3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of members to the Cambridge Street Safety Improvement Project Working Group. (CM24#239)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Toner (asks if there will be a similar group for Broadway - yes), Wilson; Placed on File 9-0

CM24#239     Nov 18, 2024

I am writing to inform you that I am appointing the following persons as members of the Cambridge Street Safety Improvement Project Working Group.

• Kaleb Abebe • Carmen Baskauf • Brian Cafferelli • Christopher Cassa • Joshua Croom

• Helen Fu • Helen Gibbons • Keisha Greaves • Christopher Herlich • Charles Hinds

• Patrick Magee • James McSweeney • Sky Rose • Marie Saccoccio • Amanda Sindel-Keswick

Working Group Schedule and Scope

The Working Group will meet between Fall 2024 and Fall 2026 for no more than ten meetings to advise City staff on key issues related to the design of and engagement for this important project.

The key responsibilities of Working Group members are expected to include:

• Providing feedback on the design of the project, including the layout of parking spaces, loading zones, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops

• Discussing project concerns and working collaboratively on solutions

• Supporting information sharing and constructive dialogue about the project among different stakeholders, including businesses, residents, visitors/business patrons, and City staff

Additional Community Outreach

In addition to the Working Group meetings (which will be open to the public), the engagement process for the Cambridge Street Safety Improvement Project will include a broader community process, which will be guided by feedback from the Working Group and include:

• Community meetings, including both virtual and in person meetings

• Online engagement, such as feedback surveys, meeting recordings, short videos about the project

• Targeted outreach to underrepresented groups including but not limited to, public transit riders, low-income residents, people with disabilities,

• Meetings with local neighborhood groups, such as business associations and resident associations

Working Group Selection Process

The selection process began on July 30, 2024. Outreach to seek applicants over subsequent weeks included City and project-specific website postings; a news item on the TPT and City web page; a press release; and inclusion in the City’s daily email.

A total of 74 people applied for the committee. The Department of Traffic, Parking & Transportation worked with the Consensus Building Institute to interview 23 people.

Working Group Members

Kaleb Abebe
Kaleb Abebe serves on the Cambridge Peace Commission and Cycling Safety Ordinance Advisory Group, and previously served on the Charter Review Committee. Kaleb lives off Cambridge Street and uses the corridor frequently.

Carmen Baskauf
Carmen Baskauf is a community planner at the U.S. DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center. Carmen works on small format vehicles (e.g., scooters, e-cargo bikes, delivery mopeds) and infrastructure needed to support them. Carmen lives near Inman Square and commutes down Cambridge Street.

Brian Cafferelli
Brian Cafferelli is interested in urbanism, transportation, and mobility for people of all abilities. Brian lives near Cambridge Street.

Christopher Cassa
Christopher Cassa is interested in developing robust multi-modal transportation infrastructure and is an organizer with Cambridge Bicycle Safety. He has served on the Cambridge Mass Ave Partial Reconstruction Working Group, Mass Ave for All Working Group, Grand Junction Multi-Use Path Working Group, Memorial Drive Alliance, and City Manager Selection Committee. He lives near Cambridge Street and commutes to Harvard University.

Joshua Croom
Joshua Croom is a Project Planner at Community Redevelopment Authority. He is interested in active mobility, inclusivity, and accessibility. Joshua uses many modes of transit and commutes by bicycle.

Helen Fu
Helen Fu is interested in increased safety for her family with a young child and others in the neighborhood. Helen is loosely affiliated with Cambridge Bicycle Safety. Helen lives near Cambridge Street and her child goes to Cambridge Public Schools.

Helen Gibbons
Helen Gibbs is a long-time East Cambridge resident interested in street design that encourages safe behavior. She lives near Cambridge Street.

Keisha Greaves
Keisha Greaves is a life-long Cambridge resident. She serves on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities and the Cycling Safety Ordinance Advisory Group. She is interested in increased accessibility and lives near Cambridge Crossing.

Christopher Herlich
Christopher Herlich is a Senior Urban Designer at Northeastern University and has worked on transportation projects in Boston. He lives with his family near Cambridge Street, is interested in community-centered design, and has a background in economic development.

Charles Hinds
Charles Hinds is a long-time Cambridge resident and president of the East Cambridge Planning Team. He is interested in street design for all users and maintained roadways. He lives near Cambridge Street.

Patrick Magee
Patrick Magee is the president of East Cambridge Business Association and owns property and a business on Cambridge Street. He is interested in thoughtful and aesthetic street design, city maintenance, and the needs of small businesses. He lives on Cambridge Street.

James McSweeney
James McSweeney is a property and business owner on Cambridge Street and serves on the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. He previously served as a police officer for Cambridge Police Department.

Sky Rose
Sky Rose is a software engineer at the MBTA. Sky is interested in accessibility and often travels around the area with their family member with disabilities. Sky is loosely affiliated with Cambridge Bicycle Safety. Sky worked part time as an EMT and is an East Cambridge resident.

Marie Saccoccio
Marie Elena Saccoccio serves as President of Friends of St. Francis of Assissi and Board Member for Dante Alighieri Society of Massachusetts. She would represent St. Francis of Assissi on the Working Group. She is interested in accessibility and the inclusion of older residents and people with disabilities. She is a fourth generation Cambridge resident and lives near Cambridge Street.

Amanda Sindel-Keswick
Amanda Sindel-Kewsick is interested in street safety for her family and others, and support for small businesses. Amanda is loosely affiliated with Cambridge Bicycle Safety. Amanda lives near Cambridge Street.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions as members of the Working Group.

10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Erik Sarno and Andrea Taylor and the reappointment of Saffana Anwar, Christopher Fort, Robert Winters, Tahir Kapoor, and Esther Hanig to the Central Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years. (CM24#246)
pulled by Zusy; comments by Simmons, Yi-An Huang (on update to add RW), Zusy (notes only 9 applicants for 7 positions on CSAC; for HSAC only 12 applicants for 11 positions - suggests advertising more broadly), Iram Farooq (notes how prescriptive categories are for CSAC and HSAC, mechanism for applying for all open boards and commissions); Zusy asks if a broad range of perspectives is sought; Appointments Approved as Amended, Placed on File 9-0
Reconsideration Filed by Sobrinho-Wheeler

CM24#246     Nov 18, 2024

I am writing to inform you that I am appointing the following below persons as members of the Central Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years, effective November 18, 2024:

• Erik Sarno (Business Rep) • Andrea Taylor (Business Rep) • Saffana Anwar (Riverside Rep)

• Christopher Fort (Cambridgeport Rep) • Robert Winters (Mid-Cambridge Rep)

• Tahir Kapoor (Mid-Cambridge Rep) • Esther Hanig (The Port Rep)

The Central Square Advisory Committee reviews and comments on land use and development proposals in the Central Square Overlay District per the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance (Section 20.304.1). The committee conducts Large Project Review consultations and comments on applications for variances and special permits from the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeal, as well as other proposals. The Committee meets approximately monthly or on an as-needed basis.

The Central Square Advisory Committee membership must adhere to the following structure: Members: Members in all categories shall be Cambridge residents or business persons or landowners within the Overlay District.

1. One member having recognized qualifications as architect or landscape architect who shall also serve as chair of the Committee.

2. Four (4) members representing the business community in Central Square with diverse representation from property owners, small- and large-scale merchants and office tenants.

3. Four (4) members representing residents of the four (4) abutting Cambridge neighborhoods.

Terms: Committee members shall be appointed for three (3) years each. Initial appointments shall, however, be staggered such that three (3) members shall have terms of two (2) years, and three (3) members shall have terms of three (3) years each.

There are currently seven openings on the Committee: three for business representatives and four for neighborhood representatives.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the Central Square Advisory Committee on the City website and via a news release on July 10, 2024, with an application closing date of August 12, 2024. The press release went to local media, Cambridge Business Associations, Cambridge Neighborhood Associations, select City staff, including Department Heads and the City Council. The call for members was also posted in the City’s daily email updates. It was additionally posted on the News sections of the main City website and the Community Development Department website. CDD’s Community Engagement Team conducted targeted outreach. Also, during this time, members of the Committee conducted outreach with their networks.

There were nine new applicants for the available positions, as well as five current members seeking reappointment. Six of the new applicants were interviewed. The interview panel, consisting of City staff members from the Community Planning, Economic Opportunity and Development, and Zoning and Development divisions of CDD, has recommended the appointment of two new members and the reappointment of four current members.

The next anticipated vacancy for this committee will come in March 2027 for the roles of business and architecture representatives. CSAC supporting staff will continue working to broaden our recruitment efforts, including working with CDD’s Economic Opportunity and Development Division staff to do targeted outreach to members of the business community. We are also looking to target Central Square specific newsletters as well as outreach to other City Committees connected to Central Square, with an emphasis on membership diversity. Finally, CDD Community Engagement Team will assist with recruitment planning.

I am pleased to welcome six members whose expertise and experience will enable them to contribute to this committee’s important work.

1. Erik Sarno (new appointment) – Business Community Membership
Erik is a renter and resident of the Port neighborhood. He is a Program Director for the Central Square BID, as well as a music producer with a background in business. Erik also served as a General Manager for Starlight Square from May 2021 to July 2024 and played a leadership role in connecting staff, contractors, event organizers, and the wider Central Square community with Starlight Square. Erik brings an interest in building consensus and a focus on cultural space.

2. Andrea Taylor (new appointment) – Business Community Membership
Andrea is an entrepreneur and life-long resident of Cambridge. She has lived and worked around Central Square for decades and has a family connection to the City dating back six generations. She is a Principal at ATD Advisory, a “boutique” management consultancy that provides professional services to support small business operations, travel/tourism, and events. Andrea advocates for independent locally owned small businesses on the Executive Board of Cambridge Local First. She is also a founding Steering Committee member for Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, in partnership with Cambridge Local First and the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts. She is an advisor for Cambridge Health Alliance, where she serves on the Advisory Council & Health Equity Committee. Additionally, she sits on Lesley University Alumni Association’s Council; Lesley University Business Management Division Advisory Board; and Cycle/PB9 Committee for the City of Cambridge Participatory Budgeting. In addition to this extensive experience, Andrea will bring a willingness to engage with other members and a commitment to public service.

3. Saffana Anwar (re-appointment) – Riverside Neighborhood Membership
Saffana has served on CSAC for one term and is a valuable contributing member to the group’s dialogue. She is a young Cambridge resident and a woman of color who has lived near Central Square for many years. She is also a former student in the area and a current City employee. In this respect, she brings perspectives and lived experiences to the Committee that add to its understanding of how different people experience Central Square. Saffana has been involved with Central Square placemaking projects and believes in the vitality of its small business community as well as the diversity of people that call Central Square home. She is open to different ideas and perspectives and hopes to continue representing her community.

4. Christopher Fort (re-appointment) – Cambridgeport Neighborhood Membership
Christopher is serving committee member who has lived in Cambridgeport since 2012. He found the experience very rewarding. Christopher is a parent of young children attending the Morse School. Christopher has run businesses in Central Square and is now working for a startup on voluntary carbon markets and decarbonization. He is interested in issues of affordable housing and through his wife’s work as a social worker has gained an important view of the challenges faced by the unhoused and underhoused in Cambridge and Central Square. He brings a collaborative approach and a commitment to consensus on the Committee.

5. Robert Winters (re-appointment) – Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Membership
Robert has served on the Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) since 2001 and remains actively involved in all matters relating to Central Square. He previously served on the Central Square Committee (1994-1998) and on the Board of the Central Square Neighborhood Coalition (1993-1997) and has been an appointed member of numerous City advisory committees - most recently the Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee and its Housing Working Group. Robert has been a Mid-Cambridge resident since 1978 and brings a wealth of local knowledge to group discussions.

6. Tahir Kapoor (re-appointment) – Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Membership
Tahir has served on CSAC since 2017 and has also recently joined the Cambridge Water Board. Tahir is a chemical engineer working in the Cambridge biotech industry. He grew up in the northern suburbs of Boston and has lived in Cambridge since graduating from college in 2016. Tahir brings a strong interest in urban planning issues and an analytical perspective to group discussions.

7. Esther Hanig (re-appointment) – The Port Neighborhood Membership
Esther has lived in Cambridge for over 40 years and has served on CSAC as the Port Neighborhood representative since 2011. Now retired, she last worked as the Executive Director of Union Square Main Streets in Somerville where she worked on long-term neighborhood planning projects and business development initiatives. Esther has served on a number of other City working groups including the Envision Cambridge Housing Working Group and the Volpe Working Group. She brings a wealth of professional and local knowledge to group discussions.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions as members of the Central Square Advisory Committee.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Gareth Dohety, Ivy Moylan, Henry Grabar, Chad Bonney, and Ryan Clinesmith Montalvo and the reappointments of Matthew Simitis, Kari Kuelzer, John DiGiovanni, Nicola Williams, Alexandra Offiong, and Allison Crosbie to the Harvard Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years. (CM24#247)
Appointments Approved, Placed on File 9-0

CM24#247     Nov 18, 2024

I am writing to inform you that I am appointing the following below persons as members of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee for a term of three years, effective November 18, 2024:

• Gareth Dohety (Architect/Land Use Rep) • Matthew Simitis (Architect/Land Use Rep) • Kari Kuelzer (Business Rep) • John DiGiovanni (Commercial Property Owner Rep) • Nicola Williams (Harvard Square Neighborhood Association Rep) • Alexandra Offiong (Institutional Property Owner Rep)

• Alison Crosbie (Historical Commission Rep) • Ivy Moylan (Resident Rep) • Henry Grabar (Resident Rep) • Chad Bonney (Resident Rep) • Ryan Clinesmith Montalvo (Resident Rep)

The Harvard Square Advisory Committee is a group of community members with direct relationships to Harvard Square, who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Harvard Square. The Havard Square Overlay District (Article 20.50 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance) established the Advisory Committee. HSAC provides an additional level of review for development projects in Harvard Square. The committee conducts Large Project Review consultations and comments on applications for variances and special permits from the Planning Board and Board of Zoning Appeal, as well as other proposals. The Committee meets approximately monthly or on an as-needed basis.

The Harvard Square Advisory Committee membership must adhere to the following structure:

a. Membership.

1. At least two members having recognized qualification as an architect, attorney who specializes in zoning, urban planner, architectural historian, or landscape architect.

2. One member who operates a non-formula business within the Harvard Square Overlay District.

3. One member owning commercial property within the Harvard Square Overlay District.

4. Four residents living within a half mile of the Harvard Square Overlay.

5. One member representing the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association or Neighborhood group representing Harvard Square.

6. One member representing an institution owning institutional property in the Harvard Square Overlay District.

7. One member representing the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Terms. Committee members shall be appointed for terms of three years each. Initial appointment shall, however, be staggered such that four members shall have terms of one year, five members shall have terms of two years, and four members shall have terms of three years each. On an annual basis at the first meeting in September the Harvard Square Advisory Committee will elect a Chair who may serve no more than two (2) years as chair within a three (3) year period.

Currently, all positions are open on the Committee.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the Harvard Square Advisory Committee on the City website and via a news release on July 10, 2024, with an application closing date of August 12, 2024. The press release went to local media, Cambridge Business Associations, Cambridge Neighborhood Associations, select City staff, including Department Heads and the City Council. The call for members was also posted in the City’s daily email updates. It was additionally posted on the News sections of the main City website and the Community Development Department website. CDD’s Community Engagement Team conducted targeted outreach. Also during this time, members of the Committee conducted outreach with their networks.

There were twelve new applicants for the available positions, as well as six current member seeking reappointment. Interviews were offered to eight of the new applicants and six were interviewed. The interview panel, consisting of City staff members from the Community Planning, Economic Opportunity and Development, and Zoning and Development divisions of CDD, has recommended the appointment of five new members and the reappointment of six current members.

The next anticipated vacancies for this committee will come in October 2027. HSAC supporting staff will continue working to broaden our recruitment efforts, including working with CDD’s Economic Opportunity and Development Division staff to do targeted outreach to members of the business community. We are also looking to target Harvard Square specific newsletters as well as outreach to other City Committees connected to Harvard Square, with an emphasis on membership diversity. Finally, CDD Community Engagement Team will assist with recruitment planning.

I am pleased to welcome eleven members whose expertise and experience will enable them to contribute to this committee’s important work.

1. Gareth Dohety (new appointment) – Architect/Land Use Membership
Gareth is an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and has called Cambridge home for the past 20 years. He is committed to leveraging the expertise of landscape architects to address pressing contemporary issues, including climate change and social injustices. Gareth’s professional research has a global focus, but he is eager to bring his focus onto local community issues through HSAC.

2. Matthew Simitis (re-appointment) – Architect/Land Use Membership
Matt is an architect and a resident who lives within a half mile of the Harvard Square Overlay District in the West Cambridge neighborhood. He is a Partner in the Curl Simitis Architecture and Design firm. Matt has insightful knowledge of the development review process and urban design principles, and consistently provides thoughtful and respectful feedback in Committee discussions. He also recently served as Chair of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee from September 2022 to September 2024. Matt has served since April 2015.

3. Kari Kuelzer (re-appointment) – Business Membership
Kari Kuelzer is an owner of commercial property within the Harvard Square Overlay District and an operator of a non-formula business within the Harvard Square Overlay District. Kari provides an important perspective as the owner of a local, family-run business, Grendel’s Den, and she understands role of the Committee as a facilitator of community dialogue. Kari has served since April 2015.

4. John DiGiovanni (re-appointment) – Commercial Property Owner Membership
John is an owner of commercial property within the Harvard Square Overlay District. He is the President of Trinity Property Management who is active in many issues in Harvard Square. He participated in the Harvard Square Conservation District Study Committee and his tenure on the Committee provides important institutional knowledge.

5. Nicola Williams (re-appointment) – Harvard Square Neighborhood Association Membership
Nicola is a representative of the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association, an operator of a non-formula business within the Harvard Square Overlay District, and a resident who lives within a half mile of the Harvard Square Overlay District in the West Cambridge neighborhood. She is a longtime resident and President of The Williams Agency, with significant volunteer and group facilitation experience and a deep knowledge of Harvard Square. Nicola understands the economic issues facing Harvard Square and seeks to make the area more engaging, inviting, and inclusive. She believes in the importance of focusing on equity and helps to reflect the diversity of the Cambridge population as a woman of color. Nicola’s reappointment was recommended by the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association. Nicola has served since May 2021.

6. Alexandra Offiong (re-appointment) – Institutional Property Owner Membership
Alexandra Offiong is a representative of an institution owning institutional property in the Harvard Square Overlay District and an urban planner. She is the Director of Planning Services for Harvard University and has been active in various planning initiatives in Harvard Square, including the Harvard Square Conservation District Study Committee.

7. Allison Crosbie (re-appointment) – Historical Commission Membership
Allison is a representative of the Cambridge Historical Commission; architectural historian and landscape architect; and resident who lives within a half mile of the Harvard Square Overlay District in the Mid-Cambridge neighborhood. Allison is a staff member to the Cambridge Historical Commission with extensive knowledge of historic preservation, landscape architecture, and community planning. Allison has served since April 2015.

8. Ivy Moylan (new appointment) – Resident Membership
Ivy has been the executive director for The Brattle Theatre since 2001 and has worked in Harvard Square since 1992. She has a background in administration and fundraising and a deep knowledge of film. Ivy is also a resident who lives within a half mile of the Harvard Square Overlay District in the Mid-Cambridge neighborhood. Ivy’s longtime history as a resident and the operator of an important cultural institution in Harvard Square will bring a unique perspective to the committee’s work.

9. Henry Grabar (new appointment) – Resident Membership
Henry is an urban affairs journalist with an expertise in land use and transportation, as well as a resident who lives within a half mile of the Harvard Square Overlay District in West Cambridge. He has written for more than a decade for outlets including the Atlantic, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal and is currently a staff writer at Slate with a column focused on transportation, housing, infrastructure, the environment, municipal finance, and other issues of concern to city-dwellers. His most recent book was Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World. Henry’s professional background has made him all the more curious about what he can do to preserve and improve the dynamic and historic space in his own back yard – Harvard Square.

10. Chad Bonney (new appointment) – Resident Membership
Chad is a resident of West Cambridge with a background in commercial education. He has lived in Cambridge at multiple times throughout his life and has been in his current home since 2013. His sons are both CRLS graduates and throughout this time Chad and his wife have been active in volunteering, sports, and music.

11. Ryan Clinesmith Montalvo (new appointment) – Resident Membership
Ryan is a recent graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education who has spent 12 years as a teacher and executive leader of independent schools. He has worked on cultural projects such as Arts on Prescription through the Mass Cultural Council, and strategic development in education systems through the HundrEd Implementation Centre. He has also worked as consultant for Making Caring Common, and the HarvardEd Portal where he worked with the Garnder Pilot Academy.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve and look forward to their contributions as members of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system. [Charter Right – Nolan, Nov 4, 2024] (PO24#144)
Nolan notes why home rule petition may be needed; Megan Bayer explains why state law on this matter is insufficient; Toner asks about enforcement; Bayer suggests that this could be done as either a zoning amendment or a municipal ordinance; McGovern suggests sending this to a committee for larger discussion; Zusy seeks clarification of intention, Nolan explains, Zusy notes how things could get “messy” with condo associations; Referred to Health & Environment Committee 9-0

O-1     Nov 4, 2024  Charter Right - Nolan
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
WHEREAS: On August 5, 2024, the City Council unanimously passed PO24#108, which asked the City Manager to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge can enact a local ordinance or regulation which would prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system, which the City Manager responded to on Oct 21, 2024 with CM24#226; and
WHEREAS: According to CM24#226, the City Council would need to submit a Home Rule Petition to the Legislature to request such authority; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to draft a home rule petition for the creation of a Cambridge Jobs Training Trust, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Toner, Nov 4, 2024] (PO24#146)
Sobrinho-Wheeler explains at authorization doesn’t obligate Council to implement, no need to send to Ordinance Committee; Amendment to strike “to be sent to the Ordinance Committee for a hearing” Adopted 9-0; Toner proposes sending to Economic Development Committee for further discussion (on 11 questions) and how this relates to how things are done now; comments by Yi-An Huang expresses concerns about raising linkage fees now, Ellen Semonoff, Toner asks whether setting up a Jobs Trust bank account would create obligation to fund it; Yi-An Huang notes last increase in Linkage Fee was from $22 to $33 based on 2019 Nexus Study, next Nexus Study to start in 2025, notes that Council will have to decide how Linkage Fee is to be allocated; Toner proposes referring to Economic Development Committee; Zusy notes inadequate options for CRLS students; McGovern has questions on how this would be implemented - wants to preserve all affordable housing allocation and increase Linkage Fee to add allocation for jobs training, but suggested that if the fee went up to something like $45 he would not support that; Sobrinho-Wheeler proposes amendment to have an Econ. Dev. meeting in addition to filing home rule petition promptly; McGovern notes RSTA initiatives; Siddiqui OK with further conversation in committee; Wilson, Zusy, Nolan, McGovern comments; Adopted Order as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)

O-3     Nov 4, 2024  Charter Right - Toner (Nov 4); Adopted as Amended (Nov 18)
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR WILSON
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge adopted an Incentive Zoning Ordinance in 1988 to put linkage funding from new commercial developments of more than 30,000 square feet towards affordable housing in Cambridge via a fund administered by the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust; and
WHEREAS: In addition to an affordable housing trust, cities, including Boston and Somerville, have a jobs training trust to fund job training programs in their respective cities, administered by the Job Creation and Retention Trust in Somerville and the Neighborhood Jobs Trust in Boston; and
WHEREAS: A Jobs Linkage program is authorized for municipalities under Massachusetts law as a fee tied to the impact of new commercial development and would fund programs that provide residents with the skills and education to pursue career opportunities; and
WHEREAS: Because the amount of funding generated from a jobs linkage program varies significantly with annual commercial building permits, in order to effectively administer the program and not be required to spend each year’s revenue in the same year it is received, the City must first create a Cambridge Jobs Training Trust, which requires special legislation from the state legislature – a step which the Cities of Boston and Somerville have previously taken successfully; and
WHEREAS: Cities with jobs training trusts are able to fund job training programs for residents in a variety of careers, including healthcare, IT support, software development, culinary, early childhood education, and HVAC repair, as well as ESOL instruction and union training programs, among other opportunities; and
WHEREAS: Importantly, cities with job training trusts are also often able to provide stipends for residents in these training programs – since forgoing income from other work is a barrier for some residents to taking part in job training programs; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has previously supported efforts by the City to explore the creation of a Jobs Training Trust, including in 2015 and 2021, but did not reach the stage of filing a home rule petition; and
WHEREAS: Given that it takes time for the legislature to enact a home rule petition, starting the process to obtain authorization for a Jobs Training Trust now gives the City more flexibility in decision-making on the implementation of a jobs linkage program; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Law Department to draft a home rule petition to establish a Cambridge Jobs Training Trust, to be sent to the Ordinance Committee for a hearing, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

JSW proposes deletion of “to be sent to the Ordinance Committee for a hearing”

COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Apr 30, 2024 to discuss the feasibility of municipally funded housing vouchers as referenced in PO24#24. The meeting was recessed and reconvened on Oct 15, 2024 to continue the discussion. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Wilson
Remote Present: Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler
Also Present: Pickett, Nolan, Simmons

2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Oct 23, 2024 to discuss issues facing homeless shelters in Cambridge and concerns raised by the unhoused community. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Present: McGovern, Wilson
Remote Present: Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler
Absent: Nolan
Also Present: Zusy, Simmons

3. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 23, 2024 to hear specific ideas from neighborhood leaders about revisions to the Multifamily Housing Proposal. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Present: Siddiqui, Zusy
Remote Present: Azeem, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler
Also Present: Wilson, Toner, McGovern

4. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 24, 2024 to discuss research on four-day work week pilot programs with businesses, government agencies, and non-profits and models for a four-day work week that have been implemented locally. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Present: Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy
Remote Present: Siddiqui
Absent: Azeem

5. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Oct 31, 2024 to discuss the Economics of Real Estate: Housing, Zoning, and the Economic Impact of Zoning. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Present: McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson (late)
Also Present: Nolan, Zusy, Simmons

TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1     Nov 18, 2024  Amended
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR AZEEM
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: On numerous occasions, the City Council has requested forms of automated parking enforcement, including PO23#209 and PO24#123, and per CM24#228, delivered on October 21, 2024, the City Solicitor recommends special legislation as the safest approach to authorize adoption of automated parking enforcement technology; and
WHEREAS: Parking violations are not victimless crimes and can affect disability parking access, transit service, loading zones, bicycle safety, and emergency vehicle access, and it is important for Cambridge to continue to improve street safety through enforcement of parking violations; and
WHEREAS: A number of other cities, in Massachusetts and elsewhere, have begun ticketing using camera-equipped bollards, and the City of Boston has also considered similar technology, although Boston and Cambridge have unique legal considerations in terms of Massachusetts municipalities under G.L. c.90, §20A½; and
WHEREAS: This technology would not cost the city any money, and could prove useful for enforcement in our commercial squares where parking violations are typically more prevalent and disruptive to other users of the space and where parking enforcement officers may not be able to keep up with the number of infractions; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a draft home rule petition to authorize the City of Cambridge to implement automated parking enforcement technology; and to continue to work with the City of Boston to collaborate on the home rule process; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.

O-2     Nov 18, 2024
COUNCILLOR WILSON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Landfill capacity in Massachusetts has rapidly declined and no new capacity is expected; and
WHEREAS: The State goals are, using 2018 as a baseline, to reduce disposal 30% by 2030, reduce disposal 90% by 2050, and to reduce the toxicity of the solid waste stream; and
WHEREAS: The costs of hauling and disposal of waste materials have increased by over 30% in the last five years and are expected to continue increasing at similar rates; and
WHEREAS: A paint stewardship law would create a convenient and reliable collection network to properly manage architectural paints discarded by businesses and residents; and
WHEREAS: A paint stewardship law will divert paint from waste disposal to its best and highest use, whereby there will be a small but real decrease in the total waste going to landfills; and
WHEREAS: Paint stewardship laws have demonstrated their effectiveness in the neighboring states of Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, and New York; and
WHEREAS: A law supporting discarding of latex and oil-based paints at participating retail stores and transfer stations has achieved public support; and
WHEREAS: Municipal waste management systems were established a century ago to manage wastes like ashes, food scraps and horse manure, rather than the wide array of manufactured goods, including paint, which dominate today’s municipal waste; and
WHEREAS: The Massachusetts Municipal Association passed a resolution which supports statewide producer responsibility legislation in January 2019; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City of Cambridge City Council goes on record in support of and urges the Massachusetts General Court to pass H.823 “An Act Relative to Paint Recycling” and S.551 “An Act Relative to Paint Recycling” for purposes of enacting a Paint Stewardship program which reduces consumer and municipal costs, and reduces the amount of toxic chemicals entering the waste-streams and landfills of the Commonwealth; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.