Cambridge City Council meeting - October 3, 2022

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-61, regarding the Cambridge Birth Center. (CM22#183)
pulled by Nolan; sent back to City Manager

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-41, regarding establishing evening off-leash dog hours at Hoyt Field. (CM22#184)
pulled by McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order 2022 #167 (Awaiting Report Item Number 22-65), regarding the meal program continuation. (CM22#185)
pulled by McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on new positions. [responds to Awaiting Report Items 22-37 and 22-40] (CM22#186)
pulled by Carlone; Placed on File 9-0

Oct 3, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

One of my early priorities as City Manager is understanding the strengths and areas for improvement across the City’s organizational structure. This is a key responsibility of a Chief Executive Officer, and critical to our collective success is having the right people in the right positions with clarity of reporting, roles, and accountability.

While my formal start date was September 6, 2022, I have been meeting with City leaders and staff since July 5. A key value underlying my approach to change is bringing both humility and an orientation toward action. Understanding our current context, building relationships with people who are doing the work, and receiving feedback on new ideas is a critical part of making major decisions. But we also must take actions and set the foundation for a healthier and stronger organization.

With that viewpoint in mind, I am writing to inform you about some key personnel changes that I am making. A first step was creating a more defined organizational structure and role for the Deputy City Manager. This next set of positions will be a second, and includes the creation of the following three roles:

• Chief People Officer

• Director of Community Engagement

• Director of Emergency Management

These steps are intended to fill important leadership roles and provide greater coordination and support across the organization. These positions will be funded through FY23 projected salary and wage outages, and will not change the overall FY23 budget.

The creation of these new positions is relevant to Awaiting Report 22-37 on establishing a new “Talent Officer” and Awaiting Report 22-40 on developing a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan.

Chief People Officer

The Personnel Department has remained mostly static in function and size over the last decade, while the organization and the field have evolved significantly. My experience working with the team has been very positive, and I’ve been impressed with the team’s dedication, hard work, judgment, and expertise. The team also includes many long-serving leaders and staff who bring valuable institutional knowledge and I deeply value their advice and the work they do.

However, there are also significant gaps in how the Personnel Department is supporting the organization. We have a long agenda that includes new staff onboarding, performance reviews, talent management, recruiting, IT system upgrades, adapting to telework, and supporting anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. In some of these areas, we have active projects but in others, we are closer to the beginning of the journey than the middle. The most obvious physical manifestation of this is the immense amount of paper that we still depend on, including weekly timesheets and a PeopleSoft system that was installed in 1999. We all recognize the irony that as a hub of innovation, we are still using technology and processes from more than twenty years ago.

The Personnel department has been structured primarily to keep the day-to-day operations running. The City of Cambridge has 1,636 full-time employees, more than 1,100 part-time employees, and 12 unions, and it operates in a complex and public setting that requires rapid response and careful diligence. Looking at benchmarks for Human Resources staffing reveals some of our challenges. While there is no perfect ratio, I have seen rough benchmarks of between 1.0 and 1.4 HR staff per organizational full-time equivalent (FTE), which for a city of 1,676 employees, would suggest a Human Resources Department of between 17 and 23 FTEs. Our current HR department is 13 FTEs, which is a ratio of 0.6 and would suggest that we are 21-43% understaffed.

I am working with the Personnel team to scope out what a re-imagined department would look like, but a key piece is creating space for greater leadership bandwidth, vision, prioritization, and management of new initiatives. This is the driving reason for a new Chief People Officer position.

Awaiting Report 22-37 asks the City Manager to determine the feasibility of establishing a new “Talent Officer” for the City which would focus on recruiting, professional development, and talent management across the organization, particularly from an anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. This was one of the recommendations from the Working Ideal report from April 2021. I strongly support the need for improving these functions, and the Chief People Officer will play an important role in these efforts.

Director of Community Engagement

Community engagement is one of the most important roles for local government. Over time, the City has developed community engagement primarily as a department function and each major area has staff who are dedicated, working hard, and constantly looking for ways to improve. This has allowed for departmental adaptation to their local initiatives and taking a more tailored approach. However, this de-centralization has also meant that outreach and engagement vary from department to department and that we as a City do not have a standard set of best practices, a structure for learning across the organization, or connection to the City Manager’s office for guidance and support.

Awaiting Report 22-40 requests that the City Manager develop a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the City and report back to the Council. I strongly support the need for a clear plan, and this position is intended to provide overall leadership and coordination across the community engagement function. The first priority for the Director of Community Engagement will be to develop this plan.

I also envision a collaborative process with our existing community engagement teams, where we will seek their input on what is working well in the current state and which areas they believe can be improved. I’m looking forward to working with our teams to better support their work, and I believe this role will be a critical piece of our success going forward.

Director of Emergency Management

The last ten years have reconfirmed the importance of emergency management for essential services, from the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, to the 2016 10-alarm fire in East Cambridge that displaced more than 100 people, to the COVID pandemic that we have all lived through over the last two and a half years. While these specific events would have been difficult to foresee or predict, the likelihood of a major emergency over time is high. This is the core tenet of emergency management - to prepare and plan for a broad range of potential scenarios in advance, and to train the organization so it is ready.

The City currently houses Emergency Management within the City’s Fire Department, which is standard for smaller towns and cities. However, larger cities like Boston, Providence, and Seattle have established city-wide positions. Prior to FY2011, this was the case in Cambridge with a separate department of 2 FTEs that supported efforts around Y2K planning, the 2004 Democratic National Convention, and establishing emergency shelters when needed.

I believe a city-wide function is important to our preparations. We are deeply connected to Boston, as we experienced during the 2013 Marathon bombing when the subsequent manhunt played out in our city. We are also a city with significant resources and ability to respond, as we saw in the aftermath of the 2016 fire when City resources coordinated support for displaced families. Finally, in discussions with the leadership team, while our response to the COVID pandemic was excellent and admirable in so many ways, many leaders saw the potential for greater coordination, structure, and support, particularly during the initial Spring 2020 surges when there was significant uncertainty and an evolving response.

This position will coordinate closely with existing Emergency Management leadership in the Fire Department but will focus on a City-wide approach. This will include evaluating our organizational preparedness, developing a city-wide emergency response plan, identifying emergency scenarios to plan for, establishing incident command structure and escalation protocols, and developing a regular training program to prepare the organization.

We are slowly coming out of a pandemic response position, and I believe that this is the right time to begin preparing for the next crisis.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-62, regarding requests for a legal opinion and additional analysis on linkage fee rate increase discussion. (CM22#187)
pulled by Carlone along with Mgr #6, Mgr #7, Unf. Business #4, Comm. & Reports #1; McGovern amendment adopted 9-0; Referred to Petition

Oct 3, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-62, regarding requests for a legal opinion and additional analysis on the linkage fee rate increase discussion, please find attached responses from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa and Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq.

Also, please find attached the response from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa regarding a legal opinion on tiered linkage and/or marginal rate systems which was submitted at the City Council Ordinance Committee hearing dated 9/7/22.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

Yi-An Huang
City Manager
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Re: Response to Council Order No. O-12 of 9/12/2022 Re: Report on answers to any legal questions that came up during the linkage fee rate increase discussion that occurred during the regular City Council meeting on September 12th.

Dear Mr. Huang:

I am writing in response to Council Order No. O-12 of 9/12/22 which requests that the City Solicitor answer any legal questions that came up during the linkage fee rate increase discussion that occurred during the regular City Council meeting on September 12th. Specifically, at the September 12, 2022 meeting, Councilor Zondervan proposed a possible amendment to the Incentive Zoning Rate Increase Zoning Petition (the “Petition”), which would set the Housing Contribution Rate at $21.02 per square foot of Gross Floor Area (“GFA”) for the first 30,000 square feet of GFA, and set the Housing Contribution Rate for the remaining GFA at $33.34. In the discussion of Councilor Zondervan’s proposed amendment, we understood Councilors to have asked if there is any additional legal analysis as to whether this proposed amendment would: 1) require new notice and a new hearing pursuant to G.L. c.40A, §5; and 2) require a new nexus study; and we will address those questions in this opinion.

A. Background

The original Petition sought to increase the Housing Contribution Rate applied to all Incentive Projects from $21.02 to $33.34 per square foot of GFA. At the September 7, 2022 Ordinance Committee meeting, the Ordinance Committee voted to amend the Petition to exclude the first 30,000 square feet of an Incentive Project from the calculation of the Housing Contribution payment, and sought to exclude “existing floor area that is demolished and subsequently rebuilt as a building project” from the definition of an Incentive Project. At the September 12, 2022 Council Meeting, Councilor Zondervan proposed a two-tiered Housing Contribution Rate, with one rate for the first 30,000 square feet of GFA of an Incentive Project, and with a second rate for the remainder of the GFA of the Incentive Project. The rate that would be charged for the first 30,000 square feet would be the same rate that is the current Housing Contribution Rate paid by all Incentive Projects ($21.02), and the rate that would be charged for the remainder of an Incentive Project would be the same Housing Contribution Rate currently proposed by the Petition ($33.34).

B. Analysis

In my response to Council Order No. O-15 of 8/1/22, which was provided to the Ordinance Committee for its September 7, 2022 meeting (a copy of which is attached hereto for your convenience), I set out the standard for when an amendment to a pending zoning petition requires that there be new notice and a new hearing. Consistent with the legal standards set forth in that response, an amendment to a zoning petition requires new notice and a new hearing when the Council finds that the amendment changes the fundamental character of the petition. Therefore, the Council may determine whether or not Councilor Zondervan’s proposed amendment to the Petition changes the fundamental character of the Petition. If the proposed amendment would alter the fundamental character of the original Petition, the Zoning Act requires new notice of the proposed amendment and that a new hearing be held on the proposed amendment.

Also, as set forth in my response to Council Order No. O-15 of 8/1/22, to pass constitutional muster, there must be an essential nexus between an exaction and a legitimate public interest, and a rough proportionality between the impact of the development and the particular exaction. The current nexus study does not address whether different sized Incentive Projects have different impacts on the need for affordable housing such that different Housing Contribution Rates for different sized Incentive Projects are proportional. Therefore, for the same reasons set forth in my response to Council Order No. O-15 of 8/1/22, I recommend that the Council obtain a new nexus study before proceeding with Councilor Zondervan’s proposed amendment.

Very truly yours,
Nancy E. Glowa
City Solicitor

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to convene a North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group Policy Order Proposing a North Massachusetts Avenue (NMA) Corridor Working Group for the purpose of developing comprehensive zoning recommendations. [Charter Right – Azeem, Sept 19, 2022] (PO22#169)
Withdrawn by Councillor Toner in favor of new Policy Order #3 (yet the required vote for unanimous consent was NOT taken)

O-5 Sept 19, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to the Arlington border currently serves many vital uses, including as a hub of commercial activity, residential neighborhoods, and home to many residents, and as a transportation corridor that serves many different communities and modes; and
WHEREAS: There is a pressing need for a long-term planning process to encourage the creation of more housing, improve transportation, support for retail and commercial growth, and meeting the needs of current and future residents; and
WHEREAS: The community, property owners, businesses, developers, City staff, and the City Council have all expressed their interest in engaging the North Massachusetts Avenue (NMA) community in drafting and enacting comprehensive and holistic zoning for the North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor that meets the expressed goals of:

• Increasing housing supply by allowing additional housing density along Massachusetts Avenue

• Improving mobility infrastructure and safety to incentivize sustainable transportation choices

• Increasing open space resources

• Supporting NMA’s diverse small businesses, restaurants, and hospitality community

• Improving streetscape design

• Incorporating public art

• Preserving the unique qualities of the area, including the business and resident diversity and neighborhood character; and

WHEREAS: The Community Development Department is currently fully engaged in planning processes with the Inman Square and Cambridge Street Corridor and the Alewife Quad working groups; and
WHEREAS: All parties want to begin a meaningful and robust process of community engagement and thoughtful planning in pursuit of these expressed goals; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to convene a North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group by June 15, 2023 comprised of all stakeholders (residents, neighborhood and business associations, commercial property owners, small business owners, developers, and other parties as deemed appropriate) to engage stakeholders and City leaders in a process similar to that employed in developing zoning principals for the Alewife Quad and the Inman Square Cambridge Street Corridor that will lead towards drafting new zoning for adoption by Mar 15, 2024.

2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Transportation and Parking Department to convene a series of meetings with the Vision Zero, Pedestrian Committee, Bicycle Committee, the newly appointed Bicycling Advisory Committee, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments deemed necessary, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code. [Charter Right – Simmons, Sept 19, 2022] (PO22#171)
Withdrawn by Councillor Toner in favor of new Policy Order #2 (yet the required vote for unanimous consent was NOT taken)

O-7 Sept 19, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is seeking to encourage residents and visitors to the city to use multiple modes of transportation and move away from a reliance on automobiles; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has installed separated bike lanes and priority bus lanes across the city with more to be installed over the next few months and several years to improve the safety of our roads for cyclists and encourage the use of mass transit; and
WHEREAS: The state has passed legislation formally legalizing E-Bikes and more residents are using E-Bikes, E-Scooters, E-Skateboards, and other methods of transportation; and
WHEREAS: There has been an increase in traffic back to pre-pandemic levels due to the influx of students to the city and with the return to in-person work schedules; and
WHEREAS: There have been numerous reports of bicycle, pedestrian, and automobile accidents over the course of the past several months of the summer across the city; and
WHEREAS: There have been regular complaints in the community by pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists that due to a lack of education regarding the “rules of the road” in our increasingly multimodal environment, lack of clear signage, and lack of enforcement of such rules there is increasing frustration among residents and concern that more near misses and accidents may occur; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge developed a Cambridge Street Code: Rules and Etiquette for Getting there Together in 2018 and there have been substantial changes made to our city streets and increasing mode shift; and
WHEREAS: There is a need to consider how best to enforce the rules of the road to improve safety for, all while recognizing the disparate socioeconomic and racial impacts of enforcement; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Transportation and Parking Department to convene a series of meetings with the Vision Zero, Pedestrian Committee, Bicycle Committee, the newly appointed Bicycling Advisory Committee, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments deemed necessary, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, promulgate the updated code throughout the city, and develop recommendations for staffing and methods of improving traffic enforcement and report back to the Council by Mar 15, 2023.

ON THE TABLE
3. That the City Council refer the zoning petition regarding lab use to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for a hearing and report. [Tabled Sept 19, 2022] (PO22#161)
Removed from Table by Toner 8-1 (QZ - NO); Amended by Toner, Mallon; Amendment Adopted 8-1 (BA - NO); Order Adopted as Amended 8-1 (QZ - NO); Referred to Economic Development and University Relations Committee and the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee for a review and discussion

O-10 Sept 12, 2022
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Cambridge is proud to be the innovation capital of the East Coast but a discussion is needed about where future lab growth is appropriate and where it could significantly impede other priorities, including the emergency need for more housing and the desire to have vibrant, active business districts and squares; and
WHEREAS: The attached zoning amendments propose a technical definition of the lab use that is aligned with how other cities in the region have defined the use, allowing the use to be separately regulated from the general office use; and
WHEREAS: The attached zoning amendments propose a restriction on new instances of the lab use in fragile districts including Central Square, Harvard Square, and Cambridge Street; and
WHEREAS: The attached zoning amendments propose explicitly allowing any and all existing lab uses to continue in all districts without any barriers; and
WHEREAS: There is plenty of room for discussion around which districts should and should not be included, but without a proactive conversation and something on the table it is conceivable that the lab use could take over in areas where it is unwanted; now therefore be it
~~ORDERED: That the City Council refer the attached zoning petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for a hearing and report.~~
ORDERED: That the City Council refer the attached zoning petition to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee and the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee for a review and discussion and report back to the City Council by March 30, 2023 ~~on whether to move the zoning petition forward~~.

1. Define Lab use
Insert into Article 2.000 - Definitions the following language:

ARTICLE 2.000 - DEFINITIONS
…
Technical office for research and development, laboratory & research facility. Any laboratory engaged in research, experimental and testing, including but not limited to the fields of biology, chemistry, electronics, engineering, geology, medicine, and physics, including activities that requires additional air exchanges over and above a regular office use, or requires the use of chemical hoods, biosafety cabinets, regulated chemicals, or dangerous substances. This definition does not include innovation spaces, maker spaces, or other similar uses, or any purely software based activities.

2. Restrict the lab use in the following districts
Amend the table of uses in Section 4.30 as follows:

4.30 - TABLE OF USE REGULATION [Text of Order w/Table]

3. Explicitly allow existing lab use to continue in all districts Insert footnotes 62 and 63 into Section 4.40 as follows:
4.40 - FOOTNOTES TO THE TABLE OF USE REGULATIONS
…
62. Any pre-existing technical office for research and development, laboratory & research facility permitted prior to January 1, 2023 in a Business or Office District shall be considered a conforming use for the purposes of making modifications to the building, until January 1, 2050.

63. The technical office for research and development, laboratory & research facility use shall be allowed in any PUD, AOD, SD, MXD or other special zoning district that already effectively allowed this use prior to January 1, 2023, notwithstanding the base zoning restrictions. Specifically, this base zoning restriction shall not apply to any existing PUD, AOD, SD, MXD or other existing special zoning districts in or near Kendall Square, Alewife or Cambridge Port, but will apply in regular overlay districts including Harvard Square and Central Square.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
4. Section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000 Special Regulations linkage fee., be amended by substitution. (Ordinance #2022-14). [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 12, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Oct 3, 2022] (PO22#84)
Removed for discussion and amendment, returned to Unfinished Business

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of building renovations to the vacant City owned property at 105 Windsor Street. [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 12, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Oct 3, 2022] (CM22#142)
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the Ordinance Committee refer Categories M (Shared Vehicle) and N (Publicly-accessible, Privately-owned Electric Vehicle Charging System) of the Cambridge Transportation Decarbonization and Congestion Mitigation Bill, along with definitions, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Ordinance #2022-13 as Amended. [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 12, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Oct 3, 2022] (PO22#150)
pulled by Nolan for discussion; Petition Expired; remains on Unfinished Business

7. That the City Council schedule a hearing of the Ordinance Committee for the purposes of amending the Ordinance #2022-3 Wage Theft of the City of Cambridge to insert the language. [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Oct 3, 2022] (PO22#175)
pulled by Zondervan; Ordained 9-0

8. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 27, 2022 to continue discussions around an Ordinance potentially raising the linkage fee rates. (#2022-14).

9. The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on September 7, 2022 to continue the discussion around Ordinance # 2022-14, Section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000 Special Regulations Linkage Fee, proposal to amend by substitution, raising linkage fee rates.

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Derek Jones, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 11 Channing Street, said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. (AP22#45)
Charter Right - Nolan

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Alice E. Kidder, regarding meals program of Solutions at Work.

2. A communication was received from Allan Sadun, 237 Elm Street, regarding thanking the Council for their continued action on removing parking minimums.

3. A communication was received from Andrew Solomon, 3 Linnaean Street, regarding eliminating parking minimums.

4. A communication was received from Anna Bensted, regarding important changes in Cambridge needing better community input.

5. A communication was received from Anna Spera and Jean Spera, 12 Sciarappa Street, expressing support for Policy Order 2022 #171 which addresses changes to the “Rules of the Road”.

6. A communication was received from Arthur MacEwan, 35 William Street, regarding the proposal to eliminate parking space requirement for new buildings.

7. A communication was received from Beth Gamse and Judy Singer, 14 Walker Street, regarding upcoming Policy Orders.

8. A communication was received from Betty Desrosiers, 142 Dudley Street, regarding North Mass Ave Policy Order #169.

9. A communication was received from C. Barrett, 44 Clarendon Avenue, regarding the proposal to eliminate all parking minimums for residential and commercial properties in the city.

10. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding City Council: Taming & “Saning” Rules of the Road, Policy Order 7 (PO22#171).

11. A communication was received from Charles R. Norris, 446 Huron Avenue, regarding opposition to revised parking requirements: Council vote on Oct 3, 2022.

12. A communication was received from Diana Yousef, urging support for POR 169 and POR 171.

13. A communication was received from Ed Abrams, 80 Wendell Street, regarding rules of the road policy order.

14. A communication was received from Frank Kramer, 7 Avon Street, regarding the Rules of the Road policy order.

15. A communication was received from Frank LoGerfo, 71 Fresh Pond Lane, regarding the PO submitted by Councilors Toner, Simmons, and Carlone.

16. A communication was received from George Beal, regarding the Rules of the Road policy order.

17. A communication was received from Heidi Gitelman, Chestnut Street, regarding bicyclists.

18. A communication was received from James Mahoney, 234A Walden Street, regarding Councillor Toner’s upcoming Road-Rules Policy Order.

19. A communication was received from Jim Stewart, expressing support for continuing City support for the meal distribution program that is scheduled to end Oct 2, 2022.

20. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, 59 Ellery Street, regarding Ebike action needed.

21. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, 59 Ellery Street, regarding support for PO #171.

22. A communication was received from John Pitkin, 18 Fayette Street, regarding Policy Order #171.

23. A communication was received from John Trevor, 156 Richdale Avenue, regarding parking minimums.

24. A communication was received from Karen Klein, 416 Mount Auburn Street, regarding proposal terminating parking minimums.

25. A communication was received from Keith Cooper, regarding permitting preferences for priority applicants.

26. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, Esq. and Betty Lee Saccoccio, 55 Otis Street, regarding Policy Order #171 and Charter Right Labs #2.

27. A communication was received from Mark Steffen, 120 Montgomery Street, regarding letter in support of Policy Order POR 2022 #171.

28. A communication was received from McKelden Smith, 153 Upland Road, regarding parking minimums.

29. A communication was received from Michael McIntosh, 2397 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding support for Policy Order #171 - “Rules of the Road”.

31. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III, regarding BEUDO Meeting Recap.

32. A communication was received from Paul Sullivan and Paul Ciampa, regarding the Little League Field Proposal.

33. A communication was received from Phyllis Simpkins, 249 Huron Avenue, regarding proposed parking changes.

34. A communication was received from Shelagh Hadley, regarding parking minimums.

35. A communication was received from Victoria Lyon Bestor, 149 Upland Road, regarding Policy Order #171 and Charter Right Labs #2.

36. A communication was received from Victoria Ruff, 30 Sciarappa Street, regarding banning the sale of new fur in Cambridge.

37. A communication was received from Vivek Sikri, Allston Street, regarding parking minimums.

38. A communication was received from Walter McDonald, 172 Magazine Street, regarding City Council: Taming & “Saning” Rules of the Road, Policy Order 7 (PO22#171).

39. A communication was received from Young Kim, Norris Street, regarding: Amend and Approve Policy Order Item #7 to revise Cambridge Street Code: Rules and Etiquette.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations on the retirement of Melissa Coco from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

2. Congratulations on the retirement of Brooke Coulter from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

3. Congratulations on the retirement of John Meucci from the Cambridge Public Schools. Councillor Toner

4. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Lieutenant Joseph Murphy on the occasion of his promotion. Councillor Toner

5. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Lieutenant Darlene Pearson on the occasion of her promotion. Councillor Toner

6. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Sergeant Brian Hussey on the occasion of his promotion. Councillor Toner

7. Congratulations to Ms. Margaret Unger who received a perfect score in her AP US History exam. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui

8. Congratulations to Emilia Sousa on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

9. Congratulations on the Retirement of Janet Snedeker from The Cambridge Public Schools. Councillor Toner

10. Congratulations to Jennifer and Peter Crane on the birth of their daughter, Mariah Jude Crane. Councillor McGovern

11. Congratulations to Thomas Nunziato on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Public Works. Councillor Toner

12. Congratulations to Philip Rita on the occasion of his retirement from the Department of Human Services. Councillor Toner

13. Congratulations to Kondeleye Ross-Johnson on the occasion of her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons
Amended

14. Congratulations to Jay Stephens on the occasion of his retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

15. Congratulations to Samuel Tripp on the occasion of his retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner

16. Congratulations to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish on its 180th Anniversary. Councillor Toner

17. Congratulations to Paula Cushner on the occasion of her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor McGovern

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to convene 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, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (PO22#179)
pulled by Simmons; Adopted 8-1 as Amended (Carlone - ABSENT)

2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to meet with and receive 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, ~~Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui~~ (PO22#180)
pulled by Toner; Charter Right - Zondervan

3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to convene a North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group by June 15, 2023. Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan (PO22#181)
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with appropriate City departments to complete a needs assessment of the entire Danehy Park complex. Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (PO22#182)
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

5. 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, 2022, for no less than one week and recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct 10, 2022. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (PO22#183)
pulled by McGovern; Adopted as Amended 9-0

6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services and other relevant departments to produce a report outlining the efficacy of the Private Property Rodent Control Program and the SMART Digital Rodent Control Boxes, and any changes being contemplated to these current programs. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#184)
Order Adopted 9-0

7. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department 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 (PO22#185)
Order Adopted 9-0

8. Amendment to section 22.25.1(c) of Article 22, entitled Sustainable Design and Development. Councillor Zondervan (PO22#186)
pulled by Zondervan; Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0

9. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant City departments to install a new irrigation system in Danehy Park as soon as possible and better prepare for tree watering efforts in the future and report on any needed or ongoing irrigation improvements to other parks across the city. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (PO22#187)
pulled by Nolan; Adopted as Amended 9-0

10. That the City Council go on record stating its observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month October 2022. Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#262)
Order Adopted 9-0

11. That the City Council formally go on record in recognizing October as LGBTQ+ History Month. Councillor Simmons (PO22#263)
Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Carlone - PRESENT)

12. That the City Manager direct the Community Development and the Law Department to review the amendment that states that exclusing the first 30,000 sq ft for buildings less that 60,000 sq ftin total size and sharing feedback, and report back to the City Council by the regular City Council meeting on Mon, Oct 17. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondevan, Councillor Azeem (PO22#264)
Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Carlone - PRESENT)

5. On Sept 21, 2022, at 5:30pm, the Ordinance Committee, Chaired by Councillor McGovern, continued the Public Hearing on Ordinance #2022-5 that would eliminate parking minimums. This ordinance was originally proposed under POR 2022 #19. Councillor Zondervan made a motion that was approved by the Committee to amend the petition by substitution so that it adds the sentence underlined and in red below to section 6.30, and that this be the entirety of the petition: [text of report]
Present: Azeem, Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Toner, Zondervan, Siddiqui
Absent: Simmons
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended (by Toner) 8-1 (Carlone - NO)

6.30 - PARKING QUANTITY REQUIREMENTS

6.31 Required Amount of Parking. Off street parking facilities shall be provided for each use of a lot or structure in the amount specified in the schedule of parking requirements contained in Subsection 6.36. Said schedule specifies the amount of accessory off street parking required for each type of land use listed in “Table of Use Regulations” in this Ordinance. The amount of required parking is also based on the intensity of development permitted in the district in which the use is located. Notwithstanding any other provision in the zoning, the minimum accessory parking required for all uses shall be zero (0) parking spaces.

a. Developers building more than 4 units of housing and/or Projects subject to Article 19 (Project Review Special Permit) shall provide a written report as part of the public record and permitting process detailing the number of proposed parking and loading spaces, and how that number was determined, including any surveys, parking demand studies or other research that was conducted. [Amendment adopted 6-3 (Mallon, Nolan, Zondervan - NO)]

b. The Community Development Department shall provide the City Council with an impact report no later than July 2025 detailing the number of parking spaces and residential housing units that were added subsequent to the adoption of this provision, and any discernible impacts the ordinance has had on the availability of on-street parking. [Amendment adopted 9-0]

A. That section 6.36 entitled, Schedule of Parking and Loading Requirements, of Article 6.000, entitled “Off Street Parking and Loading Requirements and Nighttime Curfew on Large Commercial Through Trucks”, of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge be amended. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 7, 2022] (Ordinance #2022-5) Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (PO22#19)
Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-1 (Carlone - NO)

2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF22#120)
Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting UPK Ad-Hoc Communication. (COF22#121)
Placed on File 9-0

4. communication was received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF22#122)
Placed on File 9-0

Mon, Oct 3
5:30pm City Council Meeting
6:30pm 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 2023, including the granting of the residential exemption.

Tues, Oct 11
1:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss station expansion, rebalancing, and e-bike implementation with the BlueBikes system.

Wed, Oct 12
2:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the issue of water quality from the Cambridge water supply including PFAS levels, and comparison with the MWRA system, the long-term strategy for ensuring water quality standards for all users and all other water quality related issues and concerns.

Tues, Oct 25
10:00am The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss potential amendments to the Rules of the City Council.

Wed, Oct 26
1:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition to amend Section 11.202(d) of Article 11.000, entitled SPECIAL REGULATIONS, of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, by substitution with the following text: “(d) Reevaluation of Housing Contribution Rate. The City shall initiate a reevaluation of the Housing Contribution Rate and any other aspect of these Incentive Zoning Provisions at an interval of no less than three (3) years from the time of the previous reevaluation. Such reevaluation shall include a report provided to the City Council reviewing economic factors including but not limited to development activity, commercial rents per square foot, employment growth, housing trends measured in terms of, but not limited to, vacancy rates, production statistics, and prices for dwelling units, and the nexus between Incentive Projects and housing.”

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 3, 2022 Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: It has long been taught as established history that the City of Newtowne, which would be renamed to the City of Cambridge in 1638, was colonized by the English in 1630, a process which in fact continues to this day; and
WHEREAS: While this is historically accurate, for centuries the story of those who already lived in and occupied this land (which was originally known as Amkokegan prior to the English colonization) has been all but whitewashed out of existence, subject to erasure, and the story of how this land was stolen from them has been conveniently swept aside, transforming their very existence into a mere historical footnote as the forerunner of when the “real” story of this region began; and
WHEREAS: Such historical whitewashing is disrespectful of those who originally called this land home, and a great distortion of the historical record of the lives, legacies, and achievements of the very real people who originally lived on this land; and
WHEREAS: Indeed, it is critical that, as we consider this matter from the vantage point of 2022, we acknowledge that this touches upon not just the theft of land, but the erasure of actual people; and
WHEREAS: In recent years, there has been growing momentum for municipalities like Cambridge to formally acknowledge the fact that our cities have been built upon stolen land, and while there is much to admire about the community that Cambridge has evolved into over the centuries, our story is incomplete without acknowledging those that our predecessors wrongfully displaced, and while we cannot undo the sins of the past, we can and must incorporate the stories of those who preceded the English colonialists into our larger historical narrative, and we must strive to do right by the descendants of those Indigenous Peoples; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council formally go on record in acknowledging that the City of Cambridge occupies land that ~~was once~~ remains/still is home of the Massachusetts Tribe, a vibrant and thriving community of people who were wrongfully displaced from their homeland, among other indigenous peoples who lived here; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record acknowledging that while the modern day City of Cambridge cannot go back and undo the sins committed by our predecessors almost four centuries ago, we can and must incorporate a more nuanced, more truthful telling of our historical narrative to ensure that the stories of the Indigenous Peoples who originally occupied this land are not lost to history; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the current cultural sensitivity training for all City employees and ensure that it explicitly includes and highlights the experiences of Indigenous Peoples in all cultural sensitivity trainings going forward; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to convene 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, and in which the City can engage in purposeful relationships/relationship building with the Indigenous People of this area; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-2 Oct 3, 2022 Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR TONER
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is seeking to encourage residents and visitors to the city to use multiple modes of transportation and move away from a reliance on automobiles; and
WHEREAS: There has been an increase in traffic levels due to the influx of students to the city and with the return to in-person work schedules; and
WHEREAS: There is an additional increase in mode shift expected from the new state legislation formally legalizing E-Bikes, and more residents are using micro-mobility devices and other methods of transportation; and
WHEREAS: There have been regular complaints in the community that due to a lack of education regarding the “rules of the road” by all road users in our increasingly distracted and multimodal environment, lack of clear signage, and lack of enforcement of such rules there is increasing frustration among residents and concern that more crashes may occur; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge developed a Cambridge Street Code: Rules and Etiquette for Getting there Together in 2018, and there have been substantial changes made to our city streets and increasing mode shift, providing an opportunity to update the guide to educate and inform all road users of best practices to safely traverse our roads and keep all users out of harm’s way; and
WHEREAS: There is a need to consider how best to enforce the rules of the road to improve safety for all while recognizing the disparate socioeconomic and racial impacts of enforcement; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to meet with and receive 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 deemed necessary, 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 and report back to the Council no later than March 15, 2023.

Note: Zondervan’s proposed substitute “Whereas” was headed toward defeat when he chose to exercise his Charter Right.
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge developed a Cambridge Street Code: Rules and Etiquette for Getting there Together in 2018, and there have been substantial changes made to our city streets and increasing mode shift, providing an opportunity to update the guide to inform drivers of best practices for operating within these new facilities, reminders about the serious dangers posed by unsafe and distracted driving as well as blocking crosswalks and bike lanes, and to remind all road users of best practices to move safely in the roads to keep vulnerable users out of harm’s way; and

O-3 Oct 3, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Massachusetts Avenue from Harvard Square to the Arlington border currently serves many vital uses, including as a hub of neighborhood commercial activity, residential neighborhoods, and home to many residents, and as a transportation corridor that serves many different communities and modes; and
WHEREAS: There is a pressing need for a long-term planning/urban design process to encourage the creation of more housing, improve transportation, support retail, and neighborhood-oriented commercial growth, and meeting the needs of current and future residents; and
WHEREAS: The community, property owners, businesses, developers, City staff, and the City Council have all expressed their interest in engaging the North Massachusetts Avenue (NMA) community in drafting and enacting comprehensive and holistic zoning for the North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor that meets the expressed goals of:
• Increasing housing supply by allowing additional housing density along Massachusetts Avenue
• Improving mobility infrastructure and safety to incentivize sustainable transportation choices
• Increasing open space resources
• Supporting NMA’s existing diverse small businesses, restaurants, and hospitality community
• Improving streetscape design
• Incorporating public art
• Preserving the unique qualities of the area, including the business and resident diversity and neighborhood character; and
WHEREAS: The Community Development Department is currently fully engaged in planning processes with the Inman Square and Cambridge Street Corridor and the Alewife Quad working groups; and
WHEREAS: All parties want to begin a meaningful and robust process of community engagement and thoughtful planning/urban design in pursuit of these expressed goals; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to convene a North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group by June 15, 2023, comprised of all stakeholders (residents, neighborhood and business associations, commercial property owners, small business owners, developers, and other parties as deemed appropriate) to engage stakeholders and City leaders in a process similar to that employed in developing zoning principals, tested and guided by urban design plan, for the Alewife Quad and the Inman Square Cambridge Street Corridor that will lead towards drafting new zoning for adoption by March 15, 2024. Nothing in this policy order should be construed as to delay the progress of any current or future development projects along the North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor prior to completion of the working group’s recommendations.

O-6 Oct 3, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has deployed several rat population mitigation strategies over the past several years to decrease the rat population including; implementing Curbside Composting in 2018, distributing new rodent-proof trash barrels to private residences in 2022, installing Big Belly Solar trash bins in squares and along major thoroughfares, implementing a Private Property Rodent Control Program in fall of 2021, and deploying SMART Digital Rodent Control Boxes earlier this year; and
WHEREAS: Various residents and environmental groups have raised concerns about the impacts of rodenticides on wildlife populations, and the safest possible alternatives should be considered; and
WHEREAS: Residents have continued to report high levels of rodent activity around the City despite the introduction of these programs; and
WHEREAS: In order to understand the efficacy of these new programs; the Private Property Rodent Control Program and SMART Digital Rodent Control Boxes, we must look at the data to determine how and if changes should be made; and
WHEREAS: The City has committed to hiring a “Rat Liaison” to work on this issue, however, one has not yet been hired and the person who was filling this role in the interim has left the City recently, and it’s unclear who, or if anyone, has taken up this responsibility; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services and other relevant departments to produce a report outlining the efficacy of the Private Property Rodent Control Program and the SMART Digital Rodent Control Boxes, and any changes being contemplated to these current programs; and be it further
ORDERED: That this report includes the status of the Rat Liaison position; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

O-8 Oct 3, 2022
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
ORDERED: That section 22.25.1(c) of Article 22, entitled Sustainable Design and Development, be amended as follows:

(c) Net Zero Narrative: A written description of how the Green Building Project is being designed in response to the City’s Net Zero Action Plan, which seeks to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions resulting from buildings by reducing their energy use intensity and promoting renewable sources of energy. This information is provided for advisory review by CDD staff, and CDD may provide a questionnaire template to the developer for completing this narrative. At a minimum, this narrative shall include the following information:

1. Anticipated building envelope performance, including roof, foundation, walls and window assemblies, and window-to-wall ratio;

2. Anticipated energy loads, baseline energy simulation tool assumptions, and proposed energy targets, expressed in terms of site energy use intensity (“EUI”), source EUI (expressed as British Thermal Unit (BTU) per square foot per year), and ~~total~~ annual greenhouse gas emissions projected until 2050, expressed as Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents (MTCO2e), and calculated in accordance with the standards and requirements established in Chapter 8.67 of the Municipal Code (“Building Energy Use”) and associated regulations. If anticipated tenant plug loads (EUI and emissions) are provided, they shall be separately broken out and clearly identified as such;

3. A description of ways in which building energy performance has been integrated into aspects of the Green Building Project’s planning, design, and engineering, including building use(s), orientation, massing, envelope systems, building mechanical systems, on-site and off-site renewable energy systems, and district- wide energy systems;

4. A description of the technical framework by which the Green Building Project can be transitioned to net zero emissions prior to 2050 ~~in the future~~ (acknowledging that such a transition might not be economically feasible at first), including future net zero emissions options for building envelope, HVAC systems, domestic hot water, interior lighting, and on- and off-site renewable energy sources;

5. A description of programs provided by local utility companies, government agencies, and other organizations that provide technical assistance, rebates, grants, and incentives that can assist in achieving higher levels of building performance, summarizing which entities have been contacted and which programs could be utilized in the Green Building Project; and

6. An assessment of the technical and financial feasibility to meet the projected HVAC and domestic hot water demands of the building (as set forth in Paragraph (2) above) using energy systems that do not consume carbon-based fuels on-site (to include solar photovoltaics and hot water, ground source, water source or air source heat pumps, district energy, geothermal systems, and/or similar systems) compared to code-compliant energy systems that consume carbon-based fuels on-site (including, where applicable, the construction or expansion of energy plants controlled by the developer that may be necessary to produce energy for that specific building), which shall include the cost of installation, maintenance and upkeep of the energy system and its components (incorporating programs and incentives as set forth in Paragraph (5) above). This paragraph will become effective on February 23, 2021.

7. Embodied Emissions: A full lifecycle analysis of the estimated emissions generated by the construction of the Green Building Project. The Department shall promulgate regulations for how these estimated emissions are to be reported. Such regulations shall include at minimum the required reporting of estimated lifecycle emissions generated by the use of major building materials, including but not limited to wood, concrete, steel, aluminum and glass, using Passive House or other acceptable energy and emissions modeling software and industry standards. This paragraph will become effective on January 1, 2023, and shall not impose a requirement on any Green Building Project that is a project of the Affordable Housing Trust or otherwise for the construction of low and moderate-income housing meeting the standards established pursuant to any City, State or Federal housing program designed to assist low and moderate-income households.

O-9 Oct 3, 2022 Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts experienced critical drought conditions for much of the summer in 2022 and on September 22, 2022 the US Drought Monitor categorized Cambridge as in Extreme Drought, with concerns about Cambridge’s watershed raised as early as May when conditions started evidencing signs of drought, and even with recent rainfall the commonwealth is 20 inches below 2021 precipitation levels; and
WHEREAS: The irrigation system at Danehy Park has been a concern for many years and suggestions from staff for upgrading it including installing state of the art systems that are more sustainable and water conscious have not led to a change, and the system broke in June 2022, leaving hundreds of trees susceptible to underwatering and possibly killing dozens of trees; and
WHEREAS: Along with Danehy Park, the City has struggled to effectively water its trees throughout the City including in parks and other public spaces as well as street trees, and a Council order asked that the city use all means possible to ensure watering of trees; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has asked the city administration for a more comprehensive and effective response to drought conditions including implementing many of the recommendations from the Urban Forest Master Plan; and
WHEREAS: There has been a decline in our tree canopy which has environmental justice implications and future public health consequences, which has prompted the city to plant thousands of trees the last few years, which are at risk during the current drought and all future droughts and need watering on a consistent basis; and
WHEREAS: The City Council wants the City to protect its tree canopy and be prepared for future drought conditions; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all relevant departments of the city on installing a new irrigation system in Danehy Park as soon as possible and better prepare for tree watering efforts in the future and report on any needed or ongoing irrigation improvements to other parks across the city; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an implementation and status update on the Urban Forest Master Plan which was adopted by the council and includes recommendations and actions to ensure the city maintains a healthy and holistic approach to caring for our urban environment; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue no later than April 2023.

O-10 Oct 3, 2022
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge recognizes that it has a vital role in identifying, protecting its citizens from, and responding to cybersecurity threats that may have significant impact to our individual and collective safety and privacy; and
WHEREAS: Critical infrastructure is increasingly reliant on information systems and technology to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems; and
WHEREAS: Cybersecurity education and awareness are crucial for everyone, including large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, the home user, and anyone who connects to the internet; and
WHEREAS: Monitoring your accounts, being conscientious of what you share online, keeping computer software up to date, creating unique passwords and changing them regularly, installing anti-virus programs and firewalls, and using mobile devices safely are ways you can protect yourself from phishing, viruses, malware, financial loss, and loss of sensitive data; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is dedicated to providing individuals and organizations in the City of Cambridge the information and resources to support the understanding, implementation, and success of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month to help residents and workers in the City of Cambridge stay safe online and connect with confidence; and
WHEREAS: The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Cybersecurity Awareness Program serves as the national cybersecurity public awareness campaign, implemented through a coalition of private companies, nonprofit, government organizations, and academic institutions working together to increase the public’s understanding of cyber threats and empowering Americans to be safer and more secure online; and
WHEREAS: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Workforce Framework is a free resource to help organizations (both large and small, public, and private) improve their cybersecurity practices through a practical approach to addressing the ever-evolving cybersecurity threats and challenges; and
WHEREAS: Maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which each of us has a critical role to play, and awareness of computer security essentials will improve the security of the City of Cambridge’s information, infrastructure, and economy; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Information Technology Department Security office was established in 2019 to enhance and protect the City of Cambridge’s cybersecurity ecosystem; and
WHEREAS: The Federal Government of the United States of America, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (www.cisa.gov), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (www.cisecurity.org/ms-isac), the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (www.nascio.org), and the National Cyber Security Alliance (www.staysafeonline.org) all recognize October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month; and all citizens are encouraged to visit these websites, along with the City of Cambridge’s ITD security site www.cambridgema.gov/staycybersafe and the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ Campaign website (www.cisa.gov/about-cisa-cybersecurity-awareness-program or www.stopthinkconnect.org) to learn about cybersecurity to put that knowledge into practice in their homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record stating its observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month October 2022.

O-11 Oct 3, 2022
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in recognizing October as LGBTQ+ History Month.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-111. 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

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

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

20-61. Report on an update on City-Owned Vacant Properties Inventory.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/16/2020

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 (O1) 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

21-52. Report on examining stipend models for the City’s multi-member bodies.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-8) from 6/28/2021

21-60. Report on reviewing the residential parking permit program to determine whether the criteria for this program can be modified to limit the issuance of residential permits to vehicles that are primarily utilized for personal, non-commercial use.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 9/13/2021

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

21-71. Report on placing a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 10/18/2021

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

21-90. Report on working with partners including the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (CRA) and the Central Square Business Improvement District on identifying spaces in Central Square that would support the creation and protection of cultural and human service spaces that align with the City’s goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 11/22/2021

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

22-2. Report on meeting with the impacted residents and businesses on northern Massachusetts Avenue to discuss their ideas and suggestions for addressing their concerns.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (Calendar Item #2) from 1/10/2022

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

22-18. Report on working with staff of the BB&N school to provide a solution to cars idling beyond the five-minute legal limit, stalled traffic, blocked driveways, and a forced one-way path up Buckingham Street toward Concord where drivers face the risk of coming head-to-head with a vehicle trying to bypass the pickup line; and, such as a tiered drop-off system, a parking area for parents, or more drop-off and pick-up locations.
Councillor Nolan (O-4) from 3/21/2022

22-21. Report on considering a guaranteed income program that expands on Cambridge RISE and targets families in poverty.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-5) from 4/11/2022

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

22-25. Report on how the City can meet the goals for diversity and inclusion, while ensuring that any required professional expertise and/or specific knowledge that may be statutorily required will continue to be represented.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 4/25/2022

22-28. Report on looking into the feasibility of placing a covered bike rack at City Hall using FY23 Capital Budget Funding.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (O-2) from 5/2/2022

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

22-34. Report on providing the progress on the Terminal Road connection and any related projects.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone (O-4) 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

22-37. Report on consulting with the appropriate City staff in determining the feasibility of establishing a new “Talent Officer” role for the City. See Mgr #4
Councillor Simmons (O-3) 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. See Mgr #4
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/6/2022

22-41. Report on establishing evening, off-leash dog hours during times when Hoyt Field is not being used for other purposes. See Mgr #2
Councillor McGovern (O-1) from 6/13/2022

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

22-44. Report on working with DCR and all relevant City departments to expand Memorial Drive closures in the summer and fall of 2022.
Councillor Zondervan (O-6) 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 (O5) from 6/27/2022

22-48. Report on ID Badges For City Employees.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem (O-6) from 8/1/2022

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 (O14) 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

22-58. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a fund designed to assist those City employees in same-sex marriages with paying for surrogacy services in instances where the City’s health insurance providers fail to provide the same coverage afforded to the City’s female employees and those in heterosexual marriages.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner (O3) from 9/12/2022

22-59. Report on repairing the grass at Greene-Rose Heritage Park, and to establish a long-term plan of action.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/12/2022

22-60. Report on revising the City block party and play streets signature requirements to a more reasonable threshold, and shorten the timeline between application and event date, and provide more guidance to residents seeking a permit.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 9/12/2022

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. See Mgr #1
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-62. Report on the City Manager directing the City Solicitor answer any legal questions that came up during the discussion that occurred during the regular City Council meeting on Sept 12th. See Mgr #5
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) 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

22-65. Report on continue to fund the meals program for the housed and unhoused members of the community for an additional six months. See Mgr #3
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) 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

22-68. Report on touring the facility at 2222 Massachusetts Avenue regarding transitioning the facility into a non-congregate homeless shelter with accompanying services.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-10) 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