Cambridge InsideOut - Jan 14, 2020

5) Election of Mayor, Vice-Chair of City Council, and Vice-Chair of School Committee

c) Transportation Silos - Bike Committee, Pedestrian Committee, Transit Committee; but no advisory committees on traffic congestion, motor vehicle transportation, or emerging mobility modes

It's Opening Day - Jan 13, 2020 Cambridge City Council meeting

City Hall The is the first regular City Council meeting of the 2020-21 term. The mayoral vote at the Jan 6 Inauguration was a single take, and newly minted Mayor Siddiqui broke the record for fastest City Council committee appointments. Here are a few items on the agenda of some interest.

Unfinished Business #4. Amendment to Chapter 8.12 of the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge. [Passed to a Second Reading on Dec 16, 2019 To Be Ordained on or after Dec 29, 2019]

This is the proposed municipal ordinance that would ban mobile fueling operations throughout Cambridge, i.e. where a vehicle shows up where you are and fills your gas tank for you. As I said when this was first introduced as a zoning amendment last October: "Yet more evidence of the lazy ass, 'call the servants' times that we now live in. If pumping your own gas at the filling station is so burdensome that you must use a phone app to have the 'little people' show up to do it for you, then maybe it's time to reconsider your life choices."

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Christopher Schmidt, regarding an amendment to Section 2.000 of the Zoning Ordinance.

This is a simple and sensible proposal that would amend the definition of "family" in the Zoning Ordinance to remove restrictions on unrelated family members. Specifically, it would simply say: "Family. One or more persons occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit."

The current definition is this:

Family. One or more persons occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit; provided that a group of four or more persons who are not within the second degree of kinship shall not be deemed to constitute a family.

Notwithstanding the definition in the preceding paragraph, a family shall be deemed to include four or more persons not within the second degree of kinship occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit, if said occupants are handicapped persons as defined in Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended by the “Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.” Such unrelated individuals shall have the right to occupy a dwelling unit in the same manner and to the same extent as any family in the first paragraph of this definition.

It's unknown when the last time the current definition was ever enforced, and households consisting of several unrelated persons are very common in Cambridge and the region. The only potential downside of this simplification might be that an apartment specifically designated as "family housing" may become just another roommate situation.

Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Carol Cerf. Councillor Simmons

Resolution #5. Resolution on the death of Susan Noonan-Forster. Councillor Toomey

Resolution #9. Resolution on the death of Thomas F. Courtney. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern

I knew Carol Cerf from the CCA Board over 25 years ago and would often run into her on her bicycle for years after that. She was one of the more kind and generous people I met in local politics over the years. There was a moment of silence at the Jan 6 School Committee Inauguration noting the death of Susan Noonan-Forster. Thomas F. Courtney, among many other notable distinctions, was the father of our most beloved Deputy City Clerk Paula Crane.

Order #4. TPO Extension PO. Councillor Zondervan

The cryptic summary refers to a proposed extension of the Tree Protection Ordinance, i.e. Moratorium, from the current expiration date of March 11, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The Order also encourages that more permanent language be soon established based on recommendations of the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force. I can only hope that some flexibility is written into the more permanent ordinance to allow reasonable homeowners to do reasonable things without exorbitant cost, but recent trends tend to be the opposite.

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting information from the Jan 7, 2020 Regular Meeting of the School Committee.

It's good to see intermural communication like this from the Mayor to the City Council regarding School Committee matters.

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, announcing the formal 2020-2021 appointments to the City Council Committees.

This has to be a new record for fastest City Council committee appointments. It usually takes weeks and Mayor Siddiqui had it done in three days. - Robert Winters

Comments?

It's Mayor Siddiqui

Jan 6, 2020 - The newly inaugurated 2020-21 Cambridge City Council today unanimously elected Sumbul Siddiqui as Mayor for the 2020-21 City Council term. They also elected Alanna Mallon as Vice Chair of the City Council (traditionally referred to as Vice Mayor).

The Mayors of Cambridge

PS - For what it's worth, the short-staffed School Committee later in the day chose Manikka Bowman as its Vice Chair whose primary responsibility will be to appoint any subcommittees and their respective Chairs.

The Eve of Inauguration

Sun, Jan 5 - It's the Eve of Inauguration of the 2020-21 City Council (10:00am start, City Hall) and School Committee (6:00pm start, Cambridge Public Library, Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway). Upon inauguration of the City Council, they will proceed directly to the Election of the Mayor (and then the Vice Chair should a Mayor actually be elected). There has been the usual chatter among residents (as well as some posturing of incumbents meant to suggest who might have disproportionate influence in the process) but other than the logic of those with high vote totals deserving an advantage in the selection, I have no specific information on how the vote will go. Often the person who is seen as delivering the decisive vote is rewarded by being elected Vice Mayor or getting choice committee assignments. I have attended these inaugurations every two years for a very long time and have generally found the mayoral maneuvering to be interesting, especially in trying to decipher which favors are granted to whom in exchange for votes. It would so much more interesting if there were actual horses being traded.

Whoever does end up with the five votes to become Mayor will then have the distinct privilege of becoming the 7th voting member and Chair of the School Committee. If the tone and focus of the upcoming School Committee is even remotely similar to the outgoing one, a prison sentence might be preferable to being Mayor. Perhaps with mostly new members things will be different. A Mayor who is capable of resolving differences rather than exacerbating them will help. Time will tell.

One City Council Committee appointment (by whomever ends up as Mayor) will be Chair of the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee. We are now entering the final year of the contract with City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. The process of deciding whether to extend that contract or to seek a new City Manager has traditionally been shepherded by the Chair of Government Operations, though any route to five votes would be completely consistent with the Plan E Charter under which the Manager "shall hold office during the pleasure of the city council". As to the timing, the current contract states: "If the City intends to continue Mr. DePasquale's employment beyond January 8, 2021, it shall give written notice to Mr. DePasquale on or before September 14, 2020, and initiate negotiations for a successor employment contract, which contract, if agreed to, shall become effective January 9, 2021. Absent agreement on a successor employment contract, this Agreement shall terminate on January 8, 2021." - Robert Winters

PS - At this time it appears to still be the case that Emily Dexter may not accept her election to the School Committee. If this does prove to be the case, her replacement will be officially determined later this month. I sincerely hope that this situation is somehow reversed, that the will of the voters is respected, and that a "teachable moment" is somehow recovered. There is an opportunity here for a new Mayor to actually show real leadership. Or not. - RW

City Councillors-Elect: Dennis Carlone, Alanna Mallon, Marc McGovern, Patty Nolan, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Tim Toomey, Quinton Zondervan

School Committee Members-Elect: Mannika Bowman, ~~Emily Dexter~~, Alfred Fantini, Jose Luis Rojas Villarreal, Rachel Weinstein, Ayesha Wilson

Members Sought for Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal

Jan 6, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA). Board of Zoning Appeal members must be residents of the City of Cambridge; and women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Made up of five members and up to seven associate members, the Board of Zoning Appeal reviews applications for special permits and applications for variances from the terms of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, in accordance with G.L. c.40A and the Zoning Ordinance. The BZA also hears and decides appeals of orders and determinations made by the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department pursuant to G.L. c.40A, §8 and the Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, the BZA reviews applications for comprehensive permits, pursuant to G.L. c.40B. In evaluating applications and petitions, the Board conducts public hearings and votes on the application or petition’s conformance with the provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.

The Board of Zoning Appeal meets twice each month on Thursday evenings for approximately 3-4 hours. The Board of Zoning Appeal is subject to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.30A, §§18-25, and all deliberations of the Board occur at public meetings. The meetings are also audio recorded and may be video recorded. As part of their time commitment, Board members are expected to review application and petition materials prior to each meeting. Materials may include development plans, impact studies, narrative descriptions, provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, information from city departments, written comments from the public, and other documents.

Ideal candidates would possess the ability to participate in a collaborative process, work with other Board members to consider diverse ideas, apply the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance to the facts presented in applications and petitions, and reach a decision. Members should also have strong attentiveness and listening skills. While there is no requirement for a technical background, interest and understanding of development, architecture, urban design, and zoning is desirable.

Individuals interested in being considered should apply by using the city’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply and finding “Board of Zoning Appeal” in the list of Current Vacancies. A cover letter and résumé or summary of 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 Mass. Ave. The deadline for submitting applications is Jan 31, 2020.

Members Sought for Temporary Net Zero Action Plan Task Force

Jan 6, 2020 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking members to serve on a temporary Net Zero Action Plan Task Force that will contribute to the comprehensive review of the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan to phase out greenhouse gas emissions from buildings throughout the community. The Net Zero Action Plan, CambridgeMA.gov/net zero, was adopted by the Cambridge City Council in June 2015.

The review process for the new Task Force, which will meet once a month from February through June 2020, will include evaluation of the program impact to data; consideration of options to adjust the Net Zero Action Plan Framework; and adoption of an updated framework that reflects current climate science, policy, technology, and equity considerations. The Task Force will provide feedback and input to each of the project elements and represent essential stakeholder interests in the implementation of the updated Net Zero Action Plan.

Applicants with subject-matter experience in a field that would help to inform a robust and equitable Net Zero Action Plan update are encouraged to apply. This includes applicants with technical expertise in building design, construction, and operation, and energy efficiency and renewable energy technology and policy as it applies to buildings. It also includes applicants who represent community interests related to buildings and greenhouse gas emissions, underserved communities, health and safety, and local climate change advocacy groups. Representatives from city departments, neighboring municipalities, and state agencies are expected to serve on the committee in an advisory capacity.

Applications to serve on this committee 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 should be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. The application deadline is Jan 24, 2020.

Cambridge Human Services Commission Vacancies

Dec 12, 2019 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in volunteering to serve on the nine-member Human Services Commission.

The Commission advises the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on human services policy issues, needs assessment, and funding allocations. With the Department of Human Service Programs, the Commission also promotes activities that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Over the years, the Commission has responded to local needs by recommending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a wide range of programs offered by the City and community agencies.

The Commission usually meets with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. Commission members serve without compensation. For more information, contact Mike Payack at 617-349-6208 or mpayack@cambridgema.gov.

Applications to serve on this committee 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 must be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. The application deadline is Fri, Jan 17, 2020.

CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)

Tues, Jan 14

6:00pm School Committee Special Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
Special Meeting of the School Committee for the purpose of a Budget Retreat on Tues, Jan 14 at 6:00pm in the Dr. Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purpose of discussing the FY2021 Initial Budget and Enrollment Projections.
Note: The School Committee will entertain a motion to convene in Executive Session immediately following the Budget Retreat on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, in the School Committee Conference Room, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purposes of discussing strategy for collective bargaining (CEA Units A&B) as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and that the School Committee convene in executive session for the purposes of discussing strategy for litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigation position of the School Committee.

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# 356
56 Creighton Street – Special Permit application by Duncan MacArthur to convert an existing commercial printing building into 3 units of housing with off-street parking located on the contiguous property pursuant to Sections 5.28.2 Conversion of a Non-Residential Structure to Residential Use; 5.28.21 additional Gross Floor Area; 5.28.23 Required Yards to be those of the existing setbacks; 5.28.25 Private Open Space requirement; 6.44 layout of the off-street parking facilities; and 6.44.1 Setbacks for on grade open parking facilities. (Notice) (Materials)

General Business

3. PB# 352
31 Church Street – Extension

4. Election of the Planning Board Chair

Thurs, Jan 16

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

5:30pm Vacancy Recount for School Committee seat vacated by Emily Dexter (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

Old Business

1. 2020 Annual City Census

2. Presidential Primary, March 3, 2020
- Early Voting Training Discussion

6:30pm Tobin School Community Meeting (Tobin Montessori School, 197 Vassal Ln.)

Mon, Jan 20

6:30pm East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee (East End House, 105 Spring Street)
[Note: This is the MLK Holiday, so this scheduled meeting will likely be cancelled or rescheduled.]

Tues, Jan 21

3:30pm School Committee Budget Subcommitee Meeting (Media Cafe, CRLS)
There will be a Meeting of the Budget Sub-Committee (Committee of the Whole), on Tues, Jan 21 at 3:30pm in the Media Cafe, CRLS for the purpose of a Community Meeting #1 inviting input from the Public and Staff on the FY20-21 School Department Budget Priorities. It is anticipated that the Public Hearing will end by 5:30pm.

6:00pm School Committee Regular Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)

Wed, Jan 22

5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)

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

-----

Old Business

-----

Thurs, Jan 23

6:00pm Pedestrian Committee Meeting (City Hall Annex, 4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

6:00pm Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship meeting (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

6:00-8:00pm Special Meeting of the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan Advisory Board (Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Pkwy)
This meeting will be covering uses of Glacken Field, which is critical to youth sports in the city.

Sat, Jan 25

10:00am School Committee Budget Subcommitee Meeting (Cambridge Senior Center, 850 Mass. Ave.)
There will be a Meeting of the Budget Sub-Committee (Committee of the Whole), on Sat, Jan 25 at 10:00am in the Dr. Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, CRLS for the purpose of a Community Meeting #2 inviting input from the Public on the FY20-21 School Department Budget Priorities. It is anticipated that the Public Hearing will end by 2:00pm.

Mon, Jan 27

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

Tues, Jan 28

6:00pm School Committee Special Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
Special Meeting of the School Committee for the purpose of a Budget Retreat on Tues, Jan 28 at 6:00pm in the Dr. Henrietta S. Attles Meeting Room, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purpose of reviewing input from Community Meetings on the Budget.
The School Committee will entertain a motion to convene in Executive Session immediately following the Budget Retreat on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, in the School Committee Conference Room, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purposes of discussing strategy for collective bargaining (CEA Units A&B) as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and that the School Committee convene in executive session for the purposes of discussing strategy for litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigation position of the School Committee.
Note: The School Committee will entertain a motion to convene in Executive Session immediately following the Budget Retreat on Tues, Jan 28, 2020, in the School Committee Conference Room, 459 Broadway, Cambridge, for the purpose of hearing a Level III CEA Unit C clerical grievance as part of collective bargaining and to discuss strategy for collective bargaining for the CEA Units A&B and Unit C) as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Cambridge School Committee.

Wed, Jan 29

6:00pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Feb 3

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

6:30pm East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee (East End House, 105 Spring Street)

Wed, Feb 5

5:30-7:30pm Transit Advisory Committee (Senior Center)

7:00-8:30pm Nature’s Best Hope (Harvard University Science Center, Hall B, 1 Oxford St., Cambridge)
Doug Tallamy, Professor of Entomology and Wildlife Biology, University of Delaware
Recent headlines about global insect declines, the impending extinction of one million species worldwide, and three billion fewer birds in North America are a bleak reality check about how ineffective our current landscape designs have been at sustaining the plants and animals that sustain us. Such losses are not an option if we wish to continue our present-day standard of living on Planet Earth. The good news is that none of this is inevitable. Doug Tallamy will discuss simple steps that each of us can — and must take — to reverse declining biodiversity and to explain why we, ourselves, are nature’s best hope. [Flyer]
Doug Tallamy is the nationally acclaimed author of Bringing Nature Home, and the co-author of The Living Landscape. In 2013, he was awarded the Garden Club of America’s Margaret Douglas Medal for Conservation Education. His newest book, Nature’s Best Hope, is being released the day before this event, and copies may be purchased at the lecture.

Thurs, Feb 6

6:00pm Human Rights Commission meeting (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

time not specified School Committee Budget Retreat (location not specified)

Mon, Feb 10

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

Tues, Feb 11

time not specified Joint City Council/School Committee Roundtable Meeting - Feedback from Community Meetings (proposed date, location not specified)

Wed, Feb 12

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

5:30-7:30pm Bicycle Committee meeting (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)

Mon, Feb 17

6:30pm East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee (East End House, 105 Spring Street)
[Note: This is the Presidents Day Holiday, so this scheduled meeting will likely be cancelled or rescheduled.]

Wed, Feb 19

6:00pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Feb 24

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

Thurs, Feb 27

6:00pm Pedestrian Committee Meeting (City Hall Annex, 4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

6:00pm Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship meeting (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

Committee	Members
Ordinance (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Carlone (Co-Chair), McGovern (Co-Chair), Mallon, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toomey, Zondervan (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio, quorum 3)
Finance (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Carlone (Co-Chair), Simmons (Co-Chair), Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toomey, Zondervan (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio, quorum 3)
Government Operations, Rules, and Claims (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Simmons (Chair), McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toomey, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 2)
Housing (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Simmons (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Mallon, McGovern, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 2)
Economic Development and University Relations (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Mallon (Chair), Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toomey, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 2)
Human Services & Veterans (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	McGovern (Chair), Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, Toomey (5 members, quorum 2)
Health & Environment (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Zondervan (Chair), Carlone, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler (5 members, quorum 2)
Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Nolan (Chair), Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 2)
Transportation & Public Utilities (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Sobrinho-Wheeler (Chair), Mallon, Nolan, Toomey, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 2)
Civic Unity (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Simmons (Chair), Carlone, Mallon, Nolan, Toomey (5 members, quorum 2)
Public Safety (0 meetings, 0 scheduled)	Zondervan (Chair), Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler (5 members, quorum 2)

It's Opening Day - Jan 13, 2020 Cambridge City Council meeting

2020 School Committee Vacancy Recount

It's Mayor Siddiqui

The Eve of Inauguration

Thinking about the Alewife Triangle, Quadrangle and surrounding area

Members Sought for Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal

Members Sought for Temporary Net Zero Action Plan Task Force

Cambridge Human Services Commission Vacancies

Tues, Jan 14

Thurs, Jan 16

Tues, Jan 21

Wed, Jan 22

Thurs, Jan 23

Sat, Jan 25

Mon, Jan 27

Tues, Jan 28

Wed, Jan 29

Wed, Feb 5

Thurs, Feb 6

Tues, Feb 11

Wed, Feb 12

Wed, Feb 19

Thurs, Feb 27