Cambridge City Council meeting - December 4, 2023

Cambridge City Council meeting - December 4, 2023 - AGENDA
[Councillor Simmons was remote]

CITY MANAGER’S AGENDA
1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women for a term of three years: Sweta Joshi, Vicky Mahfoud, Robin McCree, Caroline Palavicino-Maggio, and Kristine Pereira-View. (CM23#283)
Appointments Approved 9-0

Dec 4, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to recommend the following appointments to the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women for a term of three years effective Dec 4, 2023:
• Sweta Joshi
• Vicky Mahfoud
• Robin McCree
• Caroline Palavicino-Maggio
• Kristine Pereira-View

The Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW) was established by ordinance of the City Council in 1977. CCSW works to promote equity for all women and girls and advocates on their behalf with other City departments, officials, and local organizations to increase their opportunities through policy recommendations and program development and builds public awareness in key issue areas. CCSW recognizes, supports, and advocates for all who self-identify as women or with womanhood, including transgender, gender fluid, and non-binary persons. We stand with and for all women and girls regardless of immigration status, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability or religion.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the CCSW on the City website and via a news release on September 18, 2023, with a closing date of October 16, 2023. During that time, the Women’s Commission sent the notice out to their listserv and posted the openings on various social media platforms. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website. The Commission received 11 applications. Staff conducted virtual interviews with five (5) applicants. The Committee chose Sweta Joshi, Vicky Mahfoud, Robin McCree, Caroline Palavicino-Maggio, and Kristine Pereira-View and recommend three-year appointments.

I am pleased to recommend these five individuals whose expertise and life experience will offer our Commission continued and valued diversity in age, income-level, sexual orientation, race, education, background, neighborhood, and to our mix of members new to the city as well as those whose families have lived in Cambridge for generations.

1. Sweta Joshi, an immigrant to the United States from India, resides in Cambridgeport and is a PhD scientist working in biotech. Sweta serves on the Morse Elementary School parent council and participates in various community activities in Cambridge such as Science Club for Girls and activities at the YMCA with her daughter.

2. Vicky Mahfoud immigrated from Lebanon to Cambridge four years ago and shifted her career focus from international finance to culinary arts and is now a small business owner in the Cambridge. Vicky speaks three languages and has worked in Syrian and Palestinian refugee camps supporting women in developing their confidence through theater and drama workshops.

3. Robin McCree is a lifelong Cambridge resident who, after retiring from her career as Assistant Clerk Magistrate, being the first Black woman to hold that position, wants to continue to give back to her community. Robin has a long history of supporting Cambridge in various volunteer efforts from running a Tobin School youth group to working for the Election Commission to leading a women’s bible study group in her church.

4. Caroline Palavicino-Maggio has lived in Cambridge since 2016. In addition to being an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, where she is involved in the Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Committee, she is also caretaker for her children and a parent with Alzheimer’s. She uses this experience to help support others dealing with dementia, in Spanish and English, at senior centers in Cambridge and Boston.

5. Kristine Pereira-View is a first-generation Portuguese American woman, born and raised in Cambridge. She attended public schools, including CRLS, and is currently an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse working to support patients with complex medical conditions and comorbid psychiatric illness. She is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women and, with your approval, look forward to their appointments.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of the following persons as a members of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission for a term of three years; Re-appointments: Mercedes Evans, Joshua Stadlan, Stefanie Haug, and Olinda Marshall. Appointments: Sue Mapel, Samuel Myers, Caroline Palavicino-Maggio, and Beverly Sealey. (CM23#284)
Appointments Approved 9-0

Dec 4, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to recommend the following re-appointments and appointments of members to the Cambridge Human Rights Commission (“CHRC”) for a term of three years, effective Dec 4, 2023:
• Mercedes Evans (re-appointment)
• Joshua Stadlan (re-appointment)
• Stefanie Haug (re-appointment)
• Olinda Marshall (re-appointment)
• Sue Mapel (appointment)
• Samuel Myers (appointment)
• Caroline Palavicino-Maggio (appointment)
• Beverly Sealey (appointment)

CHRC, which was established in 1984, is dedicated to upholding and safeguarding the fundamental human rights of residents and visitors to the city. CHRC works to eradicate discrimination through an investigative process, proactive community outreach, and collaborations with City and community partners. CHRC aims to create an environment where people of diverse backgrounds can live without fear of discrimination based on the following protected classes: race; color; sex; age; religious creed; disability; national origin or ancestry; sexual orientation; gender identity or gender expression; marital status; family status; military status; and source of income.

Commissioners must live or work in Cambridge, and support staff by working to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission Ordinance, Chapter 2.76 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, which covers discrimination in employment, in places of public accommodation, and in education, and the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance, Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, which covers discrimination in housing.

The City Manager’s office posted a request for applications for the Human Rights Commission on the City website and via a news release on September 21, 2023, with a closing date of October 23, 2023. During that time, members of the Commission conducted outreach with their networks. The call for applicants was also posted in several of the City’s daily email updates and in postings on the City website.

There were 10 applicants, 5 of whom were interviewed. The interview panel, made up of City staff members and the current Chair of the Commission, has recommended the appointment of 4 of those applicants.

The Human Rights Commission also recommends the re-appointment of 4 current members. These members have made valuable contributions and would appreciate the opportunity to continue serving.

Reappointments:

• Joshua Stadlan: Mr. Stadlan has served on CHRC since 2017, including as Vice Chair, Co-Chair, and Chair. As CHRC has welcomed new staff in recent years, Mr. Stadlan strives to offer the institutional knowledge he has gained from his volunteer involvement in CHRC. Professionally, Mr. Stadlan works as a computational social scientist focused on methods for the integration of data analysis with community-based input about lived experience to help make more equitable and effective decision-making; Mr. Stadlan tries to bring that expertise to his volunteer service as well. As a gay observant Jew, Cambridge renter, and part-time graduate student, Mr. Stadlan looks to bring insight about the experiences of Cambridge residents with those shared identities and communities, in the course of learning more about the experiences and advocating for the needs of all Cantabrigians. His contributions and insights have been invaluable.

• Mercedes Evans: Ms. Evans is the longest standing member of the CHRC, for which she was recognized in October 2015 with the Francis H. Duehay Public Service Volunteer Award for her many years of service and contributions to the Commission. Ms. Evans is a former Chair of the CHRC, has acted as a Hearing Officer for CHRC Public Hearings, trains new Commissioners on how to review determinations on complaints of discrimination, regularly performs outreach for the CHRC, and contributes topics of discussion for consideration by the CHRC. Ms. Evans is an African American retired attorney and worked as Director of the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Diversity at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). Ms. Evan has been a foundational and highly involved Commissioner.

• Stephanie Haug: Ms. Haug is a 20+ year Cambridge resident. Ms. Haug is a licensed clinical social worker, with a master’s in clinical social work from Simmons School of Social Work. Ms. Haug also works as a child and family Psychotherapist in private practice. She volunteers as a member/participant with the Cambridge Insight Meditation Center and First Church Cambridge, is a former Chair of the Families of Rindge Avenue Upper Campus PTA, as a youth leader at First Church, Cambridge and as a Justice of the Peace for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Ms. Haug has appreciated the opportunity to support the mission of the Commission, the dedicated work of its staff and the collaboration of fellow Commissioners. Ms. Haug has had consistent attendance and has volunteered to review determinations. Ms. Haug will continue to add to the diversity of communities represented on and reached by our Commission.

• Olinda Marshall: Ms. Marshall is a longtime resident of Cambridge and has served as a Commissioner since 2016. Ms. Marshall has 20 years of experience as a labor and employment law attorney and labor negotiator, and a long history of working for civil rights within the Commonwealth. In her time as a CHRC Commissioner, Ms. Marshall has assisted in reviewing Commission determinations on complaints alleging unlawful discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and housing. Ms. Marshall has also successfully mediated Commission matters and assisted parties in resolving disputes. Since 2020, Ms. Marshall has worked for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation as its Chief Labor Negotiator. Prior to MassDOT, she worked exclusively as a labor and employment law attorney representing private and public sector unions and individuals. Ms. Marshall offer’s extensive knowledge and experience in state and federal labor and employment law, including the NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and state antidiscrimination laws. Ms. Marshall will continue positively impacting the Commission.

Appointments:

• Sue Mapel: Ms. Mapel has been a Cambridge resident since 1997. Ms. Mapel lives in North Cambridge with her wife and their 15-year-old daughter. For the past 11 years, Ms. Mapel has been an employee (clinical social worker) of Cambridge Public Schools. She has recently retired from her position at Haggerty School. One of the things she loved most about her work was their commitment to equity and inclusion. Ms. Mapel worked to create an environment where students, staff, and families felt like they belonged, and she devoted her days to the success of all students, and constantly looked out for students at the margins. Ms. Mapel explored how white supremacy culture, racism, and other forms of oppression are baked into educational systems, and what she could do to counter that. Ms. Mapel would welcome the opportunity to continue serving the diverse residents and community of Cambridge. Ms. Mapel’s experience in schools, commitment to anti racism, as well as her background as a clinical social worker would be helpful in supporting the work of the Commission.

• Samuel Myers: Mr. Myers, who works a private practice attorney, was born and raised in Cambridge and recently moved back. Mr. Myer’s father was a Cambridge City Councilor in the 1990’s, so he has experience with civic engagement through his father’s work. Mr. Myers currently handles legal matters related to zoning and housing and he has experience representing cities and towns across Massachusetts. As a cis-white man, Mr. Myers is interested in decentering his life experiences and giving back to the Cambridge community by offering his legal training and experience. Mr. Myers is familiar with the open meeting law and would like to assist with our investigative process and with the review of determinations to ensure legal compliance. Mr. Myers will bring a measured level of skill to the Commission’s work.

• Caroline Palavicino-Maggio: Dr. Palavicino-Maggio, who works as a research scientist, can offer a unique and invaluable perspective to the CHRC. Her understanding of the neuroscientific aspects of human behavior allows her to provide scientific insights into matters related to mental health, well-being, and systemic issues that affect marginalized communities. In addition, Dr. Palavicino-Maggio has an intimate familiarity with the complexities surrounding gender and behavioral science, knowledge that can strengthen our approach to issues such as domestic violence, harassment, and gender discrimination. As a researcher and academic, she has developed strong skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication. These are transferable skills that would be useful in analyzing policies, reviewing cases, and making evidence-based recommendations. Dr. Palavicino-Maggio will bring interesting insights to the work of the Commission.

• Beverly Sealey: Dr. Sealey is a professional social worker with a master’s degree in social work, and a PhD in social policy, social welfare, and research. Dr. Sealey currently works as an Associate Professor at Simmons College in the School of Social Work, where she has taught since 1991. Dr. Sealey has lived or worked in Cambridge for over 30 years. As a clinical social worker, she has worked in a number of roles, positions, and capacities such as a practitioner providing clinical services, a manager both in the public and private sectors, a consultant, researcher, and educator. Dr. Sealey’s areas of research interest includes human rights, justice policy and practice, cultural diversity and culturally competent practice, and issues affecting ethnic and racial minority groups. Dr. Sealey will offer interesting perspectives as a Commissioner.

I am pleased to recommend these individuals whose expertise and experience will enable them to be valuable members of the Human Rights Commission.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Human Rights Commission and, with your approval, look forward to their reappointments and appointments.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on the evaluation of the 2023 Street Cleaning Pilot. (CM23#285) [text of report]
pulled by Toner - suggests value in towing for last street cleaning of year; comments by PT,QZ, Kathy Watkins, PN, DS, BA, Yi-An Huang, John Nardone; Placed on File 9-0

4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the evaluation of the 2023 Street Cleaning Pilot and recommended language for special legislation to increase fines. (CM23#286)
pulled by Toner; comments by PT, Yi-An Huang re: sending to Decker, QZ re: sending to entire delegation, PN, DS; Order Adopted 7-2 (DS,PT-No)

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCREASE THE FINES FOR FAILURE TO MOVE PARKED VEHICLES DURING STREET CLEANING IN THE CITY ABOVE THE LIMITS SET FORTH IN M.G.L. C. 90, §20A½ OR OTHER APPLICABLE STATE LAWS.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in the General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

Notwithstanding any other general or special law to the contrary:

SECTION 1. The City of Cambridge may prescribe a schedule of fines for violations of its ordinances, rules, and regulations related to the prohibition on parking in any street or part thereof within City bounds for the purposes of facilitating the cleaning of streets beyond the limits of fines prescribed in M.G.L. c. 90, §20A½ or other applicable state laws.

SECTION 2. The City may issue fines authorized under this schedule up to a maximum of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00), including all applicable fines and penalties.

SECTION 3. This act shall take full effect upon passage.

Agenda Item Number 4 Dec 4, 2023
ORDERED: That the City Council petition the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to enact the attached home rule petition entitled, AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE TO INCREASE THE FINES FOR FAILURE TO MOVE PARKED VEHICLES DURING STREET CLEANING IN THE CITY ABOVE THE LIMITS SET FORTH IN M.G.L. C. 90, §20A½.

Dec 4, 2023

Yi-An Huang, City Manager
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

Re: Evaluation of 2023 Street Cleaning Pilot

Dear Mr. Huang:

One of the recommendations of the Evaluation of the 2023 Street Cleaning Pilot report on ensuring greater compliance with moving parked vehicles during street cleaning was that the fines issued for such infractions be increased to encourage people to move their vehicles. State law currently restricts the maximum fine that can be issued for such illegal parking, requiring special legislation to make such a change.

Should the City Council wish to proceed with this recommendation, the Law Department has prepared a proposed vote and special legislation for your consideration, which is included with the report and this correspondence.

Very truly yours,
Megan B. Bayer
Acting City Solicitor

5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,280,000, from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Human Services Extraordinary Expenditures account to support major ongoing improvements at Danehy Park including turf field and track replacement, irrigation improvements, water feature replacement, and capital improvement planning. (CM23#287) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by PT, Kathy Watkins, Adam Corbeil, MM, QZ, PN, DC; Order Adopted 9-0

6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of the following persons as a members of the Affordable Housing Trust for a term of three years; Appointments: Teresa Cardosi, and Alyson Stein. Re-appointment: Elaine DeRosa. (CM23#288)
pulled by Mallon; comments by AM, QZ, DS; Appointments Approved 9-0

Dec 4, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am writing to recommend the following appointments and reappointment to the Affordable Housing Trust for a three year term, effective January 1, 2024.
• Teresa Cardosi (appointment)
• Alyson Stein (appointment)
• Elaine DeRosa (reappointment)

The Affordable Housing Trust plays a critical role in the City’s work to advance affordable housing. The Trust oversees most City funds committed to affordable housing programs, including funding for affordable housing development and preservation. HomeBridge and other homeownership programs. The Trust serves as both a loan committee to review proposals for new housing preservation and development efforts and other housing programs, and an advisory committee to discuss affordable housing programs and policy.

The posting was advertised through the city portal and listed on the Boards or Commissions webpage on March 27, 2023. Outreach was done through traditional and non-traditional methods, using digital, analog, and direct outreach, to publicize the information with the goal of reaching a diverse audience.

• The posting in the city Boards and Commissions portal and listed on the ‘I Want to Apply for a Board or Commission’ webpage.

• A news story about Affordable Housing Trust vacancies was featured on the CDD homepage and the City homepage.

• A press release was issued for use by non-City media.

• Information was publicized through the City’s social media and in the City’s daily updates newsletter which goes to 16,000 subscribers.

• Information was also shared directly with affordable housing advocates and housing providers.

We received twenty-seven (27) applications and reviewed each one in detail. Out of those, we selected eight (8) to conduct interviews with. The committee to review applications and shortlist candidates, as well as the interview committee, were diverse groups that included representatives from multiple departments. The Office of Equity and Inclusion completed a review of both applicants and interview candidates to determine sufficient diversity at various levels.

The next anticipated vacancy for members of this Board will be in 2024.

The three members I am recommending for appointment and reappointment to the Affordable Housing Trust bring a wide range of skills and experience to their role.

• Teresa Cardosi (appointment) is a resident who has been an advocate for tenants and affordable housing for many years. Teresa brings the perspective of a renter to the Trust. Teresa has helped many tenants navigate their search for affordable housing to help residents find a permanent, affordable place to live. Teresa has also been active in discussions of affordable housing policy matters in the city for many years.

• Alyson Stein (appointment) is a resident who as Vice President, Director of Development oversees redevelopment activities for Forward Housing, a national affordable housing development company. Alyson’s prior experience includes work for a non-profit affordable housing provider based in Boston where she worked on the creation or preservation of over 1,400 affordable units across the country. She has comprehensive knowledge of affordable housing finance and development and experience using a range of affordable housing funding programs. Her experience includes assessing the feasibility of new developments, assembling development teams, securing and closing on development funding.

• Elaine DeRosa (reappointment) is a member of the Affordable Housing Trust and is currently the Trust’s representative on the Community Preservation Committee. Elaine is Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners of the Cambridge Housing Authority and served as the Executive Director of the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) for 30 years prior to her retirement. Elaine was first appointed to the Affordable Housing Trust in 2016.

I appreciate the willingness of these community members to serve on the Affordable Housing Trust and, with your approval, look forward to their appointments.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Pierson, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM23#289)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ (matter remains in committee), PN; Placed on File 9-0

Date: Nov 28, 2023
Subject: Pierson, et al., Zoning Petition (Lodging Houses)
Recommendation: The Planning Board does not recommend adoption.

To the Honorable, the City Council,

On November 21, 2023, the Planning Board (the “Board”) held a public hearing to discuss a Zoning Petition by Allene Pierson, et al., (the “Petitioners”) to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Section 4.31(i)(3) of the Table of Use Regulations such that “Lodging House” is changed from a permitted use (“Yes⁷”) to a prohibited use (“No”) in the Residence C, C-1, C-1A, C-2, C2A, C-2B, C-3, C-3A, and C-3B zoning districts.

The Board heard a presentation from representatives of the Petitioners, heard public comment, received written materials before the hearing from Community Development Department staff, and asked clarifying questions. After discussion among Board members, the Board voted unanimously to forward a negative recommendation to City Council.

Board members agreed that the Petition proposes too broad a change that would make many existing uses non-conforming throughout the city. Lodging houses are deeply rooted in the history of Cambridge and in cities around the country, and they provide housing options at a time when housing is needed. As a residential use, it would not make sense to prohibit them in residential districts. Board members noted that many of the concerns raised by the Petitioners are addressed by other regulations, including the “Short-Term Rentals” section of the Zoning Ordinance, building, fire, and other safety codes, noise and public health regulations, and licensing laws and procedures. Some Board members suggested that the City Council could consider a special permit process as a way to address site-specific concerns, but others cautioned against being overly burdensome toward this type of housing as there are already other regulatory processes in place.

The Planning Board voted 9-0 in favor of transmitting the above report.

Respectfully submitted for the Planning Board,
Mary Flynn, Chair

8. A late communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding a home rule petition for taking the Fire Chief position out of civil service. (CM23#290)
pulled by Toner, comments by PT, Yi-An Huang, BA, MM; Placed on File 9-0

December 4, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I wanted to provide some additional thoughts on Charter Right Item #2 (CMA 2023 #273) regarding a home rule petition for taking the Fire Chief position out of civil service.

I have spoken with President Chris Haynes and Vlce President John Magee of Cambridge Firefighters Local 30 regarding their concerns in this action, and I recognize that the union has long defended civil service as a fair and transparent way for hiring and promotion.

Our primary concern is for there to be appropriate discretion and flexibility to select leadership for a critical department serving the City. Civil service exams and assessments are externally derived, do not take into account the unique needs of our City and Department, and do not match modern practices for evaluating leadership and management qualities. This is reflected in the fact we hire all our other major department leaders including the Police Commissioner without a civil service framework. More broadly within society, we are moving away from high stakes testing as the predominant measure of competency, and we recognize that there are many qualities that we are looking for which cannot be tested on an exam. The civil service process also has restrictive structures and produces a strict ranking whereby top candidates need to be bypassed or eliminated from contention. This doesn’t recognize that we are hiring individuals, and a composite score is not the right way of selecting a leader. I would also note that there are as many major city fire chiefs out of civil service including Boston, Lowell, Springfield, Brookline, Newton, Chelsea, Malden, Melrose, Winthrop, Framingham, and more.

However, I recognize that there are concerns from the union. I am committed to prioritizing internal candidates and providing opportunities for the dedicated leaders we have within the Cambridge Fire Department to be promoted and I am committed to fair, transparent, and rigorous hiring processes. When the decision on a new Acting Fire Chief came up in summer 2022, I worked with then Acting City Manager Owen O’Riordan to establish a process that was open to existing Fire Department leaders and we had nine applicants who were each interviewed by a panel that included Acting City Manager Owen O’Riordan, Police Commissioner Christine Elow, Director of Personnel Sheila Keady Rawson, and Executive Director of Metro Fire and former Belmont Fire Chief David Frizzell. We rated candidates across seven rating categories and discussed strengths and areas of growth, and this led to the appointment of our current Acting Fire Chief Tom Cahill.

I am proud and appreciative of the hard work and dedication of our Fire Department, and the City remains committed to the long overdue renovation of the main fire station and continued appropriations for needed fire equipment.

My ultimate goal is to establish a better process for selecting a permanent fire chief and I am happy to take additional time to engage with the fire union on their concerns and seek out potential common ground and consensus.

Therefore, it is my recommendation for the City Council to place Charter Right #2 (CM23#273) on file, and the City will bring this back in the new term at a future date.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

CHARTER RIGHT
1. An application from William Senne, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 16 Porter Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Nov 20, 2023] (AP23#58)
Order Adopted 7-0-0-1 (QZ-No; PN-Present)

2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule petition regarding the Fire Chief position. [Charter Right – Toner, Nov 20, 2023] (CM23#273)
Placed on File 9-0

Dec 4, 2023
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Currently, the position of Fire Chief in Cambridge is covered by Civil Service. Pursuant to special act, the Fire Chief position is subject to all provisions of Chapter 31 of the laws of the Commonwealth. The Fire Chief position is the only department head position in the City where the rules governing hiring, promotion and retention are controlled by the Commonwealth, as administered by the state Human Resources Division and the Civil Service Commission. All other department head positions in the City, including in the Police Department, are exempt from civil service.

When a position like Fire Chief is subject to civil service laws and rules, the City Manager’s discretion as appointing authority is severely limited in terms of whom they may consider for appointment. This special legislation will provide an appropriate amount of flexibility and control over the hiring process to ensure that the most qualified candidates can apply and be considered in the same manner as other department head candidates without the strictures of civil service law and rules. Through its passage, the Fire Chief would have the same status as other department heads in the City.

The legislation being proposed here would in no way adversely affect the civil service status of any other member of the Fire Department, applying only to the Fire Chief”s selection and employment status.

In order to provide the City with the freedom to select the best available candidates for openings in the position of Fire Chief, I recommend that the City Council approve and submit to the General Court the attached Home Rule petition.

After the General Court and the Governor enact the Home Rule Petition, I will return to the Council to request that the Council amend Chapter 2.48, Fire Department, of the Municipal Code to reflect that Civil Service no longer covers the position of Fire Chief.

Thank you for your consideration of this important reform to our hiring practices.

Very truly yours,
Yi-An Huang
City Manager

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the position of Fire Chief of the City of Cambridge shall be exempt from Chapter 31 of the General Laws.

SECTION 2. Section 1 of this act shall not impair the civil service status of any incumbent holding the office of Fire Chief of the City of Cambridge on the effective date of this act.

SECTION 3. This act supersedes and replaces Chapter 262 of the Acts of 1937.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon its passage.

Agenda Item Number 3 Nov 20, 2023
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record directing the City Clerk to file the attached Home Rule petition to the General Court entitled: AN ACT EXEMPTING THE OFFICE OF CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE LAWS.

3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,950,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account. This appropriation will fund the purchase of a 105’ Pierce Aerial Ladder truck and a Pumper Truck. Both apparatuses will feature new Cummings X-10 engines, which comply with the latest emissions standards, and will come with idle reduction technology. [Charter Right – Nolan, Nov 20, 2023] (CM23#272)
comments by PN, Acting Chief Cahill, QZ; Order Adopted 9-0

ON THE TABLE
4. An application from Nina Quinlan, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 63 Sixth Street said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association. [Charter Right – Nolan, Oct 30, 2023; Tabled Nov 6, 2023] (AP23#55)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. An Ordinance 2023 #10 has been received from City Clerk, relative to the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge be amended in Chapter 8.16.081, Leaf Blowers. [Pass to 2nd Reading Nov 6, 2023; Eligible to be ordained on or after Nov 28, 2023] (ORD23#10)
pulled by Toner; comments by PT, PN, QZ; Ordained as Amended 9-0

6. ORD-2023-8B: Ordinance 2023 #8B Amend Chapter 14.04 – Fair Housing. [Pass to 2nd Reading Oct 2, 2023; Further Amended Nov 6, 2023; To remain on Unfinished Business until state legislature approved Special Act needed before ordination] (ORD23-8B)

7. An Ordinance 2023 #11 has been received from City Clerk, relative to Chapter 2.131 – American Freedmen Commission. [Passed to 2nd Reading Nov 20, 2023; Eligible to be ordained on or after Dec 4, 2023] (ORD23#11)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ, PN, DS, SS; Ordained as Amended 9-0

A. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the American Freedmen Commission Ordinance. [Referred to Ordinance Committee & Unfinished Business, Nov 20, 2023] (CM23#279)
Placed on File 9-0

APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS
1. An application from Carol Fournier representing Oak Bistro, requesting permission for a projecting flag pole sign at the premises numbered 1287 Cambridge Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutter response and proof of mailing has been provided. (AP23#59)
Order Adopted 9-0

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication from Alisa Khan regarding disappointment with City Council for not call for a ceasefire.

2. A communication from Bryan Doran regarding CMA 2023 Item #277 - East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

3. A communication from Camilla Elvis regarding the petition to restrict lodging houses.

4. A communication from Cathie Zusy regarding CMA 2023 #278 - East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

5. A communication from Dan Phillips regarding opposition to the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

7. A communication from Rebecca and Bryan McLaughlin regarding the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

8. A communication from Ethan Frank regarding support for PO23#209 and leaf blower amendments.

9. A communication from Ian Rudnick regarding Harvard double parking in bike lane.

10. A communication from James Zall regarding the Neighborhood Conservation District in East Cambridge.

11. A communication from Jason Alves regarding Conservation District letter of opposition.

12. A communication from Jennifer Feller regarding support for the proposed BEUDO amendment for new buildings.

13. A communication from Jess Sheehan regarding the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

15. A communication from Justin Saif regarding the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

16. A communication from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding CM23#277 – Proposed East Cambridge NCD.

17. A communication from Mary Ellen Doran regarding the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

19. A communication from Naomi Dunson regarding the American Freedmen Commission.

20. A communication from Robert C McCarthy regarding bikes and commercial sidewalks.

21. A communication from Steven E. Miller regarding support for the City Staff who are pushing MIT to drop their objections to Eversource’s plans to increase the capacity of the electric power grid in Cambridge.

22. A communication from Torbjørn Ose regarding opposition to the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

29. A communication from Abbie Cohen, regarding Ceasefire Now_ Nov 20th meeting.

30. A communication from Abha Sur, regardingI support the ceasefire initiative Policy Order #3.

32. A communication from Abigail Taylor, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (96).

39. A communication from Alan Meyers, regarding in support of Policy Order PO23#210.

41. A communication from Alden Ducharme, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (273).

43. A communication from Alex Bloemendal, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (49).

48. A communication from Alexander Otten, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (231).

49. A communication from Alexander Shirley, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (208).

52. A communication from Alicia Puranik, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (195).

54. A communication from Aliya Moreira, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (118).

56. A communication from Allison Shepard, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (144).

60. A communication from The Executive Committee of the Cambridge Residents Alliance regarding Residents Alliance strong support of PO #3 on a ceasefire.
[Note: CResA “Executive Committee” more than likely consists of Lee Farris and perhaps whoever she felt like talking to that day.]

65. A communication from Amelia Heilmann, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (150).

78. A communication from Anishta Khan, regarding Support for a ceasefire in Palestine_Nov 20.

81. A communication from Stephanie Guirand regarding support for resolution for ceasefire.

87. A communication from Anna Reidister, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (173).

88. A communication from Annabel Rabiyah, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (64).

91. A communication from Annie Colby-McKeon, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (31).

93. A communication from Annika Rowland, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (59).

98. A communication from Ashish Bino, regarding George Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (163).

100. A communication from Ati Waldman, regarding Nov 20th_ Support Ceasefire Now!.

102. A communication from Avery Elliott, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (253).

104. A communication from Ayesha Islam, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (280).

107. A communication from Beena Sarwar, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (241).

109. A communication from Bernice Buresh, regarding Policy Order #3 Israel_Hamas (2).

110. A communication from bhavinhasmail, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (17).

111. A communication from Brendan Pellerin, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (197).

113. A communication from Brittany Arneson, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (10).

115. A communication from Caleb Richmond, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (143).

116. A communication from Cameron Seymour-Hawkins, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (35).

117. A communication from Cara Seiderman, regarding Letter for Nov 20 Council Meeting - Reject POR 2023 #210.

119. A communication from Casey Jobin-Leeds, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (248).

124. A communication from Catherine Pitcher, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (279).

125. A communication from Charlotte Petty, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (98).

126. A communication from Chelsea Onuska, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (61).

129. A communication from Christopher Affleck, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (196).

130. A communication from Claire Cooley, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (187).

131. A communication from Claire Davies, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (134).

132. A communication from Clara Engels, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (192).

134. A communication from Claudia LaFontaine, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (99).

135. A communication from Connor Godfrey, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (3).

137. A communication from Cynthia Baker, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (25).

138. A communication from Dan Eisner, regarding POR #210 _ Resolution In Support of Call for a Ceasefire.

139. A communication from Daniel Heller, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (229).

140. A communication from Danielle Mulligan, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (160).

143. A communication from David Berkinsky, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (79).

144. A communication from David Grosser, regarding Statement in support of Gaza Cease Fire Resolution.

145. A communication from Deena Bhanarai, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (4).

147. A communication from Dhruva Kothari, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (107).

148. A communication from Diana Martinez, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (182).

149. A communication from Diavian Wilson, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (250).

151. A communication from Don Rose, regarding #210 “In Support of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s Call for a Ceasefire”.

156. A communication from Eleanor Lawrence, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (266).

157. A communication from Elizabeth Rucker, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (15).

158. A communication from Ellen Mei, regarding Response to 11_20 vote on Policy order #3.

159. A communication from Emilie Hirsch, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (28).

160. A communication from Emily Ambeliotis, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (38).

161. A communication from Emily Finestead, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (11).

162. A communication from Emily Goldstein, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (90).

163. A communication from Emmet von Stackelberg, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (108).

164. A communication from Ennis Glendon, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (264).

165. A communication from Erica Codd Garcia, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (145).

166. A communication from Erik Van Vlack, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (207).

172. A communication from Evan Molinari, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (142).

173. A communication from Farah Mallah, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (265).

176. A communication from Filipe Teixeira, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (148).

177. A communication from Francesca Rubinson, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (170).

179. A communication from Freddy Reiber, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (218).

181. A communication from Gabriel McAdams, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (216).

184. A communication from Georgia Wyman, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (252).

185. A communication from Gerald Bergman, regarding Support for a cease fire_ policy order City Council Nov 20.

186. A communication from Greta Sweeney, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (95).

187. A communication from Gretta McEachern, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (84).

189. A communication from Haneen Jaara, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (153).

190. A communication from Haniel Wides, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (258).

191. A communication from Hannah Shaby, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (201).

192. A communication from Hannah Weinronk, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (125).

194. A communication from Harleen Bains, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Right Now!.

196. A communication from Heloise Widdig, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (34).

198. A communication from Hussein Elsherbini, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (282).

199. A communication from Hwa Pyung Yoo, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (289).

202. A communication from Nahid Chowdhury, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (274).

204. A communication from Nancy Gold, regarding My testimony for tonight_ resolution #210.

205. A communication from Nancy Wechsler, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (217).

209. A communication from Nicole Terrien, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (225).

211. A communication from Nikkole Turgeon, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (74).

213. A communication from Nithya Badrinath, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (161).

214. A communication from Noor Abu-Rubieh, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (227).

215. A communication from Noor Balbaky, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (146).

217. A communication from Norma Stobbe, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (262).

218. A communication from Nurul Kabir, regarding I support the ceasefire initiative Policy Order #3 (8).

219. A communication from Ojaswin Karthikeyan, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (287).

221. A communication from Oliver Wilson, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (230).

222. A communication from Isabelle Woollacott, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (29)

223. A communication from Olivia Johnson, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (60).

224. A communication from James Mahoney, regarding Upcoming Policy Order 2023 #210_Ceasefire.

227. A communication from Oriana Reilly, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (204).

229. A communication from Jeanne Connerney, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (178).

231. A communication from Jenna Spencee, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (179).

232. A communication from Pravin Barton, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (56).

233. A communication from Jennifer Austiff, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (66).

234. A communication from Rachael Molenaar, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (101).

236. A communication from Jeremy Gonzalez, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (16).

237. A communication from Rachel Drucker, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (275).

238. A communication from Rachel Rosenbloom, regarding Please vote YES on Policy Order #3.

239. A communication from Rachel Wyon, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now_ Policy Order #3.

240. A communication from Jess Wojciechowski, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (271).

241. A communication from Rahaf Suleiman, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (6).

243. A communication from Rakib Ouro-Djobo, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (27).

244. A communication from Reem Bou-nacklie, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (283).

245. A communication from Jessica Stensrud, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (130).

246. A communication from Renee Kasinsky, regarding Testimony on Policy order 3_ 210 on ceasefire.

247. A communication from Jessica Stensrud, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (288).

248. A communication from Richard Krushnic, regarding Support for Cease Fire resolution.

249. A communication from Jessica Xiong, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (43).

251. A communication from Robert Greising, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (215).

253. A communication from Roberta Poltorak, regarding In support of Policy Order #3.

255. A communication from Joan Hill, regarding Please vote NO on Council order #210 on cease fire in Gaza.

256. A communication from Rosalva Aida Hernandez, regarding Castillo Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (112).

257. A communication from Joan Whitaker, regarding Support for Policy Resolution #3.

258. A communication from Ruby Johnson, regarding Ceasefire in Occupied Palestine.

259. A communication from Jocie Sobieraj, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (158).

260. A communication from Ruth Economou, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (115).

261. A communication from Joe D’Amore, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (12).

264. A communication from Salma Abu Ayyash, regarding Comments in support of policy order no_ 3.

266. A communication from Samantha Friedman, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (272).

268. A communication from Samantha Webster, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (62).

270. A communication from Sameer Tuffaha, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (132).

271. A communication from Jonathan Levitan, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (87).

272. A communication from Samhita Medical, regarding Student In Support of a Ceasefire.

273. A communication from Jordan Cooper, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (46).

274. A communication from Samuel Gebretsadkan, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (268).

275. A communication from Joseph Guidry, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (185).

278. A communication from Sara Al-Zubi, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (285).

279. A communication from Jovana Calvillo, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (52).

281. A communication from Joy Castro-Wehr, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (121).

285. A communication from Judy Somberg, regarding In Support of PO #3 --The JCRC does not speak for me.

288. A communication from Sarah Horsley, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (260).

289. A communication from Julia Huntsman, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (165).

290. A communication from Sarah Jeffreson, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (186).

291. A communication from Kara Kaufman, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (222).

292. A communication from Sarah Swettberg, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (104).

293. A communication from Karameh Kuemmerle, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (109).

295. A communication from Karen Wilber, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (172).

297. A communication from Katy Connolly, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (116).

298. A communication from Kauloud Barbouche, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (138).

299. A communication from Kavya Crasta, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (133).

305. A communication from Kristen Roggemann, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (247).

306. A communication from Laboni Hoque, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (137).

307. A communication from Laiali Alkhateeb, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (82).

308. A communication from Lara Jirmanus, regarding Support Ceasefire in Gaza – letter from over 200 Massachusetts Healthcare Workers .

309. A communication from Laura Blacklow, regarding Peace in Palestine and Israel.

310. A communication from Laura Brown, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Resolution.

312. A communication from Lauren Colodny, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (110).

313. A communication from Lauren Shear, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (220).

317. A communication from Lia Eggleston, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (259).

318. A communication from Lida Richardson, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (53).

319. A communication from Lilian Kleinberg, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (277).

320. A communication from Liliana Schilling, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (213).

321. A communication from Lily Grob, regarding Cambridge Must Demand Ceasefire Now.

325. A communication from Linda Brion-Meisels, regarding In support of Policy Order #3.

326. A communication from Linda Spencer, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (120).

329. A communication from Louise Tucker-Kellogg, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (211).

331. A communication from Lucy Flamm, regarding Constituent Support for Ceasefire Resolution.

335. A communication from Madelyn Kiernan, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (162).

337. A communication from Madison Niez, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (214).

338. A communication from Madison Onuska, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (55).

339. A communication from Mahdi Razafsha, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (193).

340. A communication from Malcolm Morano, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (278).

343. A communication from Marcelle Grair, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (14).

344. A communication from Margaret Drury, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (169).

345. A communication from Margareta Matache, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (106).

346. A communication from Mariana Gonzalez, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (39).

347. A communication from Mariela Cepeda, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (176).

348. A communication from Marilyn Frankenstein, regarding Please vote for Cambridge supporting a ceasefire!!!.

349. A communication from Marisa Borreggine, regarding Comment on last night’s ceasefire resolution.

350. A communication from Marisa Borreggine, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (276).

351. A communication from Marisa Borreggine, regarding Support for Policy Order #3 (159).

353. A communication from Martha Schnee, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (175).

354. A communication from Marty Bakal, regarding Please reject Policy Order 210 – A ceasefire in Israeli-Hamas conflict.

355. A communication from Mateo Daffin, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (244).

356. A communication from Matheus Neiva de paula, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (202).

357. A communication from Matoaka Kipp Kipp, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (24).

359. A communication from Max Grossman, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (102).

362. A communication from Meredith Price, regarding Nov 20th Ceasefire Vote (3).

363. A communication from Maxwell McGleughlin, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (5).

364. A communication from Michael Goodman, regarding Nov 20th Ceasefire Vote (6).

365. A communication from Isabella Revett, regarding Nov 20th Ceasefire Vote (2).

366. A communication from Maya Doig-Acuña, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now Resolution.

368. A communication from Meaghan Caveney, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (255).

369. A communication from Vicky Steinitz, regarding Nov 20th Ceasefire Vote (1).

370. A communication from Mehdi Navasser, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (45).

371. A communication from Michael Altman, regarding Oppose Policy Order #3 re Gaza as written.

372. A communication from Mustafa Kocak, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (154).

373. A communication from Michael Goodmann, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (81).

374. A communication from Mouza Almualla, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (190).

376. A communication from Michelle Ascrizzi, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now_ Support for PO23#210.

379. A communication from Monika Wojnowski, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (281).

380. A communication from Minna Levine, regarding comments for this evening about the order #210.

381. A communication from Molly Rothenberg, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (168).

382. A communication from Mira Bernstein, regarding Public Comment on POR 2023 #210.

384. A communication from Molly Morley, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (261).

385. A communication from Mohammed Afsar, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (243).

386. A communication from Molly Katz-Christy, regarding Nov 20th_ Ceasefire Now (270).

RESOLUTIONS
1. Congratulations to Paul Parravano on being named The Reverend E. K. Nichols Founder’s Awardee for 2023. Councillor Simmons

2. Resolution on the death of John Walsh. Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Toner

ORDERS
1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and with state and federal regulators to establish an orderly testing and deployment strategy for Full Self Driving on Cambridge roads. Councillor Zondervan (PO23#211)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ; Order Adopted 9-0

2. That the City Council go on record requesting that MIT withdraw its objection to Eversource and the City of Cambridge proposed transmission line route so that the project can move forward expediently. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan (PO23#212)
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ, PN, BA; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

3. That the City Manager is requested to work with CPD to fundamentally change how it responds to situations that could lead to violence and death. Councillor Zondervan (PO23#213)
pulled by Zondervan; Order Withdrawn (should have been done with unanimous consent, but no vote was taken)

4. That the City Council go on record observing International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2023. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#214)
Order Adopted 9-0

5. A public meeting of the Ordinance Committee was held on Tues, Nov 28, 2023. The call of the meeting was to consider an amendment to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance that would require new covered properties to achieve net zero by 2030. The Committee voted to send the following amendment language back to the City Council with no recommendation. (text of report)
pulled early by Toner; comments by PT, Yi-An Huang (feels this is not good policy in terms of cost/benefit), QZ (disagrees, proposes amendment), PN, DC, MM, Iram Farooq, Megan Bayer (Acting City Solicitor), QZ proposes amendments (passes 5-4 (BA,AM,DS,PT-No); Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 5-4 (BA,AM,DS,PT-No); Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Present: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Zondervan
Remote Present: Siddiqui, Azeem (late), Toner (late), Simmons (late)

8.67.100 EMISSION REDUCTION REQUIREMENTS

(3) New Covered Properties: The Baseline for a New Covered Property shall be the average Greenhouse Gas Emissions of the first two calendar years following issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. New Covered Properties shall comply with the following performance requirements on annual basis:

(a) For non-residential New Covered Properties of 100,000 Covered Square Feet or greater, that apply for their Building Permit prior to January 1, 2025, Greenhouse Gas Emissions shall not exceed 80% of the Baseline in the fourth year after the Baseline period or 2026, whichever is later. Thereafter, the New Covered Property shall reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in three-year Compliance Periods that achieve a linear reduction to zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2035, except no such New Covered Property shall exceed zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2035 and onwards.

(b) For non-residential New Covered Properties of less than 100,000 Covered Square Feet, and residential New Covered Properties that are not fully held in Condominium or Cooperative ownership, that apply for their Building Permit prior to January 1, 2025, Greenhouse Gas Emissions shall not exceed 80% of the Baseline in the years 2030 to 2034, 60% of the Baseline in the years 2035 to 2039, 40% of the Baseline in the years 2040 to 2044, 20% of the Baseline in the years 2045 to 2049, and zero in 2050 and onwards.

(c) All non-residential New Covered Properties that apply for their Building Permit on or after January 1, 2025, or onwards, shall reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in one-year Compliance Periods that achieve a linear reduction to zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2030, except no such New Covered Property shall exceed zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2030 and onwards.

(d) For purposes of this Section 8.67.100(3), the date of the Building Permit application shall be the date of the latest submission required to complete the application for the building permit for the property in question.

(e) For all non-residential New Covered Properties that are not subiect to the fossil fuel restrictions in the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration Ordinance (research laboratories for scientific or medical research, hospitals and medical offices regulated by the Department of Public Health as a health care facility as defined in 225 CMR 24.00), and that apply for their Building Permit on or after January 1, 2025, the following exemptions shall apply, notwithstanding other Provisions in this Ordinance to the contrary:

1) Until December 31, 2030, greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the combustion of certain low-carbon or no-carbon non-fossil fuels (Alternative Fuels) shall not count towards the annual greenhouse gas emissions total for the Covered Property when used in combustion heating systems on days when the high temperature does not exceed 8 (eight) degrees Fahrenheit (Coldest Days). Provided that such Alternative Fuels have a lower life-cycle greenhouse gas (C02 equivalent) emissions profile than available fossil fuels. The Assistant City Manaaer for Community Development (Department) shall promulgate regulations pursuant to 8.67.130 no later than December 31, 2024 identifying qualified Alternative Fuels, and annually after that. If the Department determines that no qualified Alternative Fuels are available during a given annual Compliance Period, this exemption may be applied to fossil fuels used for heating a building on Coldest Days. This exemption may be extended by amendment if the City Council determines that no economically viable alternatives will be reasonably available by December 31, 2030.

2) The use of Verified Carbon Credits as detailed in Section 8.67.100(5) shall be permitted for Covered Properties of less than 100,000 Covered Square Feet that meet the requirements in 8.67.100(3)(e) above.

The amendments to this Section 8.67.100(3) are effective as of January 1, 2024. Completed building permit applications submitted prior to the effective date of the amendments to this Section 8.67.100(3) shall not be subject to the requirements of the amendments.

COMMUNICATIONS & REPORTS FROM CITY OFFICERS
1. A communication from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity. (COF23#218)
Placed on File 9-0

2. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information from the School Committee. (COF23#219)
Placed on File 9-0

Tues, Dec 5
12:30pm The Health and Environment Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:30pm-2:00pm to review and discuss the City’s updated Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) in order to prepare for natural hazards including climate change.
5:30pm The Charter Review Committee (Zoom only)

Wed, Dec 6
12:00pm The Ordinance Committee will meet from 12:00pm to 2:00pm to hold a public hearing on potential changes to the Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22 Cycling Safety Ordinance as detailed in Policy Order PO23#147 and the City Manager’s response to PO23#147. Detailed in CM23#256.
3:00pm The Health and Environment Committee and the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss PO23#137, which asks the Health and Environment and Transportation and Public Utilities Committees to hold a public hearing to discuss options for amending parking fees and regulations throughout the City in order to further support the City’s goals of low carbon travel.

Tues, Dec 12
12:00pm The Finance Committee will hold a public hearing from 12:00pm-2:00pm to have an update and discussion on Public Investment Planning.

Wed, Dec 13
3:00pm The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to continue the discussion from the recessed meeting on Sept 27, 2023, which was on the future treatment of Jerry’s Pond, specifically the Rindge Avenue edge as it effects the community.

AWAITING REPORT LIST
19-66. Report on whether it is possible to reduce or eliminate Building Permit Fees for 100% affordable housing development projects, through an exemption or other means and investigate what types of real estate tax abatements are possible for 100% affordable housing moving forward.
Vice Mayor Devereux, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 6/3/2019

19-147. Report on installing hearing loop technology inside the Sullivan Chamber as part of the upcoming renovations to City Hall, and in other critical City meeting venues wherever possible and other accessibility improvements.
Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 10/28/2019

20-6. Report on the acquisition and implementation of interpretation services for City Council meetings and other public City meetings.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern (O-8) from 1/27/2020

20-27. Report on the advantages and disadvantages of continuing with Civil Service, and the process by which Cambridge could exit Civil Service.
Councillor Nolan (O-5) from 6/22/2020

20-60. Report on analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (O-8) from 11/2/2020

20-72. Report on the condition of 105 Windsor Street and cost estimates of any repairs needed and provide recommendations on how to develop any other underused properties based on an inclusive public process centered in the Port neighborhood.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 12/14/2020

21-10. Report on whether or not the City can require written notice be sent to all abutters, both property owners as well as tenants, regarding the scheduling of a hearing regarding the extension of a building permit request to the Planning Board.
(O-5) from 2/22/2021

21-14. Report on presenting options to the Council to ensure that the staff at Albany Street are properly compensated for their work, and that guests are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (Calendar Item #3) from 3/8/2021

21-29. Report on updating the Parental Leave Policy for employees.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 4/26/2021

21-30. Report on increasing the affordable homeownership stock over the next 10 years by financing the construction of affordable homeownership units through a bond issue of no less than $500 million.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #1) from 5/3/2021

21-36. Report on developing a holistic plan for managing the traffic and congestion in the Alewife area.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 5/17/2021

21-43. Report on referring the Cambridge HEART proposal for funding consideration and to engage in a public community process to discuss this proposal and its implementation.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 6/7/2021

21-46. Report on the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone (O1) from 6/14/2021

21-50. Report on providing an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses, which business license and permit fees are set under state law, which are set by ordinances, and which are determined administratively, as well as which licenses and permits the City has the discretion to waive entirely.
Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-9) from 6/14/2021

21-67. Report on working with the staff at the Cambridge Historical Commission, the DCR Commissioner, and members of Cambridge’s state delegation to approve, fund and execute the design and installation of a suitable historic marker by April 2022 to recognize the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted and others in transforming the Cambridge riverfront landscape.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 9/27/2021

21-74. Report on supporting the Uplift the Solar Energy Industry in Massachusetts coalition.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-12) from 10/18/2021

22-7. Report on providing a legal analysis of what uses are currently permitted on the golf course land, information on the history, residency and other demographic information on membership data of golf course users, and any environmental constraints.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #1) from 1/31/2022

22-8. Report on determining the feasibility of establishing additional compensation for the City’s essential employees in accordance with the considered State legislation framework.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 2/7/2022

22-13. Report on determining how to better integrate more parent response into their decision-making process as they make changes that can have undue impacts upon the families they serve.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-3) from 3/7/2022

22-14. Report on the findings of the “Future of Telework” Committee, and to explain the city’s current policy regarding a remote work policy.
Vice Mayor Mallon (O-5) from 3/7/2022

22-23. Report on providing an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies, including (but not limited to) an explanation of the administration’s current procedures for notifying and conducting outreach to abutters and neighbors, the criteria for evaluating curb cut applications, and an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner (O-8) from 4/11/2022

22-24. Report on determining what repairs to 205 Western Avenue would be needed to inhabit the space to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 4/25/2022

22-29. Report on introducing a pilot program to open two of our youth centers during the evening and weekend hours during the summer.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-1) from 5/9/2022

22-33. Report on consulting with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging, Somerville and Cambridge Elder Services, and the Executive Director of Cadbury Common to determine the feasibility of re-establishing some form of the Kate’s Café Monthly LGBTQ+ Community Dinners either at Cadbury Common or at another suitable location.
Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 5/16/2022

22-35. Report on ensuring that every possible material used in construction projects are as safe and healthy and free of potential toxins as possible, and ensure that all construction and manufacturing vendors commit to disclosing all ingredients and using non-toxic materials.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 5/16/2022

22-36. Work on Implementing Recommendations from Working IDEAL Report.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 5/23/2022

22-38. Report on establishing a method of ensuring that anti-bias training is incorporated into the City’s hiring process at all levels.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 5/23/2022

22-42. Report on directing the appropriate City staff to establish a “community healing initiative” plan to address the issues in our city.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 6/13/2022

22-43. Report on establishing a notification system to all neighborhood residents, regardless of whether they own or rent their homes, within a set area where neighborhood disruptions such as infrastructure work or demolitions are scheduled to occur.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 6/13/2022

22-46. Report on a plan for piloting more street closures for pedestrianization in Harvard Square.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon (O5) from 6/27/2022

22-49. Report on Establishing a Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 8/1/2022

22-50. Report on establishing Black Men and Boys Commission.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons (O-8) from 8/1/2022

22-55. Report on the status of the long-term water projections and on what measures could be taken to conserve water.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O14) from 8/1/2022

22-57. Report on Policy Order to investigate shared EV or Hybrid free bus service.
Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/1/2022

22-61. Report on communicating to the Cambridge Health Alliance the City Council’s support for the reopening of the Cambridge Birth Center for deliveries as soon as possible and City Council support for the protection of existing birth centers and the creation of new birth centers in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-9) from 9/12/2022

22-64. Report detailing how other comparable municipalities handle their street corner dedication processes and on ways to honor those individuals who may not ultimately have a street corner named after them but who nonetheless deserve to have their names and accomplishments recognized.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 9/19/2022

22-66. Report on a plan to install “Walls of Honor” at each home baseball and softball field honoring past and current coaches and volunteers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 9/19/2022

22-67. Report on necessary preparations for the next Housing Committee meeting in the discussion on potentially allowing multifamily housing to be built citywide.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Simmons (O-6) from 9/19/2022

22-69. Report on a community process on the future use of 105 Windsor Street.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O-11) from 9/19/2022

22-70. Report on the legislation passed by the Somerville City Council banning limited services pregnancy centers.
Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #3) from 10/3/2022 Committee Report

22-71. Report on convening an advisory group to determine ways in which the City can work to lift up the voices and experiences of the descendants of the Indigenous People who currently reside in our community.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/3/2022

22-73. Report on working with the Law Dept., to automatically provide an initial legal opinion to the City Council and the City Clerk at least three business days in advance of the first Public Hearing on any amendment to the Code of Ordinances formally introduced in the City Council.
Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern (O-7) from 10/3/2022

22-80. Report on providing a comprehensive list of current Cambridge policies that impact the cost of local commercial and residential development and those that are known to be in the pipeline, to note whether similar policies exist in the neighboring cities of Boston and Somerville.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem (Calendar Item #2) from 11/14/2022

22-83. Report on determining how the City could adopt G.L. c. 40, sec. 60B, created under the Municipal Modernization Act, which allows cities and towns, through their respective legislative bodies, to provide for Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments Zones (WH–STA) as an incentive to create middle-income housing.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-16) from 11/21/2022

23-6. Report on determining the best ways to promote bike safety with a particular focus on expanding the distribution of bike lights throughout the City.
Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 2/6/2023

23-10. Report on engaging with community groups and the City’s existing multi-member bodies to design the next iteration of the Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-11) from 2/6/2023

23-12. Report on options of how to increase overnight resident street parking in the vicinity of Rogers Street.
Councillor Zondervan (O-13) from 2/6/2023

23-15. Report on continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #1) from 2/27/2023

23-16. Report on Police Details and the need for having armed vs. unarmed officers and the possibility of having civilian flaggers.
Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone (Calendar Item #2) from 2/27/2023

23-17. Report on the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan (Calendar Item #3) from 2/27/2023

23-18. Report on creating a policy that will ensure the City is notified whenever a high-rise building over six floors experiences elevator failures.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 3/6/2023

23-20. Report on the feasibility of providing municipally-funded housing vouchers similar to programs in Somerville and Boston.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-6) from 3/6/2023

23-21. Report on funding the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls.
(Calendar Item #1) from 3/20/2023

23-25. Report on developing a three-year plan to expand and improve After School Care.
Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan (O-4) from 4/3/2023

23-26. Report on reviewing the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District (AP23#12) for form and content.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-5) from 4/3/2023

23-28. Report on bringing together a working group to conduct outreach through neighborhood groups including the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance, and any other nearby neighborhood groups and city departments, in order to discuss and review options for use of the BB&N Field.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone (O4) from 4/24/2023

23-30. Report on working with DPW and relevant City departments and the Committee on Public Planting to consider ideas proposed during the Health and Environment Committee meeting on Apr 25, 2023, and to prepare a brief report outlining action items within the City’s UFMP which can be implemented as soon as this year and develop recommendations to update regulations regarding native species planting practices in light of climate change affecting the species that should be planted in the City.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem (O-5) from 5/1/2023

23-32. Report on the feasibility of purchasing available property from Lesley University to address City goals.
Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 5/8/2023

23-34. Report on funding and implementing the grant proposal submitted to DOE GTO to design and implement a community-scale geothermal heating and cooling system in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 5/15/2023

23-36. Report on the goal of lowering the speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge’s geographic boundaries.
Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-4) from 5/15/2023

23-38. Report on the legal opinion whether Cambridge could permanently switch to the MWRA water supply.
Councillor Zondervan (O-3) from 5/22/2023

23-40. Report on working group tasked with establishing plans for a citywide celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Councillor Simmons (O-7) from 6/5/2023

23-41. Report on a new phone number and email address for Inclusionary Tenants to utilize for complaints and emergency issues as they arise.
Councillor Simmons (O-1) from 6/5/2023

23-43. Report on whether the Fire Department, the Police Department, Emergency Communications Department, Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works and the Harvard Square Business Association determine that permanent automatic bollards are feasible in the area of Winthrop Street.
Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan (O-10) from 6/5/2023

23-44. Report on the legal opinion on whether the city could, without violating state law, use traffic cameras, regulated under the Surveillance Ordinance, to inform motorists of potential traffic violations or dangerous actions, without issuing any citations or formal warnings.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone (O-12) from 6/5/2023

23-45. Report on the issuing of an RFP calling for an agency that will lead the City through a community process with all stakeholders that will include community education, feedback, location possibilities, and potential legal issues as it relates to Overdose Prevention Centers.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-2) from 6/26/2023

23-46. Report on the coordination between relevant departments, local business associations, and local businesses to communicate to all retail businesses operating in Cambridge to encourage them to keep doors closed when operating cooling systems and inform them of other energy saving tools.
Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan from 6/26/2023

23-48. Report back on the Department of Veterans Services and the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department’s determination of how and where it would be most appropriate to establish signs along the City’s borders proclaiming Cambridge to be a Purple Heart City.
Councillor Simmons (O-2) from 8/7/2023

23-50. Report on the review of the opportunity to work with MIT leadership and their staff to meet the requirement of planting at least the required 1,000 caliper inches-worth of trees in the very much underplanted Area 2 (main campus) as soon as possible.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-4) from 8/7/2023

23-51. Report on the review of existing policies and guidelines on project designs and reviews to determine whether there are opportunities to minimize new or additional pavement and encourage using permeable surfaces in public and private construction throughout the city.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem (O-6) from 8/7/2023

23-52. Report on the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program and the removal of the $200 permit fee associated with the pilot program.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern (O-14) from 8/7/2023

23-53. Report on the consultation with relevant departments on the enhanced communication strategy to inform residents about the implementation of the Cycling Safety Ordinance.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan (O-13) from 8/7/2023

23-54. Report on coordination between the Law Department and CPD to report to the City Council all outstanding and recent (last 5 fiscal years: FY’23,’22,’21,’20,’19) lawsuits involving the CPD or individual members of CPD that the City is expending or has expended resources on, including an estimate of how much has been spent on these lawsuits to date in FY24.
Councillor Zondervan (Calendar Item #1) from 9/11/2023

23-55. Report on work done with relevant departments and agencies to design and implement a pilot program providing subsidized, on-demand transit to low-income residents, people with disabilities and seniors, with the goal of expanding the program to service the region in ways that supplement the MBTA system via fare-free, on-demand transit for everyone.
Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui (Calendar Item #2) from 9/11/2023

23-56. Report on the establishment and implementation of a regular maintenance schedule for tree wells, bump outs, crosswalks, and other pedestrian areas to prevent overgrowth and ensure consistent upkeep.
Councillor Simmons (Calendar Item #3) from 9/11/2023

23-57. Report on the progress on Rodent Control Programs.
Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon (O-6) from 9/11/2023

23-58. Report on a report on the use of short-term rentals in Cambridge including numbers of registered units and how that compares to public listings, data on usage, whether the City can have access to data from rental services and state agencies, and whether the city needs additional ordinance language to improve enforcement.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-7) from 9/11/2023

23-59. Report on the Standards for Chicken Keeping.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 8/7/2023

23-60. Report on meetings with Governor Healey, DCR Commissioner Arrigo and Secretary Rebecca Tepper that discussed resuming Saturday closures to traffic this summer and mitigating the traffic impacts, including by making potential traffic signal adjustments.
Councillor Zondervan (O-16) from 8/7/2023

23-64. Provide monthly progress reports to the City Council, detailing the strategies being designed and implemented to address the issues in Central Square, including the metrics being used to measure success.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (Calendar Item #1) from 9/18/2023

23-66. Report on review the proposed amendment to BEUDO regarding new buildings, and to propose adjustments, especially with regards to the building permit vs certificate of occupancy question.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-1) from 10/2/2023

23-67. Report on the meeting with the Universities, large labs, large property developers and anyone with technical expertise regarding the proposed BEUDO amendment and their input.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-2) from 10/2/2023

23-68. Report on the feasibility of erecting a covered bus shelter in the immediate vicinity of 15 Lambert Street.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern (O-5) from 10/2/2023

23-69. Report on the identified ways these institutions can do more to provide affordable housing development within/near the city, whether by providing additional funds to the Affordable Housing Trust or by developing affordable/mixed-income housing, commensurate with the means of each institution, and specifically to work with the academic institutions on plans to provide on-campus housing to significantly more graduate students and to lower-income staff.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-8) from 10/2/2023

23-70. Report on the comprehensive assessment of the overall state of the Moses Youth Center building.
Councillor Simmons (O-3) from 10/16/2023

23-71. Report on the thorough assessment regarding the feasibility, costs, and benefits of replacing the existing community notice boards on the front lawn of City Hall with one or two digital signs.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-4) from 10/16/2023

23-73. Report on the creation of a dedicated page on the City of Cambridge’s website listing all community-based organizations providing services in The Port neighborhood.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-6) from 10/16/2023

23-74. Report on the establishment of an American Freedmen Commission.
Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan (O-7) from 10/16/2023

23-78. Report on the feasibility of adding outdoor fitness areas near Rindge Field, St. Peter’s Field and other parks throughout the City.
Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner (O-1) from 10/30/2023

23-79. Report on possible solutions and mitigations regarding the immediate parking concerns for the residents in and around Clifton Place during the construction of Jefferson Park Apartments.
Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner (O-2) from 10/30/2023

23-80. Report on the assessment, repavement, and repair the stretch of sidewalk between Rivermark Apartments and the River Street Walgreen’s.
Councillor Simmons (O-4) from 10/30/2023

23-81. Report on ssible base zoning changes for a new residential use that has a first-floor mixed-use option or other zoning alternative, to review the city’s permit policy for extending construction hours/days & propose changes that more significantly protect residents’ quality of life, and to work with the Department of Public Health to look at ways the City’s board of health, under the Nuisance Law, might further restrict undue noise.
Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-5) from 10/30/2023

23-82. Report on an update on Municipal Broadband and Digital Equity by December 2023.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui (O-6) from 10/30/2023

23-83. Report on a list of recommendations to reduce the use of miniature liquor bottles.
Councillor Nolan (O-7) from 10/30/2023

23-84. Report on the process of banning various single-use plastics in line with the discussion during the Health and Environment Committee meeting and actions by the state and by various municipalities.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (O-8) from 10/30/2023

23-85. Report on a meeting with residents of the neighborhood and action plan to improve safety on Clinton Street and reduce speeding vehicles.
Councillor Nolan (O-9) from 10/30/2023

23-86. Report on the efficacy of establishing a dual reporting system for the Director of Public Health, the process by which the City could establish by ordinance a Commissioner of Public Health who would report directly to the City Manager, and the reestablishment of a Health Policy Board.
Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon (Calendar Item #2) from 11/7/2023

23-87. Report on the Commonwealth’s recommendations from the Separated Bike Lane document, especially for all squares and along small business districts, schools, and key park entries, and with a focus also on the integration of pedestrian and biking infrastructure.
Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 11/6/2023

23-88. Report on a report responding to several questions raised during the meeting, including: the efficacy of establishing a dual reporting system for the Director of Public Health, the process by which the City could establish by ordinance a Commissioner of Public Health who would report directly to the City Manager, and the reestablishment of a Health Policy Board.
(Calendar Item #2) from 11/6/2023

23-89. Report on exploring the Commonwealth’s recommendations from the Separated Bike Lane document discussed above, especially for all squares and along small business districts, schools, and key park entries, and with a focus also on the integration of pedestrian and biking infrastructure.
Councillor Carlone (O-1) from 11/6/2023

23-90. Report on the review the citizens zoning petition and provide any recommendations in writing to the Ordinance Committee.
Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan (O-2) from 11/6/2023

23-91. Report back by March 2024 on the review and results of Somerville’s pilot program and make a recommendation on whether the City should develop a similar pilot program in Cambridge.
Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone (O-2) from 11/20/2023