Cambridge City Council meeting - November 14, 2022 - AGENDA

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a public health update. (CM22#224)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Climate Resilience Zoning. [cover letter] [draft zoning] (CM22#225)
pulled by Nolan; Referred to Health & Environment Committee 9-0

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-72, regarding a report 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; and the status of the Rat Liaison position. [report] (CM22#226)
pulled by Mallon; Placed on File 9-0

4. Transmitting communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $586,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the continuation and expansion of the City’s rodent control program utilizing SMART box technology and to fully fund the residential property rodent control program. [letter and order] (CM22#227)
pulled by Mallon; Placed on File, Order Adopted 9-0

CHARTER RIGHT
1. Policy Order Regarding Traffic Flow on Garden Street. [Charter Right – Simmons, Nov 7, 2022] (PO22#282)
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

O-1     Nov 7, 2022  Charter Right - Simmons
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The recent change of part of Garden Street from a two way to a one-way street has caused concerns about overflow traffic on neighboring side streets; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and Department of Public Works to meet with and receive input from residents living on the streets in the impacted area to discuss strategies to mitigate and reduce overflow and cut-through traffic and report back to the Council on recommendations no later than March 27, 2023.

Proposed substitute (Zondervan), proposed amendments by Nolan
WHEREAS: The recent change of part of Garden Street from a two way to a one-way street has caused concerns about overflow and cut-through traffic on neighboring side streets;
WHEREAS: Four community meetings and an in-person open house were held ahead of implementation, and a fifth meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 6:30pm in the cafeteria at the Graham & Parks School;
WHEREAS: The Traffic and Transportation Department is continuing to monitor the situation, including via traffic counting and other methods;
now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on any mitigation strategies needed to address these concerns, based on these ongoing discussions with residents, at the November 21, 2022 Regular City Council meeting. direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and Department of Public Works to meet with and receive input from residents living on the streets in the impacted area to discuss strategies to mitigate and reduce overflow and cut-through traffic and report back to the Council on recommendations no later than March 27, 2023.
and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments, including Traffic, Parking and Transportation and Department of Public Works, to meet with an d receive input from residents living on the streets in the impacted areas to discuss strategies to mitigate and to make sure all residents are welcomed to the meeting on Wednesday, November 9 at the Graham & Parks School as well as hosting one more meeting within three weeks and report back to the City Council with any recommendations for this and future projects no later than January 29, 2023.

Final Amended Version (w/amendments by Toner, Zondervan, Mallon, Nolan):
O-1     Nov 7, 2022  Nov 14, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The recent change of part of Garden Street from a two-way to a one-way street has caused concerns about overflow and cut-through traffic on neighboring side streets; and
WHEREAS: Four community meetings and an in-person community open house were held ahead of implementation, and a fifth was held on November 9, 2022, with more community meetings to follow, yet many residents were not aware of these changes until implemented; and
WHEREAS: The Traffic and Transportation Department is continuing to monitor the situation, including via traffic counting and other methods and will conduct at least two more listening sessions on Tuesday, November 29 at 6:30pm and Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00pm and will need some time to analyze and process the data and feedback it receives; and
WHEREAS: Many residents at the November 9th meeting and through emails to the City Council have offered many thoughtful ideas for ameliorating the negative impact making Garden Street a one-way has had on neighboring side streets, including, but not limited to, restoring the section of Garden Street from Bond to Huron as two-way for automobile traffic and improving traffic calming and signage on Walker Street to improve safety and reduce traffic flow; and
WHEREAS: Efforts to address these concerns will not involve removal of separated bike lanes on Garden Street; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and Department of Public Works to meet with and receive input from residents living on the streets in the impacted area to discuss strategies to mitigate and reduce overflow and cut-through traffic, including the aforementioned proposals or other traffic calming or traffic diversion methods, and report back to the Council on any short-term recommendations no later than December 19, 2022; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to provide a final report on how the concerns are being addressed no later than March 27, 2023.

ON THE TABLE
2. Policy Order Seeking Development Analysis. [Charter Right – McGovern, Oct 17, 2022; Tabled Oct 24, 2022] (PO22#267)
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

O-3     Oct 17, 2022  Charter Right - McGovern (Oct 17); Amended and Tabled 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.

Final Amended Version:
O-3     Oct 17, 2022  Nov 14, 2022
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 well-being 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; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to provide a comprehensive list of current Cambridge policies that impact the cost of local commercial and residential development and those that are known to be in the pipeline to note whether similar policies exist in the neighboring cities of Boston and Somerville, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
3. 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)

4. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Reevaluation of Housing Contribution Rate, Incentive Zoning Petition, Section 11.202 (d) of Article 11.000 entitled SPECIAL REGULATIONS, Ordinance #2022-18, as amended. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 31, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Nov 21, 2022] (ORD22#18)

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Daniel Brennan representing Life Alive Organic Cafe, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 22 JFK Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and proof of abutters mailing has been provided. (AP22#54)
Order Adopted 9-0

2. An application was received from Matt Hayes, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 55 Raymond 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. (AP22#55)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Abigail Donohoe, regarding: Garden Street Impacting Walk to School. (Nov 7)

2. A communication was received from Alex Dias, regarding the Garden Street conversion. (Nov 8)

3. A communication was received from Ali Sullo, regarding the Garden Street conversion to one-way. (Nov 3)

4. A communication was received from Ali Sullo, regarding the Garden Street conversion to one-way. (Nov 3)

5. A communication was received from Alice Wolf, regarding the policy order regarding Garden Street. (Nov 4)

6. A communication was received from Alison Anna Bensted, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

7. A communication was received from Ann Neczypor, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

8. A communication was received from Arlene Chung, regarding the Garden Street conversion. (Nov 7)

9. A communication was received from Arlene Chung, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

10. A communication was received from Candace Young, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

11. A communication was received from Carol Weinhaus, regarding support of Policy Order #282 regarding traffic changes. (Nov 4)

12. A communication was received from Carole Lee, regarding Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

13. A communication was received from Catalina Arboleda, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

14. A communication was received from Cynthia A. McNulty, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

15. A communication was received from D. R. Biba, regarding support Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

16. A communication was received from Dana Tighe, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

17. A communication was received from Dane Walther, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

18. A communication was received from Diana Yousef-Martinek, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

19. A communication was received from Diane Reposa, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

20. A communication was received from Doreen Kelly-Carney, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

21. A communication was received from Liz and Peter Robinson, regarding support of the Garden Street protected bike lanes. (Nov 6)

22. A communication was received from Elizabeth Green, regarding the Garden/Concord traffic changes. (Nov 4)

23. A communication was received from Elizabeth Houghteling, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

24. A communication was received from Frank and Sam Reece, regarding support for policy order regarding traffic flow on Garden Street. (Nov 4)

25. A communication was received from Franklin A. Reece, regarding posting a new “Speed Limit 20” sign at the beginning of Walker, etc. (Nov 7)

26. A communication was received from Hurst Hannum and Ann Hannum, regarding Policy Order #282 and Garden Street. (Nov 6)

27. A communication was received from Jack Silversin, regarding Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

28. A communication was received from James Bertram, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

29. A communication was received from Janelle Smart and Mark Fisher, regarding the Policy Order regarding traffic flow on Garden Street. (Nov 6)

30. A communication was received from Jeffrey D. Miller, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

31. A communication was received from Jeffrey D. Peterson, regarding Garden Street as a one-way street. (Nov 7)

32. A communication was received from Jennifer Payette, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

33. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

34. A communication was received from Joe Adiletta, regarding follow-up on Garden Street conversion. (Nov 4)

35. A communication was received from John Martin, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

36. A communication was received from Judith D. Singer, regarding support for the policy order regarding traffic flow on Garden Street. (Nov 4)

37. A communication was received from Karen Davis, regarding the policy order regarding traffic flow on Garden Street. (Nov 6)

38. A communication was received from Karen Davis, regarding support for the policy order regarding traffic flow on Garden Street. (Nov 6)

39. A communication was received from Karen Falb, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

40. A communication was received from Kathleen Dutra, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

41. A communication was received from Laurence Lesser, regarding support for the policy order regarding traffic flow on Garden Street. (Nov 4)

42. A communication was received from Lawrence G. Cetrulo, regarding ignoring citizen’s rights. (Nov 4)

43. A communication was received from Lawrence Hartmann, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

44. A communication was received from Lisa Berkman, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

45. A communication was received from Liz Goodfellow, regarding Garden Street. (Nov 4)

46. A communication was received from Liza Bingham, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

47. A communication was received from Marcelo Marchetti, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

48. A communication was received from Marjorie Hilton, regarding input about the effect of the Garden Street change. (Nov 7)

49. A communication was received from Mark Steffen, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

50. A communication was received from Marti Taub, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

51. A communication was received from Mary Anne Carlson, regarding Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

52. A communication was received from Mary Ellen Wynn, regarding Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

53. A communication was received from Mary Jane Komacki, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

54. A communication was received from Michael Meltsner, regarding reversing the Garden Street change. (Nov 4)

55. A communication was received from Nan Soule, regarding follow-up on Garden Street conversion. (Nov 3)

56. A communication was received from Patricia Harris and David Lyon, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

57. A communication was received from Richard Macnair, regarding the traffic pattern changes on Garden Street. (Nov 7)

58. A communication was received from Rob Everts, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

59. A communication was received from Sam Reece, regarding frustration with traffic flow on Garden and Walker streets. (Nov 7)

60. A communication was received from Sarah Rainwater Ward, regarding Garden Street concerns and support for Policy Order. (Nov 7)

61. A communication was received from Shellburne Thurber, regarding the change to Garden Street. (Nov 4)

62. A communication was received from Stephanie Berk and Charlie Welch, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

63. A communication was received from Steve Adeff, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

64. A communication was received from Steven Seeche, regarding urgent interim need on Garden Street and support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

65. A communication was received from Stu Rosner and Lisa Ziegler, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 4)

66. A communication was received from Susan Reed, regarding Garden Street project feedback. (Nov 7)

67. A communication was received from Tania Maxwell and Chris Osborne, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

68. A communication was received from Vickey Bestor, regarding Policy Order #282 traffic over-flow from Garden Street. (Nov 5)

69. A communication was received from Virginia Coleman, regarding Policy Order #282. (Nov 5)

70. A communication was received from Michael McIntosh, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

71. A communication was received from Sharon Mombru, regarding Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

72. A communication was received from John Pitkin, regarding Policy Order #282. (Nov 7)

73. A communication was received from Jonathan Haber, regarding the Garden Street improvement project. (Nov 7)

74. A communication was received from Frank and Sam Reece, regarding: Walker Street Proud. (Nov 7)

75. A communication was received from Annette LaMond and Joseph Moore, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 6)

76. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding the Garden Street conversion. (Nov 8)

77. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding: TPT has failed to do its job. (Nov 8)

78. A communication was received from Jonathan Dutch, regarding support for Policy Order #282. (Nov 8)

79. A communication was received from Lawrence G. Cetrulo, regarding: Cambridge to Consider Banning “Right on Red” at all its Intersections. (Nov 8)

80. A communication was received from Alex Dias, regarding: No Turn on Red. (Nov 8)

81. A communication was received from Barbara Bliss, regarding the Garden Street conversion. (Nov 8)

82. A communication was received from Julie Ingelfinger, regarding the Garden Street traffic change issues. (Nov 9)

83. A communication was received from Carol Lee Rawn and Tim Mackey, regarding strong support for Garden Street protected bike lanes. (Nov 9)

84. A communication was received from Patrick Snyder, regarding Garden Street bike lanes. (Nov 9)

85. A communication was received from Tracy Barbaro, regarding Garden Street bike lanes. (Nov 9)

86. A communication was received from Natalie Le, regarding policy recommendation on reducing congestion on Walker Street. (Nov 9)

87. A communication was received from Chris Dornin, regarding the Garden Street bike lanes. (Nov 9)

RESOLUTIONS
1. Welcome to Hot Chix.   Vice Mayor Mallon

2. Congratulations to Maura Healey.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Adopted 8-0-1 (QZ - Absent)

3. Congratulations to Andrea Campbell.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Simmons; Adopted 8-0-1 (QZ - Absent)

4. Thanking Firefighter Menard, the Department of Public Health and The Cambridge Fire Department for Willing to go the Extra Mile to Ensure the Health of Its Residents.   Councillor Toner

5. Resolution on the death of Patricia “Patty” A. (Gately) Ferolito.   Councillor Toner

ORDERS
1. Improved Marketing for Green Plus Cambridge Community Electricity.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (PO22#289)
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to extend the Outdoor Dining Policy and continue to allow winter outdoor dining as has been the case in the last two years.   Councillor Zondervan (PO22#290)
pulled by Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0


3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to consider extending the current reduced fee schedule for another year and to report on this matter by Nov 30, 2022.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (PO22#291)
Order Adopted 9-0


COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee met on Oct 25, 2022, to discuss potential changes to the City Council Rules. [text of report]
Present: Mallon, Nolan (late), Simmons (remote), Toner (remote)
Also Present: Zondervan
Absent: Carlone
Moved to Unfinished Business 9-0

The Committee voted favorable to recommend several amendments to the Rules of the City Council related to Rule 15, Rule 21(resulting in Rule 21, 21A and 21B), Rule 22, Rule 24B, Rule 24C.1b, Rule 27-Economic Development and University Relations Committee, Rule 27-Housing Committee, Rule 27-Civic Unity Committee, Rule 32 (adding new Rule 32D), Rule 38.8, and adding a new Rule 40.1. The Committee also voted favorably to replace “he” and “she” with gender neutral language.

Rule 36B. No amendments or additions to the rules may be enacted until at least seven days have elapsed from the date of the submission of the proposed changes or additions and require a majority vote of the entire membership of the City Council.

Each proposed amendment to the Rules will appear as a separate Policy Order on the next City Council Agenda.

2. Health & Environment Committee [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] - Oct 28, 2022, 9:00am [text of report]
Present: Nolan, Carlone, McGovern, Zondervan (remote, late)
Absent: Azeem
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Diane P. LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF22#136)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF22#137)
Placed on File 9-0

3. A communication was received from Councillor Marc McGovern, transmitting Healthy Children Task Force Speak Up, Speak Out event notification. (COF22#138)
Placed on File 9-0

HEARING SCHEDULE
[Sullivan Chamber & Zoom unless otherwise noted]

Mon, Nov 14
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

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

Tues, Nov 22
12:30pm   The Economic Development and University Relations Committee will conduct a public meeting to receive an update on the BEUDO amendments from the Community Development Department and a discussion of the environmental and economic impact of BEUDO on residential, business and academic properties/communities.
3:00pm   The Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the City Manager’s Annual Evaluation process.

Mon, Nov 28
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Tues, Nov 29
2:00pm   The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public meeting to discuss the unhoused population in Cambridge and uptick in substance use in Central Square.

Wed, Nov 30
1:00pm   The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public meeting to receive and update on the latest recommendations from the Alewife Zoning Working Group.

Mon, Dec 5
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Tues, Dec 6
1:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the City Council to amend Article 22.000, Section 22.25.1, Paragraph (c) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge.
3:00pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to continue the discussion of Banning Limited Services Pregnancy Centers, Ordinance #2022-16.

Wed, Dec 7
1:00pm   Joint meeting of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee and the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee to review and discuss the attached proposed zoning petition regarding lab use.

Mon, Dec 12
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

Wed, Dec 14
12:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the City Council to amend Article 10.000, Section 10.12 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge.
1:30pm   The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by Suzanne Blier, et al., to amend Section 20.54.9.
3:00pm   The Public Safety Committee is holding a public meeting to discuss the implementation of the new Community Safety Department and integration with HEART.

Mon, Dec 19
5:30pm   City Council Meeting

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Nov 14, 2022  Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TONER

WHEREAS: Since 2017 the Cambridge Community Electricity program (CCE) has brought the benefits of additional renewable energy in the form of new local solar projects, increased demand for local Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and reduced electricity rates to its residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS: CCE is a key part of the city’s sustainability and climate efforts and basic service rate payers can opt in to the 100% Green Plus option, or be automatically enrolled in the Standard Green option (unless they opt out explicitly), both less expensive than Eversource Basic Service Rates on average so far over the length of the program, although not guaranteed, with prices locked in through December 2023, and since 2017 CCE customers in aggregate have saved over $20 million on their electricity bills compared to Eversource; and
WHEREAS: The city is actively implementing long standing recommendations of the community, the Climate Protection Action Committee, and the Climate Crisis Working Group to improve the program to have higher renewable content, preferably 100% renewables in the default (opt out) Standard Green option; and
WHEREAS: Competing companies offering electricity supply alternatives target residents with slick marketing materials that can prove confusing to people who are not aware of the city’s 100% renewable option in the CCE; and
WHEREAS: Approximately 40,000 electricity customers power their homes and businesses with CCE, yet only approximately 5% are 100% Green Plus members who get 100% of their electricity from local renewable sources, and the City should be making more efforts to increase the percentage of customers enrolled in 100% Green Plus; and
WHEREAS: The City Council wants the City to improve its communication methods and increase marketing efforts to increase participation in the CCE 100% renewable option in order to meet our climate goals, help residents save money and increase the demand for RECs; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with relevant departments including the Community Development Department on setting a goal for participation in Green Plus and how to improve marketing and communication efforts for the CCE program and consider door to door outreach, and mailings which have been effective for other efforts to be sent to all Cambridge CCE participants marketing the 100% renewable option; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council by end of 2022 on the status of the mailer and the enhanced communication strategy.

O-2     Nov 14, 2022
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: Outdoor dining will end on November 30 and restaurants will be required to remove all patio-related items at that time as outlined in the 2022-23 Outdoor Dining Policy; and
WHEREAS: The 2022-23 Outdoor Dining Policy also states that “the City will be evaluating extending the outdoor dining season to determine the future of winter outdoor dining in the public way”; and
WHEREAS: We have seen that outdoor dining remains popular beyond November 30 as people seek safer outdoor options for socializing amidst seasonal spikes in cases of COVID and the flu; and
WHEREAS: Small business owners have not been required to deconstruct their setups in the two previous winters as outdoor dining was extended both times, and there are many financial and logistical challenges associated with deconstruction, including (but not limited to) storage; and
WHEREAS: Deconstruction would cause substantial lost economic opportunity for small businesses, particularly through the holiday season; and
WHEREAS: Continuing the outdoor dining season would be a win-win-win for residents, business owners, and the city; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to extend the Outdoor Dining Policy and continue to allow winter outdoor dining as has been the case in the last two years; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on this matter ahead of the current end date of November 30, 2022, in accordance with the 2022-23 Outdoor Dining Policy.


O-3     Nov 14, 2022
COUNCILLOR TONER
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge reduced its required fees for permits and licenses to support our business community through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: We are continuing to see the negative impact of the pandemic on our community, and our business community continues to struggle with a variety of factors in seeking to maintain their viability; and
WHEREAS: The City is scheduled to increase fees for permits and licenses to pre-pandemic levels this month; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate departments to consider extending the current reduced fee schedule for another year; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report on this matter by November 30, 2022.


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.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-8) from 6/28/2021
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 24, 2022 City Council meeting]

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.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 4/25/2022
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 24, 2022 City Council meeting]

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
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 3, 2022 City Council meeting]

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.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem (O-6) from 8/1/2022
[Note: There was a response to this at the Oct 24, 2022 City Council meeting]

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

22-59. 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 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.  See Mgr #3 and Mgr #4
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

22-77. Report on reviewing the proposed language for Ordinance #2022-18, as amended in Committee and report their findings.
Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/31/2022