Your Recycling Gets Recycled, Right? Maybe, or Maybe Not (New York Times, May 29, 2018)
Plastics and papers from dozens of American cities and towns are being dumped in landfills after China stopped recycling most “foreign garbage.”

Cambridge's Composting Program Isn't Actually Composting. Is What They're Doing As Good?
Food scraps are being mixed with sewage.

What's Going On With Recycling?
Recycling is going through a rough stretch. The commodities in the recycling stream (aluminum, paper, etc) are in free fall due to changes in China's acceptance of recyclables. We need your help to turn things around.

• Reduce and Reuse: We need to focus more on reduce and reuse. Opt out of mailings, print less, refuse excess stuff, etc.
• Education: Download our app (Zero Waste Cambridge) or use the web app to review what's recyclable and what's not.
• Clean-up recycling: Keep these out of curbside recycling: Plastic bags, electronics, textiles, diapers, styrofoam, and hangers.

Divert and Donate This Spring
Spring cleaning is here. Use our mobile app or web app to find options to dispose of items close. The largest offenders in the trash and recycle carts are:
1. Textiles (clothes, shoes, etc): there are donation locations citywide.
2. Electronics: Large electronics and appliances need a permit for disposal. Small electronics may be recycled for free at the Recycling Center.

Recycle Tour on June 6
Have you ever wondered how recyclables are sorted and recycled? Join us on a behind the scenes tour for Cambridge residents only. Space is limited. Register here.

Upcoming Waste-Related Events
Sunday June 10: Fixer Fair, Somerville
Saturday June 30: Household Hazardous Waste Day for Cambridge residents, Cambridge

**SAVE THE DATE**
Saturday August 18: DPW and Cambridge Public Library will be hosting a Fix-It Clinic at the Main Branch of CPL, 449 Broadway. Save broken items and clothes and get them fixed. If you know of any other waste-related events, email us so we may broadcast!

Compost by the numbers: More than 400,000 pounds of food diverted since April 2. Trash has decreased by 10%.

Boston, Verizon reach agreement to spread FiOS coverage
Wicked Local West Roxbury, Sept 28, 2017

The city of Boston has amended the Verizon cable television license to bring the telecommunications carrier to more neighborhoods in Boston, Mayor Marty Walsh announced.

The amendment will double the area of the city served by Verizon FiOS from 28 percent to 56 percent.

“We are a proud partner in expanding access to broadband choice to more Boston neighborhoods and communities,” said Walsh. “Providing constituents with fast and affordable broadband helps us support the ongoing efforts to spur innovation and economic opportunity in all neighborhoods.”

In April 2016, the city announced a partnership with Verizon to replace Boston’s copper-based infrastructure with a state-of-the-art fiber-optic network that offers fast broadband speeds. Since then, Verizon has been constructing their network in their original service area of Dorchester, the Dudley Square neighborhood in Roxbury and West Roxbury.

The new amendment will expand access to Verizon FiOS to include all of Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale and Roxbury, as well as parts of South Boston and the South Boston Waterfront, as part of the provider’s next phase of network construction and build out.

“This agreement brings increased competition and choice for broadband and entertainment services in Boston,” said the city’s chief of information and technology, Jascha Franklin-Hodge. “Providing more constituents with internet options will help lower costs and make internet access affordable to more families and businesses.”

The amendment also expands the amount of fiber that Verizon will provide to the city of Boston to connect schools, support the delivery of city services, and enhance public safety communications systems.

The license and amendment and other documents related to the licensing process are available online at http://boston.gov/fios.

“Boston has welcomed FiOS, and the superior service, competition and choice Verizon delivers, with open arms,” said New England Region President Donna Cupelo. “Since we introduced FiOS in Boston late last year, we’ve almost doubled available data speed, and now offer our FiOS Gigabit Connection service. Our teams are outside everyday transforming Boston’s technology foundation.”

The Triviality of SeeClickFix

Not a day goes by without a flurry of SeeClickFix (Commonwealth Connects) requests for matters ranging from dangerous to absurdly trivial. In addition to the ridiculous complaints about armored vehicles parking in a bike lane (because the cyclists wants the driver to carry sacks of money to a loading zone a block away) or a flatbed truck queued up at a construction site (and they want him to do what? - keep circling around the block with many tons of steel on a long, wide vehicle?) to matters so trivial that it could make your head spin. For example, I saw one this morning from 23 Clinton Street where the complainant says: "Can you please remove white mark left on brick sidewalk by parking dept?" Perhaps I should file a string of complaints about the large hot top temporary patch on my sidewalk left by NStar (before they became Eversource) that's now been there for most of the past decade plus a medley of various painted markings from Traffic & Parking, the Dig Safe folks, etc. Let's also not forget those 02138 sensitive souls who lost their minds over the color of their NEW sidewalk having a shade that didn't quite match their ideal. Good grief!

Rearranging the Deck Chairs - What's Up on the May 21, 2018 Cambridge City Council Agenda Here are my selections from this week's menu: Manager's Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $44,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Executive Department Extraordinary Expenditures which will be used to assist the Department of Conservation & Recreation in constructing an ADA accessible canoe and kayak boat launch. I remember back in 1999 when the City first partnered with MDC (now DCR) to invest $1,500,000 to upgrade Magazine Beach in exchange for priority in field scheduling. This satisfied what would otherwise have been a need identified in the Green Ribbon Open Space Report (2000) for access to a community park for the Cambridgeport neighborhood. Most of that investment went toward the fields and landscaping in the eastern part of Magazine Beach. The City's later investment (approx. $300,000 plus over $700,000 in matching funds and capital expenditures by DCR) has been focused on the western part, and a lot of credit for that goes to the Magazine Beach Partners (originally formed out of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association as the Friends of Magazine Beach) for spearheading the renovations of the old powder magazine and its vicinity. This is civic activism at its best. Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-17, regarding the status and proposed next steps to advance the urban agriculture initiative. The City already established regulations for the keeping of honeybees (Dec 2017) and will soon address hen-keeping (as opposed to henpecking), but this report is specific to "urban farming" whcih will include zoning recommendations affecting "the cultivation of agricultural products for public consumption". It does not affect home gardening. The zoning recommendations are expected in Fall 2018 and will require City Council approval, and soil safety regulation will be determined by the Commissioner of Public Health. Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to submit the attached Home Rule Petition that would authorize the City of Cambridge to include as part of the Inman Square Intersection Safety Improvements Project (“Project”) the planned reconfiguration of the intersection of Hampshire Street and Cambridge Street in the Inman Square area of the City (hereinafter, “Inman Square”) as well as a portion of the land that makes up Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci Community Plaza (“Vellucci Plaza”). VELLUCCI PLAZA - DESIGNATED OPEN SPACE - PROPOSED REVISIONS This agenda item will likely be the centerpiece of the meeting. There are a few points that warrant comment. First, the substance of this matter is the Home Rule Petition to the state legislature to swap existing designated open space for new "open space" in order to facilitate a realignment of the roadways. That has its own controversies, including different viewpoints regarding preservation of trees in the short and long term. The reconfiguration of the road is being supposedly done for the sake of safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicle operators, but it is not at all clear that the proposed configuration (at considerable cost) will actually improve anything. The City routinely invokes the "Vision Zero" mantra to justify non-debatable changes in infrastructure with the assertion that all decisions are "data-driven", but at one recent meeting on this topic it was asserted by someone very close to the debate that there have been no accidents at all in Inman Square since the simple application of green paint to the roadway to better clarify the presence of cyclists as they pass through the intersection. What seems quite clear in the proposed road reconfiguration is that it is centered on pushing all cyclists to use the sidewalk as they pass through the intersection (which many cyclists simply will not do - and for good reason). Will this result in fewer traffic incidents? Or will there be a spike in altercations between cyclists and pedestrians? Will cyclists who choose to use the roadway have their safety compromised? Personally, though I suppose there may be some room for improvement, my sense is that the "short term" fixes of painting the green lanes and restricting some turning movements have addressed most of the safety issues and that this next round of "improvements" may actually make things worse. The proposed changes seem more ideology-driven than data-driven. There is a lot to be said for intuitive and simple road design, and this is anything but that. PS - It is stated in the report that "the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Commission approved the proposed Plaza design", but I heard from one member that this was only because their authority extends only to buildings and not to roadways, and since there are no buildings involved in either the land swap or the road design they didn't have standing in this matter. Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (the “IG”) for the City to use the Construction Manager at Rick (“CMAR”) procurement and construction method (the “CMAR Method”) in connection with the redevelopment of the Foundry building. How many years has it been now since we received this "gift" of the Foundry building? Unfinished Business #1-4. Appropriation and Loan Authorization Orders for $5,000,000 (Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan); $650,000 (School building infrastructure projects, and a new boiler at CRLS); $61,500,000 (water pollution abatement projects, including construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the The Port neighborhood, and the River Street neighborhood); and $21,000,000 (reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks). Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Finance Committee, for public hearings held on May 1, 2018, May 8, 2018 and May 9, 2018 relative to the General Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2019 and recommending adoption of the General Fund Budget in the amount of $597,219,385. Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 8, 2018 relative to the Water Fund Budget for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2019 and recommending adoption of the Water fund Budget in the amount of $13,973,855. Committee Report #3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Finance Committee, for a public hearing held on May 8, 2018 relative to the Public Investment Fund for the City of Cambridge for Fiscal Year 2019 and recommending adoption of the Public Investment Budget in the amount of $17,267,995. Objectively speaking, this really is the most significant agenda item, but there's really nothing left but the vote (and, of course, the usual round of gushy thank-you's by councillors to City staff and vice-versa). Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a detailed accounting of locations, if any, where Cured-In-Place Plastic Pipe (CIPP) and other plastic pipes currently exists in Cambridge, when it was installed, and why there was no public process for such a potentially hazardous change in water policy.   Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui There are several available methods for re-lining pipes as an alternative to replacement including Cured-In-Place Plastic Pipe (CIPP) which uses fitted mesh and epoxy. Some people, including members of the Water Board, have expressed concerns about this method based on possible leachate, but this seems to be more a function of quality control than of the material itself. The Order states that "all plastics leach chemicals" which may be true but is not helpful. People buy water and other beverages in plastic bottles all the time and those drinks are often in contact with their container far longer than municipal water is with those pipe sections that are lined with epoxy. In addition to the matter of real vs. perceived hazard, there's also an interesting question here of who really has the authority to make decisions like these - the Water Department or the volunteer Water Board. A century ago the Water Board had very broad authority, but it's not so clear today where that authority ends under the current form of City government. Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to create a structured commercial tax rate system for FY20 that prioritizes lowering the tax rate for small businesses.   Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons Any such change would require either a general change in state law or a Home Rule Petition. The tax classification (residential, commercial, industrial, open space, and personal property) allows different rates (within prescribed limits) among these categories but there is no further refinement within any of the categories. This can translate into a hardship for a small "mom 'n pop" retail business since (at least for Cambridge) the commercial tax rate is nearly 2½ times the residential tax rate, and there is nothing analogous to the residential exemption (which is a fixed exemption that can yield very inequitable benefit). Personally, I think the state legislature should create enabling legislation to give cities and towns a bit more flexibility, but there is an understandable risk that this would simply result in the maximum benefit being shifted onto those who vote in the local elections regardless of the net public good. Much of Cambridge retail is being driven into oblivion by rising rents (which factor in the taxes to some degree) and shifting consumer habits (like, you know, Amazon). Tax relief may help some, but the problem is bigger than that. Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant City Departments to launch a program during the summer months to activate the Front Lawn of City Hall in the afternoon with games (such as cornhole boards), food trucks, and other forms of entertainment to engage a diverse age range of residents in recreation.   Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan Why not a ferris wheel and a zipline? I do like the fact that people are drawn to this space, but it is passive for a lot of them and they may not appreciate all the activity. Regarding food trucks, there would be a certain irony in having them within 100 or so feet of the License Commission offices (but that cryptic reference is something you'll have to ask me about). In any case, a hot dog vendor on the sidewalk would be a nice addition, though I suppose it would have to be a vegan alternative "not dog" vendor to gain approval (in which case forget I ever mentioned it). Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor to report back to the Housing Committee on how the City could establish a method of eviction data collection.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Human Rights Commission to report back on housing-related activities including number of housing-related investigations, number of housing-related cases successfully mediated, relationships with regional housing-related organizations, and successes and challenges of the Cambridge Fair Housing Ordinance   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Mallon, Councillor Simmons My presumption is that these requests relate to the ongoing agenda of the City Council's Housing Committee, but these issues have also been discussed within the Envision Cambridge Housing Working Group and elsewhere. My presumption is that the concern here is the Bad Behavior of Very Big Mean Landlords, but this is, after all, the People's Republic of Cambridge which, unfortunately, has at least some history of collateral damage against owners of rental property regardless of virtue. Order #7. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Recycling Division of the Department of Public Works to study the feasibility of expanding the curbside composting program to small businesses and nonprofits in the City by the end of 2019.   Mayor McGovern, Vice Mayor Devereux, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Mallon It's definitely worth looking into, but it's not so simple to determine what constitutes a small business deserving of the City's largess. For example, if a large office building houses 50 small businesses should the City pick up the tab (and the garbage) for the whole building? There is already a lot of ambiguity with mixed residential/commercial buildings all over the city. - Robert Winters Comments?

Cambridge City Manager Seeks Applicants for Public Planting Committee

May 19, 2018 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the city’s Committee on Public Planting.

The Public Planting Committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes: reviewing planting plans for new public work in the city; advising the city on effective maintenance of public plantings; supporting the role of the City Arborist; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods. Candidates should have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues, and, ideally, experience in horticulture. The Committee usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7pm, at the Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA.

The deadline for submitting applications is June 11, 2018. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

For more information about the committee, contact David Lefcourt, City Arborist, at 617-349-6433 or dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.

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Member Sought to fill Cambridge Public Library Board of Trustees Vacancy

May 7, 2018 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees for the Cambridge Public Library.

Library trustees are volunteer community representatives, library advocates, and leaders in the establishment of goals and policies for the Cambridge Public Library system. Trustees are a vital link between the library staff and the community and work to ensure the quality of library services, collections, and programs, and to make certain that the library reflects and is relevant to the community.

Trustees serve a 3 year term and are expected to attend monthly board meetings, committee and community meetings, appropriate continuing education workshops or conferences, and library programs as their schedules allow.

Ideal candidates will have an interest in and passion for public libraries and an understanding of the importance of the public library as a center of information, culture, recreation, and life-long learning in the community. Candidates should also have knowledge of the community, including an awareness of diverse social and economic conditions, needs and interests of all groups. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking skills are required. Trustees work productively as a team. It is also important for candidates to understand how the role of the public library is evolving and how information technology and societal changes inform the library’s future.

The deadline for submitting applications is June 4, 2018. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. For more information about the role of Library trustees, contact Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries at 617-349-4032 or mmccauley@Cambridgema.gov.

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Members Sought for Cambridge’s Open Data Review Board

May 2, 2018 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking to fill a vacancy on Cambridge’s Open Data Review Board and is looking for representatives from public, private, academic, or nonprofit sectors with expertise in or relevant experience with Open Data.

The city’s Open Data Program makes government data easily available in useful formats, and is intended to increase transparency, foster engagement among residents, and create new opportunities for collaboration between Cambridge and the public.

The Review Board, comprised of at least three residents and four or more city employees, will meet quarterly to help ensure that the program balances its goals of transparency and accessibility with the city’s obligation to protect private, confidential, and sensitive information.

The Board will make recommendations to the City Manager and Open Data Program Manager on policies, rules, and standards related to Cambridge’s Open Data Program, including methods for determining the appropriate level of accessibility for new datasets and timelines for making new datasets available.

Specifically, the Review Board will help answer the following questions:

• What privacy and security standards should Cambridge adopt as it assesses potential open datasets?
• What data quality standards should be in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of Cambridge's open datasets?
• What best practices should Cambridge employ to make use of its own open datasets in order to improve city operations?
• How might Cambridge align open data initiatives with the city's other strategic initiatives?
• How should Cambridge engage and educate the broader community – including residents, businesses, and research institutions – to maximize use of the city's open data?
• How might Cambridge partner with other municipalities, government entities, and institutions in the open data space?
• How should Cambridge market the open data program internally to improve participation among city departments?

For more information about Open Data Review Board, contact Josh Wolff, jwolff@cambridgema.gov. The deadline for submitting applications is June 4, 2018. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

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2018 Outstanding City of Cambridge Employee Award Winners

Apr 23, 2018 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Outstanding City Employee Award. The annual award recognizes a select number of employees for superior performance, positive attitude, hard work and dedication to public service. The recipients were honored at a ceremony on Friday, May 11, at 9:00am, in the Sullivan Chamber of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

The City Manager also presented an award in honor and memory of the late Brian Murphy, to a person who is committed to making government improve the lives of others.

Congratulations to our 2018 Outstanding City Employees:

• Keplin Allwaters, Assistant City Solicitor, Law Department;
• Melinda Camara, Fiscal Manager, Fire Department;
• Louis Cherubino, Jr., Police Sergeant, Police Department;
• Sandra Christie, Principal Clerk, City Clerk’s Office;
• Keith Fay, Danehy Park Site Supervisor, Human Services Department;
• Michelle Godfrey, Site Director/Center for Families, Human Services Department;
• Muna Kangsen, Program & Event Coordinator, Library;
• Jennifer Lawrence, Sustainability/Associate Planner, Community Development Department;
• James Rebello, Water System Maintenance Dispatcher, Water Department;
• Rainier Rosado, Parking Control Supervisor, Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department;
• Tracy Rose-Tynes, Clinical Manager School Health Services, Public Health Department;
• Charles Sullivan, Executive Director, Historical Commission;
• Patricia Tuccinardi, Executive Assistant, Community Development Department.

The 2018 Brian Murphy Award was presented to former City Manager Richard C. Rossi

June Programs (and Beyond) at Fresh Pond Reservation These events are FREE and open to the public. Children are welcome in the company of an adult.
Woodland Restoration Area Gardening Dates: Tuesdays, between 9:30am and 1:00pm Place: Meets at the Woodland Habitat (Northeast Sector)     Join other stewardship-minded volunteers in caretaking the native plant restoration area next to Lusitania Meadow, and learn about the diversity of native plant life! We seek dedicated participants who enjoy camaraderie and hard work that includes weeding, pruning, planting, watering new plantings, hauling wood chips and moving logs. Please email friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com if you would like to come, and for more information.	Fresh Air Walks Dates: Wednesdays, 12:00pm to 1:30pm Place: Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway     These casual walks, led by Ranger Tim, will encompass Fresh Pond and take an informal look at each week in nature, life, and the city. Come alone or bring your co-workers! Rain or shine. Questions? Contact: tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov
Fresh Pond Stewards Dates: Thursdays, 10:00am to 12:00 noon Place: Meets at the volunteer trailer near the front of the Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway.     Join our weed-warrior crew! We are Fresh Pond citizens dedicated to keeping invasive plants at bay for the benefit of wildlife, water and humans alike. No experience or long-term commitment necessary! All tools are provided; sturdy shoes, pants, long-sleeves and a water bottle are strongly recommended. Meets at the volunteer trailer in the lower parking lot. Contact tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov for more information.	Fresh Pond Kids Walk Date: Friday, June 1st, 10:00am to 11:00am Place: Meets at Country Kitchen, lower level of Neville Place (back building), 650 Concord Ave.     Join us for casual nature explorations, designed for young kids and their parents/caretakers, and play in our urban wild! We might look for frogs and turtles at Black’s Nook, or find pill bugs and bird nests in the Butterfly Meadow. Please come dressed ready for the weather and in clothes that are OK to get a bit dirty! Feel free to contact Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com with any questions or to RSVP.
Fresh Pond Nature Walk Date: Saturday, June 2, 10:00-11:30am Place: Meets at the Gazebo near Maher Park, 650 Concord Ave.     Join us for a walk through our urban wild. We will explore together the flora and fauna of the Reservation, noting bloom and berry; birds and bugs; and beyond! Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, a hand lens, journal, camera... or just bring yourself! Beginners are welcome, as are children. Feel free to contact Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com with any questions.	Nesting Bird Walk Date: Sunday, June 3, 8:00am to 10:00am Place: Register for parking and meeting location and to receive notice of cancellation due to weather     Many birds choose to build their nests and raise their young at Fresh Pond Reservation, because there is an abundance of insect food and plenty of safe habitat. We may hear birds singing their territorial songs and see others gathering food for their hungry babies. Walk leader Nancy Guppy will help us look for Baltimore orioles, yellow warblers, warbling vireos, redwing blackbirds, and other migratory birds which spend the breeding season at the Pond. Beginning birders are welcome! If you don't have binoculars you may borrow a pair from us. Register with Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com.
Outdoor Water Conservation: Rain Gardens, Water Barrels, and Plants That Need Less Watering Date: Sunday, June 3, 1:00pm to 2:30pm Place: Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway     As the days warm up and rain becomes less frequent but more intense, learn some ideas to consider that will keep your water usage from going up while making your surroundings more attractive and healthy. Do your part for the environment while having the healthiest plot on the block! For questions or to secure a seat, contact Ranger Jean at (508) 562-7605 or email jrogers@cambridgeMA.gov.	FRESH POND DAY 2018 Date: Saturday, June 9th, 11:00am to 3:00pm Place: Takes place at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway Parking at 197 Vassal Lane (Tobin School)     Fresh Pond Reservation is truly Cambridge's green gem - an urban wild that protects Fresh Pond, Cambridge's in-city drinking water reservoir. Fresh Pond Day is the Cambridge Water Department's annual tribute to this unique Reservation that is a vital natural resource, an invaluable sanctuary for wildlife, and a beloved recreational escape in the City. So, let's give Fresh Pond the celebration, jubilation and love it deserves; join in the festivities! Attendees will enjoy live wildlife presentations (pond creatures this year!), a wildlife and bike parade, live music, facepainting, truck climb-aboards, tours, and more.     Free and open to all, activities will take place around the Water Treatment Facility located at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge – at Kingsley Park, and the two parking lots. For those arriving by car, please plan on parking at the Tobin School (197 Vassal Lane). There are plenty of green transit options: the bikeway, bus routes 72, 74, 75 & 78; and Alewife T Station is 1 mile away.     On-leash dogs are welcome. Please note that rain cancels this event. For more information or if you’d like to get involved, please email tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov, call (617)-349-6489
Now in Bloom at Lusitania Wet Meadow Date: Sunday, June 10, 10:30am to 12:00 noon Place: Meets at the “Meeting Rocks” (where the meadow meets the perimeter road trail)     Cattails, wildflowers, and song birds, oh my! Come take a leisurely walk with Ranger Jean and learn how to identify the beautiful natural features we walk by every day at Fresh pond. Bring binoculars and magnifying glasses if you have them. To RSVP, please contact Ranger Jean at (508) 562-7605 or email jrogers@cambridgeMA.gov.	Walter J Sullivan Water Purification Facility Tour Date: Monday, June 11, 6:00pm to 7:30pm Place: Meets at the front door, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway     Come learn how the Cambridge Water Department purifies drinking water for your tap after it’s conveyed from nearby Fresh Pond into our facility. You’ll have the chance to speak with water treatment staff, see the equipment in action and check out our water quality lab! For more information, contact Ranger Tim at (617) 349-6489 or tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov. Please call ahead if coming with a large group.
Seasonal Walkabout at Lusitania Wet Meadow Date: Friday, June 15, 11:00am to 12:00 noon Place: Meets at the “Meeting Rocks” (where the meadow meets the perimeter road trail)     Come out for a seasonal walkabout with Ranger Jean at the Lusitania Wet Meadow. We will monitor wildlife by sign, track or presence, and make note of weather, state of plants, condition of water and other abiotic resources. You can help chart the seasonal changes of some of our most active wildlife spots, or simply come to enjoy the walk. Come dressed to be outdoors for the hour. All knowledge levels welcome. We will be walking off-path. To RSVP, please contact Ranger Jean at (508) 562-7605 or email jrogers@cambridgeMA.gov. Heavy rain postpones to the following Friday.	Animal Detectives: Dragonflies Date: Sunday, June 17, 11:00am to 12:00 noon Place: Meets at the Ranger Station, 250 Fresh Parkway (under the clock tower)     June’s spotlight is on the dragonfly. These predators truly are the dragons of their world, let’s explore together how they live. This family program is best suited for kids between 4 and 12. Accompanying adult must be present, service dogs only please, and dress appropriately as this is an outdoor program. Groups please check-in with Ranger Tim at tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov prior to Thursday, June 14th.
Summer Solstice Bird Walk Date: Friday, June 22, 6:00pm to 8:00pm Place: Register for parking and meeting location and to receive notice of cancellation due to weather     If you can’t bear to get up at dawn to look at birds, this evening walk is for you! Just as people take advantage of the longest days of the year to continue their outdoor activities, so do birds: They spend the extra hours of daylight foraging for food for their hungry babies. Led by Nancy Guppy. Beginning birders are welcome. We have binoculars to lend and will show you how to use them. Register with Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com.	Nature Walk Date: Saturday, June 23, 10:00am to 11:30am Place: Meets at Gazebo near Maher Park, 650 Concord Ave.     Join us for a walk through our urban wild. We will explore together the flora and fauna of the Reservation, noting bloom and berry; birds and bugs; and beyond! Feel free to bring binoculars, field guides, a hand lens, journal, camera... or just bring yourself! Beginners are welcome, as are children. Feel free to contact Catherine Pedemonti at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com with any questions.
Early Summer Scavenger Hunt: Looking for Life in and Around a Small Pond Date: Saturday, June 23, 1:00pm to 2:30pm Place: Meets at Black’s Nook     This is a drop-in style program, come any time between 1 and 2pm to join rangers in exploring the life in and around Black’s Nook at the official start of summer. Every age can benefit from this guided discovery! Bring binoculars and magnifying glasses if you have them.	The Owlet Debriefed Date: Saturday, June 30, 6:00pm to 7:00pm Place: Meets at the Water Treatment Plant, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway     Maybe you’ve heard the news about Cambridge’s most famous baby bird—the owlet. After a season of intrigue, danger, and drama, all worked out for the best in the natural world. You’re invited to Fresh Pond to hear the story from beginning to end about what truly went on here and how we can balance our curiosity with the needs of the wild. For more information, contact Ranger Tim at tpuopolo@cambridgeMA.gov.
Unless otherwise specified, please contact Martine at 617-349-6489 or fpr@cambridgema.gov for any RSVPs or questions! Would you like to join Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation? Membership is $10 and can be paid online or sent to 31 Mt. Pleasant St., Cambridge, MA 02138. Keep up to date on events at the Pond. Visit the Friends group website at http://friendsoffreshpond.org to learn more about Friends group activities and the reservation and its inhabitants. Upcoming Programs
A Remembrance of Chip Norton, Watershed Manager for the Cambridge Water Department: http://www.friendsoffreshpond.org/calendar2014/photopages2014cal/jan14/p01-13-14chipnorton.htm

 

CIVIC CALENDAR

Wed, May 30

5:30pm   Cambridge Election Commission meeting  (1st Floor Meeting Room, 51 Inman St.)

I. MINUTES II. REPORTS 1. Executive Director's Report 2. Assistant Director's Report 3. Commissioners' Reports

III. PUBLIC COMMENT IV. ACTION AGENDA Old Business 2018 State Primary New Business

Thurs, May 31

6:45pm   Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza Working Group meeting  (Ackermann Room)

The purpose of this meeting is to review feedback from the April 25th public meeting and work toward finalizing recommendations.

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Sat, June 2

11:00am-6:00pm   Cambridge Arts River Festival  (DCR Cambridge Parkway & Lechmere Canal Park)

Mon, June 4

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 5

12:00pm   The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss an overview on car sharing.  (Ackerman Room)

6:00pm   Regular School Committee meeting  (Henrietta Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway)

Wed, June 6

1:00pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the role and duties of the Police officer assigned to City Hall.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 7

2:00pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Street Performers Ordinance in section 12.16.170 in the Municipal code.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 11

5:30pm   City Council Roundtable/Working Meeting for the purpose of discussing Envision Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 12

3:00pm   The City Council's Housing Committee will meet for an as yet undisclosed purpose.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 13

4:00pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on the Short-Term Rental Ordinance.  (Ackermann Room)

8:00-9:30am   Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

Mon, June 18

4:30pm   2018 Volunteer Awards Ceremony  (Sullivan Chambers)

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 19

3:00pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to review the whole licensing and permitting process and to discuss ways to make it more efficient.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, June 20

4:00pm   The City Council's Economic Development & University Relations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the potential for a City-based Cannabis Social Equity Program, focusing on ways to reduce barriers to entry in the commercial Cannabis industry, particularly for women and minority-owned businesses; review best equity practices from other states; and promote sustainable, socially and economically reparative practices in the commercial Cannabis industry in Cambridge.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Thurs, June 21

7:00-9:00pm   Porter Square Neighbors Association meeting  (Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave.)

What do you know about the History of Porter Square? The guest speaker will be Charlie Sullivan, Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Commission.

Sat, June 23

9:30am   Bikes and Bricks! An Architectural Tour of Cambridge  (meet at Cambridge Public Library Main Branch)

Ride departs at 10:00am. Join the Cambridge Bicycle Committee for a leisurely, family-friendly ride through the streets of Cambridge as part of the city's annual Bike Month activities. The theme of this spring's bike tour is an exploration of architecture in Cambridge, passing sites associated with famous and historically interesting architecture. We will start at the Cambridge Public Library Main Branch and ride for about two hours (see route below). We'll be escorted by the Cambridge Police Department's Bike Patrol. The ride will end back at the library with a light lunch.

Mon, June 25

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 26

3:30pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City's Cyber Security Policy.  (Ackermann Room)

Wed, June 27

5:30pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the Zoning petition received from Douglas Brown et al to amend the zoning in Section 20.70 Flood Overlay district and the creation of a new Section 22.80 – Green Factor. This hearing is to be televised.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, July 30

5:30pm   City Council Special Midsummer meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

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