Cambridge City Council meeting - October 26, 2020 - AGENDA
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $921,062 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund, Emergency Communications Extraordinary Expenditures account to procure a new Records Management System (RMS).
Order Adopted 9-0
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $11,712.78, received from various donations to the Council on Aging, to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to support services for Cambridge Seniors, including support for the new virtual platform for instruction.
Order Adopted 9-0
3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of new Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the amount of $551,448 to the Grant Fund Human Services Salary and Wages account ($57,294) and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($494,154) which will be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic among individuals and families who are homeless, will support shelter operating costs and provision of essential services to homeless persons outside of a shelter setting, and will support the administration of this grant.
Order Adopted 9-0
4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) grant in the amount of $15,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which are used annually to supplement fuel assistance payments.
Order Adopted 9-0
5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance grant funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) in the amount of $112,119.46 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salary and Wages account ($95,118.25), Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($15,401.21), and Travel and Training account ($1,600.00) which will be used for costs related to the Carey Men’s Permanent Supported Housing Program operated by the Multi-Service Center.
Order Adopted 9-0
6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Museum of Science to the STEAM Initiative in the amount of $34,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to provide professional development training and to purchase STEAM related supplies for Early Childhood and Out of School Time educators around STEAM content.
Order Adopted 9-0
7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-24, regarding a report on the distribution of gator bags.
Placed on File 9-0
8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-49, regarding a report on restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Referred back to Law Department for further review 8-0-1 (McGovern ABSENT)
9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-15, regarding a report on the feasibility of limiting the number of Saturdays and holidays any one developer can be permitted for any one construction project.
Placed on File 9-0
10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-22, regarding a report on working with the Inspectional Services Department to increase the fines for absentee property owners who continue to have violations stemming from rodent infestation.
Placed on File 9-0
CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application was received from Charles Doty, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 810 Main 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. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL OCT 19, 2020]
Tabled - Simmons (7-2 - Carlone, Nolan NO)
ON THE TABLE
2. Green Energy Analysis Zoning Amendment. [TABLED ON MOTION OF COUNCILLOR CARLONE IN COUNCIL OCT 5, 2020]
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. 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]
4. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City of Cambridge Law Department to review the above changes to the language of the Domestic Partnerships Ordinance and report back to the Council. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER SEPT 14, 2020]
5. Order to amend the rules of the Cambridge City Council. [THIS ITEM WAS ADOPTED ON SEPT 14, 2020. PURSUANT TO RULE 36B OF THE CITY COUNCIL RULES IT MUST BE APPROVED ONCE MORE PRIOR TO ENACTMENT.]
Changes to Rule 19 Adopted 9-0; to Rule 24C(1)(a) Adopted 5-4 (DC,PN,QZ,SS - NO); to Rule 24C(1)(b) Adopted 9-0; to Rule 16 Adopted 9-0; to Rule 24A Adopted 8-1 (DC - NO); to Rule 27 Adopted 9-0
WHEREAS: The Government Operations, Rules and Claims committee met on February 4, 2020 and July 22, 2020 to discuss the amendments to the Rules of the Cambridge City Council.
WHEREAS: The committee voted to recommend the following amendments to the full city council on July 22, 2020. Now therefore be it
ORDERED:
Rule 19 is hereby amended to read as follows:
The Mayor, or the Vice-Chair of the City Council, or any four members thereof, may at any time call a special meeting by causing written notices, stating the time of holding such meeting and signed by the person calling the same, to be delivered in hand to each member of the City Council, or left at his or her usual dwelling place, or delivered electronically with at least forty-eight hours’ notice (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) to all members and with notice provided to the public by posting same at least forty-eight hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) prior to each meeting. If necessary, the mayor may call one or more special meetings during July and August to conduct the council's business.Rule 24C(1)(a) is hereby amended to read as follows:
Under the provisions of Chapter 43, Section 98 of the General Laws, Tercentenary Edition, individuals and employees of the city shall have reasonable opportunity to be heard at any meeting of the City Council in regard to any matter considered thereat. Opportunities for individuals and employees of the City to be heard at all regular meetings, except for roundtable/working meetings, shall be provided directly after the reading of the record, if requested by the City Council (submission of the record of the previous meeting). Members of the public may comment upon items in the following categories of business: Motions for reconsideration, City Manager’s consent agenda, Unfinished business from preceding meetings, Applications and Petitions requiring approval or referral by the City Council, Consent resolutions, Consent Policy orders and resolutions relating to policy analysis or development, Committee Reports, Roundtable/Working Meeting Minutes, Communications and Reports from Other City Officersand Late Policy Orders and Resolutions. Each speaker shall limit his or her comments to no more than three minutes. In the event there are 20 or more speakers signed up, that the amount of time allocated would be two minutes. Individuals are not permitted to allocate the remainder of their time to other speakers.Rule 24C(1)(b) is hereby amended to read as follows:
Procedure: An individual may signup to speak before the City Council via telephone to the City Council office on Mondays from 9:00am to 5:00pm, or on-line via the City’s website, starting at 9:00am on the Friday before the meeting. On Mondays, between 5:00pm and 6:00pm a computer terminal will be available to the public in the City Council Office for on-line signup. The individual must indicate on the signup sheet which item(s) he or she is planning to address.Rule 16 is hereby amended to read as follows:
A question having been taken, it shall not be in order for any member to move a reconsideration thereof at the same meeting. A motion to reconsider may be made at the next meeting, provided written notice of such motion has been filed with the City Clerk within thirty-six hours of the day of the vote, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays to be excluded in the computation of the thirty-six hours. No more than one motion for reconsideration of any vote shall be entertained. Any councillor among those whose votes prevailed may move reconsideration; if reconsideration is not moved prior to the adjournment of the next regular or special meeting called for that particular purpose, the action taken by the City Council stands.Rule 24A is hereby amended to add "15. adjournment".
Rule 27 is amended to set the quorum for the Finance and Ordinance committees to 5 members and the quorum for all other committees are 3 members.
6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response to Policy Order O-13 of Oct 5, 2020, regarding a draft Truck Safety Ordinance. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL OCT 19, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER NOV 9, 2020]
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from The Smoke Shop BBQ Restaurant, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 8 Holyoke Street, approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter.
Order Adopted 9-0
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Paula Yetman, regarding Cambridge Brands Curb Cuts.
2. A communication was received from Robert J. Tremouille, regarding City Council claims of concern for the Charles belied by the City Council's record, the poisoning of the Charles, massive vegetation and animal harm, and sought outrages in the 190 Rebuild.
3. A communication was received from The Reghitto Family, thanking the City Council for their resolution for William (Bill) M. Reghitto.
4. A communication was received from Jayms Battaglia, regarding letter of non-opposition from the University Lutheran Church Congregational Council of 66 Winthrop Street, Cambridge in terms of the business of Blue Enterprises application for business.
5. A communication was received from Allan Sadun, regarding concerns about PO #4.
6. A communication was received from Gloria J. Korsman, regarding support for Blue Enterprise, letter of support REV DYER.
7. A communication was received from Jeanne Koopman, regarding Council Orders #4 and #6.
8. A communication was received from John Hawkinson, regarding please don't destroy public comment reject Unfinished Business #5.
9. A communication was received from Kathy Watkins, regarding support for Policy Order's #4, #5 and #6.
10. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding comments for Housing Committee.
11. A communication was received from A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding support for POR 2020 #240 and POR 2020 #242.
12. A communication was received from Kavish Gandhi, regarding public comment on Ordinance Committee Real Estate Transfer Fee Petition.
13. A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding support for PO #4.
14. A communication was received from Paula Yetman, regarding Cambridge Brands Curb Cut.
15. A communication was received from Peter Crawley, regarding Policy Order #4.
16. A communication was received from Robert La Tremouille, regarding SECRET Late Motion on I90 was outrageous. 2. Members of the public commenting at meetings should be visible to viewers of the meeting.
17. A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding support for Policy Orders #4 and #6.
18. A communication was received from William Butt, regarding ban of use of tear gas.
RESOLUTIONS
1. That the City Council go on record congratulating Virginia B. Johnson on the release of Hillbilly Elegy and celebrating her work as a costume designer, small business owner, and community member here in the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon
Amended
2. Congratulations to Erinn Pearson and Christopher Breedy. Councillor Simmons
3. That the City Council go on record congratulating Andrew White on her historic appointment as President and CEO of Naveo Credit Union. Councillor Toomey
4. That the City Council go on record congratulating Dr. John Goodson for celebrating 45 years of dedicated service as a primary care physician. Councillor Toomey
5. Resolution on the death of Michael Sheehan. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan
Amended
6. Resolution in recognizing Clergy Appreciation Month. Councillor Simmons
7. Resolution on the death of David P. Kennedy, Sr. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan
Amended
R-7 Oct 26, 2020
COUNCILLOR TOOMEYWHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened at learning of the death of David P. Kennedy, Sr. at the age of 79 on October 19, 2020; and
WHEREAS: David was born on September 1, 1941; and
WHEREAS: David was the devoted husband of Louise for 58 years; and
WHEREAS: David was a life-long resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts and graduated from Rindge Technical High School Class of 1959, where he was voted “Best Dressed” and played both baseball and football; and
WHEREAS: David had a long and distinguished 40+ year career with the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, working in their Battery Research Division; and
WHEREAS: David was a caring and committed Cambridge resident actively engaged with Cambridge youth; he was a baseball enthusiast, playing in Cambridge Little League in his youth (for Cardullo’s), and in later life as a Coach for the Cambridge Little League East Division. He was also a Cub Scout leader for many years for Troup 41 in East Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: David was actively involved in civic affairs in Cambridge; he was a candidate for the Cambridge School Committee, and served on the Cambridge Planning Board for many years. David was a past President of Community Schools in East Cambridge, and sat on the Board of Directors for the East Cambridge Savings Bank; and
WHEREAS: David was a kind soul, a lover of animals, and a good friend to those who knew him; and
WHEREAS: David’s passing will leave a void in the lives of all his surviving family; his loving children David, Jr., Kate and her husband Philip; his precious grandson Liam; and many other loving relatives and friends; and
WHEREAS: David will be sorely missed by all he touched and loved; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy for the family of David P. Kennedy, Sr. at this time of such personal loss; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Kennedy family on behalf of the entire City Council.
8. Resolution on the death of Joan Qualls Harris. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey
R-8 October 26, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONSWHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of Joan Qualls Harris; and
WHEREAS: Joan Qualls Harris born in Cambridge in April 1935 to Myrtle and Samuel Quall; and
WHEREAS: Joan Qualls Harris spent decades supporting civic organizations and community based groups throughout Cambridge, she served on the Cambridge Peace Commission, the Cambridge Afro-American Heritage Trail Committee (which published the Heritage Trail Book), she was a member of the Riverside Redesigning Committee (which successfully help to pass the Qualls Harris Rezoning Petition for Western Ave), she served on the board of the Cambridge Community Center, the Cambridge Public Library Committee for building the new main library, she was Co-Chair of the Cambridge Bulawayo – Zimbabwe Sister City Committee, and she was a member of the Cambridge Senior Advisory Committee helmed by then-Mayor Simmons; and
WHEREAS: Joan Qualls Harris was a longtime member of St Paul AME, she was the proud mother of four and grandmother of five, and her memory shall be forever cherished by all whose lives she touched; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family of Joan Qualls Harris for their loss; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Robin Harris, daughter of Joan Qualls Harris, on behalf of the entire City Council.
9. Resolution on the death of Dorothy Brown. Councillor Simmons
10. Resolution on the death of Gregory Holloway. Councillor Simmons
ORDERS
1. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Denise Cosby for a suitable dedication in the vicinity of Blackstone Street and River Street in honor of her late son, Justin Cosby. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0
2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and other relevant City personnel to establish a plan that will allow for greater outreach to women-and-minority-owned businesses, technical assistance to these businesses in applying for financial relief, and a clear plan to ensure that those small businesses that have not yet received financial assistance be granted every opportunity to access any future City funding should it be made available, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0
3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to raise this issue with the appropriate representatives of the Cambridge Crossing buildings, and with the appropriate representatives of the Governor’s Office, to ensure that these businesses are not in violation of any current statewide Covid-19 protocols. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0
4. That the City Council adopt a municipal ordinance 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. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right - Simmons
5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Solicitor to draft Ordinance language to prohibit the use of tear gas in Cambridge. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right - Simmons
6. That the City must work with all major housing providers to eliminate or reduce the filing of evictions during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Referred to Housing Committee 9-0
7. That the City Council go on record in full support of the All-At-Grade Alternative as the Preferred Alternative in the next phase of state and federal environmental process and in urging MassDOT to further revise the All-At-Grade Alternative to narrow Soldiers Field road lanes to existing parkway standards and make other roadway modifications to maximize space for parkland and pathways in the throat area and to avoid intrusion into the Charles River. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
8. Policy Order re No Street Cleaning on November 3. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee.
Placed on File 9-0
HEARING SCHEDULE
Mon, Oct 26
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Wed, Oct 28
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Real Estate Transfer Home Rule Petition. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Nov 2
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Nov 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Thurs, Nov 12
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the PUD-CDK District Zoning. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Thurs, Nov 19
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the KSURP Zoning Ordinance Amendment. (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Nov 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Nov 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Dec 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Dec 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
Mon, Dec 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber - televised)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Oct 26, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request from Denise Cosby for a suitable dedication in the vicinity of Blackstone Street and River Street in honor of her late son, Justin Cosby; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward this order to the Dedication Committee for their review and approval.
O-2 Oct 26, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: On September 14, 2020, the City Council passed a policy order asking that the City Manager “…establish a means of providing technical support to marginalized, underrepresented business owners in applying for and obtaining the critical funds from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund Grant and Loan program…” and from any other programs offering financial assistance to local businesses that have been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: While it has not yet been determined whether the City of Cambridge will initiate additional financial assistance measures to help our hardest-hit businesses, the City should nonetheless have a plan in place to help those women-and-minority-owned businesses with learning about, applying to, and accessing any additional funding programs in the event that they are established; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and other relevant City personnel to establish a plan that will allow for greater outreach to women-and-minority-owned businesses, technical assistance to these businesses in applying for financial relief, and a clear plan to ensure that those small businesses that have not yet received financial assistance be granted every opportunity to access any future City funding should it be made available, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
O-3 Oct 26, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: It has come to the City Council’s attention that numerous “party buses” – the sorts of luxury buses filled with flashing, multicolored lights, dance music, and interior bars, and typically rented out by groups of people to safely shuttle them between bars and other establishments for special occasions – have recently been spotted driving and in out of the Cambridge Crossing area; and
WHEREAS: In normal times, utilizing such buses would be legitimate ventures, yet these vehicles have been spotted packing in large groups of people who are often unmasked, not practicing social distancing, and potentially helping to spread Covid-19 throughout the Cambridge community; and
WHEREAS: While it is understandable that people wish to go about their lives, congregate with their friends, and celebrate special occasions, we are continually reminded by our public health officials and by our governor that our community must remain vigilant in practicing good hygiene, social distancing whenever possible, and wearing of masks to prevent a wider outbreak of the Covid-19 illness, and utilizing the services of party buses at this time would appear to be jeopardizing the City’s efforts to contain this outbreak; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to raise this issue with the appropriate representatives of the Cambridge Crossing buildings, and with the appropriate representatives of the Governor’s Office, to ensure that these businesses are not in violation of any current statewide Covid-19 protocols; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
O-4 Oct 26, 2020 Charter Right - Simmons; Referred to Ordinance Committee at Nov 2, 2020 meeting
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The perceived influence of money in politics leads to public mistrust of government on a federal, state and local level; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Charter gives the City Council strong influence over development, and campaign donations from applicants give the perception, whether real or imagined, of favoritism; and
WHEREAS: The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to put the onus of campaign contribution accountability on potential donors and not target individual elected officials; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council unanimously approved a policy order on June 10, 2019 requesting that the City Manager instruct the City Solicitor to provide guidance on an ordinance to reduce or prohibit campaign donations from donors with business dealings with the City of Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: No such guidance was provided to this date; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council deliberated numerous times on the importance of campaign finance laws with no meaningful legislation adopted; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council adopt a municipal ordinance 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; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager instruct the City Solicitor to read the proposed ordinance and provide feedback on implementation; and be it further
ORDERED: That the ordinance language below be referred to the Ordinance Committee for deliberation and discussion.
AN ORDINANCE TO LIMIT AND MONITOR CAMPAIGN DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS
SEEKING FINANCIAL REWARD FROM THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGEDefinitions.
(x) Applicant means a person who has filed an application with the City of Cambridge or any city-related agency in any of the following situations:
(x) Seeking to enter into a contract;
(x) Seeking approval for a special permit, zoning change enhancing permittee value or approval of a planned unit development;
(x) Seeking to acquire real estate from, or dispose of real estate to, the city or any city-related agency; or
(x) Seeking financial assistance from the city.
(x) City-related agency means all departments of the city, as well as any authorities and quasi-public corporations that receive appropriations from the city.
(x) Contractor means a person who has entered into a contract with the city or any city-related agency. (x) Contribution means a donation of money or of in-kind goods and services as further defined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 55, Section 1.
(x) Financial assistance means any grant, loan, tax incentive, bond financing proceeds used to purchase land or fund expenses for improvements made to land or real estate, or other form of assistance that is realized by or provided to a person in the amount of $50,000 or more through the authority or approval of the city or a city-related agency, including, but not limited to, tax increment financing aid, district improvement financing aid, industrial development bonds, or community development block grant aid.
(x) Contract means a signed written contract in excess of $25,000 for goods or services to which the city or a city-related agency is a party, except where the agreement is required by law to be awarded pursuant to a competitive bidding process under applicable law, or where the agreement constitutes a sole source procurement under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 7.
(x) For the purposes of this Ordinance, a “Business Entity” whose contributions are regulated by this ordinance means: (i) an individual including the individuals spouse, and any child/children’ (ii) a firm; corporation; professional corporation; partnership; limited liability company; organization; association; and any other manner and kind of business entity; (iii) any person who owns 10% or more of the equity or ownership or income interests in a person or entity and their spouses and child/ children; (v) any person, subcontractor, subsidiary, corporation, firm, partnership, limited liability company, organization or association who has received or indefeasibly acquired the right to receiver, from a person, more than $50,000 in compensation or income of any kind (including, by way of illustration, and not limitation: wages, salaries, sums paid to independent contractors, benefits, dividends, profit-sharing, pension contributions, deferred contributions, stocks, stock options or gifts, or special permits, variances or zoning changes that may impact an applicant’s personal or professional finances) in any twelve (12) month period prior to the award of, or during the term of, a contract or zoning decision subject to this ordinance and (vi) all persons who are an “affiliate” of a Business Entity.
(x) Zoning change enhancing permittee’s(?) value means an increase in allowed density or height, a reduction in setbacks or parking, or an expansion of allowed uses.
PROHIBITION ON AWARDING PUBLIC CONTRACTS, PERMITS AND ZONING CHANGES TO CERTAIN CONTRIBUTORS
(x) To the extent that it is not inconsistent with state or federal law, the City of Cambridge and any of its elected officials, departments, instrumentalities, purchasing agents or appointed committees shall not enter into any agreement, approve permits, zoning changes enhancing value, or otherwise contract to procure “professional services” and/or banking, insurance or other consulting services (herein after “Professional Services”), nor “extraordinary unspecified services” and/or media, public relations, lobbying, consulting, building permits, zoning changes and/or management services (hereinafter “Extraordinary Unspecified Services”) from any Business Entity if such Business Entity has solicited or made any Contribution to a candidate, candidate committee or joint candidates committee of any candidate for elective municipal office in Cambridge in excess of the threshold of $200.00 per year within one calendar year immediately preceding the date of the contract or agreement.
(x) No Business Entity who submits a proposal for, enters into negotiations for, applies for permits or zoning changes or agrees to any contract or agreement with the City of Cambridge or any of its departments or instrumentalities, for the rendition of Professional services or Extraordinary Unspecified Services shall knowingly solicit or make any Contribution to (i) an existing elected official, candidate, candidate committee or joint candidates committee of any candidate for elective municipal office in Cambridge, or (ii) to any Cambridge political action committee or political party committee or (iii) any PAC between the time of first communication between that Business Entity and the municipality regarding a specific agreement for Professional Services or Extraordinary Unspecified Services, (definition needed?) and the later of the termination of negotiations or rejection of any proposal, or the completion of the performance or specified time periods of that contract, agreement, permit or zoning change.
CONTRIBUTIONS MADE PRIOR TO THE EFFECTIVE DATE
No Contribution or solicitation of contributions mad editor to the effective date of this Ordinance shall be deemed to give rise to a violation of this Ordinance.
CONTRACT RENEWAL
No contract subject to this ordinance may be renewed, extended, or materially modified unless the resulting renewal, extension, or modification would be allowable under the provisions of this ordinance if it were an initial contract.
Mandatory disclosure for applicants.
(x) Before the city may enter into any contract with an applicant, the applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the contracting entity.
(x) At the time that an applicant seeks approval for a special permit with site plan review, zoning change or approval of a planned unit development, as those terms are defined in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with respect to new construction or renovation in excess of 15,000 square feet, the applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the board hearing the application.
(x) At the time that an applicant submits a bid or submits a response to a request for proposals in connection with the acquisition of real estate owned by, or disposition of real estate to, the city or a city-related agency, the applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the city agency seeking to dispose of or acquire the property. If the applicant is otherwise seeking to acquire real estate from, or dispose of real estate to, the city or from a city-related agency, then the applicant must submit a complete mandatory disclosure form prior to obtaining title to such real estate.
(x) At the time the applicant files an application for financial assistance, the applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the city agency that would provide such financial assistance.
(x) Such mandatory disclosure form shall be open to and available for inspection by the public. Such form shall be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury by the applicant and shall include the following information:
(x) The name, address, email address, telephone number of the applicant/beneficiary/agent and of all of its principals, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer, chief operating officer, chief procurement officer, directors, or persons performing similar functions, or shareholders in excess of ten percent and managing agent to the extent applicable;
(x) All contributions made by the applicant during the 12 months prior to the application to any person who was a candidate for elective office of the City of Cambridge by stating the name of the person who made the contribution, the candidate who received the contribution, and the date and amount of each such contribution. For purposes of this article, elected office of the City of Cambridge shall mean the mayor, city council, and school committee of the city. Contributions made before the adoption of this article are not required to be disclosed on this form.
(x) The names, business addresses and phone numbers of all subcontractors/development team members that the applicant intends to use on the contract and the amount or percentage to be paid to such subcontractor.
(x) A certification by the applicant that if the applicant is awarded the item that is applied for under subsections (x), (x), (x), or (x) above in this section, that the applicant and anyone attributed to the applicant or any subcontractor used on the contract shall not make any contribution in any calendar year in an amount in excess of $200.00 to any individual incumbent or to any individual candidate for elective office of the City of Cambridge for the next four calendar years following the award of the item, or for the duration of the term of any contract, whichever is longer.
- Eligibility.
(x) No applicant shall be entitled to obtain the award of any of the items applied for as referenced in section xxxx if such applicant, including those who would be attributed to the applicant under section xxxx above or any subcontractor used on a contract, has made a total contribution of more than $200.00 to any individual candidate for elected office of the City of Cambridge or incumbent in either the calendar year of the application or the calendar year preceding the application, provided, however, that the restriction of eligibility with regard to contributions made prior to the year preceding the application shall not apply to any contributions made in the calendar year preceding the adoption of this article and shall only go forward beginning with the year of adoption of the article. No contribution made prior to the effective date of this article shall be deemed to give rise to a violation or penalty under this article.
(x) No contract may be renewed, extended, or materially amended, unless the resulting renewal, extension, or amendment, would be allowable under the provisions of this article if it were an initial contract.
(x) The applicant and anyone attributed to the applicant and any subcontractor/development team members used on the contract shall not make any contribution to any incumbent or to any candidate for elective office of the City of Cambridge in excess of $200.00 per year for the next four calendar years following the award of the item, or for the duration of the term of any contract, whichever is longer.
- Penalties.
The city shall deny the award of any contract as sought by an applicant if it is found that an applicant made a material misstatement on the mandatory disclosure form or if the applicant fails to comply with the provisions above. If a contract is awarded, it shall be a material breach of the terms of any contract where an applicant which is a party to such contract made any contribution in violation of this article. For all other violations, the applicant shall be fined for each violation of this article in accordance with section xxxx The enforcing authority shall be the ethics commission or auditor.
- Refund of contribution.
An applicant may cure a contribution which violates this article if, within 30 days after the date on which an applicable office of campaign and political finance report is required to be filed which contains a contribution in violation of this article, the applicant requests a refund in writing from the candidate or incumbent who received the contribution, and within 30 days of the request, the applicant receives a refund of a contribution from the incumbent or any candidate for elective office in the City of Cambridge, or political committee for such incumbent or candidate. Notwithstanding the above, if there is a contribution in violation of this article, the candidate or incumbent shall refund the contribution within 30 days of receipt of a request for refund, provided that funds are otherwise available in the campaign account of the candidate or incumbent. This article shall be interpreted and applied consistent with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Effective date.
This article shall take effect on January 1, 2021.
O-5 Oct 26, 2020 Charter Right - Simmons; Adopted as Amended at Nov 2, 2020 meeting
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The use of tear gas in warfare has been prohibited by international law since the 1925 Geneva Protocol banned its use along with other chemical weapons; and
WHEREAS: Tear gas continues to be used against civilians in the United States, including as recently as this year against protesters in Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.; and
WHEREAS: Exposure to tear gas can cause immediate chemical burns, allergic reactions, and respiratory failure in people with preexisting respiratory conditions like as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to the American Lung Association; and
WHEREAS: According to the Centers for Disease Control, long-term effects of tear gas can include glaucoma, cataracts, and breathing problems such as asthma; and
WHEREAS: Tear gas is not included in the Cambridge Police Department’s list of Approved Less-Than-Lethal weapons in its current Policy & Procedures document; and
WHEREAS The Cambridge Police Department has not utilized tear gas in any capacity over the past 30 years, the Cambridge Police Department’s administration specifically prohibits the use of tear gas, Police Commissioner Branville Bard worked to ensure that all tear gas in the department was disposed of upon his taking the role as Police Commissioner, and the City Council wishes to do everything in its power to ensure that tear gas is never utilized by the Police Department in the future; and
WHEREAS While the Cambridge Police Department’s Policies and Procedures currently prohibit the use of tear gas, it was previously used on Cambridge residents and others protesting for peace and racial justice, with documented instances of its use at least in 1970 and 1972
WHEREAS: As civilians continue to be tear gassed at protests for racial justice around the country, the Cambridge City Council should seek to codify in law the City’s prohibition on the use of this chemical weapon to ensure the permanency of current policy in Cambridge and to demonstrate a model for other municipalities; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Solicitor to draft Ordinance language to prohibit the use of tear gas in Cambridge; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council by November 23, 2020.
O-6 Oct 26, 2020
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Possessing any record of an eviction filing can present a serious barrier to a potential tenant’s success in securing housing; and
WHEREAS: Regardless of fault, outcome, or underlying basis for a court filing, the fact a potential tenant was a party in an eviction or housing case may give a property owner reason to reject the tenant’s application; and
WHEREAS: There should be alternate opportunities for resolution within the eviction process before an eviction filing; and
WHEREAS: Facilitated discussions between property owners and tenants can reduce evictions and lead to solutions that are beneficial for both parties, particularly when combined with wraparound supports such as housing and financial counseling; and
WHEREAS: One of the recommendations from the Tenant Displacement Task Force was for the City to facilitate a partnership between its major housing provider entities, such as CHA, Just A Start, Homeowner’s Rehab, and other management companies serving Cambridge renters, with the goal of reducing the number of actions taken against tenants that result in eviction-related court filings; and
WHEREAS: In cases when a housing entity must take legal action against a tenant, it is most often on account of non-payment of rent and does not result in a physical eviction but any eviction-associated court filing, regardless of outcome, can be a long-term liability for a renter and may prevent a tenant from securing necessary housing in the future; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Housing Authority has already started an Eviction Project, looking at how the entity can reduce filings for non-payment of rent; and
WHEREAS: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is potential for many unavoidable eviction filings; and
WHEREAS: The City must work with all its major housing providers and reduce the number of actions filed; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That this policy order be referred to the Housing Committee for discussion on ways to engage our major housing providers in reducing or eliminating eviction filings during the public health crisis.
O-7 Oct 26, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
WHEREAS: The Allston Multimodal I-90 Project, managed by MassDOT, will transform road, railway, pathway, parkland, and shoreline of the Charles River; and
WHEREAS: The Project will create a new neighborhood across the river from Cambridge and has the potential to provide great benefits, though it will increase traffic and noise for Cambridge during construction; and
WHEREAS: The City Council on October 5, 2020, unanimously supported a policy order urging Secretary Pollack to consider a lane reduction and an at-grade design; and
WHEREAS: MassDOT has presented three alternatives for the narrow area between Boston University and the river known as the “throat”; and
WHEREAS: Cambridge previously supported the “Hybrid” alternative that would rebuild Soldiers Field Road on a viaduct but withdrew its support when MassDOT said the Hybrid would require building a “temporary” bridge far out into the Charles River to hold Soldiers Field Road and the Paul Dudley White Pathway for the 8-10 years of construction – a completely unacceptable intrusion; and
WHEREAS: One of the three alternatives is the All-At-Grade Alternative which will align the Massachusetts Turnpike, Soldiers Field Road, the Worcester commuter rail line, the Grand Junction railroad, and the Paul Dudley White Path all at ground level; and
WHEREAS: The All-At-Grade Alternative provides:
WHEREAS: The All-At-Grade Alternative has recently been revised and improved to be the only alternative that, for the first time, includes the restoration and recreation of a natural river shoreline, one of Cambridge’s priorities for over five years; and
WHEREAS: The lanes of Soldiers Field Road in the All-At-Grade Alternative are shown by MassDOT as wider than now exist for this parkway, resulting in a small but significant intrusion of the roadway into the edge of the river; and
WHEREAS: MassDOT has set a deadline of October 30, 2020, for public comment on which of the three alternatives shouldbe identified as the Preferred Alternative in the next phase of state and federal environmental process; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in full support of the All-At-Grade Alternative as the Preferred Alternative in the next phase of state and federal environmental process and in urging MassDOT to further revise the All-At-Grade Alternative to narrow Soldiers Field road lanes to existing parkway standards and make other roadway modifications to maximize space for parkland and pathways in the throat area and to avoid intrusion into the Charles River; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this Resolution to Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-8 Oct 26, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: In an effort to remove as many obstacles as possible from people who will heading to the polls on Tuesday, November 3, it would be wise for the City to suspend street cleaning operations on that day; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to suspend all citywide street cleaning operations on November 3.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
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
18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018
18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018
18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018
18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018
19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019
19-21. 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. Report Received and Accepted at Dec 19, 2019 City Council meeting
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor 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, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019
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
19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. See Mgr #8
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) 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, Councillor McGovern, Mayor 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, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019
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, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor 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.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019
19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy. Report Received and Accepted in Econ. Dev. & Univ. Relations Committee
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019
19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019
19-123. 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.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) 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. Report Received and Accepted at July 27, 2020 City Council meeting
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) 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
19-134. 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.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) 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. Report Received and Accepted at Oct 5, 2020 City Council meeting
Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) 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. Report Received and Accepted during FY2021 Budget Hearings
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019
19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019
19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019
19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019
19-147. 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
19-151. Report on the feasibility of making Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue between Roseland Street and Beech Street a quick-build Complete Street with bus priority.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019
20-4. Report on the feasibility of instituting and funding a fare-free pilot bus program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 1/27/2020
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
20-9. Report on allocating the necessary funds, and develop a comprehensive public safety plan, including contingency plans so that the event can take place in a secure time and place, even in the presence of significant threats that can be anticipated.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #2) from 2/3/2020
20-10. Report on renaming the Agassiz neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 2/10/2020
20-12. Report on the feasibility of instituting a program to install rings on parking meters to expand bicycle parking options.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 2/10/2020
20-13. Report on expanding the Head Start program hours and adding additional scholarships to improve access to high-quality, early childhood educational resources.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 2/10/2020
20-15. Report on the feasibility of limiting the number of Saturdays and holidays any one developer can be permitted for any one construction project. See Mgr #9
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 2/24/2020
20-18. Report on the feasibility of implementing additional dedicated bus lanes, as well as fully separate protected bicycle lanes.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) from 2/24/2020
20-22. Report on working with the Inspectional Service Department to increase the fines for absentee property owners who continue to have violations stemming for rodent infestations. See Mgr #10
Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 3/16/2020
20-23. Report on implementing Simple Recycling' s curbside textile recycling program and report back to the Council on this matter in a timely manner.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 5/11/2020
20-24. Report on working with DPW to begin distributing Gator Bags. See Mgr #7
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 5/18/2020
20-30. Report on establishing a plan designed to provide a thorough, system-wide review of the entire municipal government to identify and remove any vestiges of systemic racism and/or racial bias in any and all City departments, to establish clear, transparent metrics that will help further this critical endeavor.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 6/29/2020
20-31. Report on determining how to best protect and preserve our commercial spaces that support our small business operators and maintain continuity in our commercial districts.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/29/2020
20-48. Report on the feasibility of creating an antibody testing program.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 9/21/2020
20-52. Report on determining what impact the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping may have on the City of Cambridge and its community partners and what options the City may have to work around this order.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/19/2020
20-53. Report on how Cambridge might participate in PACE Massachusetts pursuant to the PACE Act including exploring all options for incentivizing participation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 10/19/2020
20-54. Report on drafting an ordinance requiring the city to only purchase goods that are made in full compliance with USA environmental and labor standards.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (O-3) from 10/19/2020