Cambridge InsideOut - June 21, 2016

2) Citywide Dance Party at City Hall/Mass. Ave. this Friday, June 24, 7:00pm to midnight

4) City of Cambridge names new Director of Libraries, Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley

Order #6 (June 13). 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.

The "research" behind this Order seems to be rather shaky at best. The proposal itself is most likely illegal in Massachusetts and elsewhere, and it was rejected by voters in Arizona when proposed. Nowhere has it been the case that public funds were used for such purposes. In Los Angeles - the case most prominently cited in the Council Order - the statistics come from the Voteria group itself and its measure of "success" is based entirely on their own numbers for how well they reached THEIR target audience, namely Latino voters. Overall, voter turnout actually went down.

Order #4 (June 13). 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 #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.

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.

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.

9) Labeling gas pump labels with information about environmental impact of burning fossil fuels

Order #5 (June 13). That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate city departments to determine the feasibility of requiring gas pump labels with information about the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels at all gas stations in the City. Councillor Devereux, Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern

Why stop there? I'm sure the authors of this Order may also wish to mandate appropriate labeling of beef products based on the same criteria. I'm just wondering what the gas pumps would say. Perhaps something like: "You are an evil bastard for using fossil fuels in your earth-killing machine. Shame on you!" I'm sure they'll also insist on placing signs in front of homes that use natural gas for heating and cooking declaring them to be unmutual enemies of the people.

11) Updates on search process for the next City Manager - Focus Groups met with GovHR USA during June 9-June 16. Government Operations Committee to receive update on June 29 (5:00pm).

12) State Senate voted in favor of S.2311 (now S.2327) on Thursday, June 9th to modernize the Commonwealth's zoning legislation. Now before the House

Order #13. That the City Council go on record in support of S.2327, an act promoting housing and sustainable development. Councillor Toomey

It will be interesting to see how much of this bill survives after all of the suburban legislators hack out all the really important provisions that might require their respective communities to share in the burden of providing affordable housing.

Order #12 (June 20). The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to organize regular suppers on the second Saturday of each month, starting on the 13th of August, with free food for the Cambridge community in open public spaces throughout the various Cambridge neighborhoods. Councillor Mazen

Who pays for all the free food?

Order #10 (June 20). The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of introducing a municipal ID program in the city and respond to any and all community feedback regarding its possible implementation. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern

I seriously doubt that the cost of obtaining a state ID is prohibitive, and a state ID would be applicable outside of our small city. A program providing assistance in getting a state ID would make a lot more sense.

15) Updates on State Rep. and State Senate races, including Wed, June 8 Candidate Forum with Pat Jehlen and Leland Cheung (Second Middlesex)

Sen. Pat Jehlen vs. Councillor Leland Cheung (Second Middlesex - Senate)

Note: There are no Republican, no Green-Rainbow, and no United Independent Party challengers for any of these seats.

Magazine Beach Events - Summer 2016

Tuesday, June 21, 5-8pm FREE (Rain date: Thursday, June 23)
Make Music Boston: 3 Bands & 2 Jams & Noteflight, Too
BANDS
5:00-5:45pm – Best Ever Chicken's sound is rooted in traditional bluegrass but encompasses American folk, blues, country gospel, and Irish fiddle tunes. The Cambridge-based group has been playing together for eight years.
6:15-7:00pm – Sláinte is a 5-man Irish band, based out of Boston. Formed in a dorm room at Boston College, the boys from The Heights have been playing pubs and parties in the Boston area since 2013. With upbeat sets featuring a wide range of tunes from Irish classics to Dropkick Murphys covers, and everything in between, Sláinte always brings the craic!
7:30-8:15pm – Porch-i-oke is a groovy sing-along where the front porch meets the karaoke lounge. Porch-i-oke sings and plays pop tunes from ABBA to Lady Gaga, and Johnny Cash to the Clash. Audience members get lyrics and hand percussion so they can sing and play along as a group. When the audience joins in with the band, Porch-i-oke makes music that’s memorable fun for all ages. Joined by Rev. Dave and the Reprobates.

JAMS
5:30-6:30pm – Have a Harmonica and want to play with other harmonica players in a mass jam? Don’t have a harmonica but want to play anyway? Come and join us at Magazine Beach! We will provide harmonicas to those who don’t have one!
6:45-7:45pm – Play and sing along with our Ukulele Mass Appeal!

5-8pm – Noteflight will be at Magazine Beach with our gear, ready for you to explore and play! Noteflight is the world’s first and best online music notation program where users can create, view, print, share, and listen to professional quality music notation on a computer, tablet or smartphone. Sign up for a free account at www.noteflight.com.

About Food: The Chicken and Rice Guys will be coming. They do have a vegetarian option!!! See: http://cnrguys.com/truck-menu.html. Snowy Joey’s ice cream truck will also stop by and the CNA will be offering lemonade for a donation…

We’ll have port-o-potties beside the swimming pool bathhouse. What more could you ask for? For more about Make Music Boston, click here.

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies
Application Deadline Extended to July 22, 2016

Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) advisory board. Made up of 11 Members who serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity, the CCPD board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm.

CCPD seeks to build a membership that reflects the cultural and racial diversity of the City, is cross-disability in nature and representative of the different geographical areas of the community. Members must be current residents of Cambridge.

CCPD works dynamically to maximize access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for individuals with disabilities, and strives to raise awareness of disability matters, to eliminate discrimination, and to promote equal opportunity for people with all types of disabilities – physical, mental and sensory. CCPD members are expected to work with other members and CCPD staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the CCPD Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.96). CCPD members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees, and work on various short and/or long-term projects, as needed.

For more information, contact Kate Thurman, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities at ccpd@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4692 (voice) or 617-492-0235 (TTY). Interested persons should submit a letter by Friday, July 22, 2016 describing their relevant experience and the kinds of disability-related issues or projects that interest them (along with a résumé if possible) to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

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.

June 21, 2016 – The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Public Library Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley to serve as Director of Libraries. She replaces Susan Flannery who retired in April. McCauley comes to Cambridge from the Santa Monica Public Library where as Director of Libraries she managed five branches and a staff of over 200 employees.

“Her interests and experience are wide ranging: fostering early literacy and computer literacy; working with dual language learners, low-income populations and teens; and ensuring new immigrants receive the assistance needed for navigating the system,” said Richard C. Rossi, City Manager of the City of Cambridge. “Maria has the knowledge, abilities, and energy to continue the long tradition of excellent leadership for the Cambridge Public Library.”

McCauley began her career at Cambridge Public Library (CPL) in Circulation Services and as a Reference Librarian. She quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing her talents for leadership and innovation in libraries.

“I am thrilled to return to where I first got hooked on a career in libraries-- at the Cambridge Public Library,” said McCauley. “CPL is recognized as a leader in providing outstanding library services for all. I look forward to joining an inspired team of colleagues, volunteers and a diverse city of readers and learners to build upon CPL's important programs and services and to look toward the future.”

The Cambridge Public Library opened in 1889 to provide free access to information for its citizens and currently boasts over 82,000 library card holders and circulates over 1 million books each year at 6 locations.

McCauley will usher in a new era of libraries in Cambridge. She will start her new post on August 23, 2016. CPL will announce an open house to the community at a later date so that Cantabrigians will have a chance to meet their new Director of Libraries in person.

Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley Bio:
Maria McCauley (or Ms. McCauley) has served as Director of Libraries for the City of Santa Monica since 2014. She began her library career 17 years ago at the Cambridge Public Library in Circulation and Reference Services. Over the course of her career, she advanced through several library positions at Northeastern University. Prior to moving to Santa Monica, she served as the Director of Libraries for the City of Somerville and was active in the Minuteman Library Network.

Maria received a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and is a PhD Candidate at Simmons. She is an elected American Library Association (ALA) Councilor-At-Large. Her research has been published in College & Research Libraries, Library Management and portal.

Hot Town, Summer in the City - Coming up at the June 20, 2016 Cambridge City Council meeting

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)]

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.

Though this makes navigation from the Election Commission website a bit clearer, it's unfortunately still the case that campaign finance reporting for State Representative and State Senate candidates remains very sparse. The need only file periodic reports 8 days before each primary election or general election and at the end of each calendar year. In contrast, municipal candidates in cities the size of Cambridge must maintain depository accounts with reports twice per month. One has to wonder why the reporting requirements are far less frequent for state candidates.

Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a report on the continued progress on the application for funding under the Commonwealth’s Infrastructure Investment Incentive Program (I-Cubed) for the North Point area of the City. [Report]

As the report states: "The Infrastructure Investment Incentive Program (known as “I-Cubed”) is a Commonwealth program and proven economic development tool that uses new state tax revenues to build public infrastructure in areas that will generate economic and community benefits." In addition: "The I-Cubed infrastructure improvements will reconnect North Point to East Cambridge and jump-start the development of the North Point neighborhood."

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 #1. That the City of Cambridge stand in solidarity with the people of Orlando, the LGBTQ community, the LatinX community, the Muslim-American community, and all people in this country who reject the kind of violence that has visited far too many communities in recent years. Councillor Cheung, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern

This is a strong statement of solidarity from the City Council, though the last "Whereas" could perhaps have stayed more on point.

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.

Order #8. 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

Order #10. The City Manager is requested to coordinate with the appropriate departments to determine the feasibility of introducing a municipal ID program in the city and respond to any and all community feedback regarding its possible implementation. Councillor Mazen, Vice Mayor McGovern

Order #12. The City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to organize regular suppers on the second Saturday of each month, starting on the 13th of August, with free food for the Cambridge community in open public spaces throughout the various Cambridge neighborhoods. Councillor Mazen

Who pays for all the free food?

Order #13. That the City Council go on record in support of S.2327, an act promoting housing and sustainable development. Councillor Toomey

Tues, June 21

2:00pm The City Council's Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the city’s Leaf Blower Ordinance, new research since its passage, and other issues related to leaf blowers. (Sullivan Chamber)

~~6:30pm~~ Foundry RFP Response Public Presentation (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall) - postponed

7:00pm Planning Board meeting (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

7:00pm Peter B. Kroon, et al, (also known as Friends of MAPOCO) Zoning Petition to expand the requirements of the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict (Section 20.110) applicable generally within the portions of the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District (MAOD) zoned Business A-2 (BA-2). In summary, Section 20.110 requires retail or active office use at the ground floor of any new building otherwise containing residential uses, with relief available under limited circumstances, and allows a total maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.75 and height of 50 feet for such mixed-use buildings.

3. PB#198 – Discovery Park, Buildings 400 & 500 Design Review and approval for the construction phasing of the two buildings. Public comment will be taken for this review.

a. BZA-010252-2016, 40 Erie St., 200 Sidney St. & 95 Waverly St. To install two (2) monuments signs each measuring thirty (30) square feet on the property. Each sign will be located in a separate location on the property. Although one of the monuments signs is permitted, a variance is required to install the second monument sign.

General Business items may be taken out of the order in which they appear on the agenda above. Times for General Business items are approximate. Public comments are taken only during a Public Hearing. During the discussion and deliberation on General Business items, the Planning Board does not solicit public comment. The City of Cambridge will provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities upon request. Please make requests for alternative formats at least two weeks in advance by contacting the Planning Board staff listed below. For further information concerning this agenda, please contact Liza Paden, Planning Board staff, at 617-349-4647, lpaden@cambridgema.gov. Applications and Petitions are online at www.cambridgema.gov/cdd.
Full zoning petition texts available online at: www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/zoninganddevelopment/zoning/amendments.

Magazine Beach Events - Summer 2016

We’ll have port-o-potties beside the swimming pool bathhouse. What more could you ask for? For more about Make Music Boston, click here.

Wed, June 22

3:00pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a petition by Peter B. Kroon, et al, (also known as Friends of MAPOCO) to expand the requirements of the North Massachusetts Avenue Subdistrict (Section 20.110) applicable generally within the portions of the Massachusetts Avenue Overlay District (MAOD) zoned Business A-2 (BA-2). In summary, Section 20.110 requires retail or active office use at the ground floor of any new building otherwise containing residential uses, with relief available under limited circumstances, and allows a total maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 1.75 and height of 50 feet for such mixed-use buildings. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 23

1:00pm The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the proposed changes to the current liquor license regulations and the City Council policy goals on liquor licenses, economic development, the impact on neighborhoods and local businesses. (Sullivan Chamber)

5:30pm The City Council's Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing 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 Kiosk in Harvard Square. (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 27

6:00-8:00pm Mass Pike Allston Reconstruction Update (Charlesview Fiorentino Center, 123 Antwerp Street, Brighton)

Please join us to learn more about this 110 acre, $500 million project to rebuild the Mass Pike Interchange in Allston, build a new neighborhood, improve the Charles River, and help shape our region's future. [Placemaking Study]

Tues, June 28

3:00pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the parameters for a potential zoning proposal that includes the Volpe Transportation Systems Center. (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 29

3:00pm The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.28 entitled “Restrictions on Youth Access to Tobacco Products and on Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places by amending Section 8.28.050 entitled “Definitions for Prohibition of Smoking in Working” to expand the definition of “Workplace” to include open construction sites. (Sullivan Chamber)

5:00pm The City Council's Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update from the City Manager’s Search Focus Group and the development of the draft profile. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 30

3:30pm The City Council's Health and Environment Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Georgetown Energy Prize. (Sullivan Chamber)

Magazine Beach Events - Summer 2016

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies Application Deadline Extended to July 22, 2016

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.

Hot Town, Summer in the City - Coming up at the June 20, 2016 Cambridge City Council meeting

Tues, June 21

Magazine Beach Events - Summer 2016

Wed, June 22

Thurs, June 23

Mon, June 27

Tues, June 28

Wed, June 29

Thurs, June 30

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies
Application Deadline Extended to July 22, 2016

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.