Cambridge City Council meeting - November 18, 2019 - AGENDA
[Kelley - ABSENT; Simmons via Phone (due to surgery)]
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a new member of the Conservation Commission for a term of three years, effective Nov 18, 2019: Erum Sattar
Placed on File
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following person as a new member of the Conservation Commission for a term of three years, effective Nov 18, 2019:
Erum Sattar
Ms. Sattar has been a resident of West Cambridge for the past 10 years and is excited to volunteer for the Conservation Commission. She is currently an Adjunct Lecturer at Tufts University - Institute of Environmental and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy teaching in the Masters in Sustainable Water Management Program. Ms. Sattar has a doctorate in Law from Harvard Law School. She is deeply interested in matters of water management for sustainable development. Additionally, Ms. Sattar is knowledgeable of the Wetlands Protection Act.Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as new members of the Cambridge Immigrant Rights Commission for a term of three years, effective Nov 18, 2019: Tsamchoe Dolma, Ashebir Gezmu, Aleksandra Ibrahimi, Subandha Karmacharya, Ana Mejia
Placed on File
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the appointment of the following new members of the Cambridge Immigrant Rights Commission for a term of three years, effective Nov 18, 2019:
Tsamchoe Dolma
Ms. Dolma, a 15-year resident of Cambridge, came to the US as an asylee from Nepal, and has spent the last twelve years as an Admissions Officer at Harvard Medical School, assisting applicants from immigrant and minority backgrounds to navigate the admissions process. While working at Harvard, Ms. Dolma obtained her Master’s in Liberal Arts, with a focus on strategic management, at Harvard Extension School. In addition to her work and studies, Ms. Dolma volunteered at Project Literacy, tutoring non-native speakers to improve their reading, writing and conversational English skills; volunteered at McHaffey & Associates, an immigration law firm, translating interviews and visa forms for immigrants seeking legal status in the US.; and facilitated various events for the “Harvard for Nepal” initiative to create awareness and raise funds for relief and reconstruction work following the 2015, 7.8 magnitude earthquake. Ms. Dolma is fluent in English, Hindi, Nepali and Tibetan.Ashebir Gezmu
Mr. Gezmu is a 15-year resident of Cambridge, following his emigration from Ethiopia. In addition to his work as a taxi driver in Cambridge, Mr. Gezmu is very involved in community groups supporting the Ethiopian community, helping folks secure housing, work and educational opportunities, navigate cultural differences and understand expectations regarding civic behavior in the U.S. Mr. Gezmu volunteers as an Amharic newscaster at Abugida Ethiopian American Television Network, and produces documentary video exploring the political, social and economic life of Ethiopians. Mr. Gezmu assists the Ethiopian community with translations (Amharic) and hopes his work with CIRC will enable him to bring his community more fully into Cambridge civic life.Aleksandra Ibrahimi
Ms. Ibrahimi, an 8-year resident of Cambridge, is a staff assistant with Donor Services at Harvard Law School. Prior to her work at HLS, Ms. Ibrahimi worked at the International Catholic Migration Commission as a development associate, and at MIT as an Administrative Assistant in the Alumni Education and Career Programs Office. In addition to her work, Ms. Ibrahimi has volunteered at refugee centers helping with English classes and employment resources. Ms. Ibrahimi, an immigrant to the US, expressed her gratitude for the many resources and services available to immigrants in Cambridge and was excited about the possibility of working to advance awareness of the work of CIRC and the many resources available to immigrants in Cambridge.Subandha Karmacharya
Ms. Karmacharya, a 15-year resident of Cambridge, arrived as an immigrant from Nepal and currently works as an Administrative Assistant/Receptionist for the City of Cambridge in the Housing Division of the Community Development Department, assisting immigrant applicants with their housing applications. Ms. Ibrahimi experienced Cambridge’s immigrant supports when her family migrated to the US, through financial assistance for her sister’s pre-school, employment support for her father in building a resume, assistance in purchasing an affordable condominium, and the support of the Cambridge Works program in helping her move from food service to office work. Ms. Ibrahimi is very motivated to support the work of CIRC and to help expand public awareness of the many programs available for immigrants in Cambridge.Ana Mejia
Ms. Mejia, long-time Cambridge resident and an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, worked as a Social Worker for the Commonwealth, and as a bilingual and mono-lingual teacher in the Boston Public Schools for many years. She was a co-founder of the Community Academy, a school for non-traditional students, and served as a middle school girls soccer coach. She has Masters in Remedial Education from Cambridge College and a Masters in Bilingual Education from Boston University. Ms. Mejia has volunteered on the Board of Directors at the Haymarket Peoples Fund (Jamaica Plain) and with the Cambridge Women’s Commission, the Affirmative Action Committee and for the CEOC. Ms. Mejia hopes to expand awareness of CIRC among Spanish-speaking communities about the work of CIRC and Cambridge resources for immigrants.Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following person as a new member of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a term of three years, effective Nov 18, 2019: Kaileigh Callender
Placed on File
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby transmitting notification of the following person as a new member of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a term of three years, effective Nov 18, 2019:
Kaileigh Callender
Ms. Callendar, a Cambridge resident and third generation Cantabrigian, is an Associate Attorney with Goulston & Storrs, where she has worked for three+ years. A graduate of Boston University Law School and Brown University, Ms. Callender is a civil litigator, who has worked on employment discrimination matters as part of her caseload. Prior to law school, Ms. Callender worked in direct services to vulnerable populations, including as an intensive care coordinator at the Home for Little Wanderers, where she served as an advocate for children with mental health issues. As part of her Pro Bono practice, Ms. Callender has worked on an asylum claim on behalf of an unaccompanied minor; achieved resettlement for a family fleeing violence, through the International Refugee Assistance Program; and has worked on an appeal of an adverse decision from the Boston Housing Authority. Ms. Callender is dedicated to youth and other vulnerable populations and has a strong compassion for the neediest in the Cambridge community.Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
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 $12,000 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to supplement fuel assistance payments.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with comments and suggested improvements, the CambridgeSide Galleria Associates Trust Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with comments and suggested improvements, the CambridgeSide Galleria Associates Trust Zoning Petition. I previously transmitted this document to you and the City Clerk on Thurs, Nov 7, 2019 in advance of the Ordinance Committee meeting scheduled for Nov 14th on this matter.
As I indicated in my email on Nov 7th, I am transmitting the Planning Board recommendation on my agenda for the City Council meeting of Nov 18, 2019 for referral to the Petition.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
6. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,475,844.18 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund which will be used to fund specific future projects, requiring individual appropriations by the City Council at a later date.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $4,475,844.18 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund. During FY19, the City received mitigation revenues from various developers as a result of commitments related to zoning ordinance amendments and special permit conditions. By law, all mitigation revenues must be deposited into the General Fund and can only be appropriated after the Free Cash Certification is complete.
Therefore, the $4,475,844.18 appropriated to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund is the only appropriation from Free Cash attributed to Mitigation and will be used to fund specific future projects, which will require individual appropriations by the City Council at a later date.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY20 Local Cultural Council grant made by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) in the amount of to the Arts Council in the amount of $27,600 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to support the Arts Council’s Artist Grant Program through which financial grants will be made to support individual artists, creative partnerships, and to arts organizations doing work in Cambridge and for local audiences.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY20 Mass Cultural Council Cultural Investment Portfolio grant made by the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) in the amount of $4,120 to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts Council) Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to provide operating support for administration and programming costs.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY20 MOVA Victim Services Training Grant for $5,050 received from the Victim and Witness Assistance Board through the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will provide funding to the “Trauma-Informed Approaches to Law Enforcement” training in collaboration with the Cambridge Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Prevention Initiative.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Exterior Building Insulation Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Exterior Building Insulation Zoning Petition.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt Article 22 Green Building Requirements Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:Please find attached a Planning Board recommendation to adopt Article 22 Green Building Requirements Zoning Petition.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to the following ordinance: and proposed amendments to Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code (the “Fair Housing Ordinance”). Fair Housing (passed to a 2nd reading) [AWAITING HOME RULE LEGISLATION-BEFORE PROPOSAL CAN BE ORDAINED]
2. 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]
3. A petition was received from Stephan Bardige et al, regarding amending the Municipal Code, Title 2, Chapter 2.78.090 subparagraph E and I by changing six months to twelve months twice in each paragraph to permit the Cambridge Historical Commission to delay the issuance of a demolition permit for twelve months. [PASSED TO A 2ND READING NOV 4, 2019 AND BEFORE THE COUNCIL FOR ORDINATION]
Ordained 8-0-1 (Kelley ABSENT)
4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the creation of a new municipal Renewable Energy and Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Reduction Revolving Fund (“Revolving Fund”) to serve the City of Cambridge’s (“City”) municipal energy aggregation, and adoption of the proposed new ordinance, Chapter 3.24, entitled “Departmental Revolving Funds.” [PASSED TO A 2ND READING NOV 4, 2019 AND BEFORE THE COUNCIL FOR ORDINATION]
Ordained 8-0-1 (Kelley ABSENT)
APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application was received from Violette Bakers, requesting permission for an A-Framed sign in front of the premises numbered 1786 Massachusetts Avenue.
Order Adopted 7-1-1 (Carlone - NO; Kelley - ABSENT)
2. An application was received from New England Wax Enterprises, LLC, requesting permission for an A-Frame sign in front of the premises numbered 1868 Massachusetts Avenue.
Order Adopted 7-1-1 (Carlone - NO; Kelley - ABSENT)
3. An application was received from Blick Art Materials, LLC, requesting permission for an A-Frame sign in front of the premises numbered 619 Massachusetts Avenue.
Order Adopted 7-1-1 (Carlone - NO; Kelley - ABSENT)
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from John Natale, Sciarappa Street, regarding the longest running parking scam in Cambridge.
2. A communication was received from Antonia Luu, regarding bicycle safety.
3. A communication was received from Peter Valentine, regarding the Source and making the Earth immortal.
4. A communication was received from Robert J. La Tremouille, regarding City Council Destruction of Cambridge Tree Canopy Proceeds - Magazine Beach - ELECTION DAY.
5. An anonymous communication was received, regarding financials for the CambridgeSide Galleria.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Welcome Cynthia Shelton Harris to the City of Cambridge. Councillor Simmons
2. Happy Birthday wishes to Hewig “Hedy” Pocius. Councillor Simmons
3. Congratulations to Rebecca Rutenberg and Bradley St. Amand on their recent marriage. Councillor Simmons
4. Resolution on the death of Ridgely Howard "Jake" Duvall. Vice Mayor Devereux
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is hereby requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to delay trash collection on Lexington Avenue, Lakeview Avenue and Standish Street until after 9:00am to alleviate traffic congestion in the area prior to the start of the Tobin school day, and to ensure on-time school bus schedules on Tuesdays. Councillor Mallon
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to fully restore sharrows to Broadway, alongside the new door-zone bike lane, as a reminder to motorists that cyclists are always allowed to take the full lane. Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
3. That the City Council go on record condemning former Attorney General Sessions’ decision in Matter of A-B-, and recognizing the decision as a shameful attempt to eviscerate protections for women, children, LGBTQ+ people, and families fleeing harrowing violence. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
4. Amending Call of Roundtable/Working Group Meeting. Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
5. That the City Manager be requested to have the City Solicitor report back to the City Council about (1) whether the City must file a home rule petition to require that lobbyists register with the city and disclose campaign contributions to municipal officials, (2) whether the City must file a home rule petition to limit donations from non-residents who have business pending before the council; and (3) reiterate the Council's previous request to form a task force to explore public financing for municipal elections, particularly focused on vouchers and matching donations. Vice Mayor Devereux
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Kelley - ABSENT)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. A report from Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee, for a public meeting held on Nov 13, 2019 to discuss the Solicitor's Response to Policy Order O-9 from the June 10, 2019 City Council Meeting.
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Order #5 Adopted
ORDER - Vice Mayor Devereux
That the City Manager be requested to have the City Solicitor report back to the City Council about (1) whether the City must file a home rule petition to require that lobbyists register with the city and disclose campaign contributions to municipal officials, (2) whether the City must file a home rule petition to limit donations from non-residents who have business pending before the council; and (3) reiterate the Council's previous request to form a task force to explore public financing for municipal elections, particularly focused on vouchers and matching donations.
2. A report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Nov 12, 2019 at 12pm to discuss Green Building requirements A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Section 22.20, which governs Green Building Requirements, and also applicable definitions contained in Article 2.000.
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Passed to 2nd Reading
A. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Section 22.20, which governs Green Building Requirements, and also applicable definitions contained in Article 2.000.
3. A report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Nov 12, 2019 to discuss the Insulation Zoning proposal A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Article 5.000 and Article 22.000 pertaining to setback requirements and exterior building insulation.
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Passed to 2nd Reading
A. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Article 5.000 and Article 22.000 pertaining to setback requirements and exterior building insulation.
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor McGovern, transmitting Cambridge Girlx in Sports Working Group.
Placed on File
2. A communication was received from Mayor McGovern, transmitting Notice for Special Meeting on City Council 11/26/19 Re: New PUD-8 District.
Placed on File
HEARING SCHEDULE
Thurs, Nov 14
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to continue discussions on the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Mon, Nov 18
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Wed, Nov 20
11:00am The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will meet to discuss Policy Order #7, regarding Open meeting law review and Policy Order #11, regarding Council Budget- Private Attorney. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss restrictions and opportunities the City has when working with bargaining units to implement new policies. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Mon, Nov 25
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Tues, Nov 26
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct public hearings on the City Council petition on an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance entitled “Shared Mobility Zoning”. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to continue discussions on the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Mon, Dec 2
5:30pm Joint Roundtable/Working Meeting for members of the City Council and School Committee to discuss the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program Study Regular. No Public Comment; no votes. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Tues, Dec 3
12:00pm The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss the following policy order: An amendment to Chapter 2.128 Surveillance Ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
3:00pm The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will meet to discuss the City Manager's report on the Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Wed, Dec 4
2:00pm The Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss snow removal. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will meet to continue discussions on the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Mon, Dec 9
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Tues, Dec 10
3:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition to amend Articles 2.00 and 4.32 of the zoning Ordinance regarding Mobile Fueling. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
5:00pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a refiled petition to the amend the Zoning Ordinance to add a Grand Junction Pathway Overlay. (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Wed, Dec 11
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Harvard Square Zoning Petition View the petition here: Harvard Square Zoning Petition (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Mon, Dec 16
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Mon, Dec 23
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
Mon, Dec 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber – televised)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 18, 2019
COUNCILLOR MALLON
WHEREAS: Access to the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper Schools by school buses as well as parents and caregivers are limited by just a few one-way streets in West Cambridge at school drop off time; Lakeview Avenue, Lexington Avenue and Standish Street; and
WHEREAS: It is difficult for both school buses and vehicles to drop students off at the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper Schools on Tuesdays, trash collection day, as the major routes to the school are often partially blocked by a trash collection vehicle; and
WHEREAS: Significant delays of school buses can negatively affect the rest of the school bus schedule as the Tobin Montessori School day starts at 7:55am and the Vassal Lane Upper School day starts at 8:55am; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to delay trash collection on Lexington Avenue, Lakeview Avenue and Standish Street until after 9:00am to alleviate traffic congestion in the area prior to the start of the school day, and to ensure on-time school bus schedules on Tuesdays.
O-2 Nov 18, 2019 Amended
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
WHEREAS: It has come to the attention of the City Council that the painted sharrows on Broadway were recently obfuscated with a painted door-zone bike lane; and
WHEREAS: Broadway is a highly utilized thoroughfare and an essential bike connector between the Longfellow Bridge, Kendall Square, and Harvard Square; and
WHEREAS: Painted sharrows serve as a reminder that cyclists are allowed to take the full lane at any time, on any right of way, regardless of what painted markings or infrastructure might be in place; and
WHEREAS: The new painted door-zone bike lane is intended to improve the safety and comfort of cyclists, but many users continue to opt to take the full lane in the absence of a legitimate protected bike lane, which can evoke hostility from motorists who expect bikes to stay in the striped lane; and
WHEREAS: Painting sharrows in the middle of the roadway, next to the door-zone bike lane, would remind motorists that many cyclists will continue to legally take the full lane on Broadway; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to fully restore sharrows to Broadway, alongside the new door-zone bike lane, as a reminder to motorists that cyclists are always allowed to take the full lane; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the Council on this matter before the end of the year.
O-3 Nov 18, 2019
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City Council has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to protecting our immigrant communities, and has a long history and proud legacy of leading the fight to advance women’s rights and combat gender-based violence; and
WHEREAS: On June 11, 2018, Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a sweeping decision in the asylum case Matter of A-B- (27 I&N Dec. 316 (A.G. 2018)), involving a domestic violence survivor from El Salvador; and
WHEREAS: In his decision, then-Attorney General Sessions declared that asylum seekers presenting claims based on domestic violence will “generally” no longer qualify for relief, vacating the Board of Immigration Appeals’ landmark decision in Matter of AR-C-G- (26 I&N Dec. 388 (BIA 2014)), which had recognized domestic violence as a basis for asylum; and
WHEREAS: In Grace v. Whitaker (344 F. Supp. 3d 96 (D.D.C. 2018)), the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found the heightened standards articulated by Sessions in Matter of A-B- to be inconsistent with existing legal precedents and congressional intent behind the Refugee Act of 1980, holding that there can be no blanket rule barring domestic violence asylum claims; and
WHEREAS: Although the Grace decision has halted the implementation of Matter of A-B- in initial credible fear proceedings, the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice have instructed adjudicators that Matter of A-B- must continue to be used in deciding asylum claims on their merits; and
WHEREAS: The majority of women and girls seeking asylum at the U.S. southern border hail from the Northern Triangle countries of Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras; and
WHEREAS: Rates of femicide (gender-motivated killings of women) in the Northern Triangle are among the highest in the world, and this decision has put countless women, children, LGBTQ+ people, and families seeking asylum in the U.S. at heightened risk of removal to perilous situations; and
WHEREAS: United Nations guidance and international law reflect that domestic violence can form the basis of asylum protection when all other elements of the refugee definition are met; and
WHEREAS: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has asserted that the Matter of A-B- ruling stands at odds with the United States’ international treaty obligations by creating a high barrier to women fleeing domestic violence; and
WHEREAS: The Matter of A-B- decision does not reflect the values or spirit of Cambridge or the United States and must be reversed at the earliest possible opportunity; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record condemning former Attorney General Sessions’ decision in Matter of A-B-, and recognizing the decision as a shameful attempt to eviscerate protections for women, children, LGBTQ+ people, and families fleeing harrowing violence; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record calling on the U.S. Department of Justice to rescind the Matter of A-B- decision, and urging Cambridge’s Congressional Delegation to enact laws that address these issues and restore justice and fairness to our asylum system; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to members of Cambridge’s Congressional Delegation and U.S. Attorney General William Barr on behalf of the entire City Council.
O-4 Nov 18, 2019
MAYOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
COUNCILLOR MALLON
ORDERED: That the call to the Joint Roundtable/Working Meeting scheduled for December 2, 2019, for the purpose of discussing the “Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program Study,” be amended to include a presentation from City staff and contractors on the Tobin Montessori & Vassal Lane Upper Schools project to begin at 7:30pm; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager is requested to direct appropriate City Department staff to ensure that the full Roundtable/Working Meeting be televised and recorded.
O-5 Nov 18, 2019
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
ORDERED: That the City Manager be requested to have the City Solicitor report back to the City Council about (1) whether the City must file a home rule petition to require that lobbyists register with the city and disclose campaign contributions to municipal officials, (2) whether the City must file a home rule petition to prohibit donations from non-residents with business before the Council and limit donations from residents with business before the Council; and (3) reiterate the Council's previous request to form a task force to explore public financing for municipal elections, particularly focused on vouchers and matching donations.
TEXT OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Report #1
The Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee held a public hearing on Nov 13, 2019 beginning at 12pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
Present: Devereux, Zondervan, Siddiqui
Absent: Simmons, Toomey
Government Operations Committee meeting to discuss the City Solicitor's response to Council Order No. O-9 of June 10, 2019
Vice Mayor Devereux opened the meeting at 12:07pm.
Vice Mayor Devereux gave an explanation of the history and aims of the order. She stated that Boston recently passed an ordinance about municipal lobbying and contributions.
Solicitor Glowa summarized the substance of the written opinion that she provided to the committee. The written opinion is attached to these minutes. Solicitor Glowa stated that she would like more information from the Committee about what to include in a proposed ordinance.
Vice Mayor Devereux stated that she was interested in following the municipal lobbying model in Boston.
Councillor Siddiqui stated she would like more clarity on the goals of a proposed ordinance.
Councillor Zondervan stated that the conversation covers three areas: municipally financed elections, the registration of lobbyist and disclosure of donations, and limiting donations from individuals with business before the City Council (?pay to play?). He confirmed with Solicitor Glowa that she is looking for more information from the Council about the policy direction that they would like to pursue.
Vice Mayor Devereux stated that in July the Council requested that the City Manager form a task force to examine municipally financed elections. She stated that based on her knowledge the task force has not yet been formed and that some of these issues may need to be added to the task force's agenda.
Councillor Siddiqui expressed an interest in finding concrete actions for the Council to take about campaign finance related issues.
Councillor Zondervan stated that it made sense to him that non-resident individuals who appear only to be donating to candidates for business reasons be banned from making donations. He stated that the Council should pursue registering lobbyists, ?pay to play? regulations, and municipally financed elections.
In response to a statement from Councillor Siddiqui, Solicitor Glowa stated the lobbyist registration and limiting campaign donations would be easier to tackle than municipally finance elections as explained in an earlier legal opinion.
Public comment opened at 12:32pm.
Patty Nolan, 184 Huron Avenue, asked if regulating campaign contributions requires a home rule petition.
Solicitor Glowa stated that is easier to contemplate an ordinance that requires individuals conducting business with the city to report any time that they make campaign contributions to municipal officials. She stated that she was not sure if this type of ordinance would need a home rule petition.
Derek Kopon, 8 Wright Street, described some of the complexity of municipally finance elections. He encouraged the committee to go after the low-hanging fruit, which is Councillors who received money from entities that have business pending before the Council.
Public comment closed at 12:38pm.
Vice Mayor Devereux spoke in favor of addressing “pay to play” and other campaign finance issues. She stated that she was unsure how to address the increasing number of Political Action Committees in municipal elections. Vice Mayor Devereux reviewed concerns raised by members of the public about the issues around municipally financed elections.
Councillor Zondervan explained that when candidates run on a slate the Office of Campaign and Political Finance requires that the funds be spent equally amongst the candidates. Councillor Zondervan spoke in support of municipally finance elections. He stated that the City should structure campaign finance limits as a percent of the state's limits. He stated that limits should apply to individuals who have business before the council and are residents of Cambridge and that those who are not residents and have business before the council cannot donate to candidates.
Councillor Zondervan and Vice Mayor Devereux discussed the idea of giving residents vouchers to contribute to candidates.
Public comment reopened 12:52pm.
Mr. Kopon expressed concerns about vouchers possibly benefiting incumbents.
Public comment closed at 12:53pm.
Vice Mayor Devereux and Councillor Zondervan shared their thoughts on ensuring that the voucher system is equitable to non-incumbents.
Vice Mayor Devereux moved to send the following policy order to the City Council:
“That the City Manager be requested to have the City Solicitor report back to the City Council about (1) whether the City must file a home rule petition to require that lobbyists register with the city and disclose campaign contributions to municipal officials, (2) whether the City must file a home rule petition to limit donations from non-residents who have business pending before the council; and (3) reiterate the Council's previous request to form a task force to explore public financing for municipal elections, particularly focused on vouchers and matching donations.”
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
The meeting adjourned at 1:05pm.
1. A communication was received from the City Solicitor, Nancy E. Glowa , transmitting a response to Council Order No. 9 of June 6, 2019 that the City Manager is requested to Instruct the City Solicitor to Draft for Discussion Several Ordinances to reduce or Prohibit Campaign Donations from Donors Seeking to Enter into a Contact, Seeking Approval for a Special Permit or Up-Zoning, Seeking to Acquire Real Estate from the City or Seeking Financial Assistance from the City
RESULT: PLACED ON FILEMeeting meetings and attachments may be viewed here:
http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2545For the Committee,
Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, ChairOrder Nov 18, 2019
VICE MAYOR DEVEREUX
ORDERED: That the City Manager be requested to have the City Solicitor report back to the City Council about (1) whether the City must file a home rule petition to require that lobbyists register with the city and disclose campaign contributions to municipal officials, (2) whether the City must file a home rule petition to limit donations from non-residents who have business pending before the council; and (3) reiterate the Council's previous request to form a task force to explore public financing for municipal elections, particularly focused on vouchers and matching donations.
Committee Report #2
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance – Green Building Requirements beginning at 12pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
Present: Carlone, Devereux, Mallon, Siddiqui, Zondervan
Absent: Kelley, McGovern, Simmons, Toomey
The Ordinance Committee conducted a public hearing on a proposed amendment to Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance – Green Building Requirements.
Councillor Carlone opened the hearing at 12:05pm.
Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, introduced the following members of City staff present at the meeting:
Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor
Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Environmental and Transportation Planning
Seth Federspiel, Sustainability Planner
Jeff Roberts, Zoning Project Planner
Wendell Joseph, Neighborhood Planner
She explained that the staff has prepared a PowerPoint presentation for the committee which is attached to these minutes.
Mr. Federspiel explained how the proposal will help the City meet the goals in the net-zero action plan.
Mr. Roberts explained the existing Green Building standards.
Mr. Joseph explained the benefits of the new standards.
Mr. Roberts explained the changes to the Zoning Ordinance proposed in the petition and why the staff are proposing these changes. He further explained that the Planning board gave the proposal a positive recommendation.
In response to questions from Councillor Zondervan, Mr. Joseph stated that information about Green Building construction-based project size is available on the Community Development Department's dashboard. He stated that a majority of large project meet the gold rating. Mr. Joseph explained that passive house is more stringent than LEED.
In response to questions from Vice Mayor Devereux, Ms. Farooq explained the limitations of the existing regulations and how the petition will fix those limitations.
In response to question from Councillor Mallon, Ms. Farooq explained that Affordable Housing developers have access to certain funding sources for energy efficiency that other projects do not. Energy efficiency will also lower the cost of housing for affordable housing tenants.
In response to a question from Councillor Siddiqui, Ms. Farooq explained the challenges with estimating cost impacts.
Councillor Carlone expressed concerns about having the developer find LEED certified architect because they will find one who is developer friendly. He suggested that the City designate a LEED certified consultant to verify the project, whose fee will be paid by the developer.
Councillor Carlone closed the hearing at 1:20pm.
Vice Mayor Devereux expressed an interest in voting the petition out of the committee.
Councillor Siddiqui moved to send the petition to City Council with a favorable recommendation. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Section 22.20, which governs Green Building Requirements, and also applicable definitions contained in Article 2.000.
RESULT: REFERRED TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION
Meeting adjourned at 1:24pm.
2. A communication was received from Christopher Schmidt, 17 Laurel Street, regarding Green Building Ordinance Proposal
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE3. A presentation was received from the Staff of the Community Development Department regarding Green Buildings and Insulation Zoning.
RESULT: PLACED ON FILE
Documents received at this meeting may be viewed here:
http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2552
For the Committee,
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:Enclosed is a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, which is intended to advance the City’s Net Zero Action Plan. Specifically, the proposed amendment would amend provisions in Section 22.20, which governs Green Building Requirements, and also applicable definitions contained in Article 2.000.
I am pleased to submit this proposed amendment, and request that you accept it as a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance and refer the petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
Committee Report #3
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Nov 12, 2019 beginning at 1:00pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance – Insulation Zoning Proposal Seth Federspiel, Sustainability Planner, gave a presentation explaining that proposal will reduce the emission of existing buildings. The presentation is attached to these minutes.
Present: Carlone, Devereux, Mallon, Siddiqui, Zondervan
Absent: Kelley, McGovern, Simmons, Toomey
Jeffrey Roberts, Zoning Planner, explained the zoning impacts of the petition.
In response to a question from Vice Mayor Devereux, Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, explained that window sills would be widened for building that invoked this provision. Mr. Roberts confirmed that new construction would not be eligible for this provision of the Zoning Ordinance.
In response to a question from Councillor Zondervan, Ms. Farooq confirmed that this provision only applies to projects to add insulation to an existing building. Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor confirmed that the size of the living space of an existing building will not increase under this proposal.
Councillor Carlone stated that a project under this proposal would be a major facade change and thus quite costly.
Councillor Zondervan moved to refer the petition to the City Council with favorable recommendation. The motion passed unanimously.
A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Article 5.000 and Article 22.000 pertaining to setback requirements and exterior building insulation.
RESULT: REFERRED TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A FAVORABLE RECOMMENDATION
The meeting adjourned at 1:55pm.
Documents from this meeting may be viewed here:
http://cambridgema.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2553
For the Committee,
Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair
Nov 18, 2019
To the Honorable, the City Council:Enclosed is a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, which is intended to advance the City’s Net Zero Action Plan. Specifically, the proposed amendment would amend provisions in Article 5.000 and Article 22.000 pertaining to setback requirements and exterior building insulation.
I am pleased to submit this proposed amendment, and request that you accept it as a petition to amend the Zoning Ordinance and refer the petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing and report.
Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-26. Report on the possibility of the City Council implementing a zoning change, on the permitting of all new restaurants where a wood-fired oven is used as a significant method of food preparation. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-5) from 4/4/2016
16-42. Report on plans for the former Riverside Community Health Center on Western Avenue, including transfer of ownership of the building to the City and the process for determining future usage. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern (O-1) from 5/2/2016
16-83. Report on drafting possible legislation and other recommendations for interim actions to identify and address the public health impacts of any commercial wood-fired ovens. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons (Calendar Item #4) from 10/31/2016
16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016
16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016
17-22. Report on the potential growth of next-generation wireless technology in the City, to include: the expected footprint of citywide coverage from just one company and what market competition might produce; the integration of public and private infrastructure to support the network; what local standards the City might hope to maintain relative to aesthetics and safety; and how this new technology fits into our Broadband access plans. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Cheung, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley (O-14) from 2/27/2017
17-87. Report on a schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates clearer wording and/or more clearly explains each section in less technical jargon and is more coherent in its entirety, with the goal of seeing such an Ordinance adopted by the end of this City Council term. On a communication from Councillor Kelley and Councillor Devereux requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux (O-8) from 9/18/2017
18-6. Report on information regarding electronic device usage by City-elected officials.
Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 1/22/2018
18-21. Report on the feasibility of initiating a formal transit study and action plan of the Alewife area in response to unanimous concerns of the Envision Alewife Working Group.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-7) from 2/26/2018
18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018
18-53. Report on an updated schedule for resubmitting a revised draft of the Outdoor Lighting Ordinance that incorporates suggestions from the Light Cambridge Committee by June 11, 2018.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 5/14/2018
18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018
18-66. Report on establishing a Young Adult Civic Unity Committee to be modeled after the Citizen Civic Unity Committee and to recruit applicants from all across the community and across all socio-economic backgrounds.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 6/18/2018
18-68. Report on determining the permitting and legality issues of Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing in the City of Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-11) from 6/18/2018
18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018
18-96. Report on how the City views internet-based platforms as opportunities for outreach and communication and what sort of guidelines have been, or are being, developed to help everyone understand how the City’s various departments do or do not utilize these communication resources and how any communications on these platforms are managed so that the messaging and information is kept up-to-date.
Councillor Kelley (Calendar Item #10) from 9/24/2018
18-108. Report on offering early voting in City Council and School Committee Elections.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui (O-1) from 10/29/2018
18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018
18-129. Report on conducting a comprehensive, independent planning, and parking study of the neighborhood and use of the First Street Garage within 6months.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #1) from 11/19/2018
19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019
19-5. Report on how to provide public representation to the major project Selection Committees.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-14) from 1/7/2019
19-21. Report on the process for establishing a formal, thorough review of the City’s Affordable Home Ownership programs, incorporating a plan for obtaining and analyzing substantial quantitative data inclusive of all types of units.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 2/25/2019
19-22. Report on the feasibility of allowing small businesses to host live acoustic music performances without a license, and if feasible, present the City Council with a proposal to allow such performances.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-5) from 2/25/2019
19-25. Report on information that is offered to limited equity condominium owners regarding the ability to recoup extraordinary repair and maintenance costs, the procedure that is in place to inform purchasers of existing or possible construction and maintenance issues that may result in higher-than expected condo fees, and the possibility of allowing roommates to cover unexpected expenses.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-10) from 2/25/2019
19-26. Report on communicating directly with the Volpe Center about the possibility of having their staff help the City set up a Micro-Mobility Pilot program in the Kendall Square area.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-11) from 2/25/2019
19-35. Report on the status of any micro-mobility pilot programs or partnerships in Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley (O-12) from 3/18/2019
19-37. Report on moving a Transit Benefit Ordinance proposal to an action plan.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-18) from 3/18/2019
19-42. Report on plans this construction season to install sidewalk markings that appropriately indicate what types of mobility devices are allowed on which sidewalks.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-7) from 4/1/2019
19-43. Report on the types of vendor reporting programs that the City uses and how they are used as well as the ability to modify these programs given the constraints of relevant state and federal laws and similar limitations.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui (O-8) from 4/1/2019
19-45. Report on compiling a full accounting of streets, schools, and public buildings that may be named in honor of those who have ties to the American slave trade, and to work towards renaming all of these streets, schools, and buildings.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 4/8/2019
19-46. Report on reviewing whether the MBTA is out of compliance with the amended MBTA/BCIL settlement agreement through the delay in completion of the elevator replacement and concurrent hazardous condition of the stairwells related to Central Square.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon (O-9) from 4/8/2019
19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019
19-50. Report on clarifying the policy around future installation of new LED street lights and replacement of failed 4000K LED street lights with warmer alternatives 3000K or less.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-17) from 4/8/2019
19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019
19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Mayor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019
19-73. Report on reviewing safety issues at City buildings and provide the City Council with relevant recommendations designed to maximize the safety of municipal employees and members of the public while ensuring that City buildings and services remain open and accessible to all.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Kelley (O-1) from 6/10/2019
19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019
19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019
19-76. Report on identifying additional traffic-calming and safety features and to discuss with the Fresh Pond mall owner the potential for creating a formal street connection between Terminal Road and New Street.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-5) from 6/10/2019
19-82. Report on identifying whether a Bluebikes station may be located in the proximity of Rafferty Park or elsewhere in the general vicinity.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 6/24/2019
19-83. Report on considering the cost and feasibility of improvements to the Danehy Dog Park.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon (O-2) from 6/24/2019
19-84. Report on drafting a zoning amendment that will count a portion of a new or substantially renovated building's rooftop mechanicals (excluding solar installations) toward its allowed height and/or FAR.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 6/24/2019
19-86. Report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registration Policy.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 6/24/2019
19-88. Report on conferring with the MBTA with the view in mind of increasing the bus service along Concord Avenue.
Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mallon (O-7) from 6/24/2019
19-89. Report on making publicly available, any existing data on Cambridge’s total greenhouse gas emissions between 2012 and 2018.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-9) from 6/24/2019
19-92. Report on coordinating with Somerville in initiating more robust and regional public outreach on the dangers of black swallow-wort and measures that can be taken to eliminate this invasive species.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Siddiqui (O-3) from 7/30/2019
19-93. Report on a plan to restore the fountain dedicated to President John F. Kennedy.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley (O-4) from 7/30/2019
19-96. Report on providing the supporting documentation as it relates to the claim of a decrease in cyclists’ running red lights.
Councillor Kelley (O-9) from 7/30/2019
19-97. Report on posting information about safe needle disposal in city parks and public buildings and to direct the Police Commissioner to establish stricter enforcement of city park hours and direct the Commissioner of Public Works Department to increase the level of hand-sweepers cleaning the city parks and to share what safety precautions the workers are using when cleaning the parks.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Kelley (O-10) from 7/30/2019
19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019
19-101. Report on collecting data on how many households have taken advantage of Cambridge Energy Alliance services.
Councillor Mallon (O-23) from 7/30/2019
19-103. Report on the cost and feasibility of installing a full traffic signal or a pedestrian-activated HAWK signal at the intersection of Garfield Street and Massachusetts Avenue.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone (O-33) from 7/30/2019
19-104. Report on the possibility of having Sacramento Field Off-Leash Dog Pilot Update.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-36) from 7/30/2019
19-106. Report on conducting City directed environmental testing on the Sullivan Courthouse building and water in basement, to determine the risk posed to the public, and provide a timeline of completion and to establish an operational understanding directly with DCAMM officials and ask for a state designee for communication/coordination on how the building will be secured and monitored.
Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon (O-5) from 9/9/2019
19-107. Report on providing an update on the Danehy Park homicide investigation and the status of overall park safety efforts including the lighting of pathways within the park.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 9/9/2019
19-108. Report on efforts to keep bus stops appropriately accessible for buses, to include relevant pavement markings and enforcement activity.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 9/9/2019
19-109. Report on reviewing speeds on Raymond Street, have Raymond Street and adjacent streets posted at 20 MPH as soon as possible and provide a schedule of 20 MPH sign installations citywide.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-9) from 9/9/2019
19-110. Report on installing additional safety measures at the intersection of Fayette and Cambridge Streets to decrease conflict between pedestrians and vehicles as they are turning.
Councillor Mallon (O-11) from 9/9/2019
19-111. Report on adding links on the Inspectional Services Department website for archived and pending permit records on the appropriate platform.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-12) from 9/9/2019
19-112. Report on the feasibility of allowing taxicabs to use dedicated bus lanes throughout the City while executing service for fare-paying passengers.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Simmons (O-13) from 9/9/2019
19-113. Report on determining whether Boston's Airbnb registration requirements, to include public display of the unit's registration number on the rental platform, could be utilized to maximize compliance and enforcement efforts in Cambridge.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-16) from 9/9/2019
19-114. Report on the cost implications and the definition of net zero ready buildings as it relates to the AHOD ordinance.
Councillor Zondervan (O-18) from 9/9/2019
19-115. Report on contacting DCAM to test and to provide definitive answers re: Sullivan Courthouse.
Councillor Simmons (O-22) from 9/9/2019
19-116. Report on the status of the truck safety ordinance, and if it will be in front of the City Council before the end of this term.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 9/16/2019
19-117. Report on the data from the Summer 2019 meals program, including participation rates and number of meals served.
Councillor Mallon (O-3) from 9/16/2019
19-118. Report on establishing a series of forums designed to inform Cambridge seniors about the recent wave of financial scams that they must be mindful of, with information as to how they can best protect themselves.
Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 9/16/2019
19-119. Report on creating a new water feature in one of Cambridge’s parks for the summer of 2021 and to construct said water feature in a way that conserves water as much as possible and is minimally impactful to the environment.
Mayor McGovern (O-9) from 9/16/2019
19-120. Report on directing enforcement resources towards Bishop Allen Drive and other corridors with lots of vehicular idling and work with rideshare companies to ask them to develop technologies solutions to help alert drivers to the fact that they are illegally idling.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 9/16/2019
19-121. Report on identifying and plan suitable performances and events for the Harvard Square Kiosk space.
Vice Mayor Devereux (O-12) from 9/16/2019
19-122. Report on obtaining a legal opinion regarding the License Commission's authority with regard to the issuance, denial, suspension or revocation of liquor licenses.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #9) from 9/16/2019
19-123. Report on the feasibility of closing some portion of Harvard Square to vehicular traffic on a select number of days during the summer of 2020 to have open market-style events.
Councillor Mallon, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/7/2019
19-124. Report on the legal authority of the City to ban the use of natural gas in newly constructed buildings.
Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 10/7/2019
19-125. Report on the number of free MBTA passes issued to CRLS students in FY20 and to consider expanding the program to include qualifying Cambridge residents of high school age.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern (O-6) from 10/7/2019
19-126. Report on reviewing the language for Fuel pump warning labels.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/7/2019
19-127. Report on instituting regularly scheduled public conversations between Public Utilities' representatives from Eversource, the Water Dept. Comcast, Verizon and any other appropriate entities to keep the City and public informed.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-8) from 10/7/2019
19-128. Report on allocating more funds in the FY21 budget to Inspectional Services and on the feasibility of providing monetary compensation to homeowners who have had to self-finance traps and what funds could be allocated in the future to help homeowners buy traps.
Councillor Toomey (O-11) from 10/7/2019
19-129. Report on considering directing a portion of future PILOT funds into the Affordable Housing Trust starting in FY21.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (O-13) from 10/7/2019
19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019
19-131. Report on Creating a Director of Arts and Culture Position.
Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (O-16) from 10/7/2019
19-132. Report on planting new trees in Magazine Beach Park in the Spring of 2020 with a special focus on the eastern end of the park and the grove area.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mallon (O-18) from 10/7/2019
19-133. Report on the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-19) from 10/7/2019
19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019
19-136. Report on identifying a suitable location on the City website to house information regarding the Municipal Code and to track non-zoning legislation and amendments.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #3) from 10/7/2019
19-137. Report on determining if ISD can be given the authority to issue citations for smoking in non-smoking buildings and to report back to the City Council.
Mayor McGovern (Calendar Item #4) from 10/7/2019
19-138. Report on addressing the previously requested investigation of the possibility of entering into an agreement with TransCanada to obtain up to 100% renewable power for all municipal electricity needs.
Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019
19-139. Report on determining whether it would be possible to allow a permitted area for serving alcoholic beverages on Danehy Park property during special community-wide events.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #5) from 10/7/2019
19-140. Report on ensuring that the redesign of the Harvard Square plaza and its coming renovation be used as an opportunity to further improve the safety of all crossings in the surrounding area.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #7) from 10/7/2019
19-141. Report on looking into the idea of hiring a social worker in the FY2021 budget for the Central Square Library branch.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor McGovern (Calendar Item #8) from 10/7/2019
19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Councillor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019
19-143. Report on the feasibility of piloting a program of assigning additional security officers to work collaboratively with and exclusively within Cambridge Housing Authority premises in and near Central Square and the Port.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Mallon, Mayor McGovern (O-2) from 10/21/2019
19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Councillor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Mayor 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
19-146. Report on reviewing the existing internal mechanisms for City staffers in all departments to report grievances, to determine if this system is functioning as it should or whether changes should be considered.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 10/28/2019
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
19-148. Report on the feasibility of re-instituting a stop light or other major traffic-calming safety measures at the Raymond Street and Walden Street pedestrian crossing.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Siddiqui (O-6) from 10/28/2019
19-149. Report on the feasibility of installing a “Do Not Enter Except Local Residents” or similar sign on Mead Street at Walden Street.
Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Toomey (O-7) from 10/28/2019
19-150. Report on determining Cambridge’s threat level from hate crimes and other related events.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor Siddiqui (O-8) 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.
Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019
19-152. Report on identifying a source of funding and a timetable for the design and construction of a modern roundabout at the Brattle-Sparks-Craigie intersection.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Carlone (O-3) from 11/4/2019
19-153. Report on plans designed to mitigate the impact of the closing of Windsor House upon Cambridge seniors.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor McGovern (O-4) from 11/4/2019
19-154. Report on the possibility of providing child care for those interested in becoming temporary census takers.
Councillor Kelley (O-6) from 11/4/2019