Cambridge City Council meeting - October 21, 2024

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update from the Human Resources Department. (CM24#221) [text of report]
pulled by Wilson, comments by Wilson, Yi-An Huang, Chief People Officer Raecia Catchings, Nolan, Siddiqui, Azeem; Referred to Human Services & Veterans Committee 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Diane Smith as a member of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a term of three years. (CM24#222)
Appointment Approved 9-0

CM24#222 Oct 21, 2024

I am writing to recommend the following appointment of a member to the Cambridge Human Rights Commission (“CHRC”) for a term of three years, effective Oct 28, 2024:

• Diane Smith (appointment)

CHRC, which was established in 1984, is dedicated to upholding and safeguarding the fundamental human rights of residents and visitors to the city. CHRC works to eradicate discrimination through an investigative process, proactive community outreach, and collaborations with City and community partners. CHRC aims to create an environment where people of diverse backgrounds can live without fear of discrimination based on the following protected classes: race; color; sex; age; religious creed; disability; national origin or ancestry; sexual orientation; gender identity or gender expression; marital status; family status; military status; and source of income.

Commissioners must live or work in Cambridge, and support staff by working to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission Ordinance, Chapter 2.76 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, which covers discrimination in employment, in places of public accommodation, and in education, and the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance, Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, which covers discrimination in housing.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the Human Rights Commission on the City website and via a news release on August 20, 2024, with a closing date of September 30, 2024. During that time, members of the Commission conducted outreach with their networks. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website. There were 10 applicants, 4 of whom were interviewed. The interview panel, made up of City staff members and the current Chair of the Commission, has recommended the appointment of 1 of those applicants.

Appointment:

• Diane Smith: Ms. Smith is a Cambridge resident and has been committed to human rights throughout her life. Ms. Smith is an occupational therapy professor and her courses prepare students to consider issues beyond the medical model (in other words...the real world) when determining what is affecting their client’s ability to do what is meaningful and purposeful in their lives. Her background includes advocacy, initially for persons with a disability; however, her work has expanded to include an intersectional approach to include all persons who may experience discrimination. Ms. Smith has worked collaboratively with many groups in Cambridge (e.g., Disability Commission) and Boston (e.g., Institute for Human Centered Design, BCIL, Perkins School for the Blind), offering opportunities for students to work outside of the traditional medical model. Ms. Smith is confident that she can contribute to the Commission and learn a lot in the process.

I am pleased to recommend this individual whose expertise and experience will enable her to be a valuable member of the Human Rights Commission.

I appreciate the willingness of this community member to serve on the Human Rights Commission and, with your approval, look forward to her appointment.

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-39, regarding the feasibility of utilizing the large screen televisions in the community rooms of CHA buildings to enable seniors living in these buildings to participate in (via public comment) and view City Council meetings as they are held. (CM24#223)
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Yi-An Huang, Wilson; Referred back to City Manager for further action 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-50, regarding a review on the Short Term Rentals Ordinance in Cambridge. (CM24#224) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan w/late policy order with proposed amendments, Azeem, Toner, Peter McLaughlin (Commissioner, Inspectional Services), Jimmy DeAngelo (Housing Inspector), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Megan Bayer (City Solicitor), Zusy, Yi-An Huang, Owen O’Riordan; Rules Suspended to take up late policy order; Late Order Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-57 regarding the issue of leaking substances from DPW garbage trucks. (CM24#225)
Placed on File 9-0

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-44 regarding a legal opinion on restricting the use of a solar system. (CM24#226) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board Report regarding the BZA Dormers Zoning Petition. (CM24#227)
pulled by McGovern noting that Ordinance Committee meeting on this had to be recessed; Planning Board Report Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Date: Oct 10, 2024
Subject: Board of Zoning Appeal Dormer Zoning Petition
Recommendation: The Planning Board recommends ADOPTION, with amendments.

To the Honorable, the City Council,

On Oct 8, 2024, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by the Board of Zoning Appeal (the “BZA”), to amend Article 2.000 and Section 8.22.1.h of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. The petition proposes to add a definition of “dormer” to Article 2.000 and to modify the requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings in Section 8.22.1.h to allow certain dormer(s) construction as-of-right.

The Board heard a presentation from Jim Monteverde, chair of the BZA, and Bill Boehm, former member of the BZA, and received written materials prior to the hearing from staff in the City’s Community Development Department (CDD). Following the presentation, public comment, and discussion among Board members, the Planning Board voted to forward this report to the City Council with a positive recommendation and suggested amendments to the petition.

Board members supported the overall goal of the Petition to simplify the approval process for dormers by incorporating dimensional regulations directly into the Zoning Ordinance. They agreed that a simplified process could encourage more dormers, which are often constructed to expand space for families in their existing homes, by reducing time and cost of permit approvals that have previously required BZA review. Board members appreciated that the proposed dimensional regulations were drawn from the City’s Design Guidelines for Roof Dormers.

The Board expressed some concerns about the specific dimensional regulations proposed in the amendment due to potential confusion in interpretation and desire to see aspects of the Design Guidelines for Roof Dormers included in the amendment. The Board reached consensus in suggesting that the Petition be amended so that it would:

1) clearly prohibit windows from being located on side walls of dormers,

2) articulate that the maximum dormer length should be applied to all dormers on the roof measured in linear feet, and

3) require the eave of the rooftop to be intact across the building frontage so that it would visually separate the front face of the new dormer(s) from the outer wall of the story below.

The Board also recommended that before adoption, staff from CDD, the Law Department, and the Inspectional Services Department review the proposed zoning text for clarity and consistency with the intent.

The Planning Board voted 7-0 in favor of transmitting the above report.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Mary Flynn, Chair.

8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-51 regarding automated parking enforcement. (CM24#228) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Megan Bayer on possibility of joint Home Rule Petition w/Boston, Yi-An Huang, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Toner, Simmons, Zusy, Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-20, regarding recommendations for amendments to the Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) and Zoning Ordinances. (CM24#229) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern, Iram Farooq, Zusy, Toner, Megan Bayer, Azeem, Siddiqui, Owen O’Riordan, Nolan, Stephanie Groll (TPT), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Brooke McKenna (TPT); Adopt Proposed Zoning Amendments as a City Council Zoning Petition 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent); Refer amendments to PTDM Ordinance and Commercial Parking Space Permits Ordinance to Ordinance Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Number 24-50, regarding proposed amendments to the Cycling Safety Ordinance to extend the deadline associated with the completion of those sections of the ordinance that are required to be completed by May 1, 2026. (CM24#230) [text of report] [as amended Oct 21, 2024 to reflect new Nov 30, 2026 date]
pulled by McGovern; comments by Azeem, McGovern (proposing date change from Nov 1, 2027 to Nov 30, 2026), Brooke McKenna (on no loss of parking for Newtowne Court residents), Toner, Nolan, Owen O’Riordan, Yi-An Huang, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Siddiqui, Simmons, Wilson; Amendment to change Nov 1 to Nov 30 Adopted 9-0; Amendment to change Nov 30, 2027 to Nov 30, 2026 Initially Adopted 5-3-0-1 (BA,MM,SS,JSW,CZ-Yes; PT,AW,DS-No; PN-Present), then votes changed to Adopted 7-2 (PT-DS-No); Referred to Ordinance Committee as Amended 9-0

CM24#230 Oct 21, 2024
To the Honorable, the City Council:

In response to Policy Order 24-50 requesting that the City Manager direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department, and the Law Department to draft proposed amendments to the Cycling Safety Ordinance to extend the deadline associated with the completion of those sections of the ordinance that are required to be completed by May 1, 2026, please find attached from Brooke McKenna, Transportation Commissioner, Traffic, Parking, + Transportation Department.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

ORDERS
1. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Oct 28, 2024 is changed to a Joint Roundtable with the City Council and School Committee to discuss macro-economic trends in Cambridge and the City’s budget. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (PO24#140)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Law Department and the Community Development Department to work with the Board of Zoning Appeal to clean up language and come back to the Ordinance Committee with clarifications and amendments to requirements related to adding dormers to nonconforming one- and two-family dwellings. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (PO24#141)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (MM,AW-Absent)

3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department to provide an update on the status of the report’s recommendations, including progress on implementation and planned next steps. Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson (PO24#142)
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (MM,AW-Absent)

4. Short-Term Rentals Ordinance Amendments. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem (PO24#143)
Order Adopted 9-0

ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of delaying the Mass Avenue reconstruction project to minimize its impact upon the busy season for restaurants and other affected businesses, and, should this not be found feasible, a method of providing financial assistance to the impacted businesses to cover the costs of removing their outdoor dining structures, designed to mitigate some of the financial impacts upon them, should be established. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 3, 2024; Tabled as Amended June 10, 2024] (PO24#70)
Removed from Table 9-0 (Toner); comments by Toner, Simmons; Placed on File 9-0

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. An Ordinance 2023 #8B has been received from City Clerk, relative to Amend Chapter 14.04 – Fair Housing. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 2, 2023; Amended Nov 6, 2023; to remain on Unfinished Business pending legislative approval of Special Act needed prior to ordination] (ORD23-8B)

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Andrew King, regarding Letter to support PO#1 for Yes on ballot question 2.

2. A communication from Andrew Solomon, regarding Please lower the speed limit on Memorial Drive.

3. A communication from Anna Zapaishchykova, regarding Make all of Memorial Drive safer now - expand the park path with Jersey barriers (2).

5. A communication from Carol Lee Rawn, regarding Support redesign of Mem. Dr. travel lanes.

6. A communication from Catalina Arboleda, regarding Cambridge has become dangerous for pedestrians.

7. A communication from Colette Stergios, regarding Make all of Memorial Drive safer now - expand the park path with Jersey barriers (4).

8. A communication from Mike Connolly, Rep. (HOU), regarding Memorial Drive updates.

10. A communication from Ethan Frank, regarding Making Memorial Drive safe quickly & cheaply.

11. A communication from Federico Muchnik, regarding Walden Sq. Road - Winn Development.

13. A communication from Judy Somberg, regarding Urging you to expand the park paths and shrink car lanes on Memorial Drive.

14. A communication from Madonna Kinne, regarding Make all of Memorial Drive safer now - expand the park path with Jersey barriers (3).

17. A communication from Norman Daoust, regarding needed Memorial Drive changes.

18. A communication from Barbara Anthony, regarding Preserve the MCAS as a graduation requirement (6).

19. A communication from Quinton Zondervan, regarding Please support Policy Order PO24#137 in favor of bicycle and pedestrian safety.

20. A communication from Lee Farris, regarding Residents Alliance support for Charter Right #1.

21. A communication from Richard Goldberg, regarding Please see attached letter for public comment re PO24#139.

23. A communication from Shelley Rieman, regarding Residents Alliance supports PO#1.

24. A communication from Suzanne Blier, regarding Taxes, Huge Property Value Increases, and Fair Housing.

25. A communication from Suzanne Blier, regarding, Please Support City Communications info & Making Smart use of our Daylily Update platform.

26. A communication from Trevor Kafka, regarding Urgent Call for Action - Support Memorial Drive Safety Improvements.

27. A communication from Trevor Kafka, regarding Urgent Need for Immediate Action on Cambridge Street for Bike Safety.

28. A communication from Valerie Fontana Shulman, regarding Making Memorial Drive Safe for All Commuters--Please reduce speeds and expand safety of our park paths!

29. A communication from Will Borchard, regarding Make all of Memorial Drive safer now - expand the park path with Jersey barriers (5).

30. A communication from Xinghui Hu, regarding Make all of Memorial Drive safer now - expand the park path with Jersey barriers (1).

31. A communication from Yuebin Huang, regarding 2Make all of Memorial Drive safer now - expand the park path with Jersey barriers (1).

32. A communication from Zachary Chu, regarding Make all of Memorial Drive safer now - expand the park path with Jersey barriers.

36. A communication from twenty-nine (29) Cambridge residents, regarding Recognize the Massachusett Tribe as Original Cambridge Inhabitants.

37. A communication from Carolyn Blais Pinter, regarding Corcoran Park Proposal.

38. A communication from Catalina Arboleda, regarding Cambridge has become dangerous for pedestrians.

39. A communication from Steve Fitzsimmons, regarding So what is the status of Cambridge’s potential damage from floods, hurricanes?

40. A communication from Suzanne Blier, regarding Petition: recognizing the Massachusetts as Cambridge landholders- now submitted.

41. A communication from Ian Rudnick, regarding Another person almost hit by car on Hampshire St.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations on the retirement of Feroza K. Bashar from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

2. Congratulations to Denise Costello on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

6. Congratulations to Amigos da Terça as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary with a Black-Tie Dinner Dance Fundraising Event on Oct 26, 2024. Councillor Toner

8. Condolences on the death of William J. “Billy” Megan, Sr. Councillor Toner

10. Congratulations to Dr. Romit Bhattacharya and Attorney Rima Pancholi. Councillor Siddiqui

11. That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy to the family of Stacy L. Moran at this time of such personal loss. Councillor Siddiqui

12. Congratulations to Geeta Aiyer on being recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander Honoree by the Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Oct, 8, 2024 to receive and update from City staff on BEUDO implementation and to review and discuss regulations, elements of BEUDO, and possible future updates. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Nolan, Siddiqui
Remote Present: Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson
Also Present: Zusy

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF24#133)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication from Councillor Nolan and Councillor Toner, transmitting the Fall Schedule for Finance Committee Meetings. (COF24#134) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0

Tues, Oct 22
11:00am The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the updates on the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP).

Wed, Oct 23
11:30am The Human Services and Veteran’s Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss issues facing homeless shelters in Cambridge and concerns raised by the unhoused community.
3:00pm The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to hear specific ideas from neighborhood leaders about revisions to the Multi-Family Housing Proposal.

Thurs, Oct 24
3:00pm The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss research on four-day work week pilot programs with businesses, government agencies, and non-profits and models for a four-day work week that have been implemented locally.

Thurs, Oct 31
12:00pm The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will hold a public hearing to discuss the Economics of Real Estate: Housing, Zoning, and the Economic Impact of Zoning Proposals.

Wed, Nov 6
5:30pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will hold a public hearing to receive an update on Afterschool programming in Cambridge.

Tues, Nov 19
2:00pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on Multi-Family Zoning Petition – Part 1 and Multi-Family Zoning Petition – Part 2.

Wed, Nov 20
1:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing to review and discuss the Operating Budget in advance of the FY26 budget season.

Wed, Dec 4
2:30pm The Ordinance Committee will hold a public hearing on Multi-Family Zoning Petition – Part 1 and Multi Family Zoning Petition – Part 2.

Wed, Dec 11
3:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing for an update and discussion on Public Investment Planning.

O-3 Oct 21, 2024
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
MAYOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: In 2020, the City of Cambridge’s Community Development Department (CDD) partnered with Case Western Reserve University’s National Initiative on Mixed-Income Communities (NIMC) to study the experiences of Cambridge residents in inclusionary housing programs (IHP); and
WHEREAS: This collaboration produced the Resident Experiences of Inclusion and Bias in Inclusionary Housing in Cambridge report, which was published in December 2022; and
WHEREAS: The findings from the report highlight the City’s commitment to IHP and underscore the need to improve the quality of life for residents in inclusionary housing; and
WHEREAS: While many residents express a sense of belonging, disparities exist, with some experiencing exclusion and bias, particularly among vulnerable populations, including those who are low-income, Black, Hispanic or Latino, female, have children, speak a primary language other than English, and have a disability or health problem; and
WHEREAS: The report included several recommendations aimed at improving the IHP by (1) strengthening relationships between CDD, residents, and other stakeholders, (2) expanding communication and engagement with IHP participants, and (3) adopting intentional strategies to increase racial equity and inclusion in these programs; and
WHEREAS: A key priority of the City Council is to work with the City Manager and City staff to address the ongoing housing crisis, with the expansion of mixed-income inclusionary housing programs being critical to increasing the city’s affordable housing supply; and
WHEREAS: The City’s investment in this study is a reflection to its commitment to improving the inclusionary housing program and fostering more inclusive communities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department to provide an update on the status of the report’s recommendations, including progress on implementation and planned next steps; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by December 2024.

O-4 Oct 21, 2024
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: On September 9, 2024, the City Council unanimously passed PO24#120, which asked the City Manager to provide a report on the use of short-term rentals in Cambridge, which the City Manager responded to on October 21, 2024 with CM24#224, which included recommended changes to the Short-Term Rentals Ordinance; and
WHEREAS: According to CM24#224, the changes proposed by Inspectional Services and the City Manager will provide a more effective regulatory process for short term rental facilities in the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare zoning language in line with the recommendations of CM24#224 to update the Short-Term Rental (STR) zoning ordinance; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the Council in a timely manner provided that the request is in line with current City departmental workload.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
24-18. Report on zoning language that effectively promotes multi-family housing, including income-restricted affordable housing with the goal of having viable housing for everyone especially lower-income residents.
Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #2) from 3/25/2024

24-20. Report on proposed near-term amendments to the Parking and Transportation Demand Management Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance to allow flexibility for property owners to share off-site parking with nearby properties, if necessary, to mitigate the loss of parking resulting from the installation of separated bicycle facilities due to implementation of the Cycling Safety Ordinance. See Mgr #9
Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 4/8/2024

24-23. Report back to the Human Services and Veterans Committee on an issued RFP calling for an agency that will lead the City through a community process that will include, but not be limited to, community education, community feedback, location possibilities, potential legal issues and will include feedback from all neighborhoods, including but not limited to; seniors, businesses and places of worship, the Cambridge Police Department, the Cambridge Fire Department, Pro Ambulance, the Cambridge Health Alliance, shelters, nonprofits working with those experiences substance use disorder, and individuals experiencing substance use disorder themselves.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem (O-2) from 5/13/2024

24-24. Report on work done with relevant City departments and the Cambridge Arts Council to consider whether Cambridge could facilitate a Porchfest event.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem (O-2) from 5/20/2024

24-31. Provide an update to the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan (MFIP) including revised cost estimates to help inform the FY26 and ongoing capital budget priorities in a timely manner.
Councillor Pickett, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 6/10/2024

24-32. Report back on exploring with the MBTA how to best ensure that the public art, Gift of the Wind, is preserved.
Councillor Pickett, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson (O-1) from 6/17/2024

24-36. Provide a plan for keeping residents, businesses and public safety officials informed about the status of current and future inter-jurisdictional transportation projects.
Councillor Pickett, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-2) from 6/24/2024

24-37. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to consider a number of city application processes and find ways to reduce paper and printing waste.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-7) from 6/24/2024

24-39. The City Manager is requested to reach out to the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to explore the feasibility of utilizing the large screen televisions in the community rooms of CHA buildings to enable seniors living in these buildings to participate in (via public comment) and view City Council meetings as they are held. See Mgr #3
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem (O-1) from 8/5/2024

24-40. The City Manager is requested to take the necessary actions to ensure the City’s Gold Star Pool remains open through the end of September 2024, and shall be ready to open at the start of June 2025, three weeks earlier than the pool opened this year.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui (O-3) from 8/5/2024

24-44. The City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge can enact a local ordinance or regulation similar to H.3685, which would prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system, or whether the City should submit a Home Rule Petition to ensure access to solar energy for residents. See Mgr #6
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui (O-13) from 8/5/2024

24-45. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review climate leading heating and cooling regulations and direct the appropriate departments to develop and implement a policy that aligns with Cambridge’s climate leadership to ensure that City operated buildings have default temperatures that align with health and sustainability best practices , including differing guidelines for workplace occupancy hours and outside of business hours.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem (O-14) from 8/5/2024

24-49. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a status update on the implementation of the PACE program and provide resources and information for property owners; and provide any recommendations for expanding PACE adoption.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 9/9/2024

24-50. The City Manager is requested to provide an update on progress towards providing a recommendation for changes to the existing ordinance and a report on the impact of the Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge, including how enforcement happens and how many units are registered and available. See Mgr #4
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui (O-9) from 9/9/2024

24-51. The City Manager is requested to provide a status Update on Automated Parking Enforcement. See Mgr #8
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-12) from 9/9/2024

24-53. That the City of Cambridge assist companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements for their fleets and finding trucking vendors who are able to comply by providing an informational resource and publicizing those that comply.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-1) from 9/16/2024

24-54. That the City Manager is hereby requested to work with relevant departments to review Cambridge’s curb cut policies and report back on if they can be improved to help meet the City’s transportation and sustainability goals with some proposed updates and draft ordinance language designating City staff as the final approval authority for curb cuts.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson (O-2) from 9/16/2024

24-56. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to schedule at least one hazardous waste day and one paper shredding event per year to be held on a Sunday.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Nolan (O-2) from 9/23/2024

24-57. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate DPW officials to immediately address this issue so that foul substances no longer leak from the DPW garbage trucks. See Mgr #5
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-3) from 9/23/2024

24-58. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Finance Department, Law Department, and other relevant departments to explore the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge.
Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-6) from 9/23/2024

24-59. The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to assess the feasibility of installing speed control bumps on Antrim Street.
Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern (O-2) from 9/30/2024

24-60. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to report back to the City Council on the Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing (PRO Housing) NOFO as soon as possible.
Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 9/30/2024

24-61. The City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to produce the petition(s) necessary to accomplish the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries, including and especially Memorial Drive.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern (Calendar Item #1) from 10/7/2024