Inauguration of City Council and School Committee; Election of the Mayor and Vice Mayor; Election of School Committee Vice Chair
Open Meeting Law Complaints filed by Kim Courtney and Xavier Dietrich, Ilan Levy, John Hawkinson, Hashon Rashid
"Shoo, fly. When well-meaning laws like the Open Meeting Law degenerate into vehicles for malcontents to act out their psychological issues, it's time for the State Legislature to consider amending the laws to better respect their intended purpose. City officials should not be required to waste their time on such complaints."
Barrett Petition ordained
Plastic Bag Ban goes into effect (Mar 31, 2016)
March 1 - Super Tuesday
Envision Cambridge Public Workshops (March-April 2016)
March 11 - Announcement by Richard Rossi that he would not seek a contract extension as City Manager.
Under the guidance of Coach Lance Dottin, Cambridge defeated Lowell on March 12 by a score of 54-38 to win the Division 1 North Championship.
On March 14 at the Boston Garden, the Falcons won over Catholic Memorial in the semifinals by a score of 77-73 in a close game where the lead changed many times and which was tied 73-73 with 1:28 left to play.
On Saturday, March 19 in Springfield, Cambridge defeated St. John's by a score of 66-51 to win the Division 1 State Championship.
Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the Complete Streets Policy and Council Order. (March 21)
Manager's Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the adoption of a Policy Order committing Vision Zero, a set of goals of eliminating transportation fatalities and serious injuries. (March 21)
I don't think anyone can argue against the general concept of safer streets that accommodate all modes of travel. My only concern here is that there needs to be some understanding that there is no universal agreement on how best to accomplish this. Some people will not be satisfied until all cyclists are removed from the roadways under the dogma that creating segregated facilities is the only safe way to accommodate cyclists. Many of us disagree strongly with that assumption except where there is a great differential in relative speeds of cyclists and motor vehicles, e.g. along most DCR parkways. I certainly hope that in accepting these reports there is no implied endorsement of segregated cycling facilities in all or even most circumstances.
Resolution #2. Retirement of Susan Flannery from the Cambridge Public Library. Mayor Simmons (March 21)
We have been blessed with Susan Flannery as Director of the Cambridge Public Library for over two decades. Enjoy your retirement! The Order declares March 30 as Susan Flannery Day in the City of Cambridge. Celebrate by reading a book!
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and other relevant City departments to consider the pending State legislation and pending legislation in the City of Boston and any other actions that would allow Cambridge to institute municipal lobbying regulations. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen
Not only is this unnecessary given the limited authority of city councillors under the Plan E Charter, it also reads like an accusation from three city councillors directed at their colleagues. All campaign contributions are now easily accessible public records. There is no need for any additional layer of bureaucracy. This is a "solution" in search of a problem.
Order #7. That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations Committee and the Civic Unity Committee hold a joint hearing to determine the feasibility of facilitating the appointment of an “Non-Citizen Representative” to the City Council. Councillor Mazen, Mayor Simmons
This is a ridiculous proposal. There has never been a day in the history of Cambridge when a non-citizen couldn't bring concerns to any of the elected city councillors with every expectation that those concerns would be addressed. All five items proposed are already available to any member of the public - citizen or not. It is also abundantly clear that the appropriate City Council Committee for the substance of this Order would be the Government Operations Committee - and neither of the two committees specified in the Order.
Death of Election Commissioner Peter Sheinfeld
Cambridge Science Festival
FRIDAY, APRIL 15 to SUNDAY, APRIL 24
Resolution #4. Resolution on the death of Dorothy Steele. Councillor Toomey
If you didn't see the recent Eric Moskowitz article on Dorothy Steele on the front page of the Boston Globe (Apr 5, 2016), you really should. It was one of the most beautifully written tributes I've ever read in a newspaper.
2016 Outstanding City Employee Award Recipients
April 22 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Outstanding City Employee Award.
Alessandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council, City Council Office
Kia Benjamin, Executive Assistant to the Police Commissioner, Police Department
Stacey Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Finance Director, Finance Department
Brian Corr, Executive Director/Peace Commission & Executive Secretary/Police Review & Advisory Bd.
Lei-Anne Ellis, Division Head/Childcare Family Services, Department of Human Service Programs
Joshua Foley, Senior Job Developer, Department of Human Service Programs
Gary Littles, Laborer/Streets Cleaning Division, Department of Public Works
Timothy MacDonald, Director of Water Operations, Water Department
Linda Prosnitz, Project Planning/Housing Division, Community Development Department
Gerald Reardon, Fire Chief, Fire Department
Brendon Roy, Assistant Project Manager/Capital Construction Projects, Executive Office
Nancy Schlacter, Executive Director, Human Rights Commission
Jeremy Warnick, Director of Communications & Media, Police Department
Amy Witts, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department
Jason Yee, Associate Librarian, Library
The City Manager will also present an Award in honor and memory of Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy to a person who is committed to making government improve the lives of other. - Ellen Semonoff was chosen (May 6)
City Manager Appoints Members to the Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee and Working Groups
April 21 – The Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, the Alewife Working Group, and the Engagement and Communications Working Group have been formed to advise City staff and a multidisciplinary team of consultants on Envision Cambridge. View the list of the Committee and Working Group members.
Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the FY2017 submitted budget and appropriation orders. [$560,592,915 total proposed FY17 Operating Budget - a 5.4% increase over FY2016; $13,969,210 Water Fund; $16,890,570 Public Investment Fund; (plus the total of $188,100,000 in Loan Orders - see #5-11 below)]
Communications and Reports from City Officers #1. A communication was received from Judith T. Martin, Executive Secretary to the School Committee transmitting a copy of an order from the School Committee recommending the FY17 General Fund Budget of the Cambridge Public Schools be adopted in the sum of $172,793,980.00.
The City Manager and his Finance staff are expected to give a Budget Overview at this meeting during which they'll provide additional details (and a possible correction to the apparently missing Conservation Commission budget). The FY2017 Budget Book (either in print or online) is also expected to be made available around the time of the meeting. The Budget Hearings conducted by the City Council's Finance Committee commence May 5.
For the sake of comparison, here's a table showing how some of the budgets have changed over the last year, 2 years, and 12 years.
| GENERAL GOVERNMENT | FY05 adopted | FY15 adopted | FY16 adopted | FY17 proposed | 1 yr % change | 2 yr % change | 12 yr % change |
| City Clerk | $720,925 | $1,240,705 | $1,123,935 | $1,217,510 | 8.3 | -1.9 | 68.9 |
| City Council | $975,570 | $1,711,115 | $1,789,700 | $1,880,205 | 5.1 | 9.9 | 92.7 |
| Election Commission | $756,540 | $1,072,390 | $1,149,425 | $1,308,220 | 13.8 | 22.0 | 72.9 |
| Employee Benefits | $20,499,920 | $32,882,665 | $33,025,885 | $37,756,330 | 14.3 | 14.8 | 84.2 |
| Executive | $1,353,140 | $2,298,685 | $2,356,150 | $2,463,020 | 4.5 | 7.1 | 82.0 |
| Finance | $8,837,560 | $14,540,220 | $16,024,605 | $17,151,925 | 7.0 | 18.0 | 94.1 |
| General Services | $984,345 | $704,725 | $683,040 | $710,735 | 4.1 | 0.9 | -27.8 |
| Law | $1,780,975 | $2,176,975 | $2,174,415 | $2,219,965 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 24.6 |
| Mayor | $430,035 | $589,680 | $586,635 | $671,920 | 14.5 | 13.9 | 56.2 |
| Public Celebrations | $671,505 | $874,335 | $905,900 | $939,685 | 3.7 | 7.5 | 39.9 |
| Reserve | $37,500 | $37,500 | $37,500 | $40,000 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| TOTAL | $37,048,015 | $58,128,995 | $59,857,190 | $66,359,515 | 10.9 | 14.2 | 79.1 |
| PUBLIC SAFETY | FY05 adopted | FY15 adopted | FY16 adopted | FY17 proposed | 1 yr % change | 2 yr % change | 12 yr % change |
| Animal Commission | $228,870 | $323,535 | $331,365 | $338,775 | 2.2 | 4.7 | 48.0 |
| Electrical | $2,239,640 | $2,767,880 | $2,594,885 | $2,809,845 | 8.3 | 1.5 | 25.5 |
| Emergency Communications | $3,097,485 | $4,631,960 | $5,077,255 | $5,342,040 | 5.2 | 15.3 | 72.5 |
| Fire | $28,891,840 | $44,661,535 | $44,990,895 | $46,094,005 | 2.5 | 3.2 | 59.5 |
| Inspectional Services | $2,261,215 | $3,270,335 | $3,414,450 | $3,706,080 | 8.5 | 13.3 | 63.9 |
| License Commission | $726,735 | $1,063,745 | $1,183,145 | $1,240,340 | 4.8 | 16.6 | 70.7 |
| Police | $31,515,220 | $49,260,625 | $50,646,165 | $51,145,765 | 1.0 | 3.8 | 62.3 |
| Police Review & Advisory Board | $77,210 | $75,235 | $77,435 | $3,700 | now in budget of Peace & Human Rights Commissions | ||
| Traffic, Parking & Transportation | $8,175,095 | $11,088,415 | $11,483,870 | $12,299,375 | 7.1 | 10.9 | 50.4 |
| Weights & Measures | $98,910 | $142,935 | $145,875 | $148,945 | 2.1 | 4.2 | 50.6 |
| TOTAL | $77,450,040 | $117,286,200 | $119,945,340 | $123,128,870 | 2.7 | 5.0 | 59.0 |
| COMMUNITY MAINT/DEVELOPMENT | FY05 adopted | FY15 adopted | FY16 adopted | FY17 proposed | 1 yr % change | 2 yr % change | 12 yr % change |
| Cable T.V. | $999,500 | $1,452,495 | $1,536,585 | $1,642,360 | 6.9 | 13.1 | 64.3 |
| Community Development | $4,472,620 | $6,335,440 | $7,359,590 | $8,464,085 | 15.0 | 33.6 | 89.2 |
| Conservation Commission | $89,760 | $127,770 | $130,585 | now part of Public Works | |||
| Debt Service | $23,917,070 | $50,446,035 | $54,664,525 | $58,096,295 | 6.3 | 15.2 | 142.9 |
| Historical Commission | $457,580 | $687,860 | $654,580 | $644,990 | -1.5 | -6.2 | 41.0 |
| Peace Commission | $76,215 | $148,445 | $151,510 | $154,690 | 2.1 | 4.2 | 103.0 |
| Public Works | $23,648,125 | $33,634,490 | $35,090,060 | $37,181,700 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 57.2 |
| TOTAL | $53,660,870 | $92,832,535 | $99,587,435 | $106,184,120 | 6.6 | 14.4 | 97.9 |
| HUMAN RESOURCE/DEVELOPMENT | FY05 adopted | FY15 adopted | FY16 adopted | FY17 proposed | 1 yr % change | 2 yr % change | 12 yr % change |
| Commission on Women | $155,860 | $241,295 | $246,425 | $253,965 | 3.1 | 5.3 | 62.9 |
| Human Rights Commission | $158,730 | $266,890 | $275,140 | $257,270 | -6.5 | -3.6 | 62.1 |
| Human Services | $14,581,590 | $24,225,290 | $25,354,795 | $27,926,755 | 10.1 | 15.3 | 91.5 |
| Library | $5,461,430 | $9,249,325 | $9,723,990 | $9,702,575 | -0.2 | 4.9 | 77.7 |
| Veterans | $510,885 | $1,092,655 | $1,123,070 | $1,102,545 | -1.8 | 0.9 | 115.8 |
| TOTAL | $20,868,495 | $35,075,455 | $36,723,420 | $39,243,110 | 6.9 | 11.9 | 88.0 |
| CITY TOTAL | $189,027,420 | $303,323,185 | $316,113,385 | $334,915,615 | 5.9 | 10.4 | 77.2 |
| EDUCATION | FY05 adopted | FY15 adopted | FY16 adopted | FY17 proposed | 1 yr % change | 2 yr % change | 12 yr % change |
| Schools Operating (TOTAL) | $122,053,195 | $156,669,635 | $163,940,420 | $172,793,980 | 5.4 | 10.3 | 41.6 |
| INTERGOVERNMENTAL | FY05 adopted | FY15 adopted | FY16 adopted | FY17 proposed | 1 yr % change | 2 yr % change | 12 yr % change |
| Cambridge Health Alliance | $6,500,000 | $6,750,000 | $7,000,000 | $7,000,000 | 0.0 | 3.7 | 7.7 |
| Cherry Sheet Assessments | $11,569,960 | $21,504,975 | $21,336,755 | $21,984,465 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 90.0 |
| MWRA | $16,177,455 | $22,189,730 | $23,516,200 | $23,898,855 | 1.6 | 7.7 | 47.7 |
| TOTAL | $34,247,415 | $50,444,705 | $51,852,955 | $52,883,320 | 2.0 | 4.8 | 54.4 |
| GRAND TOTALS | $345,328,030 | $510,437,525 | $531,906,760 | $560,592,915 | 5.4 | 9.8 | 62.3 |
| FY05 adopted | FY15 adopted | FY16 adopted | FY17 proposed | 1 yr % change | 2 yr % change | 12 yr % change | |
| WATER | $17,098,120 | $13,964,275 | $13,964,115 | $13,969,210 | 0.0 | 0.0 | -18.3 |
| PUBLIC INVESTMENT | $8,834,255 | $31,954,025 | $18,076,290 | $16,890,570 | -6.6 | -47.1 | 91.2 |
Manager's Agenda #5-11. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow:
#5: $17,350,000 to provide funds for various water pollution abatement projects, including construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the City’s Alewife Watershed, Cambridgeport Neighborhood, and areas in Harvard Square as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program.
#6: $5,000,000 to provide funds for a Comprehensive Facilities Improvement Plan.
#7: $2,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks.
#8: $149,600,000 to provide funds for various School building infrastructure projects including construction for the King Open/Cambridge Street Schools & Community Complex, building envelope repairs at the Fletcher Maynard Academy, and a new boiler at the Amigos School.
#9: $150,000 to provide funds for the purchase and installation of mechanical components to ensure the operational integrity of the elevator at the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility.
#10: $4,000,000 to provide funds for the renovations of the Out of Town News Kiosk Building and adjacent plaza area in Harvard Square.
#11: $10,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of a multi-use path/greenway along the eastern Grand Junction railroad right of way from Broadway to the city line.
That's a total of $188,100,000 in Loan Orders - dominated by the cost of construction of the King Open/Cambridge Street Schools & Community Complex.
Multiple Medical Marijuana Dispensaries filed zoning petitions for favorable sites.
Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Suzanne Schell Pearce. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Maher
Cambridge has lost one of the most kind-hearted activists I personally ever met.
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs, and other appropriate City departments to determine the feasibility of waiving the motor vehicle excise tax for electric vehicles. Councillor Devereux
First, this would require authorization from the state. Second, it's a slippery road to travel when you start taxing people differently based on what you perceive to be better behavior. Why not charge different excise taxes for people who use their vehicles less frequently?
Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council if any progress has been made on the willingness of the City of Cambridge to contribute to a successful Green Line Extension and if there has been conversations with local developers regarding the same. Councillor Toomey
Though I suppose you can make the case that "local developers" and cities through which public transit passes derive benefit from the presence of the transit, this is still a sorry state of affairs when the state and the MBTA cannot manage their fiscal affairs to maintain and enhance their assets.
Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee, for a public hearing held on Apr 6, 2016 to continue to discuss the development of the process for the selection of a new City Manager.
The process continues. Hopefully not for too long and leading to a good outcome. If the Council becomes deadlocked, I'm happy to make the decision. - Robert Winters
Tues, May 3, 4:30pm - Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to continue to discuss the development of the process for the selection of a new City Manager. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
Sat, May 7, 2016 Moving Day at MIT
2:00-3:30pm Crossing the Charles Parade and Competition with Grand Marshall Oliver Smoot. Gather at Mass. Ave. and Memorial Drive
Crossing the Charles
Suffragist Katharine Dexter McCormick (who is a dead ringer for our friend Martha Eddison) and MIT President Rafael Reif
Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to coordinate with the appropriate City departments to publish a Cambridge voter guide to be distributed to each household in Cambridge a month before the 2017 municipal election. Councillor Mazen, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern
Interesting proposal. Having curated the Cambridge Candidate Pages for the last 7 municipal elections, I'm in a rather unique position to comment on this. My purpose in setting up the Candidate Pages was always to provide a neutral, level playing field with the hope that it would mitigate the advantages that incumbents and candidates with very deep pockets had in getting their name and campaigns out to voters. Judging from the number of hits, especially in the days immediately before each municipal election, the Candidate Pages have been quite successful.
Manager's Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Police Superintendent Christopher J. Burke as Acting Police Commissioner, effective May 8, 2016.
When I heard about this at last Thursday's Budget Hearings, I couldn't help but think of things said by outgoing Police Commissioner Robert Haas and former Commissioner Ronnie Watson regarding the "bench strength" we have developed in the Police Department and other City departments. We often have multiple great people who can step up into a leadership role either temporarily or permanently. Congratulations to Commissioner Burke, and grateful thanks to Commisioner Robert Haas for his years of service!
Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-39, regarding the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project.
Much could be said about the latest developments in the status of the proposed Green Line Extension and the unprecedented offers of financial assistance from Cambridge, Somerville, and other parties to improve the chances of it becoming a reality. It's definitely worth reading the multiple communications from City Manager Rossi (and Somerville Mayor Curtatone) on this topic. Even if the project is scaled back and is somewhat less spectacular than originally proposed, this is something that really needs to more forward in some form and I hope the contributions from Cambridge and Somerville help to influence the decision to carry on.
CRLS student government to use PR and IRV for student government elections [Register Forum]
0) Waverly Path Project Opening Celebration (Today - May 31, 4:30-5:30pm, Waverly Path, between Erie and Pacific Streets)
and Thurs, June 9 - 4:00pm Grand Opening of the first phase (Main Street to Broadway along Galileo Galilei Way) of the Grand Junction Pathway (Corner of Main St. & Galileo Galilei Way)
1) Cambridge River Festival this weekend: Saturday, June 4 along Cambridge Parkway and Lechmere Canal.
2) Thursday night – Cambridge: Who We Are and How We Got Here - May 26, 6:30-9:00pm at Cambridge College, 1000 Mass. Ave.
MAPC Driverless Cars Forum (June 13, 2016)
Manager's Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a recommendation that the City Council approve an Order to take by eminent domain a parcel of land comprising approximately 5,000 square feet of land located at 859 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge which is presently owned by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce and that the City Council approve an Order appropriating One Million Three Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Five ($1,363,875) Dollars to the General Fund Law Department Travel & Training (Judgment & Damages) Account from Free Cash.
We don't see too many eminent domain takings, though this is a "friendly taking". It hasn't yet been determined whether this will end up as housing or for expansion of City offices. However, having watched the trend over the last 15+ years where city councillors got expanded office space, magnificent salary increases, and their own designated parking spots (previously were available to others), my guess is that unless this building is used for affordable housing somebody will get bumped up the street to provide even more full-time space in City Hall for our part-time city councillors.
Order #1. That the Mayor convene a Task Force charged with establishing recommendations for the City Council on what the ideal minimum wage in Cambridge should be, and how to best implement this increase without creating unintended consequences in Cambridge or elsewhere. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mazen, Councillor Toomey
I suppose one could argue that the Community Advisory Board on the Living Wage has already been working on this, but what's wrong with a little redundancy? In any case, it has already been established that the City Council does not have the authority to impose a citywide minimum wage. That could change if the state legislature chose to grant such authority, but there are plenty of good reasons why it would be better to maintain a uniform statewide minimum wage in addition to the federal minimum wage.
Order #4. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Election Commission in order to operate at least 5 early polling locations, for the entire day, for the entirety of the 11-day early voting period, coordinate with the appropriate departments to develop and launch an awareness campaign that will educate Cambridge voters, and operate the polling locations as non-precinct based, “Vote Centers,” thereby allowing anyone desiring to vote early the ability to do so at the center most convenient location. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Devereux
Why not also prescribe the color of the curtains on the voting booths as long as you're micromanaging down to this level? It's one thing for the City Council to express a policy regarding expanded early voting opportunities, but how this should be carried out is still a management issue with real cost consequences. It's not at all clear how many early voting days, hours, or locations are realistically needed, and the cost per day quoted by Common Cause seems completely unrealistic.
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to explore voter reward options for municipal elections that are most appealing for citizens and businesses alike. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern
Suffice to say that higher voter turnout is not a desirable end in itself if the only reason for the additional (likely uninformed) voters is a cash reward or other prize. Perhaps our elected officials could instead start by doing a better job of explaining why casting an informed ballot matters before doling out the cash.
Order #8 (June 20). That the City Council hold a joint meeting of Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration, and the Government Operations committee to discuss different models for campaign finance reform and publicly-funded municipal elections in Cambridge. Councillor Mazen, Councillor Cheung, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux
Hot on the heels of a recent Order calling for cash prizes for voting (based on some rather shoddy "research"), this week's edition reintroduces an Order from a year or so ago calling for taxpayer-financed local election campaigns. There really isn't any legal way to restrict what a candidate chooses to spend on his or her campaign, so any such program would only apply to those who agree to specified limitations/restrictions. As much as I abhor the stratospheric spending on recent City Council campaigns, my strong sense is that this proposal would open a rather large can of worms. I also don't think it should be imposed without the prior approval of voters.
Order #1 (June 13). That the Mayor convene a Task Force charged with establishing recommendations for the City Council on what the ideal minimum wage in Cambridge should be, and how to best implement this increase without creating unintended consequences in Cambridge or elsewhere. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mazen, Councillor Toomey
I suppose one could argue that the Community Advisory Board on the Living Wage has already been working on this, but what's wrong with a little redundancy? In any case, it has already been established that the City Council does not have the authority to impose a citywide minimum wage. That could change if the state legislature chose to grant such authority, but there are plenty of good reasons why it would be better to maintain a uniform statewide minimum wage in addition to the federal minimum wage.
A more general discussion may be in order on just what things are appropriate for local control and which things are best left to the state legislature.
Manager's Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative the transfer of $860,000 within statutory accounts of the Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditure account for the acquisition of two parcels of the Watertown Branch railroad from B&M Corporation for the purpose of creating a future multi-use path and greenway.
The communication doesn't specify exactly which railroad parcels are being purchased, but presumably this includes at least the section adjacent to Fresh Pond. The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will soon be constructing the connection to the existing multi-use path in Watertown.
Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to recommendations from the Outdoor Lighting Task Force that address the potential detrimental impact of outdoor lighting and propose solutions that diminish existing problems and address problems that may be created by new development. [Report][Proposed Ordinance (HTML)]
The Task Force was appointed Dec 2, 2013 and was originally expected to complete its report and draft Ordinance by Spring 2014. It clearly took a lot longer than that with many different iterations of the proposed Ordinance. It's worth noting that the Ordinance will apply not only to new construction but to all properties in Cambridge with several years to bring all properties into compliance with the Ordinance.
Manager's Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the approval and appropriation of an additional One Million, Two Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand, One Hundred Twenty-Five ($1,236,125) Dollars from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Travel & Training (Judgment & Damages) account, in order to settle the damages to be paid to the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (the “Chamber”) with regard to the City’s eminent domain taking of the Chamber’s property on June 13, 2016.
This will complete the transaction. No word yet on exactly what use this building will serve.
UPDATE: City Manager Richard Rossi explained at the meeting that the facilities study as well as the $5 million renovation cost will cover three buildings - the newly acquired 859 Mass. Ave. building as well as 831 Mass. Ave. (the Lombardi Building) and 3 Bigelow St. (currently used for transitional housing). One possible outcome is that 859 Mass. Ave. would be used for housing and 3 Bigelow St. would be converted municipal uses and possibly joined to an expanded 831 Mass. Ave. This actually makes a lot of sense and would be well worth the cost of renovation.
Resolution #2. Retirement of Terry Dumas from the Cambridge Housing Authority. Mayor Simmons
Terry Dumas served as Director of the Planning and Development Department for over 25 years, and as a staff member of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) for a total of 33 years.
Order #3. That a joint hearing of the Public Safety and Housing Committees be formed for the purpose of gathering testimony from stakeholders in the City regarding the impact of short-term rentals on our communities with a view in mind to draft an ordinance that meets the goals outlined above, and to refer that proposed ordinance to the Ordinance Committee at the appropriate time. Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Cheung
Communications & Reports from City Officers #2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a communication from Councillor Craig Kelley, regarding Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge: An Overview of Current Usage and Patterns as well as Policy Recommendations. [Kelley Communication]
The "sharing economy" is evolving and the question of whether to regulate or exactly how to regulate such enterprises as Uber and Airbnb is now coming into focus. Just as some taxi regulations should naturally also apply to Uber, the question of whether frequent Airbnb rentals should be treated the same way as hotels of lodging houses has to be eventually addressed. This is especially true in the case where housing originally built for regular tenancy is now being used effectively like a motel.
Death of cyclist Amanda Phillips in Inman Square area and murder of Anthony Clay, 49 on Harvard Street.
This past Thursday (June 23), a Cambridge cyclist (Amanda Phillips) was killed on Cambridge Street near Inman Square. The indications are that the cyclist was riding close enough to parked cars that when a driver opened a car door into the path of the cyclist this caused her to fall to the street where she was then fatally struck by a motor vehicle. The incident was eerily similar to a incident in July 2001 when a woman (Dana Laird) was killed in Central Square. (My photos of that day were actually subpoenaed in the subsequent civil case.) Though there are some serious issues associated with traffic safety in Inman Square (especially for cyclists and pedestrians), this fatality is not directly related to those issues. This could just as well have happened elsewhere. Is there anything that can be done to prevent such an incident in the future?
There is no one right answer to this question. For starters, cyclists should never ride close to parked cars. Motor vehicle operators should always check and double-check before opening doors into a travel lane. Some will argue that the only solution is to move all cyclists off the roads so that they become the sole domain of motor vehicles. I disagree. There is a place for separate facilities, such as twisting roads and places where there is a great speed differential between bikes and motor vehicles (like along Memorial Drive or any DCR parkway), but in a local setting the best streets are still shared streets where all vehicles are clearly visible to each other. We have to do a much better job of educating cyclists and motor vehicle operators about how to safely operate their vehicles.
UPDATE: There was plenty of public comment at this meeting in response to the death of cyclist Amanda Phillips in the vicinity of Inman Square - much of it arguing for the need of "separated bike lanes" or "cycle tracks" that would remove cyclists from the regular travel lanes on Cambridge Street. However, the well-circulated description of what happened may not actually coincide with the facts. It has now been reported that this may not have been a simple case of a cyclist riding along a road when a door was opened into her path. It may actually be the case that Ms. Phillips was transitioning from the sidewalk into the street when she came around the parked car and either struck the door or swerved to avoid it. If this turns out to be the case, then the driver may well have checked for cyclists and saw none prior to opening the car door. We'll have to wait to see the report of the investigation before knowing exactly what happened next. This is important because the primary objection to cycle tracks is that they may actually be more dangerous at intersections and driveways by obscuring cyclists from the field of view of motorists - and there are plenty of intersections and driveways along that stretch of Cambridge Street.
City presentation of possible reconfigurations for Inman Square roadways
Resolutions #1-16. Congratulations to students elected for 2016-2017 to the CRLS student government and as representatives to the School Committee.
The CRLS student government voted earlier this year to use Ranked Choice Voting (and Proportional Representation) in their elections. I had the honor of tabulating the votes for them using the same software that the City of Cambridge uses in its municipal elections. Congratulations to all the winners!
Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding the feasibility of the City of Cambridge filing its own home rule petition regarding reduced speed limits in thickly settled areas in conjunction with the City of Boston’s current efforts. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Cheung
Boston and Cambridge filing Home Rule petitions to be able to adjust some speed limits is not the ideal way to do this. What is really needed is for the Massachusetts Legislature to amend the Massachusetts General Laws so that there are more distinctions than just "thickly settled areas" in determining local speed limits. For example, a one-way street that is parked on both sides with a relatively narrow travel lane (like many Cambridge streets) should be declared a "neighborhood street" (or something like that), and it should have a speed limit of no more than 20-25 mph. There are other streets that by their very geometry should also be put in this category without having to carry out a detailed traffic study to justify the reduced speed. This should be established statewide. The 30 mph standard is still perfectly fine for many streets. All of Cambridge is "thickly settled", but not all roads in Cambridge can safely accommodate the same speeds.
City of Cambridge names new Director of Libraries, Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley
McCauley returns to Cambridge to serve as Director of Libraries after building her library career at Northeastern University, the Somerville Public Library and the Santa Monica Public Library for over 17 years.
July 12 show on Cambridge water
On July 1, CPS welcomed Dr. Kenneth Salim as our new Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Salim brings experience leading district-wide academic initiatives that increase teacher quality and student results as well as national expertise on professional learning. He comes to Cambridge from the Weymouth Public Schools, where he served as Superintendent since 2012.
Manager's Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-43, regarding publishing a Cambridge Voter's Guide to be distributed to each household in Cambridge a month before the 2017 municipal election.
Order #2. That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Oct 24, 2016 be a Roundtable/Working meeting to discuss election issues with the Election Commission. Mayor Simmons
My guess is that the best we can hope for on the City side will be an improved and expanded guide to PR voting, relevant dates, and a list of candidate names with addresses and possibly photos. Having assembled the Cambridge Candidate Pages for over a decade, I will attest to the fact that voters do want information about candidates, especially in the days immediately preceding the election, but asking the Election Commission (and inevitably the Law Department) to manage this will open a huge can of worms. It would be preferable to get local media outlets to work out a cooperative arrangement to make unbiased information available about municipal candidates. Better coordination of candidate forums would also be helpful, but that also is out of the hands of City officials.
Resolution #6. Congratulations to Patrick and Norma Jean Barrett on the birth of their daughter Gemma Evelyn Barrett. Councillor Toomey
Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Purchasing Department, the Community Development Department and any other appropriate departments to provide the City Council with an update on the status of the Classification of Commercial Land Use and Recommendations Study. Councillor Devereux
This is included here only because I'm curious what's behind it. [Read the Request for Proposals] The RFP says: "In short, the expected result of this study is a commercial land use classification system that makes sense in modern Cambridge, that would be understandable to all community members, and that would be able to effectively regulate commercial use types as they evolve. Based on the study recommendations, the City would determine how the zoning could be amended to fit the recommended system, through either targeted changes to the current ordinance or a more substantial restructuring of the Table of Use Regulations." Uh, OK.
Inclusionary Housing Committee Reports:
Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on May 31, 2016 to continue discussion regarding the recently completed Inclusionary Housing Study with community feedback from the May 18, 2016 hearing being shared and discussed with consultant David Paul Rosen & Associates.
Committee Report #11. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Mayor E. Denise Simmons and Vice Mayor Marc C. McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on July 11, 2016 to continue the discussion regarding the recently completed Inclusionary Housing Study and the Affordable Housing Trust’s recommendations to the City Council.
Committee Report #12. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Mayor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Housing Committee for a public hearing held on May 18, 2016 to discuss the recently completed Inclusionary Housing Study and will focus on receiving feedback from the community.
Some revisions to the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance seem inevitable later this year, but the economic foundations in the study still seem (to me) to be a bit shaky, especially the idea of increasing the net affordable housing percentage from 11.6% to 20% without any allowance for additional density. My first concern is that if the requirement is too high then it may be more economically advantageous to build something other than housing, e.g. labs. My other concern is that since zoning changes require a two-thirds vote for ordination there might never be the political will to actually lower the requirement even if the economics warrant a decrease. It would be better if there was some way to index the requirement based on current economics.
Committee Report #7. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee and Mayor E. Denise Simmons and Vice Mayor Marc C. McGovern, Co-Chairs of the Housing Committee, for a joint public hearing held on July 19, 2016 to discuss the presence and impact of short-term rental units (Airbnb, FlipKey, VRBO, etc.) in Cambridge, and to hear suggestions from community members and operators on how best to address the challenges of this emerging market.
This was an incredibly informative hearing. My guess is that short-term rentals in owner-occupied buildings may get the blessing of the City Council but perhaps not so for residential properties that are effectively being operated as hotels by non-resident owner/investors. Another hearing on this topic is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3rd.
Manager's Agenda #5 (June 20). A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to recommendations from the Outdoor Lighting Task Force that address the potential detrimental impact of outdoor lighting and propose solutions that diminish existing problems and address problems that may be created by new development. [Report][Proposed Ordinance (HTML)]
The Task Force was appointed Dec 2, 2013 and was originally expected to complete its report and draft Ordinance by Spring 2014. It clearly took a lot longer than that with many different iterations of the proposed Ordinance. It's worth noting that the Ordinance will apply not only to new construction but to all properties in Cambridge with several years to bring all properties into compliance with the Ordinance.
There is currently a campaign by some activists to oppose this proposed ordinance in its current form. The core of their argument seems to be that it would permit the king of lighting that was installed on the new Zinc apartment buildings in North Point (and which has been turned off for now by decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals).
Committee Report #5. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Nadeem Mazen, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on June 23, 2016 to discuss the formation of a special working group that will be tasked with developing a framework for the continued stewardship, curatorship and oversight of the Out of Town News Kiosk in Harvard Square.
Post-Meeting Update: Several people showed up during Public Comment on this issue. The theme of many of them was that there has been insufficient public input into the decisions relating to future plans for kiosk and its vicinity. [Some disagreed.] It's worth noting that the appearance of the kiosk has not been frozen in time. Current proposals to make the structure more transparent actually have historic precedent from the days before Out of Town News obscured much of the exterior.
The 2016 Oldtime Baseball Game - Thurs, Aug 25, 7:00pm at St. Peter's Field on Sherman St. in North Cambridge
Democratic Debate for 2nd Middlesex Senate [Patricia Jehlen vs. Leland Cheung]
Democratic Debate for 26th Middlesex State Representative [Tim Toomey vs. Mike Connolly]
Preliminary Screening Committee for New City Manager Selected
Aug 19, 2016 – The Mayor is pleased to announce the appointment of the following people to participate in the Preliminary Screening Committee for a new City Manager. We also extend our appreciation to the 50 people who submitted applicants and were generously willing to volunteer their time in support of our search efforts.
The Preliminary Screening Committee, comprised of 15 community members reflecting citywide constituencies and four City Council members, will be facilitated by our search firm GovHR USA. The purpose of the Committee will be to interview the most qualified applicants and determine the three finalists to present to the public and to the City Council for their vote.
The public will have opportunities to meet the three finalists and provide feedback prior to the nominating vote taken at a City Council meeting in late September.
Baker’s economic development chief wants to be Cambridge city manager (Boston Globe)
Jay Ash, secretary of housing and economic development, says he wants a job that allows a more in-depth focus on problems.
August 10 - We now have at least one really excellent candidate publicly declaring his interest in the Cambridge City Manager position. Jay Ash's credentials are pretty great. - RW
Results of Sept 8 State Rep. and State Senate races
Appointments by the City Council:
Order #11. Reappointment of James Monagle as City Auditor. Mayor Simmons
Order #12. Reappointment of Donna P. Lopez as City Clerk. Mayor Simmons
Two of my favorite people in City government. The City Council gets to appoint the City Manager, the City Auditor, and the City Clerk (and by recent tradition, the Deputy City Clerk). The Really Big Question is whether the City Council will meet its proposed date of Sept 26 to appoint the next City Manager. That's just two weeks from now. In the meantime, congratulations to Jim and Donna (assuming their unanimous reappointment).
Order #18. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Historical Commission to produce a new status report that reviews the Harvard Square Conservation District’s effectiveness since 2005, and that considers whether new zoning regulations may be necessary to fulfill the community’s goals. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone
My guess is that this is motivated by a combination of Curious George, the Kiosk, and, of course, some really problematic property owners who don't understand the value of keeping good long-term commercial tenants.
Bicycle facilities, speed limits, and punishing drivers for the unpardonable sin of owning a motor vehicle:
Order #20. That the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee be and hereby is requested to hold a hearing to discuss how City staff review use of bike infrastructure to determine what works, what does not work and what could be improved and to specifically discuss the possibility of making the Western Avenue cycle track a two-direction bike facility. Councillor Kelley, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Maher
The path along Concord Ave. abutting Fresh Pond would also function better as a two-way path.
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to deem all residential zones as “Safety Zones” and lower speed limits to 20 MPH and to lower the speed limit in all office and business zones to 25 MPH. Councillor Cheung, Councillor Toomey
This is incredibly short-sighted. Many residential streets should appropriately have 25mph speed limits, especially streets where there's barely enough room for a motor vehicle and a bicycle to safely pass each other, but 20mph is more appropriate for an intensely pedestrian area such as Harvard Square or Central Square. There are many streets where the current 30mph speed limit is completely appropriate.
Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Solicitor and other relevant City departments and report back to the City Council concrete next steps on how to go about lowering our speed limits as well as the timeline for these actions. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mazen
As stated above, this should be done in a more granular way rather than as a single citywide speed limit set so low that few people will respect it.
Order #17. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Traffic and Parking Department and all other appropriate City Departments to report back to the City Council on recommendations to gradually increase the parking permit fee and consider other improvements to the program to help fund the city’s budget towards reducing vehicle miles traveled and promoting alternative forms of transportation. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen
My guess is that Councillors Devereux and Mazen would like only bicycles and driverless vehicles to soon be allowed to operate in Cambridge. This is just a step toward that future. It's interesting that ZipCar founder Robin Chase is simultaneously tweeting comparisons between restaurant costs, housing costs, and the cost of a parking permit. I guess she believes that all three should be exorbitantly expensive.
Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the notification of approval of the Kendall Square Foundry Development Partners as the development entity for the Foundry.
Manager's Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to early voting sites.
Manager's Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-67, regarding a report on the Classification of Commercial Land Use and Recommendations study.
City Manager Search
Sept 20 - Tonight was the "Meet the Finalists" forum at CRLS at which the three finalists vying to become the next Cambridge City Manager (Jay Ash, Paul Fetherston, and Louis DePasquale) appeared before an audience consisting or residents, activists, City staff, and other interested parties. It was interesting in many ways. First, these are interesting and well-qualified candidates - all of them. The people from the GovHR USA search firm and the 19-member screening committee all did a good job in attracting about 55 applicants for the position and whittling that down to these three finalists. The City Council will meet Wednesday night (Sept 21) to conduct their own public meeting with these candidates. In addition to that, councillors have also been meeting privately with the candidates. The actual vote is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 29.
I have been scrupulously avoiding making any statements about the candidates, but perhaps some words are in order based on tonight's forum.
Jay Ash came across very well as a very capable manager with a strong background - especially in his former role as City Manager of Chelsea, but also in his current role with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Many of his responses to questions posed at the forum related to his experiences in Chelsea and much of that experience was very relevant to a possible future role in Cambridge. His presentation was impressive, and he definitely attracted quite a few members of the public at the conclusion of the forum.
Paul Fetherston was very tentative in many of his responses, but he eventually came across as quite thoughtful. His experience did not match up well against Jay Ash, but as the candidate from out of state it was clear that some members in the audience were giving him special attention simply because he had the least connection to Cambridge. This continues to strike me as odd, but there is definitely a cynical element within the activist community of Cambridge who are convinced that only someone totally disconnected from Cambridge should be given the job.
Then there was Louis DePasquale - the clear crowd favorite, in part because there were quite a few people in the audience who have worked with Louie over the years who really like him. In addition to having by far the greatest personal connection to Cambridge, Louie also has incredibly strong credentials working with the City's budget and finances over many years. His appeal is extremely personal, and he made clear in his opening statement and in his responses to the questions posed just how much he loves this city and how he wants only the best for Cambridge. His passion is clearly matched by his incredible competence.
Let me be clear. All three candidates are good candidates and Cambridge would be well-served by any one of them. Ultimately, only the nine city councillors will be making the choice, and there's a real possibility that the choice may come down to a choice between outsider vs. insider. I certainly hope that everyone, especially the activist community, can see past any prejudices they may have about internal candidates, especially when that internal candidate is such a cooperative and effective person as Louis DePasquale. - Robert Winters
Preliminary Screening Committee Announces City Manager Finalists
Schedule for Public forums and meetings announced
September 15, 2016 – Today, City Councillor David P. Maher and City of Cambridge Personnel Director Sheila Keady Rawson, co-chairs of the Cambridge City Manager Preliminary Screening Committee (PSC), announced the names of the three finalist candidates being forwarded to the entire City Council for consideration. The PSC’s decision was unanimous.
The three finalists are:
Robert “Jay” Ash Jr. - Mr. Ash is currently the Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Previously, he served in a variety of roles in the City of Chelsea, including fourteen years as City Manager. Mr. Ash also served as a legislative aide to Representative Richard Voke. He is a graduate of Clark University.
Louis A. DePasquale - Mr. DePasquale is the City’s Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs in Cambridge. Prior to taking on that assignment, he was the City’s Budget Director, and also worked in other capacities in the City’s Budget and Treasury Departments. Mr. DePasquale is a graduate of Boston State College and received his MPA from Northeastern University.
Paul J. Fetherston - Mr. Fetherston is currently the Assistant City Manager in Asheville, NC. He has previously served as Deputy City Manager in Boulder, CO, and has held a variety municipal management positions in Connecticut. He is a graduate of Trinity College, CT, and received his J.D. from Western New England School of Law.
Note: Photos from Commonwealth of Massachusetts, NEREJ, and City of Asheville
A “Meet the Finalists” forum will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016, from 6:00-9:00pm., in the Fitzgerald Auditorium at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway, where members of the public will have an opportunity to meet and hear each finalist’s vision for the City and answer questions. On Wednesday, September 21, beginning at 5:30pm, in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall, the City Council will conduct public interviews with the three finalists.
The City Council is expected to vote to appoint the next City Manager during a Special City Council Meeting on Thursday, September 29. Each meeting will be broadcast on 22-Cityview (the municipal cable channel) and can also be livestreamed online at www.CambridgeMA.GOV. Those attending the “Meet the Finalists” forum and the City Council’s public interviews will be provided the opportunity to give written feedback to the City Council.
The PSC was appointed by Mayor E. Denise Simmons and was comprised of 15 community members reflecting citywide constituencies, and four City Council members. GovHR USA, the professional consulting firm hired to assist with the recruitment and hiring process, presented candidates for the committee’s review. According to Joellen Earl, CEO of GovHR USA, the Cambridge position attracted a diverse group of 55 candidates. The PSC conducted an in-depth review of 15 candidates, 27% of which were women or persons of color. The PSC ultimately offered interviews to 8 candidates. The interviews were held on September 12 and 13.
“This was a comprehensive well organized process to review and screen City Manager candidates for submission to the City Council,” said committee member Elaine DeRosa. “This was the first time that the City initiated a national search for the City Manager's position. The committee worked hard to complete its task. I was honored to be a part of the process.”
The PSC members included resident representatives Peter Traversy, Elaine Thorne, and Laura Booth; large business representative Jay Kiely; small business representative Patrick Magee; Cambridge Public School representative Richard Harding; public safety representative Gerald Reardon; a person with demonstrated knowledge of municipal finance representative Fred Fantini; health and human services/public health representative Claude Jacob; person with knowledge of city planning/urban development representative Susan Schlesinger; higher education/institutional partner representative Kevin Casey; public art and/or recreational representative Ellen Semonoff; affordable housing advocate Susan Connelly; nonprofit community representative Elaine DeRosa; advocate for the quality of our community’s civic and social well-being representative Reverend Lorraine Thornhill; and City Councillors Leland Cheung, David Maher, Nadeem Mazen, and Timothy Toomey.
“The screening committee was an extremely diverse and well informed group representing a wide range of interests in Cambridge,” said committee member Susan Schlesinger. “The process was professionally conducted and we had a talented group of candidates to consider. “It was honor to participate with other Cambridge residents and I look forward to following the extensive process which will occur in the next few weeks to select the next City Manager.”
The initial interviews performed by the PSC were preceded by a series of community focus groups, public meetings, and surveys, leading to the development of a leadership profile used during the recruitment phase.
“It was an honor to serve on the City Manager's Preliminary Screening Committee with people who are committed and passionate about the growth and well-being of the City,” said committee member Rev. Lorraine Thornhill. “The diversity of opinions that were expressed highlighted the incredible richness of resources that this City is known for.”
For additional information about the City Manager search process, please visit www.CambridgeMA.GOV/CityManagerSearch.
Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a report from Public Works Commissioner Owen O'Riordan, regarding the Polystyrene Ordinance implementation. [Report]
Manager's Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the Broadband Task Force recommendations and Tilson Report.
Boondoggle alert. One estimate is that it would cost $187 million dollars to build such a network, and there's no guarantee that customers would leave Comcast or another Internet service provider in favor of such a new network, especially if Comcast adjusts its pricing structure a little. That's a lot of public money expended for a discount. Anyway, this report just calls for a Feasibility Study.
Manager's Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 16-16, regarding the plan to take Vail Court by eminent domain.
Manager's Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the City's Agreement with MassDOT and MBTA regarding funding contribution agreement for Green Line Extension Project.
Thurs, Sept 29
5:30pm Special City Council Meeting to vote on extending an offer to a finalist for the position of City Manager. Additionally, the City Council may meet in Executive Session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with the prospective City Manager or to conduct contract negotiations with the prospective City Manager. (Sullivan Chamber)
Later this week the City Council will vote on whether Jay Ash, Paul Fetherston, or Louis DePasquale will be the next City Manager of Cambridge. As I stated at the microphone last Monday - I wish the City Council good wisdom and good luck. - Robert Winters
Louis A. DePasquale Selected as Next Cambridge City Manager
Cambridge City Council votes to make an offer of employment
September 29, 2016 – The Cambridge City Council voted unanimously to make an offer of employment to Louis A. DePasquale as the next City Manager at a special meeting held on Thursday, September 29, 2016. Mr. DePasquale will succeed City Manager Richard C. Rossi who is retiring on September 30, 2016. The appointment of Mr. DePasquale is contingent on successful contract negotiations. He is currently the City’s Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs.
The City Council also voted to appoint Deputy City Manager Lisa C. Peterson as Acting City Manager effective October 1, 2016. She will serve as Acting City Manager until Mr. DePasquale is appointed.
Additional information on the Cambridge City Manager search process can be found at: www.cambridgema.gov/citymanagersearch
Louis A. DePasquale was appointed Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs in 2002 after serving as the City’s Budget Director for twenty years. As Assistant City Manager, Mr. DePasquale is responsible for setting financial policy direction for the City; planning, implementing and overseeing the City's operating and capital finances; and managing the City's investment, debt service, and reserve policies. In his current role, he also oversees the management of eight City departments, is a member of the City’s senior management team, and has been actively involved in major City policy and programmatic initiatives.
Mr. DePasquale currently serves as the Finance Chair of the Board of Trustees of Cambridge Health Alliance, an appointed member of the Neville Communities, Inc. Board, and as member of the Cambridge Community Preservation Act Committee and the Cambridge Family Policy Council. Louis is a lifelong Cambridge resident and is married to Cheryl DePasquale and has two children, Kristen DePasquale and Louis DePasquale, both of Medford. He has been a coach in the Cambridge Youth Baseball Programs for 35 years. He received a Bachelor of Science from Boston State College and a Masters of Public Administration from Northeastern University.
The City Clerks and City Managers of Cambridge
ORDERS
1. Offer of employment as City Manager to Louis A. DePasquale. Councillor Toomey
Adopted 9-0
2. Appointment of Lisa C. Peterson as Acting City Manager Mayor Simmons
Adopted 9-0
3. City enter into a contract with Elizabeth Valerio and John Foskett. Councillor Maher
Adopted 9-0
TEXT OF ORDERS
O-1 Sept 29, 2016 Adopted 9-0
COUNCILLOR TOOMEY
ORDERED: That the City Council make an offer of employment as City Manager to Louis A. DePasquale, conditioned upon the successful negotiations of a contract with terms agreeable to both parties.
O-2 Sept 29, 2016 Adopted 9-0
MAYOR SIMMONS
ORDERED: That the City Council appoint Lisa C. Peterson as Acting City Manager commencing on Oct 1, 2016 and continuing until a new City Manager is appointed and that during her appointment as Acting City Manager that she be compensated with a weekly stipend of $1,000.00 in addition to her regular salary.
O-3 Sept 29, 2016 Adopted 9-0
COUNCILLOR MAHER
ORDERED: That the City Council request that the City enter into a contract with Elizabeth Valerio and John Foskett of the Deutsch, Williams Firm to advise the City Council in negotiating a contract with the prospective City Manager.
Volpe Working Group Formed
Oct 3, 2016 - As part of the City's continuing effort to plan for the future redevelopment of the Volpe National Transportation Research Center site in Kendall Square, the City Manager has appointed a "Volpe Working Group" consisting of residents of the surrounding neighborhoods - East Cambridge, the Port, and Wellington-Harrington - along with representatives of the Kendall Square business community and other community stakeholders.
Lexington cyclist killed after crash with 18-wheeler in Cambridge's Porter Square (Cambridge Chronicle, by Amy Saltzman)
Oct 5, 2016 - A 60-year-old Lexington man was killed after his bike crashed with an 18-wheeler truck in Porter Square during rush hour Wednesday morning, Oct. 5, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office. Bernard "Joe" Lavins was pronounced dead at the scene.
Councilor calls Foundry process egregious; city manager says project not finalized (Cambridge Chronicle, by Adam Sennott)
Councilor Nadeem Mazen and dozens of residents expressed their disappointment Thursday night with the most recent proposal for the Foundry building.
Mazen said the proposal to redevelop the building at 101 Rogers St. lacked adequate funding during a Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee meeting last Thursday at City Hall. While the council previously approved spending $6 million in free cash to redevelop the building, Mazen said the council originally wanted to appropriate $20 million, but was told by the CRA that the project could be done for less.
“The council was definitely saying ‘Appropriate more money. This is not going to work the way you think this is going to work,’” Mazen said. “And then it didn’t work the way you thought it was going to work.”
Not everyone agreed with Mazen about restarting the project from scratch.
Councilor Jan Devereux said she wanted to keep working with CIC/Graffito SP and not “throw the baby out with the bath water,” after so much time and effort has already been invested into the project.
Councilor Craig Kelley said he trusted the professionals the city hired to decide how the space would work best.
Acting City Manager Lisa Peterson stressed that it is still early in the process, and that there will be plenty of opportunity for further dialogue.
Cambridge Community Television to host election conference
Cambridge Community Television will host a conference about the media and elections from 10am to 2:30pm on October 22 at the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway.
The conference will include three panels that cover political reporting from the 2016 presidential election cycle. Local media professionals including Jim Braude, host of Greater Boston on WGBH; Chris Faraone, editor at Dig Boston and founder of the Boston Institute for Nonprofit Journalism; Rachel Gans-Boriskin, founder and blogger of Politics in Pink; Renee Graham, columnist for the Boston Globe; Donna Halper, media critic and Lesley University professor; Dan Kennedy, media commentator for WGBH and Nieman Journalism Lab; Sarah Moawad, coeditor of Muftah’s Egypt & North Africa pages; and Dante Ramos, columnist for the Boston Globe.
Harvard dining hall workers strike over wages, benefits (Cambridge Chronicle, by Amy Saltzman)
Oct 5, 2016 - Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) workers are on strike today, saying the university failed to meet their demands for fair wages and affordable health care.
The workers are demanding at least $35,000 a year in income and affordable health care.
In an attempt to negotiate, the university made the following offers, which the union rejected:
Health Care - “A health insurance option with minor modifications to the insurance currently held by dining hall workers. … This plan would create a new tier for employees who make less that $55,000/year in which the university would pay 87 percent of premium costs.” - OR The university has offered to contribute $25 million over four years for dining services workers to join Unite Here Health, the health insurance plan offered by Local 26.
Wages - Increase average wage from $21.89 an hour to $24.08 over the life of the contract.
Summer Stipend - Would be paid over summer break to employees, even if there are no shifts available to work: $250 per week for employees with more than 20 years of service. $150 per week for employees with 5 to 20 years of service.
Bicycling-related
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and the Cambridge Police Commissioner, and to report back to the City Council on what specific recommendations and measures the City should consider in order to prevent future bicycle accidents and fatalities from occurring, and to make our streets safer for bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Kelley
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City Departments to design a pilot system of flex-post separated bike lanes and intersections, along Massachusetts Avenue, Hampshire Street, and Cambridge Street to determine how installation of flex-posts might be used as either interim or permanent bike safety solutions while other infrastructure improvements can be designed and analyzed for safety and implemented as appropriate. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Kelley
Order #4. That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations committee be and hereby is requested to hold a committee hearing to discuss the possibility of adding a bike-bus lane to Pearl Street and any measures that can be taken to accommodate on-street parking preferences of residents. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to include separated bicycle facilities or adjacent off-street paths in any plans for reconstructing all or part of Massachusetts Avenue, along the entire length of the reconstructed segment and to give first priority to the safety and convenience of the most vulnerable road users – pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users – with second priority to the safety and convenience of motor vehicles in any plans for reconstructing all or part of Massachusetts Avenue. Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Mazen
Order #6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Budget Department, and other relevant City departments to install pilot program protected bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue between Cedar Street and Harvard Square starting on Nov 1, 2016, to install pilot program protected bike lanes on Cambridge Street between Inman Square and Quincy Street and to install pilot program protected bike lanes on Broadway between Prospect Street and Quincy Street, all for the period of at least one month. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to include protected bike lanes on both sides of Huron Avenue for the full length of its reconstruction, per the Cambridge Bicycle Plan. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen
Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to form a Vision Zero Working Group comprised of staff from the relevant City departments and residents to collaboratively develop and review traffic safety plans, street designs, public education initiatives, traffic enforcement and related policies with the shared goal of eliminating crashes that result in serious injuries and deaths as quickly as possible. Councillor Devereux, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to consult with staff on what authority the City has to further restrict the routes of travel and delivery hours of oversized trucks on City street. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor McGovern
These are a mix of good ideas and ill-considered opportunism in the wake of a tragic death in Porter Square. On the good side are Orders #2, #8, and #11. Order #2 asks City staff, including CDD and the Police Department, to report back on specific recommendations that might prevent future bicycle accidents and fatalities from occurring, and to make city streets safer for bicyclists, motorists, and pedestrians. This is both timely and appropriate. We all know of locations, primarily complicated intersections, that need to be made safer for all users. Porter Square is one such location. We can likely assume that the Police Department will base their recommendations on actual causes rather than on a wish list generated by an advocacy group.
Order #8 is also a sensible request to establish a "Vision Zero Working Group" comprised of staff from relevant City departments and residents "to collaboratively develop and review traffic safety plans, street designs, public education initiatives, traffic enforcement and related policies with the shared goal of eliminating crashes that result in serious injuries and deaths as quickly as possible." We should hope that this group will take a broad look at the whole picture of safety and operation in the design of roadways, intersections, and signaling systems (as opposed to the narrow view of single issue advocacy).
Order #11 addresses the problem of the operation of oversized trucks on City streets. There may be limitations on what the City can do based on federal and state laws regulating interstate commerce, but there may be some opportunities. There certainly should be. Anyone who has ever seen an 18-wheeler blocking a swath of sidewalk and street lanes just to make a small delivery to a 24-hour store understands the current absurdity of the status quo. Every cyclist also needs to understand that whenever there is a large truck in the vicinity it is essential to get away from it pronto. Even if you believe you're riding lawfully, you still may not even be seen by the truck driver - and the risk is simply never worth it.
In contrast, Orders #3-7 are opportunistic moves that attempt to cure problems that don't necessarily exist and to do so with maximal disruption. The recent death in Porter Square was on a stretch of road where parking was prohibited and where there is already a "protected turn lane" for bikes heading inbound wanting to make a left turn toward Somerville Avenue, though it's not clear that many cyclists actually use it. This is what makes it so strange to hear advocates arguing for elimination of on-street parking and the segregation of cyclists from the roadway in response to this fatality. It will be helpful to eventually get a full report from the Cambridge Police and the District Attorney's Office on the exact cause of this fatality (and other fatalities in the last few years). It is often the case that the actual cause of such a tragedy does not coincide with the early conclusions of advocates who are understandably upset in the aftermath of tragedy.
I really hope that our elected city councillors pause and take a deep breath before demanding changes that will have little or no effect (and maybe even have negative effects) on actual safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Address problematic intersections and designate some streets as bicycle-priority streets (like Harvard Street, Garden Street, Magazine Street and others) before radically altering currently well-functioning streets by destroying sight lines and dramatically increasing traffic congestion for little or no benefit. Eliminate parking at bends in streets where conflicts between cyclists and motorists are most likely. There's plenty to do right now in simply addressing intersection safety - and that's where most of the safety problems are. Let reason prevail. There is a whole city full of people - pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, residents with and without private parking, and businesses with and without customer or employee parking that need to be heard. Doing anything less would be undemocratic.
Harvard Square Kiosk
Committee Report #4. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Nadeem Mazen, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 28, 2016 for the purpose of discussing the redesign of the Out of Town News Kiosk.
This was an interesting meeting - especially in learning that it may be possible to bring utilities to the Kiosk that don't currently exist. While it's clear that some would like this structure to primarily serve visitors to Harvard Square, I still would love for it to have an active use where residents to gather. It doesn't have to be a hot dog stand or lunch counter, but it sure would be great to again have something like that right in the middle of Harvard Square. My dream is still to be able to watch Red Sox games there projected onto a wall of the Kiosk while eating a hot dog in the open air.
Charter School Roundtable
Divide widens on Question 2 in Cambridge (Cambridge Chronicle, by Natalie Handy)
Oct 7, 2016 - Question 2, which looks to almost triple the number of charter schools in the next 10 years, has been opposed by both the Cambridge School Committee and City Council.
In a recent column submitted to the Cambridge Chronicle from Mayor Denise Simmons, Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, councilors Craig Kelley and Tim Toomey, and School Committee members Kathleen Kelly, Richard Harding and Fred Fantini, the city officials urged residents to vote “no” on Question 2, stating charter schools cost Cambridge taxpayers $11 million per year. —“Charter school advocates will tell you that their students are chosen by lottery, therefore they don’t ‘choose’ their students. What they don’t tell you is that charters have far higher expulsion rates than public schools. Those students who win the lottery, if their behaviors or needs turn out to be too great, are forced out of their charter and return back to the public school system,” the letter said.
Two members of the City Council and School Committee, Patricia Nolan and Jan Devereux, separated themselves from the pack, writing a column this week in the Chronicle, supporting Question 2. Their support is based largely on the need for more educational attention among "high-need" students. — “In our city many - far more than in most districts – opt out of public schools and go to private schools. We cannot in good conscience vote to limit the choices for those families who cannot afford that option. In Cambridge and Massachusetts those choosing charter schools are overwhelmingly low-income families of color who believe their children will be better served.”
Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk transmitting a report from Councillor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee for a public hearing held on Sept 28, 2016 to discuss the ongoing drought and the impact on the Cambridge water supply, what restrictions on water use may be appropriate to consider and what public outreach is needed on water conservation measures.
Anything that helps educate residents about basic City infrastructure, especially something like drinking water and fire protection, is welcome. It continues to amaze me how many people, including civic activists and even city councillors, don't understand some of the most basic things that we all take for granted every day.
Turnout figures for Early Voting (complete)
| Early Voting Location | Oct 24 | Oct 25 | Oct 26 | Oct 27 | Oct 28 | Oct 29 | Oct 31 | Nov 1 | Nov 2 | Nov 3 | Nov 4 | Total |
| Main Library (449 Broadway) | 619 | 396 | 465 | 262 | 289 | 688 | 483 | 376 | 624 | 436 | 848 | 5486 |
| Election Commission (51 Inman St.) | 576 | 399 | 465 | 304 | 304 | 401 | 532 | 399 | 571 | 455 | 564 | 4970 |
| O'Neill Library (Rindge Ave.) | 387 | 208 | 302 | 171 | 207 | 373 | 273 | 216 | 395 | 279 | 478 | 3289 |
| Water Department (at Fresh Pond) | 368 | 207 | 218 | 131 | 157 | 429 | 233 | 216 | 348 | 254 | 474 | 3035 |
| Police Department (East Cambridge) | 290 | 186 | 225 | 93 | 104 | 263 | 251 | 205 | 349 | 260 | 508 | 2734 |
| All Locations | 2240 | 1396 | 1675 | 961 | 1061 | 2154 | 1772 | 1412 | 2287 | 1684 | 2872 | 19514 |
Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Lisa C. Peterson, Acting City Manager, requesting the City Council accept Chapter 218 of the Acts of 2016, “An Act Modernizing Municipal Finance and Government”, Sections 193 and 194 giving municipalities the authority to reduce speed limits on all ways other than state highways.
You may recall that not long ago the City Council hastily voted to reduce the speed limit to 20mph citywide. This led to a thoughtful response from the Dept. of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation recommending a citywide limit of 25mph with a lower speed limit for legitimate "safety zones" (as was the intent of the state enabling legislation). The City Council was also alerted at that time to the fact that any change had to wait until the new state law went into effect before adopting its provisions. That time has now arrived and we'll shortly be seeing a 25mph limit in Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, and likely other places.
Order #2. That the City Council urge the City Manager to establish a deadline of Nov 1, 2017 for fully implementing the various street improvements and safety measures for increasing bicycle safety that were passed during the Oct 17, 2016 meeting. Mayor Simmons
I hope that the interpretation of this Order is that whatever street improvements and safety measures are implemented are those that result from a thoughtful public process rather than in response to a blitzkrieg of pre-cooked solutions from activists.
Order #3. The City Manager confer with the City Solicitor on the possibility of allowing non-citizen Cambridge residents to vote in municipal elections without a home-rule petition. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern
Every few years there's some kind of movement to allow non-citizens to vote in Cambridge municipal elections. This Order makes statements like "non-citizens ... are presently barred from formally voicing their opinions" that are clearly misleading. The Order also fails to note that any non-citizen living in Cambridge is a citizen of some country and generally is able to vote in those elections. Home rule petitions from Cambridge and elsewhere have been filed before and have not been approved. I certainly hope this is not approved either, but the Order also apparently seeks some kind of legal loophole that would allow non-citizen voting without any state approval. I seriously doubt if that is possible. In matters like voting it's best to have uniformity across all cities and towns in Massachusetts in terms of eligibility to vote in all elections.
Presidential Election
DAVID MAHER SELECTED AS NEXT PRESIDENT & CEO OF CAMBRIDGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
• Unanimous choice of the Chamber's Board of Directors
• Maher will not seek re-election to City Council
Book Release - Building Old Cambridge by Susan E. Maycock and Charles M. Sullivan (published by MIT Press)
Mon, Nov 14
9:30am Oath of Office for Louis DePasquale as Cambridge City Manager (City Hall, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Mass. Ave.)
Joint Statement of
Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale
Regarding Cambridge as a Sanctuary City
Nov 17, 2016 – The recent national political climate has generated considerable concern and anxiety on the part of many Cambridge residents, especially members of our immigrant communities. The City of Cambridge wants to clearly state to our community that it is committed to supporting and promoting the safety, health, and well-being of all of its residents. As a Sanctuary City, Cambridge affirms the basic human rights and dignity of every human being and provides education, health and other services to all residents of Cambridge, regardless of their immigration status.
“The City of Cambridge has been a Sanctuary City since April 1985, when the City Council first took steps to protect and support refugees fleeing from political violence and human rights violations in El Salvador, Guatemala and Haiti,” said Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “In 1999, the City Council expanded that support to all residents, regardless of immigration status, and has regularly reaffirmed that over the last 20 years. Today, the City of Cambridge remains just as committed to all of our residents as we have been over the past 31 years.”
The City provides support and resources ranging from a Cambridge Immigrant Rights Commission to programing at the Cambridge Community Learning Center to a Community Engagement Team that works to connect hard to reach populations with City services.
“Every Cambridge resident – regardless of their status – is encouraged to seek and obtain assistance from the many resources available to the Cambridge community. Cambridge remains a welcoming community for all,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale.
Furthermore, a core principle of the Cambridge Police Department’s Community Policing philosophy is that all community members are encouraged to seek and obtain police assistance and protection, regardless of their specific immigration and/or documentation status. The enforcement of the nation’s civil immigration laws are the primary responsibility of the federal government and the Cambridge Police Department does not undertake immigration-related investigations and does not routinely inquire into the specific immigration status of any person encountered during normal police operations.
As Mayor and City Manager of Cambridge, we remain committed to the City’s Sanctuary City status and the services and support that we provide to the Cambridge Community.
Mayor E. Denise Simmons City Manager Louis A. DePasquale
The full text of the Cambridge Police Department’s Secure Communities & ICE Detainers policy is available at www.cambridgepolice.org/Publications. Past City Council Policy Orders are available at www.cambridgema.gov/CityCouncil.
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to forward a letter to Cambridge organizations and City Departments regarding the status of our Sanctuary/Trust Act City and what this means for working non-citizens and the resources available. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen
[References: 1985 Sanctuary City resolution 2006 Sanctuary City resolution Joint Statement by City Manager & Mayor Simmons]
Nov 15, 2016 - MIT tapped to redevelop Volpe Center in Cambridge (Boston Globe)
The Berkshire Street Fire
City of Cambridge to Host Fire Recovery Resource Center; Buildings Sustain Serious Damage
Residents Displaced by December 3 Fire Encouraged to Register with Red Cross of Massachusetts
Dec 4, 2016 - Three buildings are being torn down in Cambridge and at least one other will be partially razed for safety reasons. The Dec 3, 2016 fire in the Harrington/Wellington/East Cambridge neighborhoods caused significant damage to six buildings, and fire or water damage to at least five others.
As of 3pm, 48 displaced families, representing 104 individuals, have registered with the Red Cross of Massachusetts. There may be more families and individuals that have not yet registered and the City is strongly encouraging all displaced individuals to register with the Red Cross by calling 800-564-1234 or by coming to the City’s Fire Recovery Resource Center at City Hall.
The first step in receiving assistance from the City is to contact and register with the Red Cross of Massachusetts.
On Mon, Dec 5, from 8:30am-8:00pm and Tues, Dec 6, 8:30am-5:00pm, the City is hosting a Fire Recovery Resource Center on the 2nd floor of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. Impacted residents can meet with representatives from the City of Cambridge, American Red Cross, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of insurance, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Division of Transitional Assistance, Housing and Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Mental Health, National Organizational Voluntary Active Disaster, and Riverside Community Care.
The public can donate to the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund online at www.cambridgema.gov/firefund or by sending a check to:
Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
While greatly appreciated, the City is urging people to hold off on donating food, clothing or material goods at this time. Should this change, an announcement will be made in the media and on the City’s website and social media outlets.
A number of street closures will remain in place in Cambridge. The following streets have no access for pedestrians or vehicles:
- Berkshire Street – from York Street to Plymouth – indefinite
- Plymouth Street – Cardinal Medeiros Ave to Berkshire Street – indefinite
- Vandine Street – Cardinal Medeiros to Berkshire Street
- York Street – Willow Street to Berkshire Street
Residents impacted by the fire can call the City’s dedicated phone line, 617-349-9484, with questions regarding the fire or recovery assistance.
Speed Limit on City-Owned Streets Being Reduced to 25 MPH
City of Cambridge implements component of Vision Zero Initiative
Dec 2, 2016 − On Thurs, Dec 8, 2016, the speed limit on City-owned streets in the City of Cambridge will be reduced to 25 Miles Per Hour (MPH), unless otherwise posted. This is an important step towards improving the safety of everyone who lives, works and visits Cambridge, and is a significant component of the City’s Vision Zero Initiative.
Speed is one of the most important factors in traffic safety; crashes that occur at lower speeds cause less injury. In fact, a pedestrian hit by a car traveling 40 MPH has a 1 in 10 chance of surviving a crash, while a pedestrian hit by a car traveling 20 MPH has a 9 in 10 chance of surviving. “By lowering the speed limit in Cambridge, we are prioritizing safety and making our City more walkable, bikeable and livable,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale.
“We know that lowering car speeds is one of the most important ways to protect our most vulnerable users and work together to achieve our Vision Zero goals,” said Joseph Barr, Director of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation. “I encourage everyone who travels in Cambridge to take their time as they move through the city; by staying under 25 MPH you’ll be keeping all of our citizens safer and be able to better enjoy our beautiful city.”
The Cambridge City Council approved the new lower speed limit reduction on November 7th, by accepting Sections 193 and 194 of the Municipal Modernization Act. These sections grant municipalities the right to lower speed limits in thickly settled areas and to create 20 MPH safety zones. The City will be posting the new speed limit at the City line at various locations, as permitted by State law.
With this change, Cambridge will be joining neighbors like Boston, Somerville, and Arlington that are making the whole region safer by creating a 25 MPH zone within the inner core.
For additional information contact Brooke McKenna, Assistant Director for Street Management, at bmckenna@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4723, or visit www.cambridgema.gov/visionzero.
Committee Report #3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Dec 1, 2016 to discuss the zoning petition submitted by Nabil Sater, et al to amend the Zoning Ordinances in the Central Square Overlay District, Section 20.300.
This petition - the Central Square Restoration Petition - received unanimous approval by the Planning Board at its initial hearing. It usually takes at least two meetings, so that's at least one measure of the quality of this petition. Central Square, however, has always been a political football, so I expect that some councillors will try to modify the petition in some ways, hopefully positive ways, in order to get their fingerprints on the football. It's worth noting that the Planning Board characterized this petition as a good interim measure and made it quite clear that other changes to the zoning in Central Square might be forthcoming as the Envision Cambridge process navigates its way through the next couple of years.
Participatory Budgeting Results Announced: December 14, 2016!
Please join us tonight from 6-7 p.m. in the Sullivan Chamber at City Hall when we announce this year’s winning Participatory Budgeting (PB) projects!
Over 4,700 residents voted last week in the City’s third PB process. Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. It's residents making real decisions about real money. Find out how the $700,000 will be spent on projects to improve Cambridge! http://pb.cambridgema.gov/
Past winning PB projects include 100 new street trees, a public toilet in Central Square, water bottle fill stations, painted bike lanes, bilingual books for kids, bicycle repair stations, and many others. What projects will win this time? You decide!
For more information, please visit pb.cambridgema.gov or contact Budget Office staff at pb@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4270. See you at the PB polls!
The Winners!
Solar Power Shines! ($260,000)
Safer Crosswalks for Busy Roads ($104,000)
Solar-Powered Real-Time Bus Tracker Displays ($150,000)
Kinetic Energy Tiles ($50,000)
Hydration Stations in Four Locations! ($37,000)
Upgrade the Moore Youth Center ($80,000)
Cambridge Street Art Trail ($25,000)
The total budget for these 7 winners is $706,000
