Cambridge City Council meeting - October 21, 2019 - AGENDA

RECONSIDERATION LIST
1. Reconsideration has been filed by Vice Mayor Devereux on a proposed amendment to City Ordinance 1.12.040 regarding City Solicitor opinion on proposed ordinances.
Order Adopted as Amended

O-21     Oct 7, 2019   Oct 21, 2019 (Reconsideration filed by Vice Mayor Devereux 10/8/19; Adopted as Amended 10/21/19)
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: At the Ordinance Committee meeting on Oct 2, 2019 there was confusion over the City Solicitor’s role in reading proposed ordinances and being prepared to discuss said ordinances that contributed to delaying important legislation to protect immigrants; and
WHEREAS: It is often difficult to plan committee meetings around the schedules of City Councillors, City staff, residents and advocacy groups, which makes being prepared to discuss items during scheduled committee meetings of paramount importance; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Cambridge City Council amend section 1.12.040 of the Municipal Code of ordinances to add the following language: “After a proposed ordinance is introduced and referred to committee, the City Manager shall instruct the City Solicitor’s office to draft an opinion on the legality and applicability of said proposed ordinance within 30 days of introduction;” and be it further
ORDERED: That this item shall be referred to the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee for discussion; and be it further
ORDERED: That this item shall be referred to the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Ordinance Committee for discussion with the City Solicitor, City Clerk and staff.

CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following persons as a member of the Historical Commission for a term of three years: Bruce A. Irving and Kyle Sheffield.
Placed on File

Oct 21, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the reappointment of the following persons as members of the Historical Commission:

Bruce Irving, member - term to expire Sept 30, 2021
Mr. Irving, a realtor and building renovation consultant, has been serving as chair of the Historical Commission since 2017. He was first appointed as an alternate in 1999 and as a full member in 2004.

Kyle Sheffield, alternate - term to expire July 20, 2022
Kyle is an architect at LDa Architecture & Interiors in Cambridge, a position he has held since 2004. He was first appointed as an alternate member to the Historical Commission in 2016.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Ann Roosevelt as a member of the Water Board for a term of five years, effective Oct 21, 2019.
Placed on File

Oct 21, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the reappointment of the following person as a member of the Water Board for a term of five years, effective Oct 21, 2019

Ann Roosevelt
Ms. Roosevelt has been a member of the Water Board member for over 22 years and has been annually elected President of the Water Board since 2006. She is an environmentalist and a strong advocate for the Water Department.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following persons as a members of the Fresh Pond Advisory Board for a term of three years, effective Oct 21, 2019: Janice Snow, James Barton and Deborah Masterson.
Placed on File

Oct 21, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of the reappointment of the following persons as a members of the Fresh Pond Advisory Board for a term of three years, effective Oct 21, 2019:

Janice Snow
Ms. Snow was part of the original Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee that developed the current Fresh Pond Master Plan in 1997. She was appointed to the Advisory Board at its inception as a neighborhood representative and has been the Chair of the Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board, since 2011.

Jim Barton
Mr. Barton was also part of the original Fresh Pond Master Plan Committee that developed the current Fresh Pond Master Plan in 1997. He was appointed to the Advisory Board at its inception as a neighborhood representative, is the resident “Bird” expert as part of the current Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board.

Deborah Masterson
Is a neighborhood representative and has served on the Board for over 10 years.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a supplemental allocation from the Office of the Attorney General, Local Consumer Aid Fund for $11,000 to the Grant Fund License Commission (Consumer’s Council) Salaries and Wages account ($10,000), Grant Fund License Commission Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($500), and Grant Fund License Commission Travel and Training account ($500) which will be used to allow the Consumers' Council to continue the mediation of consumer complaints from individuals in Cambridge as well as in Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown and Waltham which do not have their own complaint mediation program.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-135, regarding the temporary relocation of the Taylor Square Firehouse.
Placed on File

6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Fair Housing Assistance Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $38,234 to the Grant Fund Human Rights Salary and Wages Account ($25,034) and the Grant Fund Human Rights Travel and Training Account ($13,200) which will be used to cover a portion of the salary of an Attorney-Investigator, who works on cases from the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP).
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Elections Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used for the storage, delivery and pick up of ballot boxes, as well as to cover increased costs for voter guide preparation and mailing, voter notification cards, election vendor services, and costs associated with truck rentals for the Municipal Election.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the appropriation of $300,000 from the Parking Fund balance to the Public Investment Fund Traffic and Parking Extraordinary Expenditures account, to increase visibility of bus lanes that were installed in two locations in Cambridge in 2018.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $5,000,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Executive Department Extraordinary Expenditures account for the City’s annual contribution to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line Extension (GLX) project.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

Oct 21, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $5,000,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Executive Department Extraordinary Expenditures account, for the City’s annual contribution to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line Extension (GLX) project.

As documented in the attached Jan 22, 2018 appropriation memo for the first contribution, the GLX project has significant benefits to the City of Cambridge:

• Construction of a new Lechmere Station to replace the current facility, which is obsolete, in poor condition, and not fully accessible for those with disabilities.

• Creation of frequent and reliable service from sections of Somerville and Medford that are currently not easily accessible by public transportation. In addition to better serving trips to Boston that pass through Cambridge, the GLX will serve trips from these locations into the key employment centers located in eastern Cambridge.

• Assisting in meeting the City’s and the region’s mobility, sustainability, and economic development goals.

To date, the GLX project has made significant progress on construction, including relocation of the adjacent commuter rail tracks to make room for the light rail line, construction of sound walls and other structures, replacement of bridges along the alignment, and beginning construction of a new vehicle maintenance building. More noticeable work has recently begun in Cambridge in the vicinity of Lechmere, including significant progress on the construction of the viaduct for the new Lechmere Station and the connection north and west towards Somerville and Medford. In May 2020, service to the current Lechmere Station will shut down and be replaced with a major busing operation to connect to downtown Boston, allowing for the reconstruction and renovation of the existing Lechmere viaduct and the tie-in to the new Lechmere Station. The first phase of the GLX is then expected to open approximately a year later, in the late spring of 2021.

City staff continue to be heavily involved in reviewing and commenting on the design of the improvements within Cambridge, as well as the impacts on City streets and utilities. This includes attending monthly Community Working Group meetings, reviewing preliminary designs and construction documents, coordinating utility design and construction, and assisting in publicizing upcoming construction work and the resulting impacts.

Based on the most recent information provided by the MBTA’s Green Line Extension program management, the GLX project continues to advance on time and on budget. This is particularly important as the project reaches important milestones on heavy infrastructure work such as major drainage elements, bridges and viaducts, and the vehicle maintenance building. Based on the progress to date, the project continues to meet the requirements laid out in the Project Participation Agreement (PPA) between the City of Cambridge, the MBTA, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. As a result, I remain confident that the funds being contributed to the GLX project are being spent responsibly and for the purposes laid out in the PPA, and I am pleased to request this appropriation to continue our partnership with the state and the MBTA.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

10. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $110,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Executive Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the City of Cambridge 2020 Census Complete Count Committee.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

Oct 21, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $110,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Executive Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the City of Cambridge 2020 Census Complete Count Committee.

The funds will be used to support outreach and education efforts to all people living in Cambridge to promote a full, complete, and accurate count in the 2020 US Census.

Outreach will include:

• Hiring of a part-time Census Outreach Workers to attend events in the community, staff Census kiosks, and visit neighborhoods to ensure as many people as possible complete their 2020 Census.

• Printing and dissemination of Census educational materials in multiple languages to communicate directly to Cambridge residents about the important of the US Census.

• Events to promote “Census Day” and other educational events around the City to reach residents.

• Technology in the form of tablets/kiosks in locations across the City to offer residents the chance to complete their Census online if they do not have internet access at home.

To date, the Cambridge Complete Count Committee, co-chaired by Dan Riviello, 311 Program Manager in the City Manager’s Office and Tina Alu, Executive Director of Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, have been working with the federal US Census Bureau, the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office, and stakeholders in Cambridge to begin Census planning and outreach efforts. A draft Action Plan for the 2020 Census has been completed and more information and resources are available to the public at http://www.cambridgema.gov/2020census.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

11. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $163,707 from Free Cash to the General Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account to increase funding for tenant eviction prevention services consistent with the recommendations of the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Tenant Displacement. Also, in response to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-90 and 19-99.
Order Adopted 9-0

12. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Friends of the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant from the Jacobs Foundation in the amount of $38,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($33,437.00), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,563.00), and to the Grant Fund Human Services Travel and Training account ($3,000.00) which will provide support for Bridge Program advising, coaching and mentoring, advising for the ESOL/Certified Nursing Assistant Program, and education and career advising for other CLC students.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

13. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the additional appropriation of the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program grant in the amount of $60,000.00, funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered in Massachusetts by the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development, to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($60,000.00) to allow the operation of the Low-Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) serving Cambridge and Somerville.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from &Pizza, requesting permission for a sandwich board sign in front of the premises numbered 3 Brattle Street with a start date of Dec 1, 2019 thru Mar 31, 2020 and a start time of 11:00am and an end time of 11:00pm.
Failed of Adopted 3-6-0 (Mallon, Simmons, Toomey - YES; Carlone, Devereux, Kelley, Siddiqui, Zondervan, McGovern - NO)

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Economic Development division of the Community Development Department to retain a financial/economic analyst to conduct a confidential financial analysis of NED’s pro forma to inform the council in confidence on the value of the proposed upzoning.
Order Adopted

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to the following ordinance: and proposed amendments to Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code (the "Fair Housing Ordinance"). Fair Housing (passed to a 2nd reading) [AWAITING HOME RULE LEGISLATION-BEFORE PROPOSAL CAN BE ORDAINED]

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-108, regarding a report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections. [PENDING RESPONSE FROM LEGISLATURE]

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Kho Chi Liao, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 406 Norfolk Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No Response has been received from the neighborhood association.
Order Adopted

2. A refiled Zoning Petition has been received from Joseph T. Maguire of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. transmitting a proposed revised amendment to the zoning ordinance by creating the Grand Junction Pathway Overlay District.
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Gina Coplon-Newfield, regarding fuel pump warning labels.

2. A communication was received from Alex Hershey, 53 Standish Street, regarding ban on gas in new construction.

3. A communication was received from Tucker Delaney-Winn, regarding support on ban on fracked gas.

4. A communication was received from Carol O'Hare, 172 Magazine Street, regarding support for city tree-planting at Magazine Beach, Policy Order #18 (2019 #338).

5. A communication was received from Walter McDonald, 172 Magazine Street, regarding support of Policy Order #18, on 10/7 agenda.

6. A communication was received from Catz C. LeBlanc, 14 Tufts Street, regarding support of Policy Order #18.

7. A communication was received from Catherine Zusy, regarding support at Magazine Beach.

8. A communication was received from Mohamed Uduman, 6 Canal Park, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

9. A communication was received from Hafsa Salim, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

10. A communication was received from Todd Sperry, 131 Trowbridge Street, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

11. A communication was received from Sabba Shah, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

12. A communication was received from Jennifer Yeh, 131 Trowbridge Street, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

13. A communication was received from Ashfaq Balla, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

14. A communication was received from Farhana Sharmeen, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

15. A communication was received from Mohammed Chowdhury, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

16. A communication was received from Becki Norris, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

17. A communication was received from June Woo, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

18. A communication was received from Khalid Shah, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

19. A communication was received from Sawsan Abdoo, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

20. A communication was received from Aneela Ahmed, 189 Richdale Avenue, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

21. A communication was received from Lauren Grams, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

22. A communication was received from Mohamed Mohamed, 80 Fawcett Street, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

23. A communication was received from Eliza Huntington, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

24. A communication was received from Paige Wallace, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

25. A communication was received from Lucia Brugger, 80 Fawcett Street, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

26. A communication was received from Lavile Russell, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

27. A communication was received from Elizabeth Debraggio, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

28. A communication was received from Anja Bresler, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

29. A communication was received from Sumaya Teli, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

30. A communication was received from Matt Pace, regarding support of Policy Order for subsidized MBTA passes.

31. A communication was received from Usman Yousaf, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

32. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding Tree Destruction Imminent of the Charles from the Destructive Cambridge City Council.

33. A communication was received from Seema M. Rathod, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

34. A communication was received from Omar K. Siddiqi, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

35. A communication was received from Alisa Khan, 303 Third Street, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

36. A communication was received from Rania Masri, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

37. A communication was received from Afra Khan, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

38. A communication was received from Musa Syeed, 16 Fainwood Circle, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

39. A communication was received from Stephanie Young Marzouk, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

40. A communication was received from Gabriel Mireles, expressing support for Policy Order POR 2019 #329.

41. A communication was received from George N.J. Sommer, III, 29 Otis Street, regarding CambridgeSide redevelopment proposal.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Get Well wishes to Sal DiDomenico Sr.   Councillor Simmons

2. Get Well wishes to Dorothy Harr.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey

3. Congratulations to the Baby U Program on the occasion of its 10th Anniversary.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern

4. That the City Council go on record congratulating Officer Michael “Whitey” Daniliuk on the honor of receiving the 2019 Community Peacemaker Award.   Mayor McGovern

5. Resolution on the death of David Lange.   Councillor Toomey

6. Congratulations to Chloé Cunha, on being chosen as The Comedy Studio’s November 2019 Comic-in-Residence.   Councillor Siddiqui


7. Resolution on the death of Theresa Vasseur.   Councillor Simmons

8. Congratulations to Yvonne Gittens and Toni N. Phillips on being honored at the 1st Annual Janet "Ms. K" Kendrick Sisters of the Center Brunch at the Cambridge Community Center on October 26, 2019.   Councillor Simmons

9. Congratulations to Kelsey Perkins and Tim Depin on their recent wedding.   Councillor Simmons


ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Inspectional Services Department, the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Historical Commission and other relevant City departments to determine the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.   Councillor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Police Commissioner, the Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority, and all other pertinent individuals to determine the feasibility of piloting a program of assigning additional security officers to work collaboratively with and exclusively within Cambridge Housing Authority premises in and near Central Square and the Port.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted as Amended 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

3. That the City Manager is requested to form a “Dog Park Issue Working Group” with representatives from neighborhoods throughout the City to discuss dog park issues.   Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

4. That the City Manager is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Fire Department, Human Resources, and other relevant departments to determine the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.   Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and any other relevant City departments to evaluate changing the surface of the Tudor Street Dog Park to eliminate hazards created by ingestion of small stones from the surface of the park.   Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and residents of Fresh Pond Place to ensure that any sidewalk hazards are mitigated before winter, to include the potential resurfacing of the most weathered sections of the sidewalk.   Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

7. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Human Services and any other relevant staff to review 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
Order Adopted 9-0

8. Zoning Amendment Articles 2.00 and 4.32 regarding opposition to permitting on-demand mobile fueling services to operate in Cambridge.   Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

9. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Housing Liaison, housing staff in the Community Development Department, the Cambridge Housing Authority, CEOC, HRI, Wingate Companies, and the 808-812 Memorial Drive Tenants Association to provide immediate multi-lingual and individualized guidance and counseling to the tenants at 808-812 Memorial Drive, so that they can make fully informed decisions about their housing choices.   Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting a memorandum from Assistant to the Council, Naomie Stephen regarding the recommendations for the Dedication Committee.
Order Adopted

The Honorable, the City Council

The Dedication Committee recommends to the full City Council the following for approval:

Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli: The appropriate City staff will determine a suitable location honoring Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli's enduring commitment to affordable housing preservation in Cambridge (Policy Order 5/6/2019).

James T. Benson Jr./Benson Family: A sign dedication in honor of Mr. James T. Benson/The Benson Family, in the vicinity of 470 Franklin Street (Policy Order 5/20/2019)

John Daniliuk: A sign dedication in honor of Mr. John Daniliuk, in the vicinity of May Street and Lawn Court (Policy Order 7/20/2019).

Robert E. Richard: A bench dedication in honor of Robert E. Richard, in the vicinity of the Cambridge Public Library and CRLS (Policy Order 7/30/2019).

Victoria Jane Lewis: A bench dedication in honor of Victoria "Vicki" Jane Lewis, at Silva Park in East Cambridge (Policy Order 9/9/2019)

Asa Brebner: A sign dedication in honor of Asa Brebner, in the vicinity of Massachusetts Avenue and Davenport Street (Policy Order 10/7/2019).

The Najarian Family: A sign dedication in honor of the Najarian Family/Fresh Pond Market, in the vicinity of 360 Huron Avenue (Policy Order 10/7/2019).

Sincerely,
Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager
Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk
Naomie Stephen, Assistant to the City Council

HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 21
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Tues, Oct 22
1:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss amending the Surveillance Technology Ordinance Ban. [This hearing has been cancelled because the state’s joint judiciary committee is holding a hearing on the same subject at the same time.]
4:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss the proposed Demolition Delay Ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Wed, Oct 23
10:00am   The Health and Environment Committee will meet to discuss the status of the next community-wide greenhouse gas inventory and annual reporting of same going forward.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
2:00pm   The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss setting annual greenhouse gas emissions goals in order to reach our stated goal of net zero emissions by 2050.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
5:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will meet to discuss the Zoning petition to create an Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay District.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Oct 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Tues, Oct 29
5:30pm   The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss ways to ensure that the Cambridge Carnival will take place in 2020 and Beyond.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Wed, Oct 30
5:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss Inman Square safety and construction management.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Nov 4
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Tues, Nov 12
10:00am   The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss claims against the City. The Committee will enter executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the City.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
12:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a hearing on a proposed amendment to Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance - Green Building Requirements.
1:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance - Insulation Zoning Proposal.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Wed, Nov 13
12:00pm   The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will meet to discuss the following policy order: “That the City Manager is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft for discussion several ordinances to reduce or prohibit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city.”  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
3:00pm   The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the final Envision Report.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Nov 18
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Wed, Nov 20
11:00am   The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will meet to discuss Policy Order #7, regarding Open meeting law review and Policy Order #11, regarding Council Budget- Private Attorney.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
3:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss restrictions and opportunities the City has when working with bargaining units to implement new policies.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Nov 25
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Tues, Nov 26
3:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct public hearings on the City Council petition on an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance entitled “Shared Mobility Zoning”.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Dec 2
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Tues, Dec 3
3:00pm   The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will meet to discuss the City Manager's report on the Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Wed, Dec 4
2:00pm   The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss snow removal.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
5:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will meet to continue discussions on the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District.  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Dec 9
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Dec 16
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Dec 23
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

Mon, Dec 30
5:30pm   City Council Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - televised)

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Oct 21, 2019
COUNCILLOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The existing City’s Inspectional Services Demolition Permitting system makes no allowances for a differentiated, nor expedited, process for occurrences where a building has significantly deteriorated as a result of a natural disaster, such as a fire; and
WHEREAS: The current application for a Demolition Permit requires a site plan, including architectural drawings of the proposed construction to be built following demolition, which can be costly to procure and difficult to obtain in the immediate aftermath of such a traumatic event; and
WHEREAS: There can be significant delays, in some cases over 12 months, in the current Demolition and Building Permit procedure which should not apply to cases where the structure is significantly damaged by a natural disaster, such as Historical Commission demolition delay and others; and
WHEREAS: The length of the current Demolition and Permitting process presents victims of natural disasters with additional financial burdens during an already difficult time, as well as causing other problems on their damaged property such as rodents and other nuisances; and
WHEREAS: There needs to be a separate and expedited process for buildings that have been damaged due to a natural disaster, such as fire; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Inspectional Services Department, the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Historical Commission and other relevant City departments to determine the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster, including but not limited to: instituting a committee with members from the aforementioned three Departments, and creating a dedicated point person within Inspectional Services to serve as a liaison to assist property owners throughout the process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to ensure the online explanations of, and forms pertaining to, demolition permitting be changed to reflect the aforementioned changes to the demolition permitting process in the event of a natural disaster, should these changes be adopted; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council in a timely matter.

O-2     Oct 21, 2019  Amended
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MALLON
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: On Aug 1, 2016, the City Council discussed a Policy Order that was brought forward following a series of violent incidents that had taken place near Central Square and the Port that had left residents of those areas feeling particularly rattled, particularly in the wake of the murder of Anthony Clay; and
WHEREAS: That Policy Order stated that the office of then-Mayor Simmons had “…held public meetings focusing upon ways of bringing community leaders and stakeholders together to proactively curb the increase in violence that has typically been seen in Cambridge and other cities during the summer months,” and that one of the suggestions stemming from these meetings was that the City and the Cambridge Housing Authority might wish to pilot a program that would bring additional security officers to CHA buildings, similar to a program that had recently been conducted in Boston; and
WHEREAS: The Aug 1, 2016 Policy Order also stated that “…there is a sense that having additional officers who are stationed in and focused exclusively upon building stronger relationships around Cambridge Housing Authority properties could have an appreciable impact upon reducing the opportunities for violent episodes” in those buildings and making the tenants feel safer; and
WHEREAS: Unfortunately, that Policy Order was met with resistance and was referred to a committee, yet the concerns around building security from tenants in CHA buildings in Central Square and the Port very much remain a constant, and tenants in these buildings have been making renewed requests to members of the City Council to help bring about new security measures in these buildings; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Police Commissioner, the Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority, and all other pertinent individuals to determine the feasibility of piloting a program of assigning additional security officers to work collaboratively with and exclusively within Cambridge Housing Authority premises in and near Central Square, Millers River, and the Port, and to report back to the City Council on this in a timely manner.

O-3     Oct 21, 2019  Amended
MAYOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has opened many dedicated off-leash areas, shared-use off-leash areas, and shared-use hour dog parks throughout the city; and
WHEREAS: These parks offer great opportunities not only for dogs, but for human socialization and community building; and
WHEREAS: Despite these opportunities being supported by many in the community, there are sometimes concerns and issues raised; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to form a “Dog Park Issue Working Group” with representatives from neighborhoods throughout the City to discuss dog park issues, as well as other ways in which the City can be more canine friendly.

O-4     Oct 21, 2019  Amended
COUNCILLOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS

WHEREAS: In Fall 2019, the Cambridge Police Department officially unveiled the Police Cadet Program, which is designed for Cambridge residents between the ages of 18-23 who are interested in pursuing a career in public safety which offers excellent salaries, benefits and provides a meaningful way to serve our community; and
WHEREAS: The Police Department has seen an increase in Cambridge residency and diversity in the first class of the Police Cadet Program; and
WHEREAS: Members of the Cambridge Fire Department leadership and the fire safety team have expressed interest in creating a similar cadet program to provide a pathway into the Fire Department for Cambridge residents, as well as increase racial and gender diversity; and
WHEREAS: Creating the Fire Cadet Program would require a Home Rule Petition to be submitted to and approved by the Massachusetts State Legislature; and
WHEREAS: Preparations for Fiscal Year 2021 are now being made, and considerations would have to be made for funding the Fire Cadet Program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft Home Rule Petition language for a Fire Cadet Program similar to the language used in the Police Department Home Rule Petition; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Cambridge Fire Department, Human Resources, and other relevant departments to determine the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council before the end of the calendar year.

O-5     Oct 21, 2019  Amended
MAYOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that some dogs who use the Tudor Street Dog Park have become ill after ingesting the small stones which make up the surface of the park, which can turn into a cement-like substance once ingested; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and any other relevant departments to evaluate changing the surface of this any dog park with a small stone surface to eliminate this potential hazard and to report back to the City Council.

O-6     Oct 21, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the sidewalks near 670 Huron Avenue are showing signs of degradation and may constitute a tripping hazard for pedestrians, especially seniors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and residents of Fresh Pond Place to ensure that any hazards are mitigated before winter, to include the potential resurfacing of the most weathered sections of sidewalk.

O-7     Oct 21, 2019
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Cambridge has in recent years replaced natural surfaces such as grass with artificial turf at numerous playing fields and playgrounds including all of the soccer fields at Danehy Park; and
WHEREAS: The rationale for replacing grass with synthetic turf is that it affords more hours of play in all seasons and requires less water and maintenance to keep the fields playable and smooth, but plastic turf also holds more heat and cannot absorb stormwater runoff; and
WHEREAS: Public health advocates have long raised concerns about artificial turf pellets (especially non-organic fill, which in some cases is composed of “crumb rubber” sourced from used tires); the fill simulates the resiliency of natural grass but has been shown to contain benzene, cadmium, and other known carcinogens; and
WHEREAS: Artificial turf is manufactured from petroleum-based materials and when it wears out it must be removed it cannot be recycled; and
WHEREAS: Recently the Ecology Center, a nonprofit environmental research group in Michigan, and the New England office of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, conducted a series of tests on artificial turf blades discarded in Franklin (MA), artificial turf blades in use on a high school field in Easton (MA), and samples of new artificial turf blades acquired from distributors; and
WHEREAS: These tests showed that the plastic blades contained elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS), which have been linked to kidney cancer, low infant birth weights, and a range of diseases; and
WHEREAS: Known as “forever chemicals” that never fully biodegrade, PFAS are also used in flame retardants, nonstick pans, clothing and furniture, and even in very low concentrations PFAS can be harmful and can contaminate the groundwater supply; and
WHEREAS: Based on this testing, MassDEP is reviewing the related Wetlands Protection Act complaint filed in Franklin, where a large amount of discarded turf was left in close proximity to a wetland area; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Human Services and any other relevant staff to review all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf, and to report back to the City Council on these new health concerns no later than the final regular meeting of 2019.

O-8     Oct 21, 2019
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: New commercial services such as Yoshi and Filld are offering on-demand fueling through mobile apps for vehicle owners to get their gas tanks filled at home or at their office instead of at service stations; and
WHEREAS: On-demand mobile fueling has been controversial with fire marshals in other cities including Seattle, and one of the services (Yoshi) was issued a cease and desist order by the Mass State Fire Marshal in 2018; and
WHEREAS: Recently the state fire marshal board voted to adopt provisions from 2018 NFPA 1 for mobile fueling; and
WHEREAS: The State Fire Marshal announced in under 527 CMR 1:00-42.10 that in addition to complying with the code, mobile fueling companies must obtain general approval from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and then apply to each jurisdiction where they intend to operate in order to create consistency and to streamline the approval process for businesses; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Fire Department and its Fire Prevention Bureau could potentially receive an application from one of these mobile fueling services; and
WHEREAS: Making it more convenient for car owners to fill up their tanks invites trucks carrying flammables into residential and other areas, where fuel could spill, posing a health and fire hazard; and
WHEREAS: Many car owners do not have off-street parking and might want to have their cars filled while parked on the street or in public garages, raising additional curb management conflicts and safety concerns; and
WHEREAS: There is no compelling public interest in allowing such a service to operate in a city whose climate action goals are to decarbonize the transportation sector by encouraging the use of sustainable mobility options; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in opposition to permitting on-demand mobile fueling services to operate in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the attached proposed zoning amendments to Articles 2.00 and 4.32 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance be referred to the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board for a hearing and report; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Law Department to review the proposed language and if applicable, provide any legal opinion or response at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

Mobile On-Demand Fueling Service

Proposed Zoning Amendments (highlighted)

1. Article 2.000 Definitions: Create new definition:

Mobile On-Demand Fueling Service. A commercial entity that provides an on-demand motor vehicle fueling service offsite of a gasoline station.

2. Article 4.32 Table of Use Regulations; Transportation, Communication & Utility Uses: Add a new use category:

  Open Space Res A 1&2 Res B Res C, C-1,
C-1A, 2, 2A,
2B, 3, 3A, 3B
Off 1, 2A,
2, 3, 3A
Bus A-1,
A-2, A-3
Bus A,
A-4
Bus B,
B-1, B-2
Bus C,
C-1
Bus C,
C-1
Ind A Ind B-1,
B-2
Ind B Ind C
m. Mobile On-Demand
Fueling Service
No No No No No No No No No No No No No No

O-9     Oct 21, 2019
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR KELLEY
COUNCILLOR MALLON
MAYOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: Residents in the affordable units at 808-812 Memorial Drive belonging to Homeowners Rehab Inc. (HRI) and managed by Wingate Companies are being asked to convert their units from HUD 236 moderate income vouchers to Cambridge Housing Authority project-based vouchers in connection with the property owner’s refinancing plan; and
WHEREAS: Many of the tenants are elderly and/or immigrants who speak English as a second language, and some do not feel they have received enough information and neutral guidance about how this voucher conversion and the related renovations could affect their future housing stability and costs; and
WHEREAS: Tenants were notified in mid-September of this change and were asked to commit to the new project-based vouchers by Oct 31, 2019; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Housing Liaison, housing staff in the Community Development Department, the Cambridge Housing Authority, CEOC, HRI, Wingate Companies, and the 808-812 Memorial Drive Tenants Association to provide immediate multi-lingual and individualized guidance and counseling to the tenants at 808-812 Memorial Drive, so that they can make fully informed decisions about their housing choices.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18-73. 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

18-96. Report on how the City views internet-based platforms as opportunities for outreach and communication and what sort of guidelines have been, or are being, developed to help everyone understand how the City’s various departments do or do not utilize these communication resources and how any communications on these platforms are managed so that the messaging and information is kept up-to-date.
Councillor Kelley (Calendar Item #10) from 9/24/2018

18-108. Report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 10/29/2018

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.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018

18-129. Report on conducting a comprehensive, independent planning, and parking study of the neighborhood and use of the First Street Garage within 6months.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #1) from 11/19/2018

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

19-5. Report on how to provide public representation to the major project Selection Committees.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-14) from 1/7/2019

19-21. Report on the process for establishing a formal, thorough review of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership programs, incorporating a plan for obtaining and analyzing substantial quantitative data inclusive of all types of units.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/25/2019

19-22. Report on the feasibility of allowing small businesses to host live acoustic music performances without a license, and if feasible, present the City Council with a proposal to allow such performances.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019

19-25. Report on information that is offered to limited equity condominium owners regarding the ability to recoup extraordinary repair and maintenance costs, the procedure that is in place to inform purchasers of existing or possible construction and maintenance issues that may result in higher-than expected condo fees, and the possibility of allowing roommates to cover unexpected expenses.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-10) from 2/25/2019

19-26. Report on communicating directly with the Volpe Center about the possibility of having their staff help the City set up a Micro-Mobility Pilot program in the Kendall Square area.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-11) from 2/25/2019

19-30. Report on how traffic safety concerns may be addressed on Madison Avenue.
Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 3/4/2019

19-35. Report on the status of any micro-mobility pilot programs or partnerships in Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley (O-12) from 3/18/2019

19-37. Report on moving a Transit Benefit Ordinance proposal to an action plan.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-18) from 3/18/2019

19-42. Report on plans this construction season to install sidewalk markings that appropriately indicate what types of mobility devices are allowed on which sidewalks.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-7) from 4/1/2019

19-43. Report on the types of vendor reporting programs that the City uses and how they are used as well as the ability to modify these programs given the constraints of relevant state and federal laws and similar limitations.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui (O-8) from 4/1/2019

19-45. Report on compiling a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 4/8/2019

19-46. Report on reviewing whether the MBTA is out of compliance with the amended MBTA/BCIL settlement agreement through the delay in completion of the elevator replacement and concurrent hazardous condition of the stairwells related to Central Square.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon (O-9) from 4/8/2019

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

19-50. Report on clarifying the policy around future installation of new LED street lights and replacement of failed 4000K LED street lights with warmer alternatives 3000K or less.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-17) from 4/8/2019

19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019

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, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Mayor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-73. Report on reviewing safety issues at City buildings and provide the City Council with relevant recommendations designed to maximize the safety of municipal employees and members of the public while ensuring that City buildings and services remain open and accessible to all.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Kelley (O-1) from 6/10/2019

19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019

19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019

19-76. Report on identifying additional traffic-calming and safety features and to discuss with the Fresh Pond mall owner the potential for creating a formal street connection between Terminal Road and New Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-5) from 6/10/2019

19-82. Report on identifying whether a Bluebikes station may be located in the proximity of Rafferty Park or elsewhere in the general vicinity.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 6/24/2019

19-83. Report on considering the cost and feasibility of improvements to the Danehy Dog Park.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon (O-2) from 6/24/2019

19-84. Report on drafting a zoning amendment that will count a portion of a new or substantially renovated building's rooftop mechanicals (excluding solar installations) toward its allowed height and/or FAR.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 6/24/2019

19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019

19-88. Report on conferring with the MBTA with the view in mind of increasing the bus service along Concord Avenue.
Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mallon (O-7) from 6/24/2019

19-89. Report on making publicly available, any existing data on Cambridge’s total greenhouse gas emissions between 2012 and 2018.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 6/24/2019

19-90. Report on options for incorporating additional line items in the FY20 Budget to allocate supplemental funds for legal aid services, housing stabilization and tenant education and organizing to prevent displacement and address its ramifications on Cambridge residents and families.  See Mgr #11
Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon (O-12) from 6/24/2019

19-92. Report on coordinating with Somerville in initiating more robust and regional public outreach on the dangers of black swallow-wort and measures that can be taken to eliminate this invasive species.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui (O-3) from 7/30/2019

19-93. Report on a plan to restore the fountain dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 7/30/2019

19-96. Report on providing the supporting documentation as it relates to the claim of a decrease in cyclists’ running red lights.
Councillor Kelley (O-9) from 7/30/2019

19-97. Report on posting information about safe needle disposal in city parks and public buildings and to direct the Police Commissioner to establish stricter enforcement of city park hours and direct the Commissioner of Public Works Department to increase the level of hand-sweepers cleaning the city parks and to share what safety precautions the workers are using when cleaning the parks.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley (O-10) from 7/30/2019

19-99. Report on increasing the amount of funding assistance provided to the Multi-Service Center by the City of Cambridge.  See Mgr #11
Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-13) from 7/30/2019

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

19-101. Report on collecting data on how many households have taken advantage of Cambridge Energy Alliance services.
Councillor Mallon (O-23) from 7/30/2019

19-103. Report on the cost and feasibility of installing a full traffic signal or a pedestrian-activated HAWK signal at the intersection of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-33) from 7/30/2019

19-104. Report on the possibility of having Sacramento Field Off-Leash Dog Pilot Update Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-36) from 7/30/2019

19-106. Report on conducting City directed environmental testing on the Sullivan Courthouse building and water in basement, to determine the risk posed to the public, and provide a timeline of completion and to establish an operational understanding directly with DCAMM officials and ask for a state designee for communication/coordination on how the building will be secured and monitored.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon (O-5) from 9/9/2019

19-107. Report on providing an update on the Danehy Park homicide investigation and the status of overall park safety efforts including the lighting of pathways within the park.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 9/9/2019

19-108. Report on efforts to keep bus stops appropriately accessible for buses, to include relevant pavement markings and enforcement activity.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 9/9/2019

19-109. Report on reviewing speeds on Raymond Street, have Raymond Street and adjacent streets posted at 20 MPH as soon as possible and provide a schedule of 20 MPH sign installations citywide.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-9) from 9/9/2019

19-110. Report on installing additional safety measures at the intersection of Fayette and Cambridge Streets to decrease conflict between pedestrians and vehicles as they are turning.
Councillor Mallon (O-11) from 9/9/2019

19-111. Report on adding links on the Inspectional Services Department website for archived and pending permit records on the appropriate platform.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-12) from 9/9/2019

19-112. Report on the feasibility of allowing taxicabs to use dedicated bus lanes throughout the City while executing service for fare-paying passengers.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Simmons (O-13) from 9/9/2019

19-113. Report on determining whether Boston's Airbnb registration requirements, to include public display of the unit's registration number on the rental platform, could be utilized to maximize compliance and enforcement efforts in Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-16) from 9/9/2019

19-114. Report on the cost implications and the definition of net zero ready buildings as it relates to the AHOD ordinance.
Councillor Zondervan (O-18) from 9/9/2019

19-115. Report on contacting DCAM to test and to provide definitive answers re: Sullivan Courthouse
Councillor Simmons (O-22) from 9/9/2019

19-116. Report on the status of the truck safety ordinance, and if it will be in front of the City Council before the end of this term.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 9/16/2019

19-117. Report on the data from the Summer 2019 meals program, including participation rates and number of meals served.
Councillor Mallon (O-3) from 9/16/2019

19-118. Report on establishing a series of forums designed to inform Cambridge seniors about the recent wave of financial scams that they must be mindful of, with information as to how they can best protect themselves.
Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 9/16/2019

19-119. Report on creating a new water feature in one of Cambridge’s parks for the summer of 2021 and to construct said water feature in a way that conserves water as much as possible and is minimally impactful to the environment.
Mayor McGovern (O-9) from 9/16/2019

19-120. Report on directing enforcement resources towards Bishop Allen Drive and other corridors with lots of vehicular idling and work with rideshare companies to ask them to develop technologies solutions to help alert drivers to the fact that they are illegally idling.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 9/16/2019

19-121. Report on identifying and plan suitable performances and events for the Harvard Square Kiosk space.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-12) from 9/16/2019

19-122. Report on obtaining a legal opinion regarding the License Commission's authority with regard to the issuance, denial, suspension or revocation of liquor licenses.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #9) from 9/16/2019

19-123. Report on the feasibility of closing some portion of Harvard Square to vehicular traffic on a select number of days during the summer of 2020 to have open market-style events.
Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/7/2019

19-124. Report on the legal authority of the City to ban the use of natural gas in newly constructed buildings.
Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 10/7/2019

19-125. Report on the number of free MBTA passes issued to CRLS students in FY20 and to consider expanding the program to include qualifying Cambridge residents of high school age.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern (O-6) from 10/7/2019

19-126. Report on reviewing the language for Fuel pump warning labels.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/7/2019

19-127. Report on instituting regularly scheduled public conversations between Public Utilities' representatives from Eversource, the Water Dept. Comcast, Verizon and any other appropriate entities to keep the City and public informed.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 10/7/2019

19-128. Report on allocating more funds in the FY21 budget to Inspectional Services and on the feasibility of providing monetary compensation to homeowners who have had to self-finance traps and what funds could be allocated in the future to help homeowners buy traps.
Councillor Toomey (O-11) from 10/7/2019

19-129. Report on considering directing a portion of future PILOT funds into the Affordable Housing Trust starting in FY21.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-13) from 10/7/2019

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

19-131. Report on Creating a Director of Arts and Culture Position.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (O-16) from 10/7/2019

19-132. Report on planting new trees in Magazine Beach Park in the Spring of 2020 with a special focus on the eastern end of the park and the grove area.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mallon (O-18) from 10/7/2019

19-133. Report on the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-19) from 10/7/2019

19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019

19-135. Report on providing information confirming that the temporary location of the Taylor Square Fire Station to the Alewife area continues to provide uninterrupted service to residents in the Taylor Square Fire Station area.  See Mgr #5
Councillor Toomey (O-22) from 10/7/2019

19-136. Report on identifying a suitable location on the City website to house information regarding the Municipal Code and to track non-zoning legislation and amendments.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #3) from 10/7/2019

19-137. Report on determining if ISD can be given the authority to issue citations for smoking in non-smoking buildings and to report back to the City Council.
Mayor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) from 10/7/2019

19-138. Report on addressing the previously requested investigation of the possibility of entering into an agreement with TransCanada to obtain up to 100% renewable power for all municipal electricity needs.
Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019

19-139. Report on determining whether it would be possible to allow a permitted area for serving alcoholic beverages on Danehy Park property during special community-wide events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019

19-140. Report on ensuring that the redesign of the Harvard Square plaza and its coming renovation be used as an opportunity to further improve the safety of all crossings in the surrounding area.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #7) from 10/7/2019

19-141. Report on looking into the idea of hiring a social worker in the FY2021 budget for the Central Square Library branch.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019