Cambridge City Council meeting - October 24, 2022

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation $1,409,562 from Free Cash to the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund. (CM22#204)
Order Adopted 9-0

Oct 24, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $1,409,562 from Free Cash to the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund. During FY22, the City received mitigation revenues slated for Community Benefits from MIT Cambridge Real Estate, LLC. By law, all mitigation revenues must be deposited into the General Fund and can only be appropriated after the Free Cash Certification is complete.

The $1,409,562 appropriated to the Community Benefits Stabilization Fund is the only the appropriation from Free Cash attributed to Community Benefits Stabilization and will be used to fund specific future projects, which will require separate individual appropriations by the City Council.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,050,000 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund which will be used to fund specific future projects, which will require separate individual appropriations by the City Council. (CM22#205)
Order Adopted 9-0

Oct 24, 2022
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $2,050,000 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund. During FY22, the City received mitigation revenues from various developers as a result of commitments related to zoning ordinance amendments and special permit conditions. By law, all mitigation revenues must be deposited into the General Fund and can only be appropriated after the Free Cash Certification is complete.

The $2,050,000 appropriated to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund is the only appropriation from Free Cash attributed to Mitigation and will be used to fund specific future projects, which will require separate individual appropriations by the City Council.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-48, regarding a report on ID Badges for City Employees. (CM22#206)
Placed on File 9-0

“City staff and I have reviewed the above-referenced Council Order and provide the following response. The City is supportive of broader, more consistent and comprehensive use of visible photo IDs by City employees, particularly those who interact with or are more likely to encounter members of the public. I have directed the Personnel, Licensing, and Information Technology Departments to review and implement both short- and long-term programs to fulfill this initiative.”

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report items numbered 21-52 & 22-25, regarding a report on Boards and Commissions. (CM22#207) [Manager’s Communication] [Info Charts] [Job Description Best Practices] [Standard Demographic Battery for Cambridge Surveys] [Boards/Commission Application] [Survey of Other Communities – Stipends] [Zoning Petition Recommended Language - Removing Limit on BZA compensation]
Attachment A [Info Charts] referred to Gov't Operations Committee; Attachment F [Zoning Petition Recommended Language - Removing Limit on BZA compensation] referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board as a City Council Zoning Petition; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Policy Order Seeking Development Analysis [Charter Right – McGovern, Oct 17, 2022] (PO22#267)
Amended (QZ) 9-0; Tabled (DS) 9-0

O-3 Oct 17, 2022 Charter Right - McGovern (Oct 17); Amended Oct 24
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: In recent years, the City has worked to address a number of different, critical issues that impact the wellbeing of our community and our planet via a number of different policies and initiatives that are tied to the development of new commercial and residential buildings; and
WHEREAS: From increasing the linkage fees that developers must pay into the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, to increasing the mandatory amount of inclusionary units in new residential buildings of ten units or more, to our Net Zero policies, to the proposed BEUDO amendments, to the Affordable Housing Overlay, to the possibility of eliminating parking minimums, there have been a number of new or refreshed initiatives enacted by the City over the past half decade; and
WHEREAS: While each of these policies addresses a very real need, it would be prudent for the City to take a moment to request that an analysis be conducted to determine what impact, if any, all of these combined policies have had upon local commercial and residential development, and what impact may yet be felt by these combined policies in the near term, ~~before the City looks to enact further policies or initiatives related to development~~; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to conduct an assessment and analysis of the impacts of the combined, above-referenced policies upon local commercial and residential development over the past half decade, and the anticipated impact of these policies over the next half decade, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

2. An application was received from Duncan MacArthur, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 52 Standish Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association with questions that have been answered by the applicant with notification to the neighborhood association. [Charter Right – Nolan, Oct 17, 2022] (AP22#48)
Order Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan - NO)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. That section 6.36 entitled, Schedule of Parking and Loading Requirements, of Article 6.000, entitled “Off Street Parking and Loading Requirements and Nighttime Curfew on Large Commercial Through Trucks”, of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge be amended (Ordinance #2022-5) [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended, Oct 3, 2022; To Be Ordained as Amended on or after Oct 24, 2022; Expires Nov 1, 2022] (PO22#19)
Ordained as Amended (to add “including in all overlay districts” at end of section 6.31) 8-1 (Carlone - NO)

4. Fur Sales Ban (Ordinance #2022-17). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended, Oct 3, 2022; To Be Ordained as Amended on or after Oct 24, 2022] (PO22#132)
Ordained 9-0

5. That the Ordinance Committee refer Categories M (Shared Vehicle) and N (Publicly-accessible, Privately-owned Electric Vehicle Charging System) of the Cambridge Transportation Decarbonization and Congestion Mitigation Bill, along with definitions, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Ordinance #2022-13 as Amended. [Expired Sept 27, 2022] (PO22#150)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Stuart Pitchel representing Grafton Street Pub & Grill, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 59 JFK Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, and Community Development Department. No abutter response has been received, but proof of mailing has been provided. (AP22#49)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. An application was received from Jason Parillo representing The Shade Store, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 49 Brattle Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, and Community Development Department. No abutter response has been received, but proof of mailing has been provided. (AP22#50)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Vickey Bestor, regarding Policy Order PO22#84.

3. A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding Harvard Square Zoning Petition - revision regarding financial institutions.

4. A communication was received from Kiril Stefan Alexandrov, regarding massive linkage fee.

5. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding support for the PB-355 amendment to allow for product delivery and for the incentive zoning rate study petition.

6. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding the Cambridge Street Study: Findings and Recommendations Update.

7. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding support for the Green Jobs Ordinance.

8. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding several agenda items from the 10/17/22 City Council meeting.

9. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding the Homeless Employment Hiring Tax Credit.

10. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding New GPL Homelessness Prevention & Rehousing Accelerator Application Open.

11. A communication was received from Elodia Thomas, regarding The Watertown High School to Be.

12. A communication was received from Christopher Mackin, regarding Harvard Square Zoning – Banks and Financial Institutions.

13. A communication was received from Allan Sadun and Becca Schofield, regarding ABC statement regarding linkage fee amendment.

14. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding the Inman Square Project.

15. A communication was received from Nancy E. Phillips, regarding Linkage Fee Amendment.

16. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, regarding Projecting Sign Process - Central Rock Gym, 20 Brattle Street (AP22#47).

17. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, regarding City Council: Clarifying 30-ft. Frontage Limits for Harvard Sq. Financial Institutions (AP22#46).

18. A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, regarding increased linkage proposal.

19. A communication was received from Charles Hinds, regarding opposing eliminating the minimum parking requirements.

20. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, regarding P/S Correction - City Council: Clarifying 25-ft. Frontage Limits for Harvard Sq. Financial Institutions (AP22#46).

21. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding second reading of Ordinance #2022-5 on 10/17/22 City Council meeting.

22. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding Homelessness Seats on Boards.

RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution on the death of Richard A. Ferreira. Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern

4. Resolution on the death of Randolph J. Williams. Councillor Toner [duplicate of resolution from last week]

6. Congratulations to Officer Oswaldo Ortiz. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons

7. Congratulations to Officer Michael Padua. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner

8. Congratulations to Officers Charles McNeill and James Costa. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner

9. Resolution on the death of Father John Horgan. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons

10. Retirement of Jane Hirschi from CitySprouts. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem, Caouncillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted 8-0-1 as Amended (Simmons ABSENT)

11. Resolution on the death of John Jarcho, M.D. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted 9-0 as Amended

12. Congratulations to Dr. Sally Kornbluth on being elected the 18th President of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon

ORDERS
1. That the Rules of the City Council be amended to add the following sentence at the beginning: “The rules of the City Council should be reviewed and provisionally adopted towards the beginning of every new City Council term.” Vice Mayor Mallon (PO22#272)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the Rules of the City Council be amended to add the following sentence at the end of Rule 5: “All motions made by any members of the Council should require a second prior to debate.” Vice Mayor Mallon (PO22#273)
Order Fails of Adoption 2-7 (Simmons, Toner - YES)

3. That the Rules of the City Council be amended to add the following sentence at the end of Rule 12: “During debate each Councillor will state their comments clearly and concisely with the understanding that other members are waiting to present their comments.” Vice Mayor Mallon (PO22#274)
Order Adopted 9-0

4. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant City departments to develop a communication on the most environmentally responsive and responsible methods of yard waste, and utilize the City website and other communication avenues to publicize best practices for leaf disposal. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (PO22#275)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF22#128)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication was received from Diane P. LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting update regarding legislative activity and a letter regarding how communications are received. (COF22#129)
Placed on File 9-0; proposal for email alias for submission of communications for City Council agenda referred to Gov't Operations Committee

Tues, Oct 25
10:00am The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss potential amendments to the Rules of the City Council.
3:00pm The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee will conduct a public meeting on Neighborhood Conservation District Citizen’s Petition: Historical Commission Proposed Response.

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

Fri, Oct 28
9:00am The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss and amend the draft Net Zero Action Plan update, and next steps in implementing and updating the City’s NetZero Action Plan including setting SMART goals for action items, accelerating timelines in line with the Climate Protection Action Committee review and the Climate Crisis Working Group discussion and any other issues related to the Plan. [REMOTE ONLY]

Wed, Nov 16
1:00pm The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss how the City can act on the recently passed Massachusetts climate bill, including specifically how the City can implement a ban or restriction on fossil fuels in new construction projects as part of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 10 city pilot program and how quickly the city can adopt the state’s newly promulgated energy stretch code for buildings.

Mon, Nov 21
10:00am The Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss how to expand the availability of electric vehicle charging across the City and to review the effectiveness and accountability built into the City’s existing Green Fleet Policy.
5:30pm City Council Meeting

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 24, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on April 28, 2022, and voted favorable to amend the 2022-2023 Rules of the City Council to add the following sentence at the beginning: “The rules of the City Council should be reviewed and provisionally adopted towards the beginning of every new City Council term.”; and
WHEREAS: The Committee Report was presented to the Full City Council on October 17, 2022; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Rules of the City Council be amended to add the following sentence at the beginning: “The rules of the City Council should be reviewed and provisionally adopted towards the beginning of every new City Council term.”

O-2 Oct 24, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on April 28, 2022, and voted favorable to amend the 2022-2023 Rules of the City Council to add the following sentence at the end of Rule 5: “All motions made by any members of the Council should require a second prior to debate.”; and
WHEREAS: The Committee Report was presented to the Full City Council on October 17, 2022; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Rules of the City Council be amended to add the following sentence at the end of Rule 5: “All motions made by any members of the Council should require a second prior to debate.”

O-3 Oct 24, 2022
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on April 28, 2022, and voted favorable to amend the 2022-2023 Rules of the City Council to add the following sentence at the end of Rule 12: “During debate each Councillor will state their comments clearly and concisely with the understanding that other members are waiting to present their comments.”; and
WHEREAS: The Committee Report was presented to the Full City Council on October 17, 2022; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Rules of the City Council be amended to add the following sentence at the end of Rule 12: “During debate each Councillor will state their comments clearly and concisely with the understanding that other members are waiting to present their comments.”

O-4 Oct 24, 2022
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is always looking to communicate effective and environmentally sound ways for residents to maintain their properties; and
WHEREAS: Other cities and towns have publicized information about proper leaf disposal; which are different from what many residents and landscapers practice, and there is more attention to the need to protect urban areas as much as possible; and
WHEREAS: With fall approaching and leaves falling, it is important for the City to publicize information to residents about proper disposal of leaves including mulching on their property and other disposal methods in order to practice the most environmentally beneficial methods; and
WHEREAS: Fallen leaves contain natural fertilizers and can be utilized as mulch to improve the health of plants in plant beds and grass in lawns and can provide a protective layer for beneficial insects; and
WHEREAS: Leaves that are raked onto sidewalks or streets or illegally dumped can cause water pollution, flooding, and an array of environmental ailments; and
WHEREAS: The City Council wants the City to communicate effectively with residents to promote good practices in leaf disposal; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with all relevant City departments to develop a communication on the most environmentally responsive and responsible methods of [managing] yard waste, and utilize the City website and other communication avenues to publicize best practices for leaf disposal and to consider utilizing available communication methods to residents and landscapers with information on proper disposal of leaves and other relevant information as soon as possible.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-111. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016

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

19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019

20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

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

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-9. Report on providing an overview of various programs and services that are designed to assist the City’s chronically unhoused population and those in danger of becoming unhoused, along with the metrics by which the City determines the effectiveness of these programs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 2/22/2021

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O1) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-52. Report on examining stipend models for the City’s multi-member bodies. See Mgr #4
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-8) from 6/28/2021

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

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

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

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

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

21-94. Report on proposing possible zoning language that would achieve the goals of incentivizing all construction to be fossil fuel free through a possible special permit process.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-1) from 12/13/2021

21-98. Report on Reaffirming Commitment to the Goal of 100% Renewable by 2035.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 12/13/2021

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

22-7. Report on providing a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted on the golf course land, information on the history, residency and other demographic information on membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #1) from 1/31/2022

22-8. Report on determining the feasibility of establishing additional compensation for the City’s essential employees in accordance with the considered State legislation framework.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 2/7/2022

22-13. Report on determining how to better integrate more parent response into their decision-making process as they make changes that can have undue impacts upon the families they serve.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 3/7/2022

22-14. Report on the findings of the "Future of Telework" Committee, and to explain the city’s current policy regarding a remote work policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 3/7/2022

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

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

22-23. Report on providing an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies, including (but not limited to) an explanation of the administration’s current procedures for notifying and conducting outreach to abutters and neighbors, the criteria for evaluating curb cut applications, and an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 4/11/2022

22-24. Report on determining what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/25/2022

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

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

22-29. Report on introducing a pilot program to open two of our youth centers during the evening and weekend hours during the summer.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 5/9/2022

22-30. Report on adding $1.94 linkage fee to Housing Contribution Rate that is specifically targeted for job training.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern from 5/9/2022

22-33. Report on consulting with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services, and the Executive Director of Cadbury Common to determine the feasibility of re-establishing some form of the Kate’s Café Monthly LGBTQ+ Community Dinners either at Cadbury Common or at another suitable location.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 5/16/2022

22-34. Report on providing the progress on the Terminal Road connection and any related projects.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 5/16/2022

22-35. Report on ensuring that every possible material used in construction projects are as safe and healthy and free of potential toxins as possible, and ensure that all construction and manufacturing vendors commit to disclosing all ingredients and using non-toxic materials.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 5/16/2022

22-36. Work on Implementing Recommendations from Working IDEAL Report.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/23/2022

22-37. Report on consulting with the appropriate City staff in determining the feasibility of establishing a new “Talent Officer” role for the City.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 5/23/2022

22-38. Report on establishing a method of ensuring that anti-bias training is incorporated into the City’s hiring process at all levels.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 5/23/2022

22-40. Report on developing a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the entire, department-wide municipal government.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/6/2022

22-42. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a “community healing initiative” plan to address the issues in our city.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/13/2022

22-43. Report on establishing a notification system to all neighborhood residents, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes, within a set area where neighborhood disruptions such as infrastructure work or demolitions are scheduled to occur.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/13/2022

22-44. Report on working with DCR and all relevant City departments to expand Memorial Drive closures in the summer and fall of 2022.
Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 6/13/2022

22-46. Report on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (O5) from 6/27/2022

22-48. Report on ID Badges For City Employees. See Mgr #3
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem (O-6) from 8/1/2022

22-49. Report on Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 8/1/2022

22-50. Report on establishing Black Men and Boys Commission.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 8/1/2022

22-55. Report on the status of the long term water projections and on what measures could be taken to conserve water.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O14) from 8/1/2022

22-57. Report on Policy Order to investigate shared EV or Hybrid free bus service.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/1/2022

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

22-59. Report on repairing the grass at Greene-Rose Heritage Park, and to establish a long-term plan of action.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/12/2022
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 17, 2022 City Council meeting]

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

22-61. Report on communicating to the Cambridge Health Alliance the City Council’s support for the reopening of the Cambridge Birth Center for deliveries as soon as possible and City Council support for the protection of existing birth centers and the creation of new birth centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-64. Report on t detailing how other comparable municipalities handle their street corner dedication processes and on ways to honor those individuals who may not ultimately have a street corner named after them but who nonetheless deserve to have their names and accomplishments recognized.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/19/2022

22-66. Report on a plan to install “Walls of Honor” at each home baseball and softball field honoring past and current coaches and volunteers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/19/2022

22-67. Report on necessary preparations for the next Housing Committee meeting in the discussion on potentially allowing multifamily housing to be built citywide.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 9/19/2022

22-68. Report on touring the facility at 2222 Massachusetts Avenue regarding transitioning the facility into a non-congregate homeless shelter with accompanying services.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (O-10) from 9/19/2022

22-69. Report on a community process on the future use of 105 Windsor Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 9/19/2022

22-70. Report on the legislation passed by the Somerville City Council banning limited services pregnancy centers.
Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #3) from 10/3/2022 Committee Report

22-71. Report on convening an advisory group to determine ways in which the City can work to lift up the voices and experiences of the descendants of the Indigenous People who currently reside in our community.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/3/2022

22-72. Report on outlining the efficacy of the Private Property Rodent Control Program and the SMART Digital Rodent Control Boxes, and any changes being contemplated to these current programs.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) from 10/3/2022

22-73. Report on working with the Law Dept., to automatically provide an initial legal opinion to the City Council and the City Clerk at least three business days in advance of the first Public Hearing on any amendment to the Code of Ordinances formally introduced in the City Council.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 10/3/2022

22-74. Report on installing a new irrigation system in Danehy Park as soon as possible and better prepare for tree watering efforts in the future and report on any needed or ongoing irrigation improvements to other parks across the city.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 10/3/2022

22-75. Report on receiving input from the Vision Zero, Pedestrian, Bicycle Committee, the Council on Aging, the Transit Advisory Committee, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities Advisory Board, Cambridge Police Department, and any other departments, to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code, promulgate the updated guide throughout the city, and develop recommendations for staffing and methods of improving traffic enforcement.
Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #2) from 10/17/2022

22-76. Report on updating the posted City Council rules on the website and other locations where posted, to properly reflect the change made to Rule 24c that adds the sentence “individuals will be heard in the order that they signed up whether they are participating in person or remotely.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/17/2022