Ordaining the Remnants of the 2018-2019 Council - Bits 'n Pieces from the Dec 9, 2019 City Council Agenda We're down to the last few meetings before the new Council is inaugurated on January 6 ["The city council, elected as aforesaid, shall meet at ten o’clock in the forenoon of the first Monday of January following the regular municipal election, and the members of the city council shall severally make oath, before the city clerk ... to perform faithfully the duties of their respective offices.... Thereupon the city council shall, by a majority vote of all the members elected, elect a mayor and a vice-chairman from its own members...."] Until that little bit of biennial drama occurs, here are some things that are either interesting or up for discussion and/or action this week: Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the EMF and Metropolitan Ice Co. buildings at 116 Brookline and 112 Pacific Streets. [Cover letter] [Landmark Report] [Landmark Order] Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the George E. Bridges House at 74 Oxford Street/43 Wendell Street. [Cover letter] [Landmark Report] [Landmark Order] Though I think we're starting to get to the point where some pretty ordinary buildings are seen as historical, I always love reading the well-researched landmark studies from the Cambridge Historical Commission. These are no exception. Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the Surveillance Use Policy and related documents. Committee Report #4. A report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a public hearing held on Dec 3, 2019 to discuss an amendment to the Surveillance Ordinance. No comment. I fear I'm being watched by the Fusion Center ghoulies. Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Alexandria Grand Junction Overlay District Zoning Petition. Manager's Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with modifications, the Harvard Square Overlay District Zoning Petition. Manager's Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a communication from the Planning Board with no recommendation on the Shared Mobility Zoning Petition. The Council could pass all three to a 2nd Reading, or two to a 3rd Reading, or one to a 6th Reading. Or something. Manager's Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to zoning language as requested by the Ordinance committee in connection with the CambridgeSide PUD-8 Zoning Petition. Unfinished Business #6. A revised Petition has been received from Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridge Side Galeria Associates trust to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by adding a new Section 13.100 to Article 13.00 of the Zoning Ordinance and to amend the Zoning Map to add a new PUD-8 District overlay that certain area (which includes parcels and portions of ways and streets) labeled as "PUD-8 district". [PASSED TO SECOND READING ON NOV 26, 2019, TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER DEC 16, 2019] Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Clerk Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting a communication from John Twohig, Representative for Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust regarding the revised Commitment Letter for Proposed PUD-8 District. [Commitment Letter] [red-lined version] Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from City Clerk Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting a communication from Councillor Kelley regarding Cambridgeside. As I've said before, I hope the City Council passes some form of this thing so that the area can get a shot in the arm, but I find this whole "Let's Make a Deal" aspect of how zoning petitions are approved lately to be very problematic. Rezoning is becoming less about good planning and more about generating revenue and goodies. Manager's Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to supplemental information in response to an Ordinance Committee request on the Green Buildings Requirements Zoning Petition. Unfinished Business #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Section 22.20, which governs Green Building Requirements, and also applicable definitions contained in Article 2.000. [PASSED TO SECOND READING ON NOV 18, 2019, TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER DEC 9, 2019] This should breeze through unanimously. Manager's Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-21, regarding a report on Affordable Homeownership Programs. Manager's Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from City Manager Louis A. DePasquale and Assistant City Manager Community Development Iram Farooq, relative to the Incentive Zoning Nexus and Jobs Linkage Study. Interesting reading. Unfinished Business #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to the following ordinance: and proposed amendments to Chapter 14.04 of the Cambridge Municipal Code (the “Fair Housing Ordinance”). Fair Housing (passed to a 2nd reading) [HOME RULE LEGISLATION - RECEIVED PROPOSAL TO BE ORDAINED] Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk Anthony Wilson transmitting Chapter 118 of the Acts of 2019; "AN ACT FURTHER REGULATING THE FAIR HOUSING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE". Alas, one of the lingering Home Rule petitions actually came home for ordination. Unfinished Business #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Article 5.000 and Article 22.000 pertaining to setback requirements and exterior building insulation. [PASSED TO SECOND READING ON NOV 18, 2019, TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER DEC 9, 2019] This should also breeze through unanimously. Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to provide updated data on enforcement of the city’s short term rental regulations, including (but not limited to) the number of units that have registered with the city, the number of applications that have been rejected, the number of inspections that have been undertaken by the Inspectional Services Department, and the total number of units listed on various short term rental websites including Airbnb.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Kelley, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Devereux Committee Report #1. A report from Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, Chair and Councillor Quinton Zondervan, Chair of the Health and Environment Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 12, 2019 at 5pm to discuss the findings of the Urban Forest Master Plan task force. Now can I manage the problematic trees on my property without a court order or a punitive fine? I promise I'll plant more and let the others flourish. Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Quinton Zondervan, Co-Chair and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Oct 23, 2019 to discuss tracking of the City’s emissions and identifying key indicators that would give a sense of where the City is going. Committee Report #3. A report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Nov 26, 2019 to discuss an amendment to article 19 of the zoning ordinance. Committee Report #5. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Quinton Zondervan, Co-Chair and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chair of the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee, for a public hearing held on Nov 13, 2019 to discuss the final Envision Report. Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from City Clerk, Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting a memorandum from Councillor Mallon, regarding the Tobin Montessori/VLUS building proposals. These are interesting, but I'll withhold comment on these last few items. ..... and, of course, 99 Items Awaiting Report. Let 'em all expire and start fresh. Perhaps for the next City Council term the City Council and City Manager should establish a cap on how many items are allowed to languish on the Awaiting Report pile. Comments?

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record) - with some comments:

If you would like to subscribe or pick up a free paper copy at various sites, I encourage you to do so. It really is The Paper of Record.

What you need to know about the CambridgeSide Galleria project (Dec 6, 2019)

Manager: Universal pre-K in Cambridge could cost $20M-plus annually (Dec 3, 2019)

Diversity on force helps Cambridge police break down language barriers (Dec 3, 2019)

BZA: Sira Naturals medical pot shop to remain closed pending new permit in Cambridge (Nov 25, 2019)

Cambridge Historical Commission awards grant to St. Augustine’s church (Nov 25, 2019)

COLUMN: Farewell to ‘Mommy Keket,’ mother of West Cambridge neighborhood (Nov 22, 2019)

New details emerge connecting Marathon bomber to unsolved Waltham murders (Nov 21, 2019)

Mass. senate votes to ban single-use plastic bags (Nov 21, 2019)

S&S Restaurant celebrates 100 years in Cambridge (Nov 18, 2019)

Solicitor: Cambridge needs state approval to limit certain campaign donations (Nov 15, 2019)

The City of Cambridge announces new energy efficiency initiative (Nov 12, 2019)

Cambridge’s unofficial election results hold up wins, solidify loss for Kelley (Nov 7, 2019)

Solutions sought to buoy small businesses in Cambridge (Nov 8, 2019)

Preliminary election results: Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler join Cambridge council (Nov 6, 2019)

PHOTOS: Scenes from around Cambridge on Election Day (Nov 5, 2019)

To help protect pedestrians, Cambridge may add traffic signs to encourage safer cycling (Nov 5, 2019)

Take a look inside the new Valente Library in Cambridge (Nov 4, 2019)

New speed limit announced for roads in Cambridge (Nov 4, 2019)

Cambridge Redevelopment Authority purchases local building (Nov 4, 2019)

Cambridge School Volunteers welcomes new executive director (Nov 4, 2019)

The ghost of Fire Engine 3, and other spooky Cambridge stories (Oct 31, 2019)

Rent control push fueled by painful housing pinch (Oct 29, 2019)

Cambridge councilors allocate $30M for Foundry (Oct 29, 2019)

Valente Branch Library to open doors Nov. 4 (Oct 29, 2019)

Cambridge’s ‘nonprofit row’ saved, but affordable space remains an issue for others (Oct 28, 2019)

Cambridge may relieve elderly public housing residents from doing own security (Oct 23, 2019)

MBTA: Harvard Station renovations on track; one busway remains closed (Oct 18, 2019)

GUEST COLUMN: Cambridge schools urgently need plan for math (Oct 21, 2019 by Emily Dexter)

Methadone Mile regulars cross river; Cambridge police look to address root of problem (Oct 15, 2019)

MAP: Cambridge police investigating gunfire in the Port; ninth incident this year (Oct 14, 2019)

Property tax rate to decrease, Council considers Harvard Square pedestrian safety (Oct 8, 2019)

Crowd gathers for climate change event with Cambridge City Council candidates (Oct 8, 2019)

‘We’re on the right track:’ Cambridge unveils updated plans, timeline for Foundry Building (Oct 4, 2019)

LETTER: Some clarifications regarding Cannabis Business Permitting in Cambridge (Oct 3, 2019)

PHOTOS: Documenting a Cambridge neighborhood (Oct 3, 2019)

How one Cambridge neighborhood found community through annual photo shoot (Oct 3, 2019)

GUEST COLUMN: CambridgeSide redevelopment would revitalize the city (Oct 1, 2019)

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Demographic Mixed Bag - November 2019 Cambridge municipal election

I have been curious since the recent election whether there were any patterns in voter turnout that might be discerned when the information about who voted became available. That data became available recently and it's kind of a mixed bag. There are still a lot more younger voters than there were before 2017, but not as many as in 2017. There was a modest increase in the youngest range (up to about age 26 - credit for that probably goes to the supporters of Burhan Azeem and Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler), but the numbers actually disproportionately dropped for most age ranges from about 27 through the middle age years. Interestingly, the number of voters increased for those in the 70-80 range. We can all speculate about why those numbers would be up when overall turnout was down.

Overall the number of registered voters increased from 66,354 in 2017 to 68,839 in 2019 (including those with listed birthdates) - a 3.7% increase. The number of people who actually voted decreased 4.8% from 22,407 to 21,329. Voter turnout in 2017 was 33.8% of all registered voters. That dropped to 31.0% in 2019, but that's still relatively high for a municipal election (it was 28.2% in 2015 and 25.2% in 2013).

Here are some graphics to illustrate this, starting with the distribution of voters by age (in 3-year intervals, 18-20, 21-23, etc.) in the Nov 2019 election.

Compare this to the 2017 distribution - especially the peak at 27-29:

Notice that in 2015 there were far fewer people in their 20s and 30s voting with a clear dominance in the 65-70 range.

When we look at 2017 and 2019 side-by-side you can more easily how some age ranges saw significant decreases (more than the ~5% overall drop) and other age ranges actually saw increases.

Here's an annotated graph highlighting some of the more interesting changes.

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Turkey Trot - Nov 25, 2019 Cambridge City Council meeting Perhaps we should call this the Lame Turkey Session and give the ducks a break. Here are a few agenda items that caught my eye: Manager's Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,924,594.18, associated with Education First’s EF 3 Building, SP#328) from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Public Works Extraordinary Expenditure account which will be used to support utility work associated with the Port Project and were paid by Education First to fulfill their Inflow and Infiltration requirement. This is what "mitigation money" is supposed to be all about - actual mitigation and infrastructure improvement. Contrast this with the current practice of granting upzoning not for the sake of good planning but for cash and prizes - and, of course, subsidized housing units. At least the proposal to glue subsidized housing units onto a self-storage facility didn't fly. Mark my words - this is only going to get weirder in the next City Council term. Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-140, regarding Harvard Square plaza area safety improvements. During my four decades in Cambridge I have seen the Harvard Square pedestrian environment reconfigured several times - each time under the belief that nirvana had been achieved. The last iteration was the "Super Crosswalk" that apparently was never all that super. The next iteration is coming. No matter the outcome, we will be assured that congestion and delay is not a negative consequence but is instead good for us and we should shut up and be grateful - and all parties involved will continue to bend the traffic laws as they see fit. Manager's Agenda #11. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $107,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Finance Other Ordinary Maintenance account as initial support of the recommendations of the Mayor’s Arts Task Force regarding the Central Square Cultural District. Yippee! Money for Central Square! Now if we could only categorize sidewalk repair and improvements to the T station as "art" we'll be all set. Manager's Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 19-122, which requested a legal opinion on the License Commission's authority. This is by far the most important item on this agenda. Though this legal opinion merely states what many of us have known and understood all along, it should put to rest some of the outrageous misunderstandings that have been circulating. That said, I read an opinion today that it was somehow problematic that a quasi-judicial body like the Cambridge License Commission can act without micromanagement by the City Manager - even though any decision of the License Commission can be appealed. Imagine how outraged people would feel if it was suggested that the Planning Board should not issue or deny a Special Permit without the approval of the City Manager. Ultimately the City Manager is "the appointing authority" and could appoint only yes-men (and yes-women) to all the City's Boards and Commissions as well as the Police Commissioner and Fire Chief, but that practice would likely head south pretty quickly. City Solicitor Glowa's legal opinion is both impressive and timely, and I hope it puts to rest some of the falsehoods from the Lower Port to the Upper West. Committee Report #1 & Committee Report #2. A report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone and Councillor Craig A. Kelley, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 26, 2019 and Nov 14, 2019 to discuss the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District and to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge by adding the new PUD-8 District, which District would include the property located at 100 Cambridgeside Place (currently zoned in the Business A and PUD-4 Districts). I do hope that the City Council passes some version of this zoning amendment solely because I think we could a lot do better in that corner of the city than what exists now, and some reconfiguration of the Cambridgeside Galleria should be part of that. However, I find aspects of the committee report to be problematic, e.g. "the Petitioner will pay the City $50 million dollars in mitigation funding" and "what would happen to the proposed community benefits if the Petitioner decided to proceed under their current zoning" and "she felt that the height and massing could be appropriate depending on the community benefits." In short, approving changes in zoning should be primarily about good planning and not about any "quid pro quo". Unfortunately, this brand of zoning negotiation as commodity trading is not exceptional in Cambridge these days - and it may only grow worse. - Robert Winters Comments?

Lame Duck Walking - November 18, 2019 Cambridge City Council meeting In between the inevitable hushed meetings to secure the necessary five votes to become mayor for the 2020-21 term, the lame duck session continues quacking. The agenda is quite short, but a few items worth noting are listed below. Honestly, I've been having more fun studying the 2019 ballot data now that the election results were finalized Friday evening [Council][School]. This includes things like the ward/precinct distribution of #1 votes [Council][School], the #2 vote distribution behind each candidate's #1 votes [Council][School], who would replace each of the newly elected members in the event of a future vacancy, and an Instant Runoff simulation to see how the ballots would choose a mayor (which, of course, is not how it's done!). Anyway, back to the Council agenda (with minimal comment)..... Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with comments and suggested improvements, the CambridgeSide Galleria Associates Trust Zoning Petition. Manager's Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,475,844.18 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund which will be used to fund specific future projects, requiring individual appropriations by the City Council at a later date. Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Exterior Building Insulation Zoning Petition. Committee Report #3. A report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Co-Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Nov 12, 2019 to discuss the Insulation Zoning proposal A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Article 5.000 and Article 22.000 pertaining to setback requirements and exterior building insulation. Manager's Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt Article 22 Green Building Requirements Zoning Petition. Committee Report #2. A report from Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Chair of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Nov 12 at 12pm to discuss Green Building requirements A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a petition to amend provisions in Section 22.20, which governs Green Building Requirements, and also applicable definitions contained in Article 2.000. Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to fully restore sharrows to Broadway, alongside the new door-zone bike lane, as a reminder to motorists that cyclists are always allowed to take the full lane.   Councillor Zondervan I completely agree with this Order (as a person who prefers biking along with other traffic on most roads with ordinary speeds), but I continue to marvel at the trend among city councillors to assume roles which previously were the domain of the professional staff. I can't decide if this is great wisdom or micromanagement or just a vote of "no confidence" of City staff. Committee Report #1. A report from Vice Mayor Jan Devereux, Chair of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee, for a public meeting held on Nov 14, 2019 to discuss the Solicitor's Response to Policy Order O-9 from the June 10, 2019 City Council Meeting. I used to be somewhat agnostic regarding campaign donations from people with business before the City Council, but the recent municipal election campaign has pushed me into the camp of those who feel that some limitations should be the rule. I'm still not convinced that public financing of municipal election campaigns would be worth it either practically or bureaucratically. I also can't wrap my head around the fact that some of our local elected officials (and their ardent supporters) feel outrage about the Citizens United court decision that opened the floodgates in campaign spending yet have no qualms whatsoever in doing the same thing at the local level. - Robert Winters Comments?

BIBBINS, M. Wyllis "Bill" Of Cambridge, age 87, died peacefully, Dec 1, 2019. Beloved husband of the late Julia "Judy" Bibbins. Devoted father of Patrick Bibbins and his wife Susan of Medford, Emily Silas and her husband Edward of Cambridge and Lydia De Jesus and her husband Jose of Brockton. Also survived by grandchildren Emery and Gavin Bibbins, Omar and Desmond Silas, and Angel, Samantha and Lilly De Jesus. Bill was an architect and partner in the firm Davies & Bibbins. A Memorial Service will be held Sat, Dec 21, at 11:00am, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Cambridge. Memorial donations may be made to Cambridge Community Foundation. Rogers & Hutchins Funeral Homes Arlington & Cambridge. [Note: Bill served for many years on the Cambridge Historical Commission.]

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In today's New York Times (Dec 3):
U.S. students fare poorly against global peers

American teenagers’ performance in reading and math remains stagnant, according to the latest results of an international exam, despite decades of effort — and billions of dollars spent — to raise standards.

The results of the test, the Program for International Student Assessment, were announced today. They showed that about a fifth of American 15-year-olds last year hadn’t mastered the reading skills expected of a 10-year-old.

Education experts disagree about why American students struggle and why a string of national reform efforts, including No Child Left Behind and the Common Core, has produced uneven results.

The details: About 600,000 15-year-olds from around the world took the test, which is given every three years. Students from Canada, China, Estonia, Finland, Ireland and Singapore were among those who outperformed their U.S. counterparts.

    -- Yeah, but at least they're all "woke" 'n stuff. - RW

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City of Cambridge Announces 20 MPH Speed Limit on Most City-Owned Streets

Oct 28, 2019 – The City of Cambridge will reduce the speed limit on most city-owned streets to 20 mph, starting in mid-November. The new speed limits will apply on smaller, primarily local-access streets. Larger, arterial roads will still have a speed limit of 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. By driving at or below 20 mph, people can help reduce the likelihood of a crash. Lowering speed limits is a key part of the city's Vision Zero strategy to eliminate all crashes that result in serious or fatal injuries. If a crash does happen, it is much less likely to cause serious injury or fatality. When in doubt, go 20 mph.

Data show that reducing speeds has a big impact on the outcome of crashes. A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety showed that people walking are almost half as likely to be killed or seriously injured if struck by a car traveling 25 mph as compared to a car traveling 30 mph.

“We’ve heard concerns about speeding from people throughout the Cambridge community,” said Joseph Barr, Director of the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department. “Reducing the speed limit is an important step towards addressing those concerns. This change will also inform the way that we design our streets and help support our ongoing traffic calming efforts.”

During implementation, approximately 660 “Safety Zone” signs will be installed. A contractor, managed by city staff, will complete the majority of the work. Installations will begin in mid-November and proceed for approximately three months. Work will start in East Cambridge and proceed across the city to the west. A map of streets with 20 mph speed limits and approximate sign locations is available at cambridgema.gov/20mph. The map will be updated on an ongoing basis as new signs are installed.

Reducing the speed limit on most city-owned streets to 20 mph follows the reduction of the default speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph in December of 2016. It also builds off work done in early 2018 to decrease speed limits to 20 mph in the city’s five squares. Both this and the previous speed limit changes were made possible by the State's 2016 Municipal Modernization Act. Chapter 90, Section 18B of the Massachusetts General Laws allows the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department Director to establish 20 mph safety zones in the interest of public safety.

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Members Sought to fill Upcoming Vacancies in Recycling Advisory Committee

City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents, business owners, and local professionals interested in serving on the Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) beginning in January 2020.

The RAC is a volunteer committee which provides advice, recommendations, and assistance to the Department of Public Works (DPW) regarding recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction. The RAC does this through research, feedback, public outreach, and event planning. The RAC has been instrumental in the city’s new Zero Waste Master Plan, Fix-It Clinics, marketing and education, and other important initiatives that have made Cambridge a national leader in waste reduction.

Cambridge Recycling began in 1989 with a few volunteers dedicated to beginning a recycling drop-off program. Today, the city recovers more than 11,000 tons per year of recyclables from more than 44,000 households. Approximately 32,000 households have access to curbside composting, reducing the city’s trash by more than 7% in the first year of citywide composting. More households will be added to the program over time. The City now serves 123 businesses in the Small Business Recycling Pilot. Lastly, the RAC is working on a Single-Use Plastics regulation in conjunction with the Cambridge City Council and the Department of Public Works.

Currently, the city’s goals to reduce waste match those in the MA Solid Waste Master Plan. Using 2008 as a baseline year, the city aims to reduce trash 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. As of 2018, the city has reduced trash by 28%.

The Committee has been active for over 20 years and consists of at least nine members with a demonstrated interest in the topics listed above. Members serve a three-year term and are expected to attend monthly meetings (Sept-June). The city seeks members that represent local businesses and property managers, Cambridge residents, and users of the Recycling Center, universities, non-profit organizations and social service agencies whose goals overlap with waste reduction.

Duties, Responsibilities and Minimum Requirements include:

• Attend and participate in monthly meeting, held the second Wednesday of the month (September-June) at 8am, at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Sullivan Chamber, 2nd Floor. Enter through back door of City Hall.
• Participate in creating committee direction and implementation of ideas
• Take a leadership role in projects, such as doing research, organizing & attending events, and advocacy.
• Work with the Public Works Recycling Division, Climate Protection Action Committee, and other appropriate City staff to provide feedback on City initiatives.
• Research different approaches to communication, education and best practices for recycling, composting, reuse and waste reduction programs.
• Disseminate outreach materials and educate the community
• Write articles or blogs to promote Cambridge recycling.
• Initiate, plan, attend and run events to promote recycling, composting, reuse and waste reduction
• Meet with the community and participate in at least 2-3 events, such as Danehy Park Family Day, Public Works Week events, Fresh Pond Day, May Fair, block parties

Helpful Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Marketing
• Outreach and community engagement
• Project Management
• Advocacy for state policies
• Familiarity with Cambridge Public Schools

To learn more about the committee’s work, please consider attending an upcoming meeting, on Oct 16 or Nov 13. For more information, contact Michael Orr, Recycling Director, at 617-349-4815 or morr@cambridgema.gov. The deadline for submitting applications is November 15, 2019. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at 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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Member Sought for Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust - Application Deadline Extended

Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.

The Affordable Housing Trust administers and oversees city funds allocated to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership housing, and to support housing programs that address the city’s affordable housing needs. The Trust members review proposals for new housing preservation, development efforts, and other housing programs, and provide housing policy and program advice to the City Manager, city staff, other city boards and commissions, and the Cambridge City Council.

The Trust is comprised of members with experience in affordable housing, housing policy, finance, development, planning, and design. The Trust is chaired by the City Manager and generally meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 4-5:30pm, at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, Nov 1, 2019. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the city’s online application system at 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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Member Sought to Fill Cambridge Library Board of Trustees Vacancy - Application Deadline Extended

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 October 22, 2019. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at 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.

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Members Sought for Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity - Application Deadline Extended

Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking members of the community who live and/or work in Cambridge (including private sector and municipal employees, business owners, students, and others) to become a part of the Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity. Applications from interested community members are welcome through October 18, 2019.

The mission of the City of Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity is to foster fairness, equity, unity, appreciation, and mutual understanding across all people and entities in Cambridge. The Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity works to provide opportunities for constructive discussions and community events regarding race, class, religion, gender, disability, and sexual orientation, through recognizing and raising awareness of historic, existing and potential civic issues; providing opportunities for honest dialogue and engagement; and by building bridges across communities to better understand and connect with one another.

The Committee generally meets monthly. Committee meetings are open to the public and may include presentations by guest speakers, city staff, and various experts. For information on the committee’s work, current goals, meeting schedule, and events, please visit: www.cambridgema.gov/civicunity

Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at 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. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Applications are due by Friday, Oct 18, 2019.

If you have question about the application process, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or fgaines@Cambridgema.gov.

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Digital Equity Working Group Members Sought - Application Deadline Extended

City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking residents to fill two positions on the City Manager’s Digital Equity Working Group. This administrative working group will provide input and guidance to the City Manager and staff at key milestones during the City’s yearlong study of digital equity in the Cambridge. The working group will assist in creating a draft vision and set of goals to inform the City’s digital equity strategy. Additionally, the working group, based on the findings of the study and research of best practices and regional efforts, will help develop targeted strategies the City could take to address digital equity in Cambridge.

The working group will meet quarterly with the possibility of 3-4 additional meetings. The term of this working group is one year.

Applications to serve on the City Manager’s Digital Divide Working Group can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or relevant experience  or interest may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, October 11, 2019.

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CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)

Tues, Dec 10

3:00pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a petition to amend Articles 2.00 and 4.32 of the zoning Ordinance regarding Mobile Fueling.  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

5:00pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a refiled petition to the amend the Zoning Ordinance to add a Grand Junction Pathway Overlay.  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

6:00pm   School Committee meeting  (Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway)
The School Committee will entertain a motion to convene in Executive Session immediately following the Regular Meeting on Tues, Dec 10 in the School Committee Conference Room, 459 Broadway, for the purpose of hearing a Level III CEA Unit C grievance as part of collective bargaining and for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to a Level III grievance heard as part of collective bargaining and litigation positions of the School Committee as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee.
Note: The School Committee will reconvene in open session; votes may be taken in executive session along with a vote to adjourn from the executive session.

6:30pm   Planning Board meeting  (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

General Business

1. Update from the Community Development Department

2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts

Public Hearings

6:30pm   PB# 355
1686 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit application by Budega, Inc. to convert the existing space into a Retail cannabis Store pursuant to Section 11.800 (Cannabis Uses). (Notice) (Materials)

7:00pm   PB# 352 (continued from 12/3/2019)
31 Church Street – Special Permit application by Charles River Remedies LLC to convert a portion of the existing building to a Retail cannabis Store pursuant to Section 11.800 (Cannabis Uses). (Notice) (Materials)

7:30pm   Mobile Fueling Zoning Petition
Zoning petition by the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by creating a new definition for “Mobile On-Demand Fueling Service” as “A commercial entity that provides an ondemand motor vehicle fueling service off-site of a gasoline station.” in Article 2.000 Definitions and to amend to amend Article 4.32 Table of Use Regulations; Transportation, Communication & Utility Uses by creating a new category “m. Mobile On-Demand Fueling Service” and to list “No” in all the zoning districts columns. (Notice) (Materials)

8:00pm   PB# 353 (continued from 9/24/2019)
45-51 New Street – Special Permit application by Bhari Inc. to convert a portion of the existing building to a Retail cannabis Store pursuant to Section 11.800 (Cannabis Uses). (Notice) (Materials)

Wed, Dec 11

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

2:00pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a proposed municipal ordinance entitled “Prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings”.  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

5:30pm   The City Council's Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on the Harvard Square Zoning Petition.  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Mon, Dec 16

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Tues, Dec 17

3:00pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss restrictions and opportunities the City has when working with bargaining units to implement new policies.  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

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

Wed, Dec 18

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 New Business 1. Presidential Primary, March 3, 2020 2. 2020 Annual City Census Old Business 1. 2019 Municipal Election (Nov 5th) - Election Review

Thurs, Dec 19

5:30pm   The City Council's Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss ways to ensure that the Cambridge Carnival will take place in 2020 and beyond.  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Mon, Dec 30

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Mon, Jan 6

10:00am   Inaugural City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)