Cambridge City Council meeting - October 14, 2021

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $170,975 from Free Cash to the General Fund Elections Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to cover the additional costs associated with recently approved vote by mail-in, and early voting for the municipal election, Nov 2, 2021.
Order Adopted 9-0

Oct 18, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $170,975 from Free Cash to the General Fund Elections Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account.

Funds will be used to cover the additional costs associated with recently approved vote by mail-in, and early voting for the municipal election, Nov 2, 2021. This year the Election Commission received three ballot questions for the election. According to Chapter 630 of the Acts of 1989 the Election Commission is required to mail ballot question information to the voters. Some of the postage and vendor costs were not accounted for in the FY22 Budget due to the special circumstances which occurred pertaining to the upcoming election. The funds will be used to cover the additional expenses including postage, rentals, supplies, and related services.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account to purchase 25 mobile radios for Public Works response vehicles.
Order Adopted 9-0

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $32,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures Account for repair costs associated with the City’s Warming Center.
Order Adopted 9-0

5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,500,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to purchase of two 1250GPM Fire Pumpers.
Order Adopted 9-0

6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Albert Darling as a Constable for a term of three years, effective the first day of January, 2021.
Placed on File 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. The Health and Environment Committee met on Apr 14, 2021 to conduct a public hearing regarding the City’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan in Council Oct 4, 2021]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

ON THE TABLE
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-13, regarding next steps on implementation of Universal Pre-K. [Placed on the Table in Council May 17, 2021]

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-41, regarding a report on closing Mass Ave from Prospect Street to Sidney Street on Friday and Saturday evenings. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern in Council June 28, 2021; Placed on the Table in Council Aug 2, 2021]

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-56, regarding improvements to Jerry’s Pond and along Rindge Avenue. [Placed on the Table by Mayor Siddiqui in Council Sept 13, 2021]

APPLICATIONS & PETITIONS
1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Michael Jeremy Yamin, regarding Yard Setback Zoning Petition.
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 7-1-1 (Zondervan - NO; Toomey ABSENT)

11.207.5.2 Dimensional Standards for AHO Projects

11.207.5.2.3 Yard Setbacks

(a) For the purposes of this Section, the applicable District Dimensional Standards shall not include yard setback requirements based solely on a formula calculation as provided in Section 5.24.4 of the Zoning Ordinance but shall include non-derived minimum yard setback requirements set forth in Article 5.000 or other Sections of this Zoning District but no less than·50% of the Base District formula calculations in all cases.

(b) Front Yards. An AHO project shall have a minimum yard minimum front yard setback 15 feet, except where the District Dimensional Standards establish a less restrictive requirement, or may be reduced to the average of the front yard setbacks of the four (4) nearest pre-existing principal buildings that contain at least two Stories Above Grade and directly front the same side of the street as the AHO project, or may be reduced to a minimum often (10) feet in the case of an AHO project on a corner lot but no less than 50% of the Base District formula calculations in all cases. Where the District Dimensional Standards set forth different requirements for residential and non-residential uses, the non-residential front yard setback requirements shall apply to the entire AHO Project if the Ground Story contains a nonresidential use as set forth in Section 11.207.4 paragraph {b) above; otherwise, the residential front yard setback shall apply.

(c) Side Yards. An AHO project shall have a minimum side yard setback of seven and one-half (7.5) feet or may be reduced to the minimum side yard setbacks set forth in the district dimensional standards for residential uses that is not derived by formula if it is less restrictive but no less than 50% of the Base District formula calculations in all cases.

(d) Rear Yards. An AHO project shall have a minimum rear yard setback of twenty (20) feet or may be reduced to the minimum rear yard setback set forth in the District Dimensional Standards for residential uses that is not derived by formula if it is less restrictive.

(e) Projecting eaves, chimneys, bay windows, balconies, open fire escapes and like projections which do not project more than three and one-half (3.5) feet from the principal exterior wall plane, and unenclosed steps, unroofed porches and the like which do not project more than ten (10) feet beyond the line of the foundation wall and which are not over four (4) feet above Grade, may extend beyond the minimum yard setback.

(f) Bicycle parking spaces, whether short-term or long-term, and appurtenant structures such as coverings, sheds, or storage lockers may be located within a required yard setback but no closer than seven and one-half (7 .5) feet to an existing principal residential structure on an abutting lot.

2. A Zoning Petition has been received from Karen Cushing, regarding Off Street Parking consistent with the base zoning district, in order to minimize the use of on-street parking in the surrounding area.
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 7-1-1 (Zondervan - NO; Toomey ABSENT)

Petition from Karen Cushing to amend zoning ordinance 2020-8 (Affordable Housing Overlay), section 11.207.6.1 (a) and (b) (Required Off-Street Accessory Parking):

Requested modification:

11.207.6.1 Required Off-Street Accessory Parking

(a) The required minimum number of off-street parking spaces for an AHO Project shall be the same as required in the base zoning district.

(b) An AHO Project of greater than 20 units shall provide or have access to either on-street or off-street facilities that can accommodate passenger pick-up and drop-off by motor vehicles and short-term loading by moving vans or small delivery trucks. The Cambridge Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department shall certify to the Superintendent of Buildings that the AHO Project is designed to reasonably accommodate such activity without causing significant hazard or congestion. The Cambridge Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation shall have the authority to promulgate regulations for the implementation of the provisions of this Paragraph.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Caitlin Anderson, regarding After school care.

2. A communication was received from Dac Hoang, regarding Cycling Safety Ordinance.

3. A communication was received from Joe Rose, regarding First Second Street Corridor Study Comments.

4. A communication was received from Sarah Swettberg Ed.M, FNP, BCC, regarding Cambridge HEART program.

5. A communication was received from Jeanne Oster and Annette Osgood, regarding Save Mass Ave Save Our City Online Petition Paper Petition - 503 signatures.
There will be a follow-up meeting on Thurs, Oct 28, 2021 at 6:00pm.

6. A communication was received from Yi Sheng Wang, regarding Cycling Safety Ordinance.

7. A communication was received from Susan Meagher and Kerry Denvir, regarding Policy Order POR 2021 #210.

8. A communication was received from Sharon Stichter, regarding Porter square De Facto Simulation of Mass Ave Safety Improvement Project - Dudley St to Alewife Brook Pkwy.

9. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding De Facto Simulation of Mass Ave Safety Improvement Project - Dudley St to Alewife Brook Pkwy.

10. A communication was received from the community, regarding Carl Barron Plaza reconstruction.
Charter Right - Zondervan

11. A communication was received from Robert J. LaTrémouille, regarding City Council funds major environmental destruction at Magazine Beach.

12. A communication was received from Jeanne Oster, regarding to expand the definition of the Mass Ave Four so all streets between Alewife Brook Parkway and Everett St can be looked at together as a cohesive whole.

13. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) held a meeting on Sept, 13,2021 as part of it’s Moving to Work/ Cambridge Housing Authority Annual Plan (MTW/ CHA Annual Plan).

14. A communication was received from Denise Jillson, regarding Mass Ave Bike Lanes YES - Mass Ave Business Parking Loading YES - how do we make this work.

15. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding responding to your replies on Dudley St - Alewife Brook Pkwy Bike Safety Improvement Project

16. A communication was received from Shelley Rieman, regarding residents Alliance supports fully funding the HEART program.

17. A communication was received from Sandy Gould, regarding comment in support of Policy Order 7.

18. A communication was received from Ruth Ryals, regarding community Office Hours - Mass Ave Dudley to Alewife.

19. A communication was received from Pamela Winters, regarding please submit as a communication to be read by the city council.

20. A communication was received from Monty Montero Elliott, regarding Written statement in support of funding HEART.

21. A communication was received from Marjorie Hilton, regarding Mass Ave. project.

22. A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding Letter Supporting Setbacks And Parking Amendments.

23. A communication was received from Louise Ciampi CLOTHWARE, regarding Please Submit as a Communication to be Read at Monday's City Council Meeting.

24. A communication was received from Lisa and Bill Nevins, regarding North Cambridge Mass. Ave.

25. A communication was received from Linda Moussouris, regarding Porter square Community Office Hours - Mass Ave Dudley to Alewife.

26. A communication was received from Leva Broks, regarding Bike lane concern on Mass Ave.

27. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Residents Alliance supports fully funding the HEART program.

28. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding support for POR#217, 219, 226.

30. A communication was received from Jeanne Petropoulos, regarding Please Submit as a Communication to be Read at Monday's City Council Meeting.

31. A communication was received from Jeanne Oster and Annette Osgood, regarding Please pull our letter to be read at the City Council Meeting on Oct 18.

32. A communication was received from Cheryl Blauth, regarding Please Submit as a Communication to be Read at Monday's City Council Meeting.

33. A communication was received from Annette Osgood and Jeanne Oster, regarding Porter square Fwd Community Office Hours - Mass Ave Dudley to Alewife.

2. Thanks to Christina Correia, Director, the team at the Animal Commission, and the Pet Food Task Force for their innovation to solve the growing need for pet food within Cambridge. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Siddiqui

3. Congratulations to Jessica Lander on being named one of the Top 50 finalists for the 2021 Global Teacher Prize. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon

4. Congratulations to Helen Sullivan and Rafael Rivera on the birth of their daughter Xiomara Cristina Rivera Sullivan. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey

5. Resolution on the death of Margaret “Peggy” Hoffman Pedro. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons

9. Congratulations to Ms. Pariss Chandler on Making the” 2021 BBJ Power 50: Movement Makers List.” Vice Mayor Mallon

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Public Works Department to repair the grass at Greene-Rose Heritage Park and ensure that the area is kept well-maintained. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Council go on record prioritizing Cambridge residents for Building Pathways. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

3. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship and other relevant City staff to determine the feasibility of creating a uniform process for aiding the resettlement of refugees in Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to determine the feasibility of purchasing property from Lesley University to address City goals. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to place a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

6. That the City Manager is requested to appoint a task force that will hold regular public meetings to solicit ideas and feedback from residents on the distribution of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

7. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to place a plaque in honor of Thom Doyle at Pacific Field to honor his commitment to our children and his volunteer efforts on their behalf. Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

8. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to start placing QR codes on signage around construction projects so that interested parties can quickly and easily access information regarding these projects to promote information sharing and transparency. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

9. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate staff of both the City and State to confirm if the Truck Restriction map is up to date, who should be enforcing the ban on Alewife Brook Parkway, and what actions can be taken moving forward. Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 9-0

10. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the City of Belmont about what improvements may be made to the Huron Avenue and Grove Street intersection and adjoining sidewalks. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

11. City Council support for the proposed site location for Eversource’s Geothermal Pilot Program project. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

12. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to support the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

13. That the City Council go on record in reaffirming strong support for H.1426/S.890, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted as Amended 8-1 (Toomey - NO)

14. That the City Manager work with the Traffic and Parking Department to examine the intersection of Cambridge and Felton Streets to make the urgent safety improvements that are needed andto report back on his findings by the Nov 1 City Council meeting. Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

15. That the City Manager work with the Police Department to provide an explanation of an incident that occurred on Oct 17, 2021 near the Central Square YMCA including whether legal requirements and department policies for arrests were properly followed. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, communicating information from the School Committee.
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, Oct 20
11:00am The Ordinance Committee will meet to conduct a hearing on an ordinance amendment to reduce or limit campaign donations. (Zoom)

Wed, Nov 17
4:00pm The Public Safety Committee will meet to hear an update on the city’s implementation of the HEART proposal as part of an alternative public safety response. (Zoom)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 18, 2021
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has recently come to the City Council’s attention that the turf on Greene-Rose Heritage Park has fallen into disrepair, with large patches of dead grass blemishing the area; and
WHEREAS: How a city maintains its parks, streets, and other public areas communicates a message about the value of the people in those neighborhoods to the city at large, and it is therefore important that Cambridge strive to keep all our city parks clean and well-maintained; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Public Works Department to repair the grass at Greene-Rose Heritage Park and ensure that the area is kept well-maintained.

O-2 Oct 18, 2021 Amended
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: In 2018, the City Council took a strong position to ensure that our residents had clear pathways to construction trade careers by working to establish a Cambridge based Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program; and
WHEREAS: The Building Pathways Building Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program “helps participants learn about the industry, practice hands-on skills, and compete for apprenticeship program openings;” and
WHEREAS: Building Pathways further “provides a gateway for low-income area residents, particularly in underserved communities, to access family-sustaining careers in the construction industry through apprenticeship preparedness training and advocacy;” and
WHEREAS: A large percentage of construction jobs in the Metro Boston area are based here in Cambridge, it is imperative that we provide pathways for our residents to access these workforce opportunities and construction careers; and
WHEREAS: An “Intro to Construction Jobs” training program is currently being designed at the MIT Job Connector in full partnership with MIT and the Boston Building Trades, which will be a 5-6 week paid program to introduce residents to construction careers with members of the building trades, as well as offering soft skills such as assistance with Building Pathways applications, resume writing, interview skills and individualized support for each participant; and
WHEREAS: The first ever Cambridge based Building Pathways class was launched in 2019, and although the COVID19 pandemic temporarily halted this important workforce development training program, the MIT Job Connector is excited to bring this critical workforce program back to Cambridge in February of 2022; and
WHEREAS: This program is being designed as a way to recruit interested and qualified members to the next Building Pathways session in February of 2022, and we expect it will positively interface with the successful Cambridge based Building Pathways program; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record reaffirming our expectation that the February 2022 Building Pathways session will occur in Cambridge at the MIT Job Connector; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in its expectation that Cambridge residents will be prioritized for participation in the February 2022 session, and that a robust recruitment process will be implemented by the Boston Building Trades; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Boston Building Trades, including the Building Pathways leadership team, on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-3 Oct 18, 2021
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has always served as a home for immigrants and refugees; and
WHEREAS: The number of refugees seeking asylum has grown dramatically in recent years, and as the climate crisis worsens this number will only increase; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is a Welcoming City (ordained in 2020) that will embrace and support refugee families in any capacity that it is capable of; and
WHEREAS: It was recently learned that Cambridge will be receiving at least two Afghan refugee families, and last month over 10,000 Haitian migrants attempted to seek asylum at the southern border; and
WHEREAS: There is no central clearinghouse or process for resettling refugees and refugee families in Cambridge, and little cohesion between the federal and state government and regional organizations that work to aid with the resettlement process in cities such as Cambridge; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship and other relevant City staff to determine the feasibility of creating a uniform process for aiding the resettlement of refugees in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-4 Oct 18, 2021
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: Lesley University recently announced a new campus plan that includes the University’s intention to sell its underutilized properties; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has expressed desire for the City to purchase property for a range of priorities from Pre-K to green space to housing; and
WHEREAS: The properties that Lesley University has announced it will be selling could help address these much-needed priorities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to determine the feasibility of purchasing property from Lesley University to address City goals; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the feasibility in a timely manner as Lesley University moves forward with their campus plans.

O-5 Oct 18, 2021
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world with a concentration of popularity in Southeast Asia; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge and the entire region is home to a large population of immigrants from countries where cricket is most popular, some of whom have been helping grow the popularity of the sport in the area; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge is a diverse and welcoming city that embraces cultures from around the globe, and having a cricket pitch in the city would give everyone in Cambridge an opportunity to learn and experience one of the oldest sports in the world; and
WHEREAS: Danehy Park, or one of the other open spaces in Cambridge, could be a potential site for a cricket pitch, which could share a space with a baseball or soccer field; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to place a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-6 Oct 18, 2021 Amended
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: On June 28, 2021, the City Council appropriated $65,019,211, received from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the new Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to the Grant Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account; and
WHEREAS: On July 27, 2021, the Finance Committee held a hearing to discuss this appropriation; the conversation was centered around a plan to engage the community to determine the most appropriate places to allocate funds; and
WHEREAS: ARPA was one of the largest stimulus bills ever, and with cities and towns receiving large amounts of discretionary funds to be spent by 2024, residents have a right to know and decide where those funds are being allocated; and
WHEREAS: The City of Boston established an Equitable Recovery Coordinating Committee to help determine the allocation of ARPA dollars, made up of stakeholders from across City government to “ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable distribution of these funds for economic and social recovery”; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge must center equity in the distribution of over $65 million in ARPA funds over the next four years; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint a task force that will hold regular public meetings to solicit ideas and feedback from residents on the distribution of ARPA funds; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with relevant staff to develop a website where information regarding ARPA funds is easily accessible to residents, including information about how to give input on the distribution of the funds; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-7 Oct 18, 2021
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Thom Doyle resided in Cambridge for 22 years with his wife, Summer, and their children River and Lila; and
WHEREAS: Thom was a dedicated Cambridge Youth Soccer coach to both boys and girls in the intown soccer programs; and
WHEREAS: Thom was a deeply caring coach who loved to see his players improve as both athletes and people, and who brought a calm and supportive presence on and off the field that had a positive influence on not only his players, but everyone involved in Cambridge Youth Soccer; and
WHEREAS: For 5 years, Thom practiced at Pacific Field in Cambridgeport, where he spent hundreds of hours mentoring, coaching and supporting Cambridge youth by teaching them passion and sportsmanship; and
WHEREAS: On June 7, 2021, Thom passed away unexpectedly from injuries resulting from a fall he experienced while climbing; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to place a plaque in honor of Thom Doyle at Pacific Field to honor his commitment to our children and his volunteer efforts on their behalf.

O-8 Oct 18, 2021
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge engages in numerous construction projects throughout the city; and
WHEREAS: Neighbors, residents and visitors often have questions regarding these projects; and
WHEREAS: The City places information regarding these projects on the City website, which although helpful, is not always easy to navigate; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to start placing QR codes on signage around these projects so that interested parties can quickly and easily access information regarding these projects to promote information sharing and transparency.

O-9 Oct 18, 2021
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to reducing the adverse impacts of truck noise and vibrations on residents; and
WHEREAS: Residents of Alewife Brook Parkway (State Route 16) have been complaining about the high volume of box trucks and 18-wheelers and the severe noise and vibration impacts this is having on their health and homes; and
WHEREAS: According to the City’s Truck Restrictions map, trucks are banned on Alewife Brook Parkway (State Route 16) from Massachusetts Avenue to the Somerville line; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate staff of both the City and State to confirm if the Truck Restriction map is up to date, who should be enforcing the ban, and what actions can be taken moving forward; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this issue.

O-10 Oct 18, 2021
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: Huron Avenue is a busy street that sees significant vehicular thru-traffic and abuts residential neighborhoods and Fresh Pond, which is one of the city’s largest recreational areas; and
WHEREAS: Huron Avenue also has significant pedestrian traffic along its length, including near Fresh Pond and the Strawberry Hill neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: The intersection of Huron Avenue and Grove Street contains multiple lanes of traffic turning across a pedestrian walkway; and
WHEREAS: The intersection does not currently have a traffic signal, pedestrian crossing signal, or other traffic calming features, and as daylight gets shorter, visibility at this intersection becomes more challenging; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the City of Belmont about what improvements may be made to this intersection and adjoining sidewalks.

O-11 Oct 18, 2021 Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that Eversource is testing networked geothermal systems for heating and cooling potential, which has the potential to replace delivered fuels and natural gas services; and
WHEREAS: Building emissions are responsible for around 80 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: Replacing fossil fuel sources with geothermal technology to heat and cool buildings can reduce the carbon emissions by an average of 60 percent; and
WHEREAS: Most residences in Cambridge use natural gas or other fossil fuel sources to heat and cool their homes; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has been a leader in setting aggressive climate goals, specifically in reducing emissions, and has had trouble meeting those goals; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge’s participation in the geothermal pilot program would significantly advance progress toward the City’s climate goals while providing an ideal location for Eversource to pilot the program; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge plans to reconstruct many streets and locations in Cambridge and wishes to minimize street disruption and cost through performing synergistic upgrades of many utilities at the same time; and
WHEREAS: The streets selected as potential sites include diverse energy use, low-income residents and infrastructure work, including a MWRA water main and electric duct bank – this work could reduce Eversource’s costs since the street would already be open; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council strongly supports efforts and innovations to reduce Cambridge’s overall carbon footprint, while also improving the economic, social and physical well-being of our community members; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing enthusiastic support for the proposed site location in Cambridge as a location for Eversource’s Geothermal Pilot Program project; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this resolution to the Cambridge state delegation asking them to support the request for Cambridge to be a site; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the supervisors of the Eversource Geothermal Pilot Program on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-12 Oct 18, 2021
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts Coalition has a proposal responding to the Economic Development Administration’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The coalition, led by the American Sustainable Business Institute (ASBI), Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN), American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA), and Council Fire, represents a critical step to accelerate the wide-scale adoption of solar energy in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS: The coalition has committed to simultaneously addressing the increasingly dire climate crisis while advancing economic development goals around business expansion and job creation, workforce development and re-skilling, economic resiliency, and empowering historically marginalized communities in Massachusetts; and
WHEREAS: There is potential for Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts to raise public awareness regarding the urgency of the moment and wide-ranging economic benefits of solar to individuals, businesses, and communities at large by working with stakeholders to identify and coordinate the allocation of resources toward the time-sensitive goal of advancing solar adoption at scale; and
WHEREAS: Our goals as a city and a commonwealth are to be leaders in the clean energy space and one part of that goal is the expansion of solar; and
WHEREAS: Governor Baker recently clarified his renewable energy objectives and set a goal requiring 50% of Massachusetts’ energy be derived from renewable sources, which will require a massive investment of resources to educate communities about the promise of solar and build out the necessary solar infrastructure; and
WHEREAS: There is a growing recognition and consensus regarding the need for immediate action towards renewable energy, in addition to a need for economic opportunities which yield a more diverse, equitable and inclusive economy for a diverse workforce, both of which expansion of solar can provide; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to support the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts Coalition; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter as soon as possible, considering the timeliness of the proposal.

O-13 Oct 18, 2021 Amended
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the Joint Committee on Housing recently held a hearing on H.1426/S.890, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), a policy that the City Council has previously supported; and
WHEREAS: TOPA would give cities and towns the local option of providing tenants in multifamily buildings the right to match a third-party offer when their homes are sold, including through partnering with an affordable housing purchaser or by designating their rights to a non-profit or local housing authority; and
WHEREAS: H.1426/S.890 is based on similar legislation from around the country, including a Washington DC ordinance enacted in 1980 which has helped to permanently preserve the affordability of thousands of homes at just a fraction of the cost of constructing new affordable units; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge has desperately needed tools to protect renters from displacement ever since a small group of landlords led a successful effort to ban rent control statewide in 1994 via ballot referendum, despite the policy’s immense local popularity, effectively handcuffing the council’s ability to regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in any way; and
WHEREAS: Housing stabilization is a public health issue, and displacement and unaffordable rents disproportionately impact people of color, seniors, people with disabilities, unhoused people, LGBTQ+ people, and other vulnerable groups; and
WHEREAS: The pandemic is causing increasing distress in the housing market and is expected to result in more turmoil, speculative purchases and resident displacement; and
WHEREAS: This policy was advanced by both chambers of the legislature in the previous session as part of the Economic Development omnibus bill, only to be vetoed by Governor Baker after the close of the session; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in reaffirming strong support for H.1426/S.890, the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record urging the Joint Committee on Housing to advance the bill out of committee as soon as possible, and in urging the Legislature to put this bill back on the Governor’s desk as soon as possible; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to Cambridge’s Legislative Delegation, the chairs of the Joint Committee on Housing, and Governor Charles Baker on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-14 Oct 18, 2021
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: Both a pedestrian and a cyclist were struck during separate incidents at the intersection of Cambridge and Felton Streets on Thursday, October 14, 2021; and
WHEREAS: This is the second day in a row a person was struck at this intersection; and
WHEREAS: This intersection is in extreme close proximity to CRLS, where many students walk and bike to around campus throughout the day; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic and Parking Department to examine the intersection of Cambridge and Felton Streets to make the urgent safety improvements that are needed
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back on his findings by the November 1st regular Council meeting.

O-15 Oct 18, 2021
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that an incident involving Cambridge police officers occurred outside the Central Square YMCA in the early afternoon of Sunday, October 17, 2021; and
WHEREAS: A video recorded and circulated by a witness shows three uniformed Cambridge police officers and one individual in plain clothing using batons to beat a man who witnesses say was accused of petty theft from a nearby convenience store chain; and
WHEREAS: It is unclear from the video why violent force was necessary, what probable cause there was for arrest, and how the incident was ultimately resolved; and
WHEREAS: In light of the Black Lives Matter movement and last year's protests against the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black people by police, this City Council took a unanimous stance against police violence, and called for greater accountability for law enforcement officers; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide an explanation of the incident, including whether legal requirements and department policies for arrests were properly followed; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter no later than November 8, 2021.

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

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

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

18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019

19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019

19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019

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

19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019

19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019

19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019

19-146. Report on reviewing the existing internal mechanisms for City staffers in all departments to report grievances, to determine if this system is functioning as it should or whether changes should be considered.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 10/28/2019

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

20-30. Report on establishing a plan designed to provide a thorough, system-wide review of the entire municipal government to identify and remove any vestiges of systemic racism and/or racial bias in any and all City departments, to establish clear, transparent metrics that will help further this critical endeavor.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 6/29/2020

20-31. Report on determining how to best protect and preserve our commercial spaces that support our small business operators and maintain continuity in our commercial districts.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/29/2020

20-36. Report on generating a report detailing the Sole Assessment Process, the Civil Service HRD process, the reason for choosing the Sole Assessment Process over the Civil Service HRD process, and the projected costs associated with both processes.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 7/27/2020

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 SobrinhoWheeler (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

20-65. Report on exploring the feasibility of hiring a consultant to perform an Equity Audit on the Cambridge Arts Council.
(O-1) from 11/23/2020

20-69. Report on formulating an RFP for a public arts project that will acknowledge the unfinished work of the 19th Amendment, the importance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and how the two pieces of legislation ultimately complemented one another in helping to shape a more perfect union.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #2) from 11/30/2020

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

21-6. Report on obtaining written documentation from the Cambridge Housing Authority, Homeowners Rehab, Inc., Just a Start, and the Community Development Department updating the City Council on the locations, unit sizes, number of units, overall costs, populations served, and expected dates of completion for each of the projects they reported on during the Housing Committee hearing held on Jan 12, 2021.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/3/2021

21-8. Report on removing hostile architecture whenever public spaces are designed or redesigned and to create design guidelines that ensure our public spaces are truly welcoming to the entire community and determine how existing bench fixtures can be addressed to support all residents who use them.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #3) from 2/8/2021

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

21-17. Report on initiating a process to begin chronicling the rich and vibrant history of people of color in Cambridge, similar to other City-commissioned books such as “We Are the Port: Stories of Place, Perseverance, and Pride in the Port/Area 4 Cambridge, Massachusetts 1845-2005” and “All in the Same Boat” and “Crossroads: Stories of Central Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts 1912-2000”.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 3/15/2021

21-19. Report on providing an update on progress made towards including information from the Cambridge Minority Business Enterprise Program in the Open Data Portal.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 3/22/2021

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

21-32. Report on exploring and implement strategies to enhance safety at the intersection of Memorial Drive and DeWolfe Street.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-2) from 5/3/2021

21-35. Report on providing options to update the HomeBridge and Affordable Home Ownership Programs to better align with the City’s values, and promote racial equity and socioeconomic justice.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) 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

21-37. Report on consulting with relevant Department heads and the non-profit community on “Digital Equity” and provide an implementation plan, schedule, and request for appropriation.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 5/17/2021

21-38. Report on consulting with relevant Department heads on other broadband benefits programs offered by the Federal government, and the City’s plans to leverage these funds in pursuit of Digital Equity.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 5/17/2021

21-40. Report on implementing a heavy truck traffic ban on Roberts Road from Kirkland Street to Cambridge Street.
Councillor Toomey, Mayor Siddiqui (O-8) from 5/17/2021

21-42. Report on reviewing Cambridge’s corporate contracts and purchases to identify any vendors or manufacturers whose products are used to perpetuate violations of International Human Rights Laws and Cambridge’s policy on discrimination.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #2) from 5/25/2021

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

21-45. Report on taking all necessary steps to waive the dog license fee for all senior citizens and examine options for reducing the fees for low-income residents.
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #1) from 6/14/2021

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

21-47. Report on exploring the feasibility of expanding services at the senior centers, especially by adding clinical staff.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/14/2021

21-48. Report on determining if the City has the discretion to waive the Commonwealth’s housing sanitary code requirements and the circumstances in which the City could administer this waiver.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 6/14/2021

21-49. Report on making immediate improvements at the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney and Bristol Streets and to all intersections in the city that are similarly malfunctioning, and to implement longer term changes.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan (O-8) 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

21-51. Report on examining and implementing a flexible, permanent remote work policy for City employees who can perform their tasks remotely.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/28/2021

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

21-53. Report on examining safety improvements at the intersection of Ware and Harvard Streets.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-9) from 6/28/2021

21-54. Report on exploring the feasibility of providing Equity Roadmap with regular funding for Friday Night Hype.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 8/2/2021

21-58. Report on addressing increased gun activity.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-4) from 8/2/2021

21-55. Report on assessing what is driving this new activity, and to deploy the necessary resources to tamp down on the gun violence being seen in the above-referenced areas.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-4) from 8/2/2021

21-57. Report on how the city is working to get City staff to 100% vaccinated and decrease the likelihood that COVID-19 spreads via City staff and in City Buildings.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-10) from 8/2/2021

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

21-61. Report on the City’s rodent and pest control efforts since February 2020, to outline what metrics are being used to determine the effectiveness of these efforts, and to issue recommendations as to whether increasing the budget for these efforts, as well as creating new incentives and penalties to ensure community compliance with regulations around rodent control, would lead to a greater level of success in resolving this issue.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan (O-4) from 9/13/2021

21-62. Report on the feasibility of installing lights at all Cambridge dog parks.
Councillor McGovern (O-4) from 9/13/2021

21-63. Report on using only locally sourced produce, farmers, and resident gardeners to study the feasibility of spending Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to address food insecurity by installing raised garden beds throughout Cambridge and providing free, fresh, locally-grown food for residents in need.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 9/13/2021

21-64. Report on the efforts the City has made toward creating LGBTQ+-Friendly Housing over the past decade, to state what impediments had been identified in realizing this effort, and to outline recommendations for how the City may successfully create such housing within the next three years.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 9/20/2021

21-65. Report on the milestones that will be used to determine when the indoor mask mandate will no longer be needed.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 9/20/2021

21-66. Report on reaching out to the owner of 689 Massachusetts Avenue to inquire about the prospect of selling this building to the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/27/2021

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

21-68. Report on re-establishing the Community School Neighborhood Councils.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 10/4/2021