3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account to provide additional funds necessary to complete the Sennott Park renovation project in two phases.
Order Adopted 9-0

Dec 6, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby requesting an appropriation of $250,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account to provide additional funds necessary to complete the Sennott Park renovation project in two phases.

Approximately $2.05 million has been appropriated for the renovation of Sennott Park through CPA funding since FY17. In late summer 2021, construction began at the park, which is heavily used and located in the Port Neighborhood. Since that time, and in response to public input and requests from the City Council, the City has worked with the contractor to shift to a two-phased construction process in order to allow portions of this important neighborhood open space to remain accessible during the construction period. This appropriation will cover additional costs incurred by the contractor as well as any unexpected costs due to a longer construction schedule, increases in the cost of materials and other contingencies.

A two-phased construction schedule impacts insurance, scheduling, and planning and administration costs. Construction methods must be adjusted due to reduced staging areas and deployment of subcontractors. This process also results in limited multi-tasking, and multiple mobilizations, which further impact costs and schedule.

The first phase of work will keep approximately ¾-acre of the field open to the public while the playground and basketball courts are under construction. The remaining field work will commence once the playground and courts are completed and reopened. The entire renovation project is expected to be completed by Spring 2023.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as new members of the Family Policy Council effective Dec 1, 2021: Wendy Georgan, Tabithlee Howard, Sophie Goldman, Elijah Lee-Robinson, Elaine Wen
Placed on File 9-0

Dec 6, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am hereby transmitting notification of new appointments to the Family Policy Council effective Dec 1, 2021:

Community-at-Large Representatives - 3 year term

Wendy Georgan
Wendy has been living in Cambridge since arriving here 8 years ago as a freshman in college, and she would like to be involved in the Family Policy Council based on her professional and personal experiences, expertise, and interests. She works in an elementary school as a speech-language pathologist and her research in focused on language disorders, which is relevant to the current work of the Family Policy Council. Wendy and her wife recently became foster parents to a one-year-old, and this life changing experience has provided her with a whole new perspective to the importance of equitable educate, community engagement, and access to family resources.

Tabithlee Howard
Tabithlee grew up in Cambridge and is the parent to a 23-year-old and preschooler. She recently graduated from Lesley University and has worked for the Cambridge Public Schools in a variety of roles. Currently, she is working at CEOC as a Community Advocate and Educator. Everyone in Cambridge seems to know Tabithalee! She is committed to engaging Cambridge residents whose voices are often not heard.

Youth Representatives - 2 year terms

Sophie Goldman
Sophie is a sophomore in high school, and this is her first year as a member of the Cambridge Youth Council. We recommend that Sophie serve a 2-year term.

Elijah Lee-Robinson
Elijah is a junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin and this is his second year as a member of the Cambridge Youth Council. We recommend that Elijah serve a 2-year term.

Elaine Wen
Elaine is a sophomore at Cambridge Rindge and Latin and this is her first year as a member of the Cambridge Youth Council. We recommend that Elaine serve a 2-year term.

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

14. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-88, regarding amendments to the draft Ordinance to limit and monitor campaign donations by individuals seeking financial benefit from the City of Cambridge. [Solicitor's response]
Referred to Proposed Ordinance 7-0-0-2 (Simmons, Toomey - PRESENT)

Dec 6, 2021
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Please find attached a response to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-88, regarding amendments to the draft Ordinance to limit and monitor campaign donations by individuals seeking financial benefit from the City of Cambridge, received from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa. [Solicitor's response]

Very truly yours,
Louis A. DePasquale
City Manager

ON THE TABLE
1. That the City Council adopt a municipal ordinance to reduce or limit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city; Ordinance #2020-27. [Tabled - Nov 8, 2021]
Taken from Table 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 7-2 (Simmons, Toomey - NO)

Chapter 2.130
AN ORDINANCE TO LIMIT AND MONITOR CAMPAIGN DONATIONS BY INDIVIDUALS SEEKING FINANCIAL BENEFIT FROM THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE

2.130.010 Definitions.

(A) Applicant means a person who has filed an application with the City of Cambridge or any City-related agency in any of the following situations:

(i) Seeking to enter into a contract;

(ii) Seeking approval for a special permit, zoning change enhancing permittee value or approval of a planned unit development, except that people who have signed a citizens petition seeking a zoning ordinance change shall not be deemed an Applicant for purposes of this Ordinance;

(iii) Seeking to acquire real estate from, or dispose of real estate to, the City or any City-related agency; or

(iv) Seeking financial assistance from the City.

(B) City-related agency means all departments of the City, as well as any authorities and quasi-public corporations that receive appropriations from the City.

(C) Contractor means a person who has entered into a contract with the City or any City-related agency. For purposes of this Ordinance, a Contractor shall not include a labor union.

(D) Contribution means a donation of money or of in-kind goods and services as further defined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 55, Section 1. This definition of "Contribution" shall not include services provided by campaign volunteers and expenses that volunteers incur in providing such services.

(E) Financial assistance means any grant, loan, tax incentive, bond financing proceeds used to purchase land or fund expenses for improvements made to land or real estate, or other form of assistance that is realized by or provided to a person in the amount of $50,000 or more through the authority or approval of the City or a City-related agency, including, but not limited to, tax increment financing aid, district improvement financing aid, industrial development bonds, or community development block grant aid.

(F) Contract means a signed written contract in excess of $25,000 for goods or services to which the City or a City-related agency is a party, except where the agreement is required by law to be awarded pursuant to a competitive bidding process under applicable law, or where the agreement constitutes a sole source procurement under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 308, Section 7.

(G) For the purposes of this Ordinance, a "Business Entity" whose contributions are regulated by this ordinance means: (i) an individual including the individuals spouse, and any child/children; (ii) a firm; corporation; professional corporation; partnership; limited liability company; organization; association; and any other manner and kind of business entity; (iii) any person who owns 10% or more of the equity or ownership or income interests in an entity, and their spouses and child/children; (v) any person who is an owner, officer, board member or shareholder (but not an employee only), subcontractor, subsidiary, corporation, firm, partnership, limited liability company, organization or association who has received or indefeasibly acquired the right to receive, from a person, more than $50,000 in compensation or income of any kind (including, by way of illustration, and not limitation: wages, salaries, sums paid to independent contractors, benefits, dividends, profit-sharing, pension contributions, deferred contributions. stocks, stock options or gifts, or special permits, variances or zoning changes that may impact an applicant's personal or professional finances) in any twelve (12) month period prior to receiving the benefit, or during the term of, a contract or zoning decision subject to this ordinance and (vi) all persons who are an "affiliate" of a Business Entity. For purposes of this Ordinance, a Business Entity shall not include a labor union.

(H) Zoning change enhancing permittee's value means an increase in allowed density or height, a reduction in setbacks or parking, or an expansion of allowed uses.

2.130.020 Prohibition on awarding public contracts, and on granting permits and zoning changes to certain contributors.

(A) To the extent that it is not inconsistent with state or federal law, the City of Cambridge and any of its elected officials, departments, instrumentalities, purchasing agents or appointed committees shall not enter into any agreement, approve permits, zoning changes enhancing value, or otherwise contract to procure "professional services" and/or banking, insurance or other consulting services (hereinafter "Professional Services"}, nor "extraordinary unspecified services" and/or media, public relations, lobbying, consulting, building permits, zoning changes and/or management services (hereinafter "Extraordinary Unspecified Services") from any Business Entity that is an Applicant if such Business Entity has solicited or made any Contribution to a candidate, candidate committee or joint candidates committee of any candidate for elective municipal office in Cambridge in excess of the threshold of $200.00 per year within one calendar year immediately preceding the date of the contract or agreement. The contribution limitation set forth in this provision shall be subject to annual escalation equal to annual percentage increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Boston-Cambridge-Newton or similar index to reflect changes in dollar values over time; however, annual decreases in CPI-U shall not cause the contribution limitation to be decreased.

(B) No Business Entity that is an Applicant who submits a proposal for, enters into negotiations for, applies for permits or zoning changes or agrees to any contract or agreement with the City of Cambridge or any of its departments or instrumentalities, for the rendition of Professional services or Extraordinary Unspecified Services shall knowingly solicit or make any Contribution to (i) an existing elected official, candidate, candidate committee or joint candidates committee of any candidate for elective municipal office in Cambridge, or (ii) to any Cambridge political action committee or political party committee or (iii) any PAC between the time of first communication between that Business Entity and the municipality regarding a specific agreement for Professional Services or Extraordinary Unspecified Services, and the later of the termination of negotiations or rejection of any proposal, or the completion of the performance or specified time periods of that contract, agreement, permit or zoning change.

2.130.030 Contributions made prior to the effective date.

No Contribution or solicitation of contributions made prior to the effective date of this Ordinance shall be deemed to give rise to a violation of this Ordinance.

2.130.040 Mandatory disclosure for Applicants.

(A) Before the City may enter into any contract with an Applicant, the Applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the contracting entity.

(B) At the time that an Applicant seeks approval for a special permit with site plan review, zoning change enhancing permittee value, or approval of a planned unit development, as those terms are defined in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with respect to new construction or renovation in excess of 15,000 square feet, the applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the board hearing the application.

(C) At the time that an Applicant submits a bid or submits a response to a request for proposals in connection with the acquisition of real estate owned by, or disposition of real estate to, the City or a City-related agency, the Applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the City agency seeking to dispose of or acquire the property. If the Applicant is otherwise seeking to acquire real estate from, or dispose of real estate to, the City or from a City-related agency, then the Applicant must submit a complete mandatory disclosure form prior to obtaining title to such real estate.

(D) At the time the Applicant files an application for financial assistance, the Applicant must file a complete mandatory disclosure form with the City agency that would provide such financial assistance.

(E) Such mandatory disclosure form shall be open to and available for inspection by the public. Such form shall be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury by the Applicant and shall include the following information:

(i) The name, address, email address, telephone number of the Applicant/beneficiary/agent and of all of its principals, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, treasurer, chief operating officer, chief procurement officer, directors, or persons performing similar functions, or shareholders in excess of ten percent and managing agent to the extent applicable;

(ii) All contributions made by the Applicant during the 12 months prior to the application to any person who was a candidate for elective office of the City of Cambridge by stating the name of the person who made the contribution, the candidate who received the contribution, and the date and amount of each such contribution. For purposes of this article, elected office of the City of Cambridge shall mean the mayor, city council, and school committee of the City. Contributions made before the adoption of this article are not required to be disclosed on this form.

(iii) The names, business addresses and phone numbers of all subcontractors/development team members that the Applicant intends to use on the contract and the amount or percentage to be paid to such subcontractor.

(iv) A certification by the Applicant that if the Applicant receives the benefit that is applied for under subsections (A), (B), (C), or D) above in this section, that the Applicant and anyone attributed to the Applicant or any subcontractor used on the contract shall not make any contribution in any calendar year in an amount in excess of $200.00 to any individual incumbent or to any individual candidate for elective office of the City of Cambridge for the next four calendar years following the award of the item, or for the duration of the term of any contract, whichever is longer. The contribution limitation set forth in this provision shall be subject to annual escalation equal to annual percentage increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Boston-Cambridge-Newton or similar index to reflect changes in dollar values over time; however, annual decreases in CPI-U shall not cause the contribution limitation to be decreased.

2.130.050 Eligibility.

(A) No Applicant shall be entitled to obtain the benefit of any of the items applied for as referenced in section 2.130.040 if such Applicant, including those who would be attributed to the Applicant under section 2.130.040 above or any subcontractor used on a contract, has made a total contribution of more than $200.00 to any individual candidate for elected office of the City of Cambridge or incumbent in either the calendar year of the application or the calendar year preceding the application, provided, however, that the restriction of eligibility with regard to contributions made prior to the year preceding the application shall not apply to any contributions made in the calendar year preceding the adoption of this ordinance and shall only go forward beginning with the year of adoption of this ordinance. No contribution made prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall be deemed to give rise to a violation or penalty under this article. The contribution limitation set forth in this provision shall be subject to annual escalation equal to annual percentage increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Boston-Cambridge-Newton or similar index to reflect changes in dollar values over time; however, annual decreases in CPI-U shall not cause the contribution limitation to be decreased.

(B) No contract may be renewed, extended, or materially amended, unless the resulting renewal, extension, or amendment, would be allowable under the provisions of this ordinance if it were an initial contract.

(C) The Applicant and anyone attributed to the Applicant and any subcontractor/development team members used on the contract shall not make any contribution to any incumbent or to any candidate for elective office of the City of Cambridge in excess of $200.00 per year for the next four calendar years following the receipt of the benefit, or for the duration of the term of any contract, whichever is longer. The contribution limitation set forth in this provision shall be subject to annual escalation equal to annual percentage increases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for Boston-Cambridge-Newton or similar index to reflect changes in dollar values over time; however, annual decreases in CPI-U shall not cause the contribution limitation to be decreased.

2.130.060 Penalties.

The City shall deny the award of any contract as sought by an Applicant if it is found that an Applicant made a material misstatement on the mandatory disclosure form or if the Applicant fails to comply with the provisions above. If a contract is awarded, it shall be a material breach of the terms of any contract where an Applicant which is a party to such contract made any contribution in violation of this article. For all other violations, the Applicant shall be fined up to $300.00 per day for each violation of this article The enforcing authority shall be the City Manager or their designee/s. This ordinance may be enforced by the issuance of non-criminal ticketing pursuant to G.L.c.40, §21 D.

2.130.070 Refund of contribution.

An Applicant may cure a contribution which violates this ordinance if, within 30 days after the date on which an applicable Office of Campaign and Political Finance report is required to be filed which contains a contribution in violation of this ordinance, the Applicant requests a refund in writing from the candidate or incumbent who received the contribution, and within 30 days of the request, the Applicant receives a refund of a contribution from the incumbent or any candidate for elective office in the City of Cambridge, or political committee for such incumbent or candidate. Notwithstanding the above, if there is a contribution in violation of this ordinance, the candidate or incumbent shall refund the contribution within 30 days of receipt of a request for refund, provided that funds are otherwise available in the campaign account of the candidate or incumbent. This article shall be interpreted and applied consistent with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

2. 130.080 Effective date.

This article shall take effect on [insert date], 2022.

COMMUNICATIONS
1. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Change the garbage pick up time on Mass Ave from Dudley St to Alewife Brook Pkwy (11540658) was closed by Public Works – KK (Community Relations).

2. A communication was received from Susan Connelly, regarding Notes from your Neighbors in The North and an Invite for a community stroll.

3. A communication was received from Mark Goldberg, regarding Update #2- Store Fronts.

4. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding North Mass Ave.

5. A communication was received from Jeff Borrelli, regarding Gridlock on Mass Ave During Rush Hour.

6. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Urgent request to pull this communication for discussion on Monday's City Council Meeting.

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7. Sundry communications were received, regarding Calendar Item #1, limit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city; Ordinance #2020-27.

8. A communication was received from Elizabeth Gombosi, regarding Public Comment Dec 6, 2021.

9. A communication was received from Linda Moussouris, regarding Questions for City Council Meeting 12/6/21 re: Policy Order 2021 #259 on Economic Impact Studies.

10. A communication was received from Roy Russell, regarding Comments for 2021 policy orders 259 and 261.

11. A communication was received from Jacqueline Brown, regarding tonight's Council meeting.

12. A communication was received from Joan Pickett, regarding approve Policy Order #1 and #3.

13. A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding please support POR 2020#240 and 2021#248.

14. A communication was received from Louise Parker and Stuart McMuldroch, regarding Item 1 and 2.

15. A communication was received from Mark Goldberg, regarding Update #3 - This Morning's Traffice Jams.

16. A communication was received from Abra Berkowitz, regarding Support for all P.O.'s esp. 1 and 3.

17. A communication was received from Charles Harrington, regarding Bus Lanes and Bike Lanes on Mass Ave.

18. A communication was received from Jeanne Oster, regarding Please Support Policy Order POR 2021#259.

19. A communication was received from Annette Osgood, regarding Support Policy Order 259 For a business impact report an implementation process and an evaluation of the protected bike lanes.

20. A communication was received from Christian Klacko, regarding Agenda Item #1 for Dec. 6 meeting.

21. A communication was received from Jeanne Oster and Annette Osgood, regarding Support Policy Order POR 2021#259 petition of over 370 signatures.

22. A communication was received from Peter Glick, regarding Bikes on Mass Ave.

23. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Petition From Business Owners and Neighbors re: Implemented Bike Safety Measures on Northern Mass Ave.

24. A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding Policy Order #1 and #3.

25. A communication was received from Don Thompson, regarding Endorse the BluePrint for Peace.

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TEXT OF ORDERS
Original Version:
O-1     Dec 6, 2021
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The roll out and implementation of separated bike lanes has caused a lot of concern among the small business community who have felt left out of the process; and
WHEREAS: Business owners have fears about the impact on their businesses, and it would be beneficial for both the City and the business community to have local economic information about the potential impacts, positive and negative, on various types of businesses; and
WHEREAS: Having local information will help shape future conversations and implementations of separated bike lanes and can help inform needed mitigation strategies along commercial corridors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate departments with the intention of conducting a study to collect relevant economic data relating to business impacts from bike lane installations, which will help inform future installations of bike lanes along commercial corridors; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate departments on what the standard public process will be prior to implementing new sections of bike lanes, and what general evaluation process will take place post-installation, and to report back to the City Council on these matters.

Amended Version:
O-1     Dec 6, 2021  [McGovern amendments; Toomey amendments; Simmons amendment, Zondervan amendment, Nolan/Siddiqui amendment]
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
WHEREAS: The roll out and implementation of separated bike lanes has caused a lot of concern among the small business community who have felt left out of the process; and
WHEREAS: Business owners have fears about the impact on their businesses, and it would be beneficial for both the City and the business community to have local economic information about the potential impacts, positive and negative, on various types of businesses; and
WHEREAS: Economic studies are often cited from other cities about the benefits impact of bike lanes to on small businesses, and how they will improve may affect sales; and
WHEREAS: The City will be implementing bike lanes along business corridors each year until 2026 per the recent ordinance change, this provides the opportunity to collect relevant data and real time experience; and
WHEREAS: Having local information will help shape future conversations and implementations of separated bike lanes and can help inform needed mitigation strategies along commercial corridors; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate departments with the intention of conducting a study to collect relevant economic data relating to business impacts from bike lane installations, positive and negative, which will help inform future installations of bike lanes along commercial corridors; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with appropriate departments on what the standard public process will be prior to implementing new sections of bike lanes consistent with the Cycling Safety Ordinance, and what general evaluation process will take place post-installation, and to report back to the City Council on these matters.
ORDERED: That the City Manager report back to the City Council on these matters by January 31, 2022.

O-2     Dec 6, 2021
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: In November of 2020, the Cambridge City Council voted unanimously to oppose the MBTA’s plans to replace existing zero-emissions electric bus routes with diesel buses in Cambridge, as well as asking the MBTA to prioritize Environmental Justice communities by moving towards 100% zero emissions buses like in Seattle and Vancouver; and
WHEREAS: Despite this strong signal from the City Council, the MBTA is still moving forward with their original plan to introduce new diesel infrastructure at the North Cambridge facility to support heaters for the new buses at a cost of $21M, which will neither further equity nor reduce emissions; and
WHEREAS: The MBTA has only held one public meeting at which they confirmed the use of diesel, but provided no additional information on progress toward electrification targets, nor were any target dates made clear; and
WHEREAS: By proceeding with this plan, the MBTA would be contributing to poor air quality in the surrounding neighborhood, consuming up to 30,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually, and exposing the workers to harmful conditions; and
WHEREAS: There has been no community process with the abutting neighbors about adding onsite storage of up to 30K gallons of diesel fuel, which would be the equivalent of adding a full service gas station on the parcel where no such storage exists now; and
WHEREAS: To our knowledge, the MBTA has not investigated in-motion-charging (IMC) technology, which could have the potential to electrify the routes without adding fossil fuels into the energy solution for these buses; and
WHEREAS: IMC buses have the potential to electrify other routes that use the Harvard Bus Tunnel, including the 77 and the 96; and
WHEREAS: Electric buses are seen as critical to meeting aggressive climate goals by reducing fossil fuels, and other City partners like Harvard University have partnered in achieving zero emissions by replacing four bio-diesel buses with 100% electric buses this fall, and the MBTA’s decision will not help achieve these goals; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in restating its opposition to the MBTA’s plans to introduce new diesel infrastructure at the North Cambridge Garage and buses with diesel heaters; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record requesting that the MBTA procure modern in-motion-charging buses to replace the trolleybuses and use the remaining $21M to prioritize environmental justice communities such as Chelsea and Dorchester for electrification efforts that would improve service and reduce emissions; 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 MBTA Board.

O-3     Dec 6, 2021
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: The recent implementation of dedicated bike and bus lanes on northern Massachusetts Avenue have elicited many strong feelings, both for and against; and
WHEREAS: These strong feelings have divided the community, resulting in contentious rhetoric; and
WHEREAS: The City Council has become aware that on the morning of Nov 18, 2021, a cyclist crashed due to tacks and bricks being placed in the bike lane at Massachusetts Avenue and Cameron Avenue, resulting in damage to his bicycle; and
WHEREAS: Thankfully, the cyclist was not seriously injured, but could have been, including possibly falling into traffic; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council condemns, in the strongest possible terms, any actions that may result in the physical injury of any individual, regardless of their support or non-support, of the bike/bus lane implementation, and we encourage all individuals to continue to debate this project through the community and political arena and not engage in any actions that could lead to devastating consequences and we call on those on both sides of this issue to publicly condemn such actions.

O-4     Dec 6, 2021
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: With the Covid-19 pandemic nearing the two year mark, it has become evident that this virus shall continue to impact nearly all facets of our community for some time to come, and that easy, regular, and reliable ways of having individuals tested for the virus will continue to be a critical component in the efforts to control the illness’s spread; and
WHEREAS: The City has gone to considerable efforts to establish free Covid-19 testing locations throughout the community, yet there are those – primarily seniors and those with significant mobility impediments – that continue to face significant hurdles to leaving their homes and venturing out to be tested; and
WHEREAS: While there are some services operated by the MBTA and Somerville Cambridge Elder Services, among others, designed to transport our more vulnerable residents to and from Covid-19 testing locations, there remain gaps in the services and instances where individuals simply cannot make it to the City’s testing locations; and
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge should have all the necessary resources to find ways to plug these gaps, and to ensure that those individuals who face significant barriers to leaving their homes can instead be tested within their homes; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Public Health Department and other relevant City staff to establish a plan that will enable Covid-19 home testing to be conducted for seniors and those with significant mobility impediments, and to report back to the City Council on this matter no later than Jan 31, 2022.

O-5     Dec 6, 2021
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The VOTES Act, which passed the Massachusetts Senate on Oct 6, 2021, helps to build on important electoral reforms that were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to make voting more accessible; and
WHEREAS: The VOTES Act makes permanent important reforms that responded to COVID last year, including mail-in voting and expanded early voting options, while adding other critical pro-voter initiatives like same day registration, jail-based voting reforms, risk limiting audits, corrected automatic voter registration, and a deadline to implement the Electronic Registration Information Center; and
WHEREAS: The reforms in the VOTES ACT are long overdue in Massachusetts and all are common sense, imperative updates we need to make voting more accessible, efficient, and modern; and
WHEREAS: 20 other states have paved the way on same day registration and shown it to be uniquely effective at improving equitable access to the ballot and increasing electoral participation by voters of color; and
WHEREAS: The VOTES Act is supported by the Election Modernization Coalition, which includes Common Cause MA, MASSPIRG, ACLU MA, MA Voter Table, League of Women Voters/MA, MassVOTE, and Lawyers for Civil Rights; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record in support of the VOTES ACT; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the Cambridge state delegation on behalf of the entire City Council.

O-6     Dec 6, 2021  Charter Right - Zondervan
COUNCILLOR ZONDERVAN
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR CARLONE
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan adopted by the City Council in 2015 requires the City to establish a net zero standard for new construction, starting with small residential construction and major renovation in 2022, large residential and commercial in 2025 and laboratory buildings in 2030; and
WHEREAS: The Commonwealth process for delivering a Net Zero Energy stretch code is unlikely to deliver in time to meet this deadline; and
WHEREAS: Net Zero emissions building construction is now an established and achievable standard, practiced by Cambridge’s own municipal construction, and in various proposed and constructed private sector buildings in Cambridge, utilizing a combination of passive house, LEED or other energy efficient building design, ground source (geothermal) or air source heat pumps, building electrification (no on-site combustion of fossil fuels), renewable energy (solar PV and/or hot water) systems, and 100% renewable electricity purchasing contracts; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward the Home Rule petition establishing a Net Zero emissions requirement for building construction in Cambridge in accordance with its Net Zero Action Plan, adopted in 2015, to the entire state legislative delegation for immediate adoption.

In accordance with the Net Zero Action Plan adopted by the Cambridge City Council in 2015, the City of Cambridge shall through promulgation of regulations implement the schedule established in the Net Zero Action Plan for requiring different types of buildings constructed after January 1, 2022 to achieve a net zero emissions standard.

O-7     Dec 6, 2021
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
COUNCILLOR NOLAN
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
WHEREAS: Of the Charter Amendment Ballot Questions that passed on Nov 3, 2021, two of them require amending Cambridge’s Code of Ordinances; and
WHEREAS: Question 2 stated: “Annually the City Council shall prepare and deliver to the City Manager a written review of the City Manager’s performance in a manner provided by ordinance.”; and
WHEREAS: Question 3 stated: “Not later than July 1, in each year ending in a 2, the City Council shall provide for a review to be made of the city charter by a special committee to be established by ordinance.”; and
WHEREAS: The charter amendments take effect on Jan 1, 2022, and the City Council will have to review and adopt the respective ordinances in the first half of 2022; and
WHEREAS: Many other municipalities have adopted similar ordinances and Cambridge should build on best practices used by municipalities throughout the Commonwealth; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct the City Solicitor to draft the appropriate ordinance amendments for the City Council to review; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council in timely manner.

O-8     Dec 6, 2021
COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER
VICE MAYOR MALLON
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
WHEREAS: The City of Cambridge adopted an Incentive Zoning Ordinance in 1988 and amended it in 2015 to require that new commercial developments of more than 30,000 square feet of gross floor area make a linkage fee contribution toward affordable housing in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: In addition to an affordable housing linkage fee component, cities including Boston and Somerville have a Jobs Linkage Fee that applies to new commercial development to fund job training programs in their respective cities and is administered by a Jobs Creation Trust; and
WHEREAS: A Jobs Linkage Fee is permissible as an exaction fee tied to the impact of new commercial development and could fund programs that would provide residents with the skills and education to pursue careers at companies that choose to locate here; and
WHEREAS: In order to consider a Jobs Linkage Fee component, Cambridge would require special legislation from the state legislature and must file a home rule petition; and
WHEREAS: While there are existing paths for funding jobs training programs in Cambridge, including through the City budget, special legislation from the state legislature would provide Cambridge with an additional option for providing much needed funds for workforce training and development; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft home rule language to establish a Cambridge Jobs Creation Trust for City Council review by the Dec 20, 2021 regular City Council meeting.

O-9     Dec 6, 2021
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
MAYOR SIDDIQUI
VICE MAYOR MALLON
WHEREAS: Covid-19 has had a profound impact on mental health, including the mental health of young people; and
WHEREAS: The Cambridge Public Schools re-opened to all, in-person learning in September 2021; and
WHEREAS: Since re-opening, there has been an increase in mental health and behavioral issues in our public schools, including several, non-fatal, overdoses at the high school, two BB guns found at the high school, as well as a number of physical altercations in the Upper Schools; and
WHEREAS: On Nov 30, 2021, over 400 CRLS students participated in a walk-out to protest a sexual assault, harassment culture at CRLS; and
WHEREAS: The recent release of the 2021 Cambridge Teen Health Survey for Middle and High School students indicated, “46% of high school students and 31% of middle school students reported feeling tense, nervous, or worried every day for two or more weeks in a row”; and
WHEREAS: This report further stated, “35% of high school students and 27% of middle school students reported feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for 2 weeks or more that they stopped doing usual activities”; and
WHEREAS: This report further stated, “15% of high school students and 11% of middle school students reported considering attempting suicide” and “of the students who reported that they considered attempting suicide, 35% of high school students and 42% of middle school students reported making a plan about how they would attempt suicide”; and
WHEREAS: The School Committee has held a series of meetings to discuss these and other findings in this report; and
WHEREAS: Addressing mental health issues, and physical health issues related to sexual assault and trauma, are not solely the responsibility of the School Department, but will take a coordinated effort between the schools, the city and the community to address these concerns; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That a special meeting of the City Council, School Committee, Cambridge Health Department and other appropriate city and school staff be scheduled to discuss the findings in this report and what immediate interventions are going to be implemented in response to these concerns.