Cambridge City Council meeting - November 23, 2020 - AGENDA
NOTE: The Regular 5:30pm Meeting was preceded by a 3:00pm Special Meeting to discuss the COVID 19 trajectory with health and science experts.
CITY MANAGER'S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Covid-19 update.
Placed on File 9-0
2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $9,277,190 from Free Cash to the General Fund School Department Salaries and Wages account ($7,446,360), General Fund School Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,781,455), and General Fund School Department Travel and Training account ($49,375), to fund additional costs associated with the reopening of schools with health and safety mitigations related to COVID-19.
Order Adopted 9-0
Nov 23, 2020
To the Honorable, the City Council:I am hereby requesting the appropriation of $9,277,190 from Free Cash to the General Fund School Department Salaries and Wages account ($7,446,360), General Fund School Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,781,455), and General Fund School Department Travel and Training account ($49,375), to fund additional costs associated with the reopening of schools with health and safety mitigations related to COVID-19. The School Committee Order is attached.
Re-opening schools during the COVID-19 global pandemic has required substantial investments in health and safety mitigations, as well as additional staff, technology and instructional supports.
In total, the estimated costs related to preparing and operating the City’s schools for the 2020-21 school year is $16.3 million. The School Department has identified approximately $7 million to fund these costs: $5.4 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding and other grants; and $1.6 million in reallocated FY21 General Fund budget line items. In order to finance the balance of the estimated costs, an additional $9,277,190 is needed.
Additional costs ($16.3M total) include:
• Health & Safety Expenses ($5.4 million) - including Personal Protective Equipment for staff and students; additional sinks for hand washing in school buildings; improvements related to the ventilation systems including air scrubbers with HEPA filters, box fans, window repairs, an engineering study and a planned project to implement the recommendations of the engineering study; on-site COVID-19 testing for staff two times per week;
• Additional School-based Staff ($6.5 million) - in order to support social distancing of 6 feet within classrooms and to address additional special education service requirements;
• Instructional Supports ($1.9 million) - including the Extended Learning Time program at the M.L. King School and Fletcher Maynard Academy; instructional materials sent home to students who are learning remotely; expanded summer programming; funding for planning time for teachers and paraprofessionals working in-person;
• Technology ($1.3 million) - Including additional Chromebooks (to ensure that every student has one); additional and expanded software licenses to support remote learning; system upgrades; Hot Spots for families; additional technology staff to support expanded technology and data needs;
• Planning & Engagement ($688K) - including educator Collaboratives; task force and working groups; school planning; principal and summer work;
• School Lunch Program ($470K) - The USDA has issued a waiver that allows the district to offer free meals to all students, not just those who qualify for Free/Reduced lunch. The additional costs in this category primarily reflect the estimated lost revenue from paid lunches. In addition, the Department has purchased additional equipment, including carts for transporting meals to classrooms and tablets for meal tracking during distribution.
Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City ManagerIN SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Nov 17, 2020
ORDERED: That Superintendent’s Recommendation #20-287, Contract Award, be adopted as follows:
that the School Committee request a supplemental appropriation from the City of Cambridge to the FY2021 General Fund Budget of the Cambridge Public Schools in the amount of $9,277,190.00 in the following Statutory Categories. The increased appropriation is necessary to respond to the additional costs associated with COVID-19 and re-opening schools.
Salaries, Wages & Fringe Benefits: $7,446,360 Other Ordinary Maintenance: $1,781,455 Travel & Training: $ 49,375 Extraordinary Expenditures: $ 0 $9,277,190
3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property.
Placed on File 9-0
CHARTER RIGHT
1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for acceptance of G.L. Chapter 39, Section 23D to allow members of adjudicatory boards and commissions to vote on a matter before the adjudicatory body of which they are a member if the board member has missed one of the sessions regarding the matter at issue. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN IN COUNCIL NOV 16, 2020] [City Manager's Agenda Item #4 from Nov 16, 2020]
Order Adopted 9-0
2. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to explore the feasibility of keeping Riverbend Park open beyond Nov 29. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY IN COUNCIL NOV 16, 2020] [Order #8 from Nov 16, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 7-2 (Simmons, Toomey - NO)
O-8 Nov 16, 2020 Amended, then Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced opportunities for residents to get fresh air and spend time outdoors while safely socially distancing; and
WHEREAS: This can be even more challenging for the many Cambridge residents, including lower-income residents, who do not have access to yards or private outdoor space; and
WHEREAS: Spending time outdoors has been proven to improve mental and physical health and has been deemed a lower-risk activity during the pandemic; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council passed a policy order in April that led to Riverbend Park being opened on Memorial Drive on both Saturdays and Sundays, which has provided an opportunity for residents to spend time outside while safely social distancing; and
WHEREAS: Riverbend Park, which is owned and operated by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is currently scheduled to be open on Memorial Drive through Sun, Nov 29, 2020; and
WHEREAS: Keeping Riverbend Park open beyond November 29 would provide a much-needed opportunity for residents to spend safe, socially distant time outdoors as the colder weather begins to make some other activities more challenging; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation to explore the feasibility of keeping Riverbend Park open beyond November 29; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City confer with DCR and advocate for extending Riverbend Park the length of Memorial Drive; and further be it
ORDERED: That the City or DCR collect data on residents’ usage of Riverbend Park to better inform future decisions regarding its status; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council by Nov 23, 2020.
3. That the City Manager confer with the Metro Mayor’s Association to close indoor dining, gyms, casinos and other non-essential indoor activities as soon as possible and That the City Manager, Community Development Department, the Economic Development Division, the Assessing Department and other relevant City Departments organize a small business and restaurant relief program that will assist during this second shutdown and our efforts to stop community spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY IN COUNCIL NOV 16, 2020] [Order #10 from Nov 16, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-1 (Toomey - NO; Simmons- ABSENT)
O-10 Nov 16, 2020 Charter Right - Toomey
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: Citywide, Cambridge businesses, the Cambridge Public Health Department and Cambridge Public Schools have implemented several protective measures and strategies to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 throughout the community; and
WHEREAS: Though these protective measures have kept Cambridge COVID-19 positivity rates lower than neighboring cities, Cambridge’s positive cases do continue to increase daily; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Health Department reported 44 new cases in Cambridge today, the highest number of new cases since the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS: Epidemiologists recommend closing bars, casinos and gyms, and other non-essential business activities to stop the spread of COVID-19 as a way to keep schools open; and
WHEREAS: Research suggests a strong correlation between indoor activities and the rise of COVID-19 community spread; and
WHEREAS: Indoor activities are contributing to the rise in cases in Cambridge, getting our metrics dangerously close to closing schools and resuming remote only learning again; and
WHEREAS: We must take action to restrict the activities of non-essential businesses and gatherings in order to keep our schools open; and
WHEREAS: We must prioritize our scholars and their education as we navigate through the next phase of the public health crisis; and
WHEREAS: Our efforts must be part of a regional response in order to not unfairly penalize Cambridge restaurants and small businesses; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Metro Mayor’s Association to close indoor dining, gyms, casinos and other non-essential indoor activities as soon as possible; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager, Community Development Department, the Economic Development Division, the Assessing Department and other relevant City Departments organize a small business and restaurant relief program that will assist during this second shutdown and our efforts to stop community spread of COVID-19 and keep schools open.Substitute Order [Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-1 (Toomey - NO; Simmons- ABSENT)]
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: Citywide, Cambridge businesses, the Cambridge Public Health Department and Cambridge Public Schools have implemented protective measures and strategies to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 throughout the community; and
WHEREAS: Though these protective measures have kept Cambridge COVID-19 positivity rates lower than neighboring cities, Cambridge's positive cases do continue to increase daily; and
WHEREAS: Epidemiologists recommend targeted interventions to stop the spread of COVID-19 to keep schools open; and
WHEREAS: Research suggests a strong correlation between indoor activities and the rise of COVID-19 community spread; and
WHEREAS: Indoor activities are contributing to the rise in cases in Cambridge, getting our metrics dangerously close to closing schools and resuming remote only learning again; and
WHEREAS: We must take action to stop the spread of COVID-19 in order to keep our schools open and prioritize our scholars and their educations as we navigate through the next phase of the public health crisis; and
WHEREAS: Our efforts must be part of a regional response in order to not unfairly penalize Cambridge restaurants and small businesses; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager confer with the Metro Mayors' Association to temporarily restrict high risk indoor activities, such as indoor dining and gyms, and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager, Community Development Department, the Economic Development Division, the Assessing Department and other relevant City Departments organize a relief program to assist and financially support businesses affected by these temporary closures.
ORDERED: That the City Manager and all relative Departments, begin meeting immediately with the business community and the Covid-19 Expert Advisory Panel to discuss what interventions can be universally implemented to make indoor business activities safer.
ON THE TABLE
4. Green Energy Analysis Zoning Amendment. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING ON NOV 2, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER NOV 23, 2020]
Ordained 9-0
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. 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]
6. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City of Cambridge Law Department to review the above changes to the language of the Domestic Partnerships Ordinance and report back to the Council. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER SEPT 14, 2020]
7. That the enclosed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance be adopted to extend the temporary prohibition on tree cutting permits until Feb 28, 2021. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL NOV 16, 2020; TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER NOV 30, 2020]
COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from John W. Parsons, Esq., Executive Director, PERAC, regarding required Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriation.
Charter Right - Carlone
2. A communication was received from Audrey Cunningham, regarding Policy Order on Charter Right #2.
3. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Broadband RFP suggestions.
4. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding Policy Order on Charter Right #2.
5. A communication was received from Norman MacLeod, regarding potential Closure.
6. A communication was received from Ashley Williams, regarding Petition to Prioritize Schools.
7. A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding Transparency in governance is something we should strive for.
8. A communication was received from Suzanne Preston Blier, regarding members of Adjudicating Boards being allowed to miss a meeting.
9. A communication was received from Rebecca Bowie, regarding CAN board response to Policy Order #4.
10. A communication was received from Patricia Illingworth, regarding comment on motion to shut down small businesses.
11. A communication was received from Nicola Williams, regarding comments for 1119 hearing with WMBE's.
12. A communication was received from Mary Ann Donofrio, regarding POR 2020 #275 ECPT to the City Council.
13. A communication was received from Mark Jaquith, regarding P.O. #4.
14. A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding letter against #4 Overseeing Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Civil Rights.
15. A communication was received from Alan Greene, regarding Policy Order #4.
16. A communication was received from Jason Alves, regarding Charter Right #3.
17. A communication was received from Fabrizio Gentilli, regarding Policy Order #4.
18. A communication was received from Charles Franklin, regarding PO #4.
19. A communication was received from Cathy Zusy, regarding please withdraw the Policy Order re: Neighborhood groups.
20. A communication was received from Audrey A. Cunningham, regarding opposition to Policy Order #4.
21. A communication was received from Amanda Beatty, regarding support for late Policy Order #10.
22. A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding new facts on the Crowe affair.
23. A communication was received from Howard Baden, regarding POR 2020 #267.
24. A communication was received from Allan Sadun, regarding neighborhood associations deserve scrutiny.
25. A communication was received from John Whisnant, regarding in favor of P.O. 5.4 Neighborhood association.
26. A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding writing for Cambridge Residents Alliance to express our concern regarding PO #4.
27. A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding to voice our shared concerns with Policy Order #4.
28. A communication was received from Luis Mejias, regarding I strongly encourage the Council to approve working with DCR to keep Riverbend Park open beyond November 29th.
29. A communication was received from Elizabeth Gombosi, regarding Policy Order #4.
30. A communication was received from Christopher Schmidt, regarding Policy Order #4.
31. A communication was received from Fritz Donovan, regarding Policy Order #4.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Representative Katherine Clark on being elected as the next Assistant Speaker of the House. Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon
2. Solidarity with Urban Hearth. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan
3. Resolution on the death of Peter F. Colleary. Councillor Toomey
4. Resolution on the death of Dorothea R. Johnston. Councillor Toomey
5. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth Dexter. Councillor Nolan
R-5 Nov 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLANWHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened at learning of the death of Elizabeth “Betty” Dexter after a long battle with illness, one month after her 94th birthday; and
WHEREAS: Betty is survived by daughter Emily Dexter, who served on the Cambridge School Committee, and spouse Armond Cohen of Cambridge, as well as Susan, Catherine, and Robin Dexter, and three granddaughters, two of whom, Eliza and Leah Cohen, are proud graduates of CRLS, and a third Amy Karadbil; and
WHEREAS: Betty followed the path of many women who worked for years before getting the benefit of a college degree, obtaining her bachelor’s degree only at the age of 45, followed by a master’s degree in counseling; and
WHEREAS: Betty lived in Cambridge for 15 years, working at MIT and benefitting the city with her adventurous spirit and involvement in community and political activities; and
WHEREAS: Later in life Betty, moved to Maine where she continued her involvement in bettering the world by helping establish a center for domestically abused women and designing and building a passive solar home, demonstrating the feasibility of addressing the climate crisis; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That this City Council go on record extending its deepest sympathy to Betty Dexter’s family at this time of such personal loss; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Dexter family on behalf of the entire City Council.
6. Resolution on the death of Francis H. Duehay. Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
R-6 Nov 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVANWHEREAS: Francis H. Duehay ("Frank") moved to Cambridge at the age of 8 years-old and remained in Cambridge for over seven decades and
WHEREAS: Frank played an integral role in shaping the landscape of Cambridge for over three decades, as an elected official, a community organizer, a political advisor, a community volunteer and by serving on various boards and commissions and
WHEREAS: Frank served 36 consecutive years as an elected official in Cambridge, including four terms on the Cambridge School Committee, where he championed affordable preschool, high expectations for all students and school choice to desegregate Cambridge Public Schools and
WHEREAS: As a City Councillor, Frank served 14 terms, from 1972 through 1999, and was ahead of his time, championing safe streets, bike lanes, environmental protections, establishing the Affordable Housing Trust, and task forces to address AIDS, substance use and the dangers of cigarette smoking, and
WHEREAS: Frank served three terms as Mayor to the City of Cambridge, from 1980-1981, 1985, and 1998-1999, where he continued to focus the City and the Council on environmental issues, housing affordability, school improvement and creating safe and livable neighborhoods and
WHEREAS: Frank was instrumental in the success of the Cambridge Civic Association (CCA), and was a champion for rent control, good governance, and strong public schools, and
WHEREAS: Frank’s political influence was not limited to his elected office. Frank also participated on many boards and commissions, including but not limited to Tutoring Plus, The Cambridge Homes, Phillips Brooks House Association, Cambridge Health Alliance and the CRLS Alumni Association and
WHEREAS: Frank served as a bridge between the “town” and “gown” constituencies, having grown up in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge Public Schools, but also earning three degrees from Harvard and working at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and serving as a fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School and
WHEREAS: Frank always made himself available to other citizens seeking public office in Cambridge or who just wanted to be more involved in the Cambridge community. Frank was always willing to mentor, listen, share his experience with, and encourage anyone dedicated to Cambridge and
WHEREAS: Frank was known for his warm and gracious personality, his ability to work across the political spectrum without compromising his values, and
WHEREAS: Frank never retired from Cambridge life even after he ceased to serve in public office, forever working to make Cambridge an inclusive community and
WHEREAS: Frank leaves behind the love of his life, Jane Kenworthy Lewis, who has also been a strong advocate for Cambridge; therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing its deepest condolences to Jane on the passing of her husband, Mayor Frank Duehay and further the Council posthumously thanks Mayor Duehay for everything that he contributed to the betterment of our City and for all of the lives he touched and influenced over the years, leaving his fingerprints on the very fabric of our community for generations to come, and further be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk is hereby requested to send a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Jane Kenworthy Lewis on behalf of the entire Cambridge City Council
7. Wishing Ruth Ryan Allen, co-owner of Paddy’s Lunch, a swift and full recovery. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey
ORDERS
1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the feasibility of hiring a consultant to perform an Equity Audit on the Cambridge Arts Council, and to report back to the City Council by Jan 4th, 2021. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0
2. That the City Council formally go on record in asking the City Manager to work with the appropriate City Staff in formulating an RFP for a public arts project that will acknowledge the unfinished work of the 19th Amendment, the importance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and how the two pieces of legislation ultimately complemented one another in helping to shape a more perfect union, and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Amended; Charter Right - Nolan
3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and other pertinent City staff to establish a Black and Brown-Owned Business Taskforce, to be focused upon strengthening the City’s outreach efforts, information-sharing, assistance mechanisms, and overall relationship with local Black and Brown-owned businesses, and to establish a rolling set of recommendations designed to ensure the City spares no effort in assisting these businesses. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0
4. Policy Order to strengthen community bonds and ensure equitable access to neighborhood organizations. Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right - Nolan
5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to appropriate the funds necessary to procure the work of the Collins Center as outlined in their submitted proposal. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0
6. Policy Order to find a suitable location for a dedicated corner for Fred O'Connor. Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, communicating information from the School Committee.
Placed on File 9-0
HEARING SCHEDULE (until further notice – via Zoom)
Mon, Nov 23
3:00pm A special meeting of the City Council to discuss the COVID 19 trajectory with health and science experts. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Tues, Nov 24
3:00pm The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss Awaiting Report response on Harvard Square street closures. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Nov 30
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 7
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 9
1:00pm The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report regarding contacting the new owners of Jerry’s Pond. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance petition. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 14
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Dec 16
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay petition. (Sullivan Chamber)
Thurs, Dec 17
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Retail Uses Zoning Ordinance petition and the Home Occupations Zoning Ordinance petition. (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 21
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Mon, Dec 28
5:30pm City Council Meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 6
5:00pm The Public Safety Committee will meet to conduct a public hearing on the Cambridge Police Department inventory list. (Sullivan Chamber)
Wed, Jan 13
2:00pm Economic Development & University Relations Committee will meet to discuss the proposed Vacant Storefront Policy, and other strategies to address vacant storefronts in Cambridge. (Sullivan Chamber)
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Nov 23, 2020
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its departments, and addressing issues through an equity lens; and
WHEREAS: Racial bias and structural racism within the Arts have created a long, devastating history of wrongfully blocking artists of color from accessing funding opportunities within their communities; and
WHEREAS: As the City continues to support and fund the Arts in a meaningful way, we must deeply study where racial bias and institutional racism permeates our practices, and evaluate how those biases and structures determine funding outcomes; and
WHEREAS: Other municipalities, including Boston, Indianapolis, Sacramento, and Ontario, have performed or will perform Equity Audits of their Arts Council policies and procedures to determine where structural racism exists, and pathways to rectify the historical and current exclusion of artists of color by creating stronger, more inclusive access to engagement and funding opportunities; and
WHEREAS: Hiring a consultant to conduct an equity audit is one of the final recommendations from the Mayor’s Arts Task Force, which states: “Intentionally examining our practices and laying the right groundwork will benefit the whole City, by adding vibrant, diverse art to our public art collection, and by increasing well-funded arts opportunities for a more representative artist community”; and
WHEREAS: As the recent selection process for the 19th Amendment Centennial Public Art project was impacted by institutional, racial bias, performing such an equity audit in Cambridge would help ensure future selection processes embody Cambridge’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and that Cambridge is a welcoming place for all artists; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to explore the feasibility of hiring a consultant to perform an Equity Audit on the Cambridge Arts Council, and to report back to the City Council by Jan 4th, 2021.
O-2 Nov 23, 2020 Amended; Charter Right - Nolan
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: Beginning in 2019, the City of Cambridge began internal deliberations on how to properly commemorate the August 2020 centennial anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, which enshrined the right of women to vote in this country’s elections; and
WHEREAS: Even before the Covid-19 pandemic dictated that the City’s efforts would largely focus upon the establishment of a public arts display as a centerpiece of this commemoration, this was an idea that was rapidly gaining currency by the Fall of 2019; and
WHEREAS: While a process was initiated to find a suitable artist to bring forth ideas on what this public arts display might ultimately look like, it has concurrently been recognized that an additional public arts display underscoring the fact that for women of color, the rights enshrined in the 19th Amendment, which are rightfully being recognized for their centennial anniversary this year, for the most part excluded women of color, who were forced to wait an additional 45 years for the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure that they, too, had a full voice in their democracy; and
WHEREAS: In establishing a separate public arts display to draw attention to the fact that women of color were largely denied the right to vote until 1965, the City of Cambridge will once again show how communities can celebrate our history, in all its complexity, as both a way of better understanding our past and of engaging us all to think more critically about how we can work to build a better, more inclusive future; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Council formally go on record in asking the City Manager to work with the appropriate City Staff in formulating an RFP for a public arts project that will acknowledge the unfinished work of the 19th Amendment, the importance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and how the two pieces of legislation ultimately complemented one another in helping to shape a more perfect union, and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
O-3 Nov 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: Over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic and economic crisis, the City has taken measures to assist local businesses in weathering the worst of the storm, including establishing funds to help businesses pay their staffs, their rent, and other critical operating expenses as these businesses have been temporarily shuttered or operating at reduced capacity; and
WHEREAS: While these measures have helped many local businesses, there have been concerns raised that these measures have not been reaching and not being applied to all businesses equally, and that Black and Brown-owned businesses have been particularly hit hard by the financial impact of this pandemic; and
WHEREAS: The fact that Black and Brown-owned businesses have been among those hardest hit, and among those least likely to access financial and other forms of assistance, during this crisis has been in keeping with the broader experience these local businesses have had as part of the local economy, and the pandemic has laid bare the need for the City to conduct a greater level of engagement with representatives of the Black and Brown-owned business community to ensure that these entities are not only better positioned to survive the Covid-19 era, but will be poised to thrive more generally as the City looks to the future; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Community Development Department and other pertinent City staff to establish a Black and Brown-Owned Business Taskforce, to be focused upon strengthening the City’s outreach efforts, information-sharing, assistance mechanisms, and overall relationship with local Black and Brown-owned businesses, and to establish a rolling set of recommendations designed to ensure the City spares no effort in assisting these businesses; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
O-4 Nov 23, 2020 Charter Right - Nolan
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has many community and neighborhood organizations formed to discuss and advocate for issues that impact their neighborhood and the city as a whole; and
WHEREAS: These groups provide effective ways for residents to have a voice in the shaping of their neighborhood and the larger Cambridge community; and
WHEREAS: These groups are often formed and run by volunteers which have various abilities to promote, advocate, and forward their positions in aggregate for City planning purposes; and
WHEREAS: These groups often have membership and boards that struggle to represent the diverse demographics of their neighborhood and city at large; and
WHEREAS: Many of these groups are recognized by the City of Cambridge as the de facto voice of neighborhoods, and many city boards and agencies seek their input for planning purposes, and yet the groups may not fully represent the broad spectrum of the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS: These groups are important and vital and deserve appreciation for trying to represent residents and amplify the voice of regular people all on a volunteer basis, and yet at times, these groups can unintentionally alienate certain voices and residents can feel uncomfortable taking part in meetings or in online conversations; and
WHEREAS: As recently as a few weeks ago, a board member of the East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) directed homophobic and sexually harassing comments at a resident on a public neighborhood email group after that resident wrote an op-ed opposed to an ECPT policy position; and
WHEREAS: No resident should ever have to expose themselves to bigotry and intimidation based on who they are in order to participate in community life; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge has a duty not to empower groups or individuals who bully, harass, or abuse other residents based on their race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or physical/mental disability; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council believes in the dignity of all people and their right to respect, and equality of opportunity and participation in civic life free of abuse, and values the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our city; and be it further
RESOLVED: That we condemn homophobic bullying and intimidation anywhere in the city, and we encourage all neighborhood groups and organizations to enact policies to prevent and sanction such abusive behavior that serves the opposite goal of these groups and organizations by alienating; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee of the City Council host a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen community bonds and ensure equitable access to neighborhood organizations which could include, but not be limited to:
· How the City of Cambridge can support neighborhood organizations and other community groups to create rules and regulations that ensure greater diversity and representation on boards and in membership of these groups and formal codes of conduct to ensure that these groups create safe and supportive environments for all participants
· Ensure that the City is not systemically elevating certain groups and voices over others in what should be equal community discussions and governing processes
· Developing policies and practices to allow members of neighborhood organizations to formally file complaints and grievances and seek assistance from the City when discriminatory incidents take place.
O-5 Nov 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: On July 27th, 2020, the Council unanimously passed a Policy Order asking the Mayor to call a Special Meeting for the Collins Center for Public Management to present to the Council on the process of charter review; and
WHEREAS: That Special Meeting took place on Sept 23rd, 2020, and after a detailed presentation on the charter review, the Council had additional questions for the Collins Center staff and wanted more information about the different paths that the City could take to review its charter; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge, which adopted the Plan E Charter in 1940, has not once held a formal review process to consider revisions, making it one of the only municipalities in Massachusetts to go 80 years without reviewing its most important legal document; and
WHEREAS: Chapter 43B, Section 2, in General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts states: “Every city and town shall have the power to adopt or revise its charter or to amend its existing charter in accordance with procedures prescribed by [Chapter 43B]”; and
WHEREAS: Somerville recently launched a charter review process, starting with the Council voting to appropriate funds to contract a technical expert to guide their work; and
WHEREAS: The City Council expressed interest in furthering its understanding of how a process of charter revision, review and or change would work, and the Collins Center drafted a four-step proposal that would include procuring and presenting Cambridge-specific information to the Council to better inform Councilors of the options and strategies available; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to appropriate the funds necessary to procure the work of the Collins Center as outlined in their submitted proposal.
The Honorable Sumbul Siddiqui
Mayor
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA 02139Nov 5, 2020
Dear Mayor Siddiqui:
The Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management is pleased to present this proposal to the Cambridge City Council for an assessment of Cambridge’s options for a charter review.
The Center was established in 2008 in the McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies to further the public service mission of the University of Massachusetts Boston. The Center provides technical assistance to municipalities, school districts, regional governments, and state agencies on all aspects of public management.
The Center is a Massachusetts state government entity. Consequently, the laws of the Commonwealth do not require the City and the University to engage in a statutory procurement process before executing a contract.
Please review the proposal that follows, and let us know if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michael Ward
Director
Edward J. Collins, Jr. Center for Public Management
McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies
UMass BostonPROPOSAL TO THE CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL
FOR ASSESSMENT OF CAMBRIDGE’S OPTIONS FOR CHARTER REVIEW1. Overview
On Sept 23, 2020, at the request of the City Council, the Collins Center charter project team presented at a special Council meeting on charters and charter processes. Cambridge is one of only a dozen or so Massachusetts municipalities to still retain a Plan form of government, and one of only two remaining cities with a Plan E. The City has had this Plan E charter since 1940, and, to the Center’s knowledge, it has been never been the subject of a formal review. Best practices suggest that a charter should be reviewed once every ten years. (Most charters enacted in the last 30 years include a 10-year review.)
Following the Center’s presentation, the Council has requested further information about what different charters and forms of government could look like in Cambridge and what charter review pathways might make the most sense.
2. Proposed Deliverables and Workplan
This proposal includes the following deliverables:
1. A memo presenting major options of form of government available to Cambridge and the key differences between them;
2. A memo summarizing the Cambridge City Council’s feedback regarding the current charter and form of government, and providing options for pathways the Council could take; and
3. (if requested) A presentation of the memos to the City Council.
In order to complete the noted deliverables, the project team proposes the following workplan:
Step 1: Draft first memo
The project team will draft a memo to the Council presenting major options of form of government available to Cambridge and the key differences between them.Step 2: Interviews with City Councilors
The project team will interview each City Councilor individually. These interviews will be an opportunity for the project team to answer any questions from Councilors about the memo, or charters generally, and to obtain the perspectives of Councilors on the potential need for and possible scope of a review of Cambridge’s charter.Step 3: Draft second memo
The project team will draft a memo that compiles the feedback received during the interviews and provides recommendations for whether a charter review makes sense for the City at that this particular point in time and, if it does make sense, what are some ways that the review might be conducted (e.g., what a committee doing the review might look like, what its mandate might be, etc.).Step 4: Presentation to City Council (if requested)
If requested by the Council, the project team will present the two memos and be available to answer questions at a Council meeting.3. Timeline
This engagement will begin as soon as an agreement can be reached and a contract formalized. A sample timeline appears below.
Step Month 1 Month 2 Step 1: Draft first memo XXXX Step 2: Interviews with City Councilors XXXX XXXX Step 3: Draft second memo XXXX Step 4: Presentation to City Council XXXX 4. Fee for Services
The Collins Center will provide the scope of services presented in this proposal for an all-inclusive fee of $10,000. The Center will invoice the City for the full amount upon completion of the work.
5. Project Team
The following staff are part of the Center’s charter team. Individual projects are staffed on a case by case basis.
Marilyn Contreas
Marilyn Contreas practices in the areas of government structure and organization and regional service arrangements/operations. She served as a senior program and policy analyst for the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development for over 35 years. She worked with charter commissions, municipal government study committees, and other local officials on questions of structure and organization of local government. She also served as the state’s representative to the working group to prepare a new charter for the city of Chelsea as it emerged from receivership. She has served as a resource on charter-related questions to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, and local Leagues of Women Voters. She has also designed and administered grant programs for municipal governments, and regional planning agencies. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri and a Master of Public Administration from the State University of New York at Albany.Stephen McGoldrick
Stephen McGoldrick practices in the areas of management, organizational, and governance issues. He served as Director of the Collins Center from 2013 till his retirement in 2019 and prior to that was Deputy Director since 2009. Before joining the Center, he served as the deputy director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. In that position, he was responsible for facilitating strategic alliances among local governments and providing technical assistance to municipalities on a broad range of governance and management issues. He oversaw the largest collective procurement program in New England in partnership with the Greater Boston Police Council and helped to establish the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition. From 1991 to 1996, McGoldrick served as chief of staff to the Chelsea receiver and subsequently facilitated the establishment of Chelsea's post-receivership government. In 1990, he served as the executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Personnel Association. From 1983 to 1990, he held leadership positions in the administrations of the mayors of Everett and Somerville. He holds a master of science in management degree from Lesley University and a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Michael Ward
Mike Ward has been with the Center since 2008, serving as Director of Municipal Services before becoming Director in 2019. He co-founded and currently manages the Collins Center’s Government Analytics Program. Prior to his time at the Center, Ward served as budget analyst for the Town of Concord. In this role, he helped the Town begin integrating performance measurement into its annual budget process, assisted with the financial management of a Recreation Center enterprise fund, and worked on numerous budget and procurement projects. Ward studied innovative urban policy in Curitiba (Brazil) and Singapore as a Thomas J. Watson fellow. He looked at how these cities both managed to reshape themselves through creative public transportation, economic development, and service provision strategies. He has also worked on numerous political campaigns, including managing a mayoral campaign in Massachusetts.
O-6 Nov 23, 2020
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
ORDERED: That the City’s Dedication Committee find a suitable location for a dedicated corner for Fred O'Connor.
AWAITING REPORT LIST
16-101. Report on the potential of building below market rental housing on City-owned parking lots along Bishop Allen Drive. On a communication from Councillor McGovern requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons (O-4) from 12/12/2016
16-108. Report on whether people displaced and qualify for Emergency Status who are using Section 8 in other cities or towns can retain their resident preference for the purpose of Inclusionary Housing. On a communication from Councillor Kelley requesting that this matter be forwarded to the 2018-2019 Legislative Session.
Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toomey (O-4) from 12/19/2016
18-38. Report on inventory of all City-owned vacant buildings and lots and the City's plans for them, if any.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 3/26/2018
18-60. Report on a small business parking pilot that would allow temporary on-street employee parking during typical daytime operating hours.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/14/2018
18-73. Report on establishing and implementing a dynamic new initiative that will seek to place Port residents (ages 18 and over) on paths to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 6/25/2018
18-119. Report on evaluating the existing capacity of fire stations in the Kendall Square area and whether a new fire station is needed, and if so, determining the feasibility of locating a plot of land for this use.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/5/2018
19-3. Report on establishing a Central Square Improvement Fund and allocate no less than 25% of funds generated to the arts.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 1/7/2019
19-49. Report on recommending restrictions on signage specific to retail establishments that sell e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey (O-15) from 4/8/2019
19-58. Report on working with the Recycling Advisory Committee and other stakeholders to draft an ordinance banning single-use plastic items in Cambridge.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-6) from 5/13/2019
19-62. Report on drafting a formal Anti-bias /Cultural Competency Strategic Plan for eventual adoption and implementation.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/20/2019
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019
19-74. Report on establishing a working committee to review the monuments, memorials, and markers throughout Cambridge to determine whether any of these commemorate those who were linked to the slave trade or engaged in other similarly shameful acts and to determine which individuals should be newly recognized with a monument, memorial, or marker.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Devereux, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/10/2019
19-75. Report on exploring the feasibility of partnering with a local research institution to conduct a study that determines how many ridehail vehicles are on the roads during both on and off-peak times and their impacts on congestion and safety.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-4) from 6/10/2019
19-100. Report on the feasibility of implementing an additional regulatory requirement for listing a registration/license number for Short-Term Rentals.
Councillor Kelley, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-19) from 7/30/2019
19-130. Report on requesting to allocate more funds in the FY21 budget for the small business improvement grants and to confer with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office on whether other cities in Massachusetts have been facing similar issues with ADA compliance and what can be done to protect the small businesses.
Councillor Toomey (O-14) from 10/7/2019
19-134. Report on increasing funding to the City’s HomeBridge program so that access to homeownership may be made available to a wider range of incomes, as the program intends.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey (O-20) from 10/7/2019
19-142. Report on determining the feasibility of expediting the Demolition and Rebuilding permitting process in the event of a natural disaster.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/21/2019
19-144. Report on determining the feasibility of instituting and funding a Fire Cadet Program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/21/2019
19-145. Report on reviewing all the City’s policies and procedures related to the procurement, installation and disposal of artificial turf.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/21/2019
19-146. 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
19-151. Report on the feasibility of making Porter Square and Massachusetts Avenue between Roseland Street and Beech Street a quick-build Complete Street with bus priority.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Devereux (O-10) from 10/28/2019
20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020
20-12. Report on the feasibility of instituting a program to install rings on parking meters to expand bicycle parking options.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 2/10/2020
20-23. Report on implementing Simple Recycling' s curbside textile recycling program and report back to the Council on this matter in a timely manner.
Councillor Toomey (O-1) from 5/11/2020
20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020
20-30. Report on establishing a plan designed to provide a thorough, system-wide review of the entire municipal government to identify and remove any vestiges of systemic racism and/or racial bias in any and all City departments, to establish clear, transparent metrics that will help further this critical endeavor.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey (O-3) from 6/29/2020
20-31. Report on determining how to best protect and preserve our commercial spaces that support our small business operators and maintain continuity in our commercial districts.
Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 6/29/2020
20-36. Report on generating a report detailing the Sole Assessment Process, the Civil Service HRD process, the reason for choosing the Sole Assessment Process over the Civil Service HRD process, and the projected costs associated with both processes.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-5) from 7/27/2020
20-37. Report on considering formally renaming the Central Square Library in honor of Maria Baldwin and Rep. John Lewis, with the building being known as “The Maria Baldwin and Rep. John Lewis Library and Center for African American/Black History and Culture” going forward, or to otherwise find another suitable location for this dedication.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-6) from 7/27/2020
20-44. Report on working to appoint a Vaccine Task Force to develop a plan that keeps equity at the forefront.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor SobrinhoWheeler (O-6) from 9/14/2020
20-45. Report on examining what traffic calming measures may be implemented for Walden Street, Raymond Street and Richdale Ave.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-11) from 9/14/2020
20-48. Report on the feasibility of creating an antibody testing program.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 9/21/2020
20-52. Report on determining what impact the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping may have on the City of Cambridge and its community partners and what options the City may have to work around this order.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-1) from 10/19/2020
20-53. Report on how Cambridge might participate in PACE Massachusetts pursuant to the PACE Act including exploring all options for incentivizing participation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 10/19/2020
20-54. Report on drafting an ordinance requiring the city to only purchase goods that are made in full compliance with USA environmental and labor standards.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui (O-3) from 10/19/2020
20-56. Report on establishing a plan that will allow for greater outreach to women-and-minority-owned businesses, technical assistance to these businesses in applying for financial relief, and a clear plan to ensure that those small businesses that have not yet received financial assistance be granted every opportunity to access any future City funding should it be made available.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 10/26/2020
20-58. Report on creating a comprehensive digital, postal, and traditional media outreach campaign educating residents on the Cambridge eviction moratorium, tenants’ rights, and resources available to at-risk tenants.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui (O-3) from 11/2/2020
20-59. Report on the feasibility of posting all applications for building permits online as soon as available.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern (O-6) from 11/2/2020
20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020
20-61. Report on an update on City-Owned Vacant Properties Inventory.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey (O-2) from 11/16/2020
20-62. Report on the feasibility of having interpreters at polling locations.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-4) from 11/16/2020
20-63. Report on a review of the granting of an extension for the 605 Concord Avenue project which appears counter to the City’s zoning code and confer with the relevant departments on how many projects that had a permit prior to these changes could request an extension.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-6) from 11/16/2020
20-64. Report on drafting appropriate Home Rule language which would allow for acoustic live entertainment performances in small businesses under certain conditions without a license
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 11/16/2020