housing in Cambridge.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions as members of the Family Policy Council.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to revisions to the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. (CM23#249) [CDD Memo]
Placed on File 9-0

LATE CITY MANAGER AGENDA ITEMS
6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report which describes Operations & Case Management Software, requested by the Community Safety Department. (CM23#251)
Report Accepted & Approved, Placed on File 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report which describes Operations & Case Management Software, requested by the Community Safety Department. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Sept 18, 2023] (CM23#241)
Placed on File 9-0

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended, Aug 7, 2023; further Amended Sept 18, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained – no expiration] (ORD22#11) [text of proposed amendment]
Ordained 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ,SS-Yes; DC,PN,PT-No)

3. An Ordinance has been received from City Council, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) amendments. (Proposed Ordinance #2023-7) [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 11, 2023; Amended Sept 18, 2023] (ORD23#7) [text of First Publication] [AHO-Sept12Edit]
Amended 8-1 (BA,AM,MM,PN,DS,PT,QZ,SS-Yes; DC-No) - further details to follow

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Allene R. Pierson, regarding Cambridge Lodging House Zoning Change to strengthen Cambridge residential housing efforts, mitigate the disruptive impacts of short-term platform-based market rate rentals. (AP23#51) [Signed petition] [Lodging House Petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Bernard McCormack, regarding Mass Ave bike lanes and continuing expansion.

2. A communication from Bill Deignan, regarding Ped-Bike Crossing of the Fitchburg Line - Cambridge RCN Support Letter Request.

5. A communication from Ethan Frank, regarding separated bike lanes and outdoor eating.

6. A communication from Madeleine Clarke, regarding testimony in support of PO#159.

7. A communication from Marilee Meyer, regarding PLEASE LEAVE VOTES FOR THE NDCS (AND CHC) UNTIL THE NEXT COUNCIL.

9. A communication from Robert Camacho, regarding National Conservation Districts.

10. A communication from Young Kim, regarding 9/18/23 City Council Manager’s Agenda Item #6.

11. A communication from Young Kim, regarding 9/18/23 City Council Unfinished Business #6 re AHO amendments.

14. A communication from Carol Waldo and Ralph Robinson, regarding Support Comprehensive Design Engineering Study for the Rindge Greenway Proposal.

19. A communication from Ann McDonald, regarding Please fund Comprehensive Design and Engineering Study for the Rindge Greenway Proposal.

20. A communication from Katie Bamber, regarding Zoning Change Question – 210 Broadway, 131 Harvard Street.

21. A communication from Nike Tirman, regarding TRAFFIC HAZARD - 50 Garden Street.

22. A communication from Helen Walker, regarding opposition to changes to Chapter 2.78 and in opposition to AHO 2.0.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Donna Gallant on her retirement. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

2. Resolution on the death of John C. “Jack” Haverty, Jr. Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui

5. Congratulations to John Sullivan on his retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Gilda M. Nogueira on her retirement as President and Chief Executive Officer of East Cambridge Savings Bank. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD and the Law Department to review the proposed amendment to BEUDO regarding new buildings, and to propose adjustments, especially with regards to the building permit vs certificate of occupancy question. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (PO23#166)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to direct CDD to meet with the Universities, large labs, large property developers and anyone with technical expertise regarding the proposed BEUDO amendment to get their input. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (PO23#167)
Order Adopted 9-0

3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to place a Crossing Guard on the corner of Putnam Avenue and Western Avenue for one hour before the start of the CRLS school day and one hour after dismissal. Councillor McGovern (PO23#168)
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant City departments to install a needle lock box, an emergency call box, and a Narcan box in the plaza outside the Central Square Library. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (PO23#169)
Order Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of erecting a covered bus shelter in the immediate vicinity of 15 Lambert Street. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (PO23#170)
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

6. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to change the hours of off leash usage at Joan Lorentz Park to 6:00 to 10:00am to allow usage prior to typical work hours. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (PO23#171)
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

7. Appointment of Lauren Reznick to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a five-year term. Councillor Carlone (PO23#172)
Order Adopted 9-0

8. Housing contributions from the City’s major institutions. Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (PO23#173)
Order Adopted 9-0

9. That the City Council schedule a roundtable on Mon, Oct 23, 2023, from 3:00pm-5pm to receive an update from the City Manager, relevant departments, and community partners on Central Square. Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#174)
Order Adopted 9-0

10. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to affix the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Banner above JFK Street and Mount Auburn Street beginning on Oct 4, 2023. Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#175)
Order Adopted 9-0

11. National Clean Investment Fund Grant Support Letter. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#176)
Order Adopted 9-0

12. That the City Manager is requested to work with the License Commission and other relevant departments to prepare recommendations on regulations that would ban or limit the sale of nips in Cambridge. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone (PO23#177)
Charter Right - Toner

13. That the City Manager is requested to reaffirm the City’s commitment to renovating the schoolhouse at 105 Windsor Street as a top priority following the completion of the Central Square lots study. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan (PO23#178)
Charter Right - Simmons

4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 20, 2023, to discuss potential amendments to the Building Energy Use Ordinance. The following motions were approved and appear on this agenda, each as a separate policy order. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Toner, Zondervan, Siddiqui
Absent: Azeem, Simmons

Motion #1: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with CDD and the Law Department to review the proposed amendment to BEUDO regarding new buildings, and to propose adjustments, especially with regards to the building permit vs certificate of occupancy question and respond to this matter at a to be scheduled Ordinance Committee hearing on this matter.

Motion #2: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct CDD to meet with the Universities, large labs, large property developers and anyone with technical expertise regarding the proposed BEUDO amendment to get their input, and that the City Manager respond to this matter at a to be scheduled Ordinance Committee hearing on this matter.

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF23#164)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting information from the UPK Ad Hoc. (COF23#165)
Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF23#166)
Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication from Councillors Nolan, Carlone, and Toner transmitting alternative language to the Affordable Housing Overlay amendments. (COF23#167) [text of communication]
Placed on File 9-0

5. A communication from Councillors Nolan, Carlone, and Toner transmitting alternative language to the Affordable Housing Overlay amendments. (COF23#168) [text of communication]
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting
6:30pm The Cambridge City Council will conduct a public hearing related to setting the property tax rate classification. The purpose of said public hearing is to gather testimony, information and public input concerning the property tax rate classification. All persons wishing to be heard shall be afforded the opportunity. Under the laws of the Commonwealth, the City has the option of taxing residential and commercial/industrial property at different tax rates. At this public meeting, the City Council will review tax rates/classifications proposed by the City Manager and the Board of Assessors. The votes taken will result in property tax rates that reflect the City’s property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2024, including the granting of the residential exemption.

Wed, Oct 4
12:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:30pm-2:30pm to discuss proposed changes to the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge relative to Chapter 5.50 CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING.

Tues, Oct 10
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by amending Articles 2.000, 4.000, 5.000, and 23.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of allowing hen-keeping as a permitted accessory use to principal residential (excluding transient accommodations as defined in Section 4.31.i), religious, and educational uses; with limitations and subject to regulation and permitting by the Cambridge Public Health Department.
5:30pm The Charter Review Committee (Zoom only)

Tues, Oct 17
2:00pm The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee and the Health and Environment Committee will hold a joint public meeting from 2:00pm-4:00pm to discuss the relationship between the City and the Cambridge Health Alliance including a review of the operations and budget of the Public Health Department, the Cambridge Health Alliance annual contract with the City of Cambridge, legal options for structuring the public health board, and other ways to best serve the community’s public health needs.

Wed, Oct 25
3:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public meeting from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss, review, and evaluate the Zero Waste Master Plan and plan reports and updates, and to discuss possible ways to further reduce waste in Cambridge including exploring how the City might eliminate single-use plastics including but not limited to nips, bottled water, and utensils.

Tues, Oct 31
12:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:00pm-2:00pm to discuss a status update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge.

Tues, Nov 14
12:30pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:30pm-2:30pm to discuss bicycle ridership and bike lane usage data.

O-4 Oct 2, 2023
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The Manning Apartments, a Cambridge Housing Authority Senior/Disabled building, shares a plaza with the Central Square branch of the Cambridge Public Library; and
WHEREAS: The plaza is often used by Manning Apartment residents; and
WHEREAS: The plaza has also become a place where those struggling with substance use disorder often inject substances, resulting in used needles being found in the plaza; and
WHEREAS: At a recent community meeting with members of the Manning community, it was requested that the City of Cambridge install a needle lock box, so that needles can be disposed of safely; and
WHEREAS: At this same meeting it was requested that the City of Cambridge install an emergency call box, so that 911 can be easily accessed in case of emergency; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all relevant City departments to install a needle lock box, an emergency call box, and a Narcan box in the plaza outside the Central Square Library.

O-5 Oct 2, 2023 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: It has been brought to the attention of the City Council that the residents at 15 Lambert Street, known as “Millers River Apartments” and home to many members of our senior population, are requesting that the bench in front of the building, which many seniors use to wait for the MBTA buses, have a shelter placed over it to protect these individuals from inclement weather; and
WHEREAS: The City has, in previous years, seen fit to install a covered bus shelter at the corner of Erie Street and Brookline Street, near the LBJ Apartments that similarly house many of our senior community members; and
WHEREAS: As the City continues encouraging people of all ages to utilize mass transit, installing covered shelters is just one way to help reduce the impediments to those looking to do so, and it would especially be important to install these shelters on bus lines heavily utilized by our senior residents; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to determine the feasibility of erecting a covered bus shelter in the immediate vicinity of 15 Lambert Street, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-6 Oct 2, 2023 Amended
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
WHEREAS: Joan Lorentz Park is a dedicated shared off leash area for dogs from 8:00am to 10:00am; and
WHEREAS: This park is used by many dog owners, who have formed a tight-knit community, including not only dog owners, but others in the community who enjoy being around dogs and meeting up with their neighbors; and
WHEREAS: Many of those who use this park for off leash dog hours work during the day; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all relevant Departments, the Joan Lorentz Park Committee, the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, and neighborhood dog owners to change the hours for off leash usage to 6:00 to ~~8:00am~~ 10:00am to allow usage prior to typical work hours; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all relevant Departments, the Joan Lorentz Park Committee, the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, and neighborhood dog owners to add evening hours for off leash dog usage from 5:00 to 7:00pm, in the section of the park closest to the high school and near the playground, which is currently the space designated for off leash use.

O-8 Oct 2, 2023
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a global leader in the field of education and in the life sciences, with Kendall Square recently being described in the Boston Globe as the “the world’s life science epicenter”; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s universities and corporations have historically shared a symbiotic relationship with the city, benefitting from its strategic placement and networking potential, while in turn feeding opportunities and economic resources back into the Cambridge community; and
WHEREAS: In times of difficulty, Cambridge has done as many such cities have, and asked its major institutions and businesses to help support the local community in facing particularly pressing challenges; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge, like other high tech and education hubs around the country, is facing a major housing crisis, as cost of living and price of land far outpace the earning potential of most of the local population; and
WHEREAS: There is precedence in other similar cities for local governments to ask their major institutions to invest more in dealing with local housing shortages, for example in San Francisco, where Google has committed to spending $1 billion over 10 years to provide 20,000 homes in order to offset the impact its operations have had on local housing affordability and availability; and
WHEREAS: Two of Cambridge’s oldest and most powerful universities – Harvard and MIT – have long lacked sufficient graduate student housing, causing students to compete with other residents for housing on the market, at the same time that the universities have purchased and developed large swaths of the city, further increasing land costs and reducing available land for affordable housing; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s academic institutions have demonstrated willingness to accommodate the city’s need for additional housing, for example with the Harvard Local Housing Collaborative, which since 2000 has leveraged $20 million in low-interest flexible loans to help develop 33 affordable housing projects in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Despite such efforts to combat the crisis, according to the 2022 Cambridge Town Gown Report Summary, over 6,000 units of housing are occupied annually by Harvard and MIT students in off campus non-affiliate housing within Cambridge alone, which is predominantly market rate; and
WHEREAS: While Cambridge’s various biotechnology companies, in partnership with its prominent academic institutions, have helped transform the city into the innovation hub it is today, the huge growth in lab development as well as the high-end housing sprouting up to support it has had a negative effect on the local residential market and dramatically raised the cost of housing, as successive institutions have failed to act proactively to prevent this foreseeable result; and
WHEREAS: While many of the major academic institutions and life science real estate development companies within Cambridge have made important contributions to the city’s housing stock, the crisis we are in demands an even greater commitment from these major stakeholders if Cambridge is to retain its economic and social diversity; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct City staff to identify and work individually with institutions that have extensive operations inside Cambridge, that have substantial financial means, and that have had documentable exacerbative impacts on the city’s housing crisis, including, but not limited to, MIT, Harvard, and the city’s major corporations in the fields of the life sciences/high tech; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct City staff to identify ways these institutions can do more to provide affordable housing development within/near the city, whether by providing additional funds to the Affordable Housing Trust or by developing affordable/mixed-income housing, commensurate with the means of each institution, and specifically to work with the academic institutions on plans to provide on-campus housing to significantly more graduate students and to lower-income staff; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the progress of these efforts no later than Dec 31, 2023.

O-10 Oct 2, 2023
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: On June 6, 2016, the City Council resolved to recognize every subsequent second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: There are over 600 Native Nations in the United States, where 6.8 million Americans identify as Native American, including 250 in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is on land belonging to the Massachusetts People; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge believes that the culture of Indigenous people is one to be promoted, and the rich and diverse history is worthy of celebration; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge will continue to observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday in October to promote the beautiful and diverse Native American and Indigenous cultures that exist in Cambridge and recognize the violence that Indigenous Nations have been subjected to; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record to state its continued observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct 9, 2023; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to affix the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Banner above JFK Street and Mount Auburn Street beginning on Oct 4, 2023, for no less than one week; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Massachusetts Commission on Indian Affairs, the Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness, and the Natives at Harvard College (NAHC) on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-11 Oct 2, 2023
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is on record supporting electrification as a means of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonizing our city as evidenced by actions including leadership work of the Climate Crisis Working Group, recent emissions reductions requirements added to the Building Energy Use and Disclosure Ordinance, the passing of the Green Jobs Ordinance, the updates to the Green Building Zoning Ordinance, the recent launches of programs like Electrify Cambridge and the BlocPower decarbonization pilot, and as outlined in our Net Zero Action Plan; and
WHEREAS: Clean Communities Investment Partnership, Inc. (CCIP) is a collaboration of national partners, including Enterprise Community Partners, Rewiring America, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, United Way Worldwide, and Habitat for Humanity, that are focused on building demand for the electrification of single- and multi-family homes in low-income communities, a stated climate goal of the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: CCIP is applying for Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund funding from the National Clean Investment Fund, the funding, which would be available to be used in all 50 states, including Massachusetts, would potentially jumpstart electrification efforts across the Commonwealth by aggregating demand for electrification of low-income housing; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record endorsing the attached letter in support of the grant application and submit the letter of support to Clean Communities Investment Partnership, Inc.; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Clean Communities Investment Partnership, Inc. on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12 Oct 2, 2023 Charter Right - Toner
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The City Council has passed policy orders urging the City to take action to ban single-use plastics, have urged specific action on plastic water bottles, and have supported state action to limit plastic waste; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has taken many steps to reduce the use of single-use plastics and reduce overall waste in Cambridge as evidenced by their actions to ban plastic bags, polystyrene takeout containers, reducing the use of plastic water bottles, and through the Zero Waste Master Plan, and the continuing work of the Recycling Committee; and
WHEREAS: The Health and Environment Committee of the City Council will be meeting on Oct 25, 2023 to discuss, review, and evaluate the Zero Waste Master Plan and plan reports and updates, and to discuss possible ways to further reduce waste in Cambridge including exploring how the City might eliminate single-use plastics including but not limited to nips, bottled water, and utensils; and
WHEREAS: There has been other municipal action in Massachusetts to limit the sale of mini plastic alcohol bottles, also called “nips,” including in New Bedford, Newton, Falmouth, Wareham, Mashpee, and Chelsea, which has not only seen a decrease in plastic litter, but also a large decrease in alcohol related emergency calls; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has indicated that plastic nips cannot be recycled due to their small size, therefore all nips will end up in landfills or litter the local streets and waterways of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: As has been done in other municipalities, the Cambridge License Commission can take immediate action to limit or ban nip sales in new stores and to phase in a ban or a limit throughout the city so that existing stores have an opportunity to sell the remainder of their current stock; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the License Commission and other relevant departments to prepare recommendations on regulations that would ban or limit the sale of nips in Cambridge and prepare to discuss a proposal at the Health and Environment Committee meeting on Oct 25, 2023.

O-13 Oct 2, 2023 Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: 105 Windsor Street has stood vacant for multiple decades but the City made a historic commitment to The Port neighborhood in the summer of 2022 when $4.5 million was appropriated to fund the design and renovation of this historic structure with the City promising “a pretty complete community process associated with this building, engaging the community, looking at various options, and then obviously we need to come back to the City Council”; and
WHEREAS: In 2023, the City Manager proceeded with a new survey and study of vacant parcels in and around Central Square, covering 10 lots including the schoolhouse at 105 Windsor Street; and
WHEREAS: While this study is long overdue, very welcome, and the big picture scope is useful in many respects to ensure the needs of Central Square are truly met as we move forward with utilizing these parcels, there is concern that the tremendous scope of this study could distract from and drown out the City’s promise to prioritize activation of the parcel at 105 Windsor Street, as well as the ability to conduct the kind of intentional, inclusive community process around the building that many in the neighborhood have envisioned for years; and
WHEREAS: 105 Windsor has a long history of community-oriented uses and the future of the site is of extreme importance to residents of The Port, including residents of Newtowne Court and Washington Elms located right across the street, making this a matter of racial and economic justice; and
WHEREAS: It seems important to clarify for the Port neighborhood whether the City remains committed to renovating 105 Windsor Street as a top priority in 2024, following the completion of the lots study; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to reaffirm the City’s commitment to renovating the schoolhouse at 105 Windsor Street as a top priority following the completion of the Central Square lots study; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to outline and execute on an intentional community process specifically focused on the future of 105 Windsor Street, including (but not limited to) a series of community meetings specific to this building that seek to engage all residents of the neighborhood in an effort to build consensus; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter by Oct 30, 2023.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019

20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-9. Report on providing an overview of various programs and services that are designed to assist the City’s chronically unhoused population and those in danger of becoming unhoused, along with the metrics by which the City determines the effectiveness of these programs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 2/22/2021

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021

21-94. Report on proposing possible zoning language that would achieve the goals of incentivizing all construction to be fossil fuel free through a possible special permit process.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/13/2021

21-98. Report on Reaffirming Commitment to the Goal of 100% Renewable by 2035.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 12/13/2021

22-7. Report on providing a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted on the golf course land, information on the history, residency and other demographic information on membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #1) from 1/31/2022

22-8. Report on determining the feasibility of establishing additional compensation for the City’s essential employees in accordance with the considered State legislation framework.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 2/7/2022

22-13. Report on determining how to better integrate more parent response into their decision-making process as they make changes that can have undue impacts upon the families they serve.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 3/7/2022

22-14. Report on the findings of the “Future of Telework” Committee, and to explain the City’s current policy regarding a remote work policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 3/7/2022

22-23. Report on providing an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies, including (but not limited to) an explanation of the administration’s current procedures for notifying and conducting outreach to abutters and neighbors, the criteria for evaluating curb cut applications, and an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 4/11/2022

22-24. Report on determining what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/25/2022

22-29. Report on introducing a pilot program to open two of our youth centers during the evening and weekend hours during the summer.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 5/9/2022

22-30. Report on adding $1.94 linkage fee to Housing Contribution Rate that is specifically targeted for job training.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern from 5/9/2022

22-33. Report on consulting with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services, and the Executive Director of Cadbury Common to determine the feasibility of re-establishing some form of the Kate’s Café Monthly LGBTQ+ Community Dinners either at Cadbury Common or at another suitable location.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 5/16/2022

22-35. Report on ensuring that every possible material used in construction projects are as safe and healthy and free of potential toxins as possible, and ensure that all construction and manufacturing vendors commit to disclosing all ingredients and using non-toxic materials.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 5/16/2022

22-36. Work on Implementing Recommendations from Working IDEAL Report.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/23/2022

22-38. Report on establishing a method of ensuring that anti-bias training is incorporated into the City’s hiring process at all levels.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 5/23/2022

22-40. Report on developing a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the entire, department-wide municipal government.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/6/2022

22-42. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a “community healing initiative” plan to address the issues in our city.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/13/2022

22-43. Report on establishing a notification system to all neighborhood residents, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes, within a set area where neighborhood disruptions such as infrastructure work or demolitions are scheduled to occur.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/13/2022

22-46. Report on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 6/27/2022

22-49. Report on Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 8/1/2022

22-50. Report on establishing Black Men and Boys Commission.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 8/1/2022

22-55. Report on the status of the long-term water projections and on what measures could be taken to conserve water.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-14) from 8/1/2022

22-57. Report on Policy Order to investigate shared EV or Hybrid free bus service.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/1/2022

22-61. Report on communicating to the Cambridge Health Alliance the City Council’s support for the reopening of the Cambridge Birth Center for deliveries as soon as possible and City Council support for the protection of existing birth centers and the creation of new birth centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-64. Report on t detailing how other comparable municipalities handle their street corner dedication processes and on ways to honor those individuals who may not ultimately have a street corner named after them but who nonetheless deserve to have their names and accomplishments recognized.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/19/2022

22-66. Report on a plan to install “Walls of Honor” at each home baseball and softball field honoring past and current coaches and volunteers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/19/2022

22-67. Report on necessary preparations for the next Housing Committee meeting in the discussion on potentially allowing multifamily housing to be built citywide.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 9/19/2022

22-69. Report on a community process on the future use of 105 Windsor Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 9/19/2022

22-70. Report on the legislation passed by the Somerville City Council banning limited services pregnancy centers.
Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #3) from 10/3/2022 Committee Report

22-71. Report on convening an advisory group to determine ways in which the City can work to lift up the voices and experiences of the descendants of the Indigenous People who currently reside in our community.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/3/2022

22-73. Report on working with the Law Dept., to automatically provide an initial legal opinion to the City Council and the City Clerk at least three business days in advance of the first Public Hearing on any amendment to the Code of Ordinances formally introduced in the City Council.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 10/3/2022

22-75. Report on receiving input from the Vision Zero, Pedestrian, Bicycle Committee, the Council on Aging, the Transit Advisory Committee, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, promulgate the updated guide throughout the city, and develop recommendations for staffing and methods of improving traffic enforcement.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #2) from 10/17/2022

22-80. Report on providing a comprehensive list of current Cambridge policies that impact the cost of local commercial and residential development and those that are known to be in the pipeline, to note whether similar policies exist in the neighboring cities of Boston and Somerville.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #2) from 11/14/2022

22-83. Report on determining how the City could adopt G.L. c. 40, sec. 60B, created under the Municipal Modernization Act, which allows cities and towns, through their respective legislative bodies, to provide for Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments Zones (WH–STA) as an incentive to create middle-income housing.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-16) from 11/21/2022

23-3. Report on determining the feasibility of purchasing the property located at 37 Brookline Street, former home of Peter Valentine, with the intent of utilizing this as a community arts space.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-4) from 1/23/2023

23-6. Report on determining the best ways to promote bike safety with a particular focus on expanding the distribution of bike lights throughout the City.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/6/2023

23-10. Report on engaging with community groups and the City’s existing multi-member bodies to design the next iteration of the Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-11) from 2/6/2023

23-12. Report on options of how to increase overnight resident street parking in the vicinity of Rogers Street.
Councillor Zondervan (O-13) from 2/6/2023

23-13. Report on evaluating the feasibility of financially supporting free meals for all students for the School Year 2023/24.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 2/13/2023

23-15. Report on continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #1) from 2/27/2023

23-16. Report on Police Details and the need for having armed vs. unarmed officers and the possibility of having civilian flaggers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #2) from 2/27/2023

23-17. Report on the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #3) from 2/27/2023

23-18. Report on creating a policy that will ensure the City is notified whenever a high-rise building over six floors experiences elevator failures.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 3/6/2023

23-19. Report on the feasibility of installing Automated External Defibrillator’s at all public parks and practice fields, and any other public place as appropriate.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 3/6/2023

23-20. Report on the feasibility of providing municipally-funded housing vouchers similar to programs in Somerville and Boston.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 3/6/2023

23-21. Report on funding the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls.
(Calendar Item #1) from 3/20/2023

23-22. Report on providing a license agreement, as well as direct financial and regulatory support for the continued and uninterrupted operation of Starlight Square.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 3/20/2023

23-23. Report on providing a legal opinion which clarifies the state law on zoning petition signature requirements to ensure clarity and lawful deliberation in the future.
Councillor Nolan (O-1) from 4/3/2023

23-25. Report on developing a three-year plan to expand and improve After School Care.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 4/3/2023

23-26. Report on reviewing the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District (AP23#12) for form and content.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 4/3/2023

23-28. Report on bringing together a working group to conduct outreach through neighborhood groups including the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance, and any other nearby neighborhood groups and City departments, in order to discuss and review options for use of the BB&N Field.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 4/24/2023

23-30. Report on working with DPW and relevant City departments and the Committee on Public Planting to consider ideas proposed during the Health and Environment Committee meeting on Apr 25, 2023, and to prepare a brief report outlining action items within the City’s UFMP which can be implemented as soon as this year and develop recommendations to update regulations regarding native species planting practices in light of climate change affecting the species that should be planted in the City.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem (O-5) from 5/1/2023

23-32. Report on the feasibility of purchasing available property from Lesley University to address City goals.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 5/8/2023

23-33. Report on recommending how the City can publish legal notices using online newspapers.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem (O-3) from 5/8/2023

23-34. Report on funding and implementing the grant proposal submitted to DOE GTO to design and implement a community-scale geothermal heating and cooling system in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 5/15/2023

23-35. Report on the use of several parcels of land along Webster Avenue to accomplish Envision goals, including how to best ensure that the acquisition of these parcels results in additional affordable housing and open space.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-3) from 5/15/2023

23-36. Report on the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 5/15/2023

23-38. Report on the legal opinion whether Cambridge could permanently switch to the MWRA water supply.
Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 5/22/2023

23-40. Report on working group tasked with establishing plans for a citywide celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 6/5/2023

23-41. Report on a new phone number and email address for Inclusionary Tenants to utilize for complaints and emergency issues as they arise.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 6/5/2023

23-43. Report on whether the Fire Department, the Police Department, Emergency Communications Department, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works and the Harvard Square Business Association determine that permanent automatic bollards are feasible in the area of Winthrop Street.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan (O-10) from 6/5/2023

23-44. Report on the legal opinion on whether the City could, without violating state law, use traffic cameras, regulated under the Surveillance Ordinance, to inform motorists of potential traffic violations or dangerous actions, without issuing any citations or formal warnings.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone (O-12) from 6/5/2023

23-45. Report on the issuing of an RFP calling for an agency that will lead the City through a community process with all stakeholders that will include community education, feedback, location possibilities, and potential legal issues as it relates to Overdose Prevention Centers.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/26/2023

23-46. Report on the coordination between relevant departments, local business associations, and local businesses to communicate to all retail businesses operating in Cambridge to encourage them to keep doors closed when operating cooling systems and inform them of other energy saving tools.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan from 6/26/2023

23-48. Report back on the Department of Veterans Services and the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department’s determination of how and where it would be most appropriate to establish signs along the City’s borders proclaiming Cambridge to be a Purple Heart City.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 8/7/2023

23-50. Report on the review of the opportunity to work with MIT leadership and their staff to meet the requirement of planting at least the required 1,000 caliper inches-worth of trees in the very much underplanted Area 2 (main campus) as soon as possible.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 8/7/2023

23-51. Report on the review of existing policies and guidelines on project designs and reviews to determine whether there are opportunities to minimize new or additional pavement and encourage using permeable surfaces in public and private construction throughout the city.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem (O-6) from 8/7/2023

23-52. Report on the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program and the removal of the $200 permit fee associated with the pilot program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern (O-14) from 8/7/2023

23-53. Report on the consultation with relevant departments on the enhanced communication strategy to inform residents about the implementation of the Cycling Safety Ordinance.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-13) from 8/7/2023

23-54. Report on coordination between the Law Department and CPD to report to the City Council all outstanding and recent (last 5 fiscal years: FY’23,’22,’21,’20,’19) lawsuits involving the CPD or individual members of CPD that the City is expending or has expended resources on, including an estimate of how much has been spent on these lawsuits to date in FY24.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 9/11/2023

23-55. Report on work done with relevant departments and agencies to design and implement a pilot program providing subsidized, on-demand transit to low-income residents, people with disabilities and seniors, with the goal of expanding the program to service the region in ways that supplement the MBTA system via fare-free, on-demand transit for everyone.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #2) from 9/11/2023

23-56. Report on the establishment and implementation of a regular maintenance schedule for tree wells, bump outs, crosswalks, and other pedestrian areas to prevent overgrowth and ensure consistent upkeep.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #3) from 9/11/2023

23-57. Report on the progress on Rodent Control Programs.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 9/11/2023

23-58. Report on a report on the use of short-term rentals in Cambridge including numbers of registered units and how that compares to public listings, data on usage, whether the City can have access to data from rental services and state agencies, and whether the City needs additional ordinance language to improve enforcement.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-7) from 9/11/2023

23-59. Report on the Standards for Chicken Keeping.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 8/7/2023

23-60. Report on meetings with Governor Healey, DCR Commissioner Arrigo and Secretary Rebecca Tepper that discussed resuming Saturday closures to traffic this summer and mitigating the traffic impacts, including by making potential traffic signal adjustments.
Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/7/2023

23-61. Report on the release any available demographic information related to the dues-paying membership of the municipal golf course, including (but not limited to) zip code, age, gender, race, and longevity of membership.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #2) from 6/26/2023