Cambridge City Council meeting - October 16, 2023

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 2,040,086.98 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund School Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the Amigos School roof replacement project. (CM23#252)
Appropriation Adopted; Placed on File 9-0

Oct 16, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $2,040,086.98 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund School Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the Amigos School roof replacement project.

The Amigos School, located at 15 Upton Street, is a pre-K to grade 8 Spanish-English dual language immersion school, which was originally built as the Daniel Webster School in 1853, with subsequent additions in 1873, 1885 and 1910. In 1938 the building became a Works Progress Administration Project with all but the 1910 northwest building addition being demolished and a new three-story modern brick addition added to the southeast. A one and half story addition was also built at the rear of the building to house a gymnasium. The last major renovation of the building which included roof replacement, occurred in 1983, 40 years ago. The building serves approximately 425 students and 72 employees.

The existing gravel ballasted EPDM roof will be replaced with a new TPO membrane roof, which is a current standard for roof replacement throughout the district, which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program.

This request is based upon approval from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) of the roof replacement project estimated budget as part of their Accelerated Repair Program. Once the Project Funding Agreement is executed, the City will submit requests for reimbursement for project costs to the MSBA. The final grant amount will be determined by the MSBA based on a review and audit of all project costs incurred by the City, in accordance with MSBA’s regulations, policies, and guidelines and the Project Funding Agreement.

As of Sept 29, 2023, Free Cash was certified at $192,279,576.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

MSBA ORDER

BE IT ORDERED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE AS FOLLOWS:

That the City of Cambridge appropriate the amount of two million forty thousand and eighty-six dollars and ninety-eight cents ($2,040,086.98) for the purpose of paying the costs of replacing the roof on the Amigos School, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto (the “Project”). The Amigos School is located at 15 Upton Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Amigos School, a pre-K to grade 8 Spanish-English dual language immersion school, was originally built as the Daniel Webster School in 1853, with subsequent additions in 1873, 1885 and 1910. In 1938 the building became a Works Progress Administration Project with all but the 1910 northwest building addition being demolished and a new three-story modern brick addition added to the southeast. A one and half story addition was also built at the rear of the building to house a gymnasium. The last major renovation of the building which included roof replacement, occurred in 1983, 40 years ago. The building serves approximately 425 students and 72 employees. The existing gravel ballasted EPDM roof will be replaced with a new TPO membrane roof, which is a current standard for roof replacement throughout the district, which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the City of Cambridge may be eligible for a school construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”). To meet this appropriation, the Cambridge City Council is authorized to borrow said amount under M.G.L Chapter 44, or pursuant to any other enabling authority. The City of Cambridge acknowledges that the MSBA’s grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the City of Cambridge incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the City of Cambridge. Any grant that the City of Cambridge may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) thirty four point sixteen percent (34.16 %) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the City of Cambridge and the MSBA.

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons to the Conservation Commission. Reappointments: Purvi Patel and Erum Sattar. Appointments: Patricia Carney, Angela Zhong, and John Leo. (CM23#255)
Appointments Approved; Placed on File 9-0

Oct 16, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to recommend the following appointments and reappointments of members to the Conservation Commission for a term of three years.

Reappointments
Purvi Patel
Erum Sattar

Appointments
Particia Carney

I am also appointing the following persons as Associate Members of the Conservation Commission for a term of one year, effective immediately.

Associate Members
Angela Zhong
John Leo

Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (310 CMR 10.0), reviewing, permitting, and inspecting projects in or adjacent to Cambridge’s wetlands, floodplains, and water bodies. The Commission also plays an important role in implementing the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Policy and Standards. The seven members of the Conservation Commission are appointed by the City Manager to three-year terms and are served by one permanent staff person, the Commission Director.

New this year is the inclusion of 2 Associate Members. The State Department of Environmental Protection has recommended that Conservation Commissions consider adding Associate Members to expand the voices reviewing projects and to help build a pipeline of future members. The Associate Members are not voting members of the Commission, but will participate in all aspects of project review.

Selection Process
The Commission vacancy was advertised on May 8, 2023. Six applications were received; including two current members requesting reappointments. One applicant did not meet the residency requirement; all five eligible applicants were interviewed and are being recommended for appointments.

Reappointments
Purvi Patel: exceeds all the qualifications for a Commission member including familiarity of the Wetlands Protection Act, City resident and willingness to volunteer. Ms. Patel is an Environmental Analyst at the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office. A valued member of the Conservation Commission with expertise in identifying feasible measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate damage to the environment.

Erum Sattar: exceeds all the qualifications for a Commission member including familiarity of the Wetlands Protection Act, City resident and willingness to volunteer. Erum is a lecturer at the Institute of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. A valued member of the Conservation Commission with a passion for water rights and a dedication to a transparent public process.

Appointments
Patricia Carney: meets the qualifications for a Commission member; City resident and willingness to volunteer. An active environmentalist and river advocate with strong skills in strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement.

Appointments of Associate Members
Angela Zhong: meets the qualifications for a Commission member; City resident and willingness to volunteer. A student at Harvard University and an active environmentalist. During the interview, Angela promoted the goal of representing the younger residents.

John Leo: meets the qualifications for a Commission member; City resident and willingness to volunteer. An active environmentalist. During the interview, John promoted the goal of participating in municipal government.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve as members of the Conservation Commission, and, with your approval, look forward to their appointments.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-147, regarding a report on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation. (CM23#256)
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-1 (QZ-No)

Oct 16, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Policy Order #23-147, which requested a report on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance, please find attached a response from the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Commissioner, Brooke McKenna.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

To: Yi-an Huang, City Manager
From: Brooke McKenna, Transportation Commissioner, Traffic, Parking, + Transportation Department
Date: Sept 28, 2023
Subject: POR 2023 # 147: Report on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation.

In response to the Council Order requesting a report on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) that address concerns about the current situation, we report the following:

The current language of the CSO is sufficient to allow both separated bicycle lanes, as defined within the ordinance, and outdoor dining or pop-ups in all locations where there is parking or loading space available. In addition, we have developed an operational plan that will allow for the return of parking or loading during winter when outdoor dining is not licensed.

The attached figure shows a typical location along a corridor with separated bicycle lanes with outdoor dining. The bicycle lane is marked along the curb for the length of the block, as is typical. The outdoor dining set up, whether it exists prior to bike lane installations or is added later, is installed adjacent to the curb. During dining season, or during a pop-up, the bike lane will be directed out around dining set-up into the space that would otherwise be floating parking. Jersey Barriers will be used to provide separation between the bicycle lane and the travel lane. When outdoor dining is not happening, the barriers would be removed, the bicycle lane returns to the curb with flex post separating the lane from the floating parking/loading that becomes available for use.

TRAFFIC, PARKING, + TRANSPORTATION
BROOKE MCKENNA, COMMISSIONER
344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the establishment of an Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund. (CM23#257).
Order Adopted; Placed on File 9-0

Oct 16, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the establishment of an Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund.

Massachusetts has participated in nationwide financial settlements with several companies as part of the historic legal efforts to demand abatement of the harms caused by the opioid epidemic. These settlements combined will bring over $900 million into Massachusetts for substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery support.

Beginning in 2021 the Massachusetts Attorney General reached statewide opioid settlements with corporations in the opioid industry which provide abatement funds. Participating Massachusetts municipalities are eligible to receive direct payments as part of the Statewide opioid settlements.

Funds are required to be used to supplement and strengthen resources for prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery. Abatement funds can be used for various programs and strategies designed to support and promote:

• Opioid use disorder treatment access

• Support for people in treatment and recovery

• Connections to care

• Harm reduction

• Meeting the needs of justice involved individuals

• Support for pregnant and parenting individuals and their children

• Prevention

Municipalities are required to provide annual reporting to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS).

It is anticipated that the funds that Cambridge receives as part of the settlement will be appropriated into the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund. To date, the City has received a total of $1,903,731.54 in settlement payments.

Once the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund is created, recommendations will be made for appropriations from the Fund according to the requirements noted above.

Additional information is available online at: http://www.mass.gov/lists/municipal-abatementpayments

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

Agenda Item Number 6 Oct 16, 2023

AN ORDER ESTABLISHING AN OPIOD SETTLEMENT STABILIZATION FUND BE IT ORDERED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE AS FOLLOWS:

That in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 5B of the General Laws, there is hereby established a stabilization fund, which shall be known as the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund. Funds appropriated to and held by the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, including any interest earnings thereon, shall be available to be expended according to the requirements of the Opioid Settlement agreement including the provision of programs and strategies designed to support and promote: Opioid use disorder treatment access; support for people in treatment and recovery; connections to care; harm reduction; meeting the needs of justice involved individuals; support for pregnant and parenting individuals and their children; and prevention.

CHARTER RIGHT
1. 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. [Charter Right – Toner, Oct 2, 2023] (PO23#177)
Adopted as Amended 9-0

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~~ all other relevant departments to prepare recommendations on regulations that would ban or limit the ~~sale of nips~~ use of single-use plastic in Cambridge and prepare to discuss a proposal at the Health and Environment Committee meeting on Oct 25, 2023.

2. 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. [Charter Right – Simmons, Oct 2, 2023] (PO23#178)
Adopted as Amended 9-0

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 , notwithstanding the fact that there have already been a number of community conversations around envisioning potential uses for this building in recent years; 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: There is also concern that by including 105 Windsor Street in this new study, it could be seen as a “wiping the slate clean” moment that nullifies and disregards the previous community conversations that have already taken place, which could, in turn, serve to make those who participated in those processes feel slighted and less likely to engage in civic matters in the future; 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 allocate funds to hire an outside facilitator to guide this community-driven process and ensure that the voices of the neighborhood residents are truly heard, and that consensus among the residents is reached; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on this matter by ~~Oct 30, 2023~~ Nov 13, 2023.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
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; Amended Further Sept 18, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained; Expires Oct 29, 2023] (ORD23# 7) [text of First Publication] [AHO-Sept12Edit]
Ordained 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ-Yes; DC,PN,PT-No)

4. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to 2.76.020 enacted is to protect the human rights of all the residents of the City Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity [Passed to 2nd Reading, Oct 2, 2023] (ORD23#8)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application from MIT Lit Visual Arts Center requesting permission for a (35) Thirty-Five temporary banners Ames Street, Memorial Drive to Main Street, Ames Street, Main Street to Broadway, Broadway, Ames Street to Third Street, Third Street, Broadway to Main Street, Main Street, Third Street to Broadway announcing MIT Visual Arts Center and Contemporary Art from October 2023 through April 2024. (AP23#52)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. An application from Mike Tokatlyan, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 22 White Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association. (AP23#53)
Order Adopted 9-0

3. An application from Central Square Theater requesting permission for a (12) twelve temporary pole banners along Massachusetts Avenue from Essex Street to Sidney announcing Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show from Oct 13, 2023 through Dec 10, 2023. (AP23#54)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Young Kim, regarding Proposed Affordable Housing Overlay Projects in the Pipeline.

2. A communication from Young Kim, regarding Cambridge Continues to misinform the public - When will it stop!

3. A communication from Torbjørn Ose, regarding Opposing East Cambridge Historical Neighborhood Designation.

4. A communication from Toni Lee de Lantsheere, regarding SUPPORT Restore Linear Park policy order.

5. A communication from Tim Logan, regarding Letter of opposition to the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District the attachment would not open.

7. A communication from Thomas Meek, regarding Cambridge Continues to misinform the public - When will it stop!.

8. A communication from Tara R. Greco, regarding Garden street proposed changes.

10. A communication from Susan Cory, regarding Support for Paul Toner’s Bicycle lane Improvement on Garden St.

11. A communication from Richard Goldberg, regarding Returned mail see transcript for details.

12. A communication from Rebecca and Bryan McLaughlin, regarding Letter 4 Requested No Vote to EC-NCD - 134 3rd Street.

13. A communication from Rebecca and Bryan McLaughlin, regarding Letter 3 Requested No Vote to EC-NCD - 104 Sciarappa St.

14. A communication from Rebecca and Bryan McLaughlin, regarding Letter 2 Requested No Vote to EC-NCD - (119 Sciarappa Street).

15. A communication from Rebecca and Bryan McLaughlin, regarding Letter 1 Requested No Vote to EC-NCD - (119 Sciarappa Street).

16. A communication from Pattie Heyman, regarding SUPPORT Restore Linear Park policy order.

17. A communication from Pat Fina, regarding Support for MLK Plaza Proposal at Tonight’s City Council Meeting.

19. A communication from Margery Davies, regarding PLEASE VOTE TONIGHT FOR Policy Order #1 and Policy Order #2 concerning the new BEUDO Amendment New commercial institutional buildings net zero by 2030.

20. A communication from Linda Moussouris, regarding Cambridge Continues to misinform the public - When will it stop! Please clarify map definition of ‘Partial Construction’.

22. A communication from Jonathan Rushfirth, regarding Neighborhood Conservation District.

23. A communication from John Pitkin, regarding My public comment on POR #6 dogs in Joan Lorentz Park in City Council meeting for the record.

24. A communication from Jeanne Koopman, regarding My opposition to the Winn Development’s proposed road and tunnel under a new housing complex in Walden Square.

25. A communication from Janos Fulop, regarding SUPPORT Restore Linear Park policy order.

26. A communication from Gerald Bergman, regarding City Council agenda regarding 105 Windsor St. October 2 mtg.

28. A communication from Ethan Frank, regarding Policy Order 158 Yay more solar panels.

29. A communication from Doug Brown, regarding Cambridge Continues to misinform the public - When will it stop!

31. A communication from Bryan McLaughlin, regarding Requested No Vote East Cam. Neighborhood Conservation District (EC-NCD).

33. A communication from Brett Jacobs, regarding support of two-way Garden order.

36. A communication from Amy Waltz, regarding choosing a consultant to update the ZWMP.

37. A communication from Diane Martin, regarding SUPPORT Restore Linear Park policy order.

38. A communication from Marty Bakal, regarding SUPPORT Restore Linear Park policy order.

39. A communication from Belinda Morse, regarding SUPPORT Restore Linear Park policy order.

40. A communication from Susan Adams, regarding Please save the trees with the Linear Park redesign.

41. A communication from Cathie Zusy, regarding Don’t redesign Linear Park. Just fix it up!

42. A communication from Elizabeth Coxe, regarding Don’t redesign Linear Park. Just fix it up!.

45. A communication from Jaime Lindell, regarding SUPPORT Restore Linear Park policy order.

49. A communication from Nike Tirman, regarding 10132023 - TRAFFIC HAZARD – 50 Garden Street - PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT.

50. A communication from David Chilinski FAIA, regarding Support AHO Amendments.

51. A communication from David E. Sullivan, regarding Please support AHO Amendments.

52. A communication from Charles Franklin, regarding Public Hearing Property Tax Comments.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Judy Vellucci on her retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

2. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Lieutenant Stephen Sennott on the occasion of his promotion. Councillor Toner

3. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Lieutenant Frederick Leung on his recent promotion. Councillor Toner

4. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Sergeant Mark Clavette on his recent promotion. Councillor Toner

5. Congratulations to Cambridge Police Sergeant Simon Valentin on his recent promotion. Councillor Toner

6. Thanks to Mary White for her contributions to Cambridge. Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan

8. Congratulations to Amigos da Terca on Their Annual Dinner/Dance on Oct 7, 2023. Councillor Toner

10. Congratulations to Harvard Economics Professor Claudia D. Goldin on winning the 2023 Nobel Prize in Economics. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons

11. Congratulations to the Benjamin Banneker Charter School on its achievements. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner

13. Resolution of the retirement of Hugh Adams Russell from the City of Cambridge Planning Board. Councillor Carlone

R-13 Oct 16, 2023

COUNCILLOR CARLONE

WHEREAS: Hugh Adams Russell has devoted 35 years of exemplary service to the City of Cambridge as a member of the Planning Board; and

WHEREAS: During that time, Hugh has contributed to the review of close to 300 proposed development projects across the city, ranging from very large to very small, which resulted in many thousands of new homes for Cambridge residents and millions of square feet of space for Cambridge’s businesses and institutions; and

WHEREAS: Hugh lent his considerable knowledge and expertise as an architect to elevate the designs of buildings and sites throughout the city, devoting his attention to all aspects of a project from large-scale urban design to small but crucial architectural details; and

WHEREAS: Hugh’s participation has informed many of the major planning decisions of the past few decades, including the Citywide Rezoning in 2001 and the adoption of the city’s first Green Building Requirements in 2011; and

WHEREAS: Hugh has actively contributed to planning and zoning efforts that have defined the shape of many evolving areas of the city, including Kendall Square, North Point, and Alewife; and

WHEREAS: Due to the extraordinary span of his tenure, Hugh has provided sustained oversight to developments that have taken decades to fully realize; and

WHEREAS: Hugh has provided wisdom, support, and guidance to the many fellow Planning Board members who have served on the Board during his tenure; and

WHEREAS: Hugh served as Chair of the Planning Board from 2010 to 2014, providing sound leadership and guiding the Board through many complex and difficult cases; and

WHEREAS: Prior to serving on the Planning Board, Hugh served as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeal; and

WHEREAS: Hugh has been for decades, and continues to be, an active and engaged member of the Cambridge community; and

WHEREAS: There are few aspects of the City that have not been made better, in some way, as a result of Hugh’s thoughtful and committed attention; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council unanimously conveys its highest appreciation to Hugh Adams Russell for his unparalleled service to the City of Cambridge and its citizens; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Hugh Adams Russell on behalf of the entire City Council.

ORDERS
1. Policy Order re Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#179)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Council go on record recognizing October 2023 as National Women’s Small Business Month. Councillor Simmons (PO23#180)
Order Adopted 9-0

3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the overall state of the Moses Youth Center building. Councillor Simmons (PO23#181)
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a thorough assessment regarding the feasibility, costs, and benefits of replacing the existing community notice boards on the front lawn of City Hall with one or two digital signs. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (PO23#182)
Order Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department, the Finance Department, and any other relevant departments to investigate potential mechanisms to support Cannabis Business in Cambridge. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern (PO23#183)
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to create a dedicated page on the City of Cambridge’s website listing all community-based organizations providing services in The Port neighborhood. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (PO23#184)
Order Adopted 9-0

7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish an American Freedmen Commission. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#185)
Order Adopted, Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

8. That the City Council schedule a roundtable on Mon, Nov 13, 2023, from 3pm-5pm to receive an update from the City Manager and relevant departments on the Central Square City Lots Study. Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#186)
Order Adopted 9-0

9. That the City Manager is requested to work with DPW to restore Linear Park by re-using the existing award-winning design, to create, publish and implement a climate resilience-based maintenance plan and minimize the embodied carbon of the project by re-using, wherever possible, the existing lamps and lamp posts. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#187)
Order Adopted as Amended, Referred to Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning Committee 9-0

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Apr 13, 2023 to continue the discussion of potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outline in the Nov 21, 2022 Policy Order adopted by the City Council. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Present: Simmons, Mallon
Remote Present: Azeem, McGovern
Absent: Carlone

2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Sept 27, 2023 to discuss the report and update on the City of Cambridge Disparity Study. [text of report]
Present: Toner, Mallon
Remote Present: Nolan, Zondervan
Absent: Azeem
Placed on File 9-0

3. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Wed, Oct 4, 2023, to discuss changes to the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge relative to Chapter 5.50, Cannabis Business Permitting. The Committee approved a motion that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department, the Finance Department, and any other relevant departments to investigate potential mechanisms to support Cannabis Business in Cambridge, including but not limited to: not collecting the local tax on Cannabis product sales, refunding some of the rent that was paid while awaiting a Special Permit, and limiting the number of stores that are allowed and report back to the City Council by Nov 20, 2023. The related policy order is on this agenda. The Committee voted to send the proposed ordinance language, as amended in Committee to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
Present: Mallon, Toner, Zondervan
Remote Present: Azeem, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons (late)
Absent: Carlone, McGovern
Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

4. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Tues, Oct 10, 2023. The Committee approved a motion to send the Zoning Ordinance Petition relative to hen keeping to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
Present: McGovern, Nolan, Zondervan, Siddiqui
Remote Present: Azeem, Carlone (late)
Absent: Mallon, Simmons, Toner
Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF23#172)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF23#173)
Placed on File 9-0

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.

Mon, Oct 23
5:30pm Roundtable/Working City Council Meeting to receive an update from the City Manager, relevant departments, and community partners on Central Square.

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 two status updates: Participatory Budgeting and 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-7 Oct 16, 2023
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Due to the historic harm of slavery which has existed since the establishment of the City of Cambridge, a racial caste system identifying people by the construct of race has been utilized – historically, the City has recognized Black residents by various terms based upon race, and it has failed to recognize formerly enslaved people as American Freedmen (known as such since the establishment of the Freedmen’s Bureau in 1865); and
WHEREAS: “American Freedmen” should properly be acknowledged and understood as the surviving descendants of chattel slavery within the United States who have subsequently been forcibly miscategorized by the federal, state, and local government as Black Americans, African Americans, Colored, or Negro community; and
WHEREAS: In recognition of these historical harms and many others, the City now must begin to take the necessary steps to redress harm from gross violations of human rights stemming from loss of sovereignty amounting to multigenerational ethnic erasure through reparative justice and transitional justice, recognizing and referring to Black Americans that are descendants of chattel slavery within the U.S. as American Freedmen, and as this is done, it must be noted that today within the city of Cambridge, as documented in the FedBoston reports, the wealth gap stands at $8 per American Freedmen resident, $12,000 per Caribbean resident, and $247,000 per white resident; and
WHEREAS: To better understand how to end institutional and systemic harm from occurring, the City must begin to normalize transitional justice as defined by international law according to the United Nations by establishing an American Freedman Commission, which shall be responsible for (1) providing harm reports on the lasting effects of slavery within Cambridge (2) examining pathways to redress harm from gross violations of human rights stemming from loss of sovereignty against American Freedmen and their descendants in Cambridge (including recommendations of transitional justice policies brought forth from former and current Cambridge residents through a truth and reconciliation process as approved by the Chair of the Commission) (3) providing public education on transitional justice and reparations as defined by international law according to the United Nations to the City (including all public officials, current and former residents, and state and federal public officials whose district covers the City of Cambridge), and (4) providing a defining framework of reparative justice for the City; and
WHEREAS: The American Freedman Commission shall be considered a department of the City, with all the rights and responsibilities thereof, the Chair of the Commission shall be considered the Department Head, and the American Freedmen Commission shall be under the direct control of the Chair, who shall be responsible to the City Council and City Manager pursuant to Chapter 43 Section 105; and
WHEREAS: The salary of the American Freedmen Commission shall be paid such salary by power of the Chair of the American Freedmen Commission subject to approval of the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2.62.020, and additional Commissioner positions may be added as necessary by the Chair; and
WHEREAS: The American Freedman Commission shall assess the City’s actions to date to address the continued impacts of gross violations of human rights stemming from loss of sovereignty of American freedmen via written harm reports, which shall be based upon the effects of gross violations of human rights on American Freedmen and their descendants (these effects shall include, but not be limited to: enslavement, racial terror, political disenfranchisement, housing segregation, separate and unequal education, medical apartheid system, racism in environment and infrastructure, pathologizing of Black families, control over creative cultural and intellectual life, stolen labor and hindered opportunity, an unjust legal system, mental and physical harm and neglect and the racial wealth gap from 1619 to present), and they shall be developed through a community engagement model with residents and community members engaged in each phase; and
WHEREAS: The Commission shall be tasked with making recommendations for reparations, including proposals for the form and amount, via a written report developed by a collective of residents and community members engaged throughout the entire process (a deliberative effort must be made to engage current and former residents in this process during this phase), the City shall ensure that the Commission has available all necessary tools to engage community members for this endeavor, and in making final recommendations, the Commission shall address, among other issues, each of the following:

(A) How the recommendations comport with international standards of remedy for wrongs and injuries caused by the City, that include full reparations and special measures, as understood by various relevant international protocols, laws, and findings.

(B) How the City will offer a formal apology on behalf of the people of Cambridge for the perpetration of gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity on American Freedmen and their descendants.

(C) How Cambridge laws and policies that continue to disproportionately and negatively affect American Freedmen as a group and perpetuate the lingering material and psychosocial effects from loss of sovereignty can be eliminated.

(D) If any harm is discovered outside of the American Freedman community, the Commission shall pass this report to the Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship as well as any other commissions, departments, and public officials pertaining to the city of Cambridge.

(E) How the injuries resulting from matters described in this subdivision can be repaired and how to provide appropriate policies, programs, projects, and recommendations for the purpose of repairing the injuries.

(F) How, in consideration of the Commission’s findings, any form of compensation to American Freedmen within the City of Cambridge is calculated.

(G) What form of compensation should be awarded, through what mechanisms, and who should be eligible for such compensation.

(H) How, in consideration of the Commission’s findings, any other forms of rehabilitation or restitution to American Freedmen are warranted, and what form and scope those measures should take; and

WHEREAS: The Commission shall be comprised of a minimum of 5 people, with a maximum of 15 people (with 100% from the American Freedmen community), members shall be a combination of grassroots community organizers, historians, genealogists, members of civil rights and/or reparatory justice organizations, those with expertise in public education, expertise in public and mental health and the racial health gap that exists in Massachusetts, expertise in the history of American slavery and anti-Black institutional discrimination and systemic racism in the city of Cambridge, young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who have demonstrated a commitment to reparations advocacy, and a minimum of one member who shall have expertise in constitutional law; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cambridge be amended to establish an American Freedmen Commission as per the attached; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish an American Freedmen Commission within 60 days of adoption of the attached Ordinance, to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s American Freedmen, to recruit members of this Commission from within and throughout the Cambridge community, to establish a clear mission statement and timeline for the work of this Commission, and to report back to the City Council on this matter prior to Dec 18, 2023.

Chapter 2.131 - American Freedmen Commission ¹

2.131.010 - Definitions.

1. “Cambridge Residents” shall mean: persons who have established residency in the City of Cambridge, legal or otherwise, including immigrants, citizens and people who were born and or raised in whole or in part in Cambridge.

2. “Transitional Justice” shall mean: Adequate, effective and prompt reparations to redress gross or serious violations of international human rights law, including but not limited to enslavement, genocide, racism, land theft, denial of healthcare, denial of housing, denial of economic opportunity, mass incarceration and other historical, systemic and ongoing injustices perpetrated by the State against Cambridge Residents.

3. “Chattel Slavery” shall mean: the practice of enslaving and owning people as property, including their descendants, starting in the 14th century, and ending in the 19th century.

4. “American Freedmen” shall mean: persons who were freed from Chattel Slavery in the United States, and their descendants.

2.131.020 - Establishment and Purpose

A. There shall be a Cambridge American Freedmen Commission consisting of no less than five and no more than fifteen members, at least 85% of them identifying as American Freedmen.

B. The Commission shall be considered a department of the City, with all the rights and responsibilities thereof. The Executive Director of the Commission shall be considered the Department Head.

C. Commissioners shall be paid a stipend.

D. The Cambridge American Freedmen Commission shall work with the City Manager and/or their assistants, including the Chief of Equity and Inclusion, and other Departments to implement Transitional Justice for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen. The Commission will investigate and report on the historical, systemic and ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the State (Federal, Massachusetts and Cambridge governments), and identify adequate, effective and prompt reparations.

E. The City Manager, through the Office of Equity and Inclusion, shall have the power to issue additional regulations to facilitate and further the work of the Commission.

1 Modeled on Chapter 2.76 - HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

Addendum to the Truth and Reconciliation Policy Order

The following links were used in helping establish the basis for the Truth and Reconciliation policy order

https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic/cambridgehistory

https://www.cambridgema.gov/-/media/Files/citymanagersoffice/monumentsadvisorycommittee/Slavery_and_its_Aftermath_in_Cambridge.pdf

https://cambridgeblackhistoryproject.org/

https://historycambridge.org/articles/history-cambridge-has-a-new-partnership-joining-with-slave-legacyhistory-coalition/

https://www.cambridgema.gov/historic/cambridgehistory

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billCompareClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB490&showamends=false

https://oag.ca.gov/ab3121/report#:~:text=The%20final%20report%20surveys%20the,in%20AB%203121%20(2020)

https://www.boston.gov/equity-and-inclusion/task-force-reparations

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-state-organizations-a-to-z

https://www.amherstma.gov/3625/African-Heritage-Reparation-Assembly

https://www.senate.gov/about/origins-foundations/senate-and-constitution/14thamendment.htm#:~:text=Passed%20by%20the%20Senate%20on,laws%2C%E2%80%9D%20extending%20the%20provisions%20of

https://www.ohchr.org/en/transitionaljustice/reparations#:~:text=This%20refers%20to%20measures%20to,as%20well%20as%20affected%20communities.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/transitional-justice

O-9 Oct 16, 2023 Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge Community Development Department Transportation Division is redesigning Linear Park by widening and straightening the already “AASHTO” compliant shared path, which design would approximately double the paved area, would require excavating, moving, and replacing the elegant lighting fixtures (unnecessarily generating waste and pollution), and could endanger over eighty (80) mature trees; and
WHEREAS: Linear Park has received four (4) Landscape Design awards and was designed (in part) by Deneen Crosby who has lived in North Cambridge for many years, received the 2018 “Women in Design Award of Excellence” from the Boston Society for Architecture, and, with her company, designed Magazine Beach Park; and
WHEREAS: There is interest in the community in amending the plan by restoring it instead of a major redesign and path widening proposed by the city, as evidenced by a petition signed by over 230 Cambridge residents; and
WHEREAS: On Aug 7, 2023, the council passed Policy Order 2023 #136 requesting that the City Manager “determine whether there are opportunities to minimize new or additional pavement and encourage using permeable surfaces in public and private construction throughout the city”; and
WHEREAS: On Sept 13, 2021, the council passed Policy Order 2021 #164 requesting that the City Manager “will go out of their way to prevent the removal of significant trees on City property”; and
WHEREAS: The Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) 2020 – 2025 Action Plan states:

1. Our first priority must be to remove fewer trees unnecessarily;

2. To extend the lives of our trees through improved management practices;

3. Redesign streets and sidewalks to make room for more trees;

4. Add (not remove) trees to parks;

5. Add new parks;

6. City Council with the City Manager and various departments are all to participate in the UFMP implementation; and

WHEREAS: With 2023 again setting global heat records, and an emphasis on equity and social justice in every city decision, the city should provide cooler and shadier routes for people who have no choice but to use the MBTA buses at Rindge Ave and at Massachusetts Ave or the Red Line at Alewife and Davis stations; and
WHEREAS: Sound climate policy mandates minimizing the embodied carbon of all projects, which means re-using existing materials as much as possible, and minimizing destruction of trees, which sequester carbon in their bodies and through the soil; and
WHEREAS: Climate Change makes it increasingly difficult to preserve existing mature trees or to successfully grow additional trees as evidenced by recent droughts and anticipated future extreme weather events; and
WHEREAS: Safety on the multi-use path is critical and would not be compromised by a slight widening instead of major redesign, since the path has been successfully shared for over 35 years between pedestrians, bicycles, and all users, and safety, is enhanced by the traffic calming supplied by the current curves and its width that matches the Somerville and Belmont paths; and
WHEREAS: The plans for linear park call for a 14 foot wide path (plus 2 feet on either side of stone dust), a dramatic increase from the current 10.5 foot width, and which is the widest width within state guidelines for shared use paths of 10-14 feet and a width of 10-12 feet in an urban area where open space is scarce, seems adequate; and
WHEREAS: The path needs to be repaired and maintained, but dramatically increasing the paved area, combined with planned tree removal and tree damage, will lead to additional heat island effect impacts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DPW to ~~restore~~ consider restoring Linear Park by re-using the existing award-winning design, including retaining the existing pavement footprint, or consider making the entire path non-pavement as some other multi-use paths are, and using wood chips/mulch instead of stone dust to provide extra space for pedestrians, with the top priority being to extend the life of all existing trees using all best practices; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DPW to create, publish and implement a climate resilience-based maintenance plan for Linear Park that would protect and enhance the tree canopy by, at the minimum, restoring the irrigation system, de-compacting the soils, amending the soils, and blocking short-cuts within the Critical Root Zone of the trees; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with DPW to minimize the embodied carbon of the project by re-using, wherever possible, the existing lamps and lamp posts, and keeping them in their existing locations, and by taking all other possible actions to minimize waste and reduce embodied carbon.

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. Report Received and Accepted
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

21-67. 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. Report Received and Accepted
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. Report Received and Accepted
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. Report Received and Accepted
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 (O5) 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 (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

22-61. 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. Report Received and Accepted
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. Report Received and Accepted
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. Report Received and Accepted
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

23-23. 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. Report Received and Accepted
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 (O4) 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. Report Received and Accepted
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. Report Received and Accepted
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

23-62. Report on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation. Report Received and Accepted
(Calendar Item #3) from 9/11/2023

23-63. Report on a proposed Home Rule Petition relative to amendments to the Fair Housing Ordinance.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 9/18/2023

23-64. Provide monthly progress reports to the City Council, detailing the strategies being designed and implemented to address the issues in Central Square, including the metrics being used to measure success.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (Calendar Item #1) from 9/18/2023

23-65. Report on the developed ordinance language that would lead to a phased in ban of the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Cambridge in line with the discussion in the Health and Environment Committee meeting of Sept 13, 2023.
Councillor Nolan (O-3) from 9/18/2023

23-66. Report on 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 McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/2/2023

23-67. Report on the meeting with the Universities, large labs, large property developers and anyone with technical expertise regarding the proposed BEUDO amendment and their input.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-2) from 10/2/2023

23-68. Report on the feasibility of erecting a covered bus shelter in the immediate vicinity of 15 Lambert Street.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 10/2/2023

23-69. Report on the identified 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.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-8) from 10/2/2023