Possible Topics:Cambridge InsideOut - May 26, 2020
Carefully Venturing Outside from Inside
Possible Topics:
1) The Empty City continues
2) Riverbend Park Returns; closing of streets in Cambridge and elsewhere; Memorial Day Observance
3) Catching Up with the City Council
Budget Hearings (May 26) May 18 May 11 May 4
954 tested positive; 88 confirmed deaths (66 in long-term care facilities, 22 in general community)
Click on graph for latest Cambridge data
Riverbend Park - May 24, 2020
Charles River Goslings
You Can Do It!
Super Heros
May 21, 2020 – Today, Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale joined members of the Veterans Services Department, Cambridge Police and Cambridge Fire to place flags at the graves of our fallen in the Veterans section of the Cambridge Cemetery. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Memorial Day observances will feature several virtual events and remembrances.
“Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who gave their life for our country and to honor them for paying the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom, our country, and our Cambridge,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “I ask that our residents, on Memorial Day this year, find time in their day to conduct a moment of silence and remembrance for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
During the evenings over the Memorial Day Weekend, Cambridge City Hall will be lit up gold and decorated with wreaths bearing the message, “Cambridge Remembers Our Fallen.” The gold lighting on City Hall honors the Gold Star Families of our City and the Commonwealth, and also honors all Cambridge veterans lost in service and to COVID-19. Additionally, a pre-recorded Memorial Day observance will air on Monday, May 25, at 10:00am and 8:00pm, on the Municipal Cable Television Channel, 22-CityView. The observance will also be available online at Cambridgema.gov/Covid19. [You can view the observance on YouTube here.]
“Lighting up City Hall gold, having city staff place flags on the graves of fallen heroes, and placing special wreaths on the City Hall lawn are ways for all of us as a community to remember those who have lost their lives in service to our country, and also to the families who have lost a loved one to COVID-19,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. [Photos by Kyle Klein]
Police Commissioner Branville Bard, City Manager Louis DePasquale, Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui
Members of the Cambridge Fire and Police Departments place flags at the graves of Cambridge's fallen heroes
Best thing I've seen all week - Mt. Auburn Cemetery by Sage Stossel
May 21, 2020 – The City of Cambridge has released an amended Temporary Emergency Construction Order that applies to all construction activity on both public and private property in Cambridge. Under this Emergency Order, the City will only allow construction activity that complies with the provisions of the Order, the MA Sector Specific Workplace Safety Standards for Construction Sites, the MA Safety Standards, and the MA COVID-19 Checklist issued on May 18, 2020. Additionally, the City has established a new four-phased approach for resuming existing construction permits will begin on May 25, 2020, and approving of applications for new building permits will tentatively begin on June 29, 2020.
“Over the past five weeks, the City Manager’s Construction Advisory Group met and collaborated on how to bring back construction in Cambridge safely,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “I want to thank the Advisory Group for assisting in the development of the amended emergency regulations which complement the State’s guidelines. Making sure these new guidelines reflect that the health and safety of construction workers and our residents was the top priority of the Advisory Group.”
The 23 member Construction Advisory Group was comprised of representatives from public health, building trade unions, inspectional and public works officials, contractors, development project managers, and universities.
In addition to the stringent safety guidelines required by the State, all contractors will need to submit to the Inspectional Services Department or Department of Public Works, as appropriate, a COVID-19 Control Plan for Cambridge on permitted projects. This plan will require:
As previously announced on May 18, the City of Cambridge will expand currently allowed construction activity in the City in four phases:
For more information about the Amended Temporary Emergency Construction Order or to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: www.cambridgema.gov/covid19
May 20, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that the Thomas P. O'Neill Jr./Fresh Pond Golf Course will open for the season on Thursday, May 21 and Riverbend Park will be opened for the next two Sundays as part of a pilot program.
The Thomas P. O'Neill Jr./ Fresh Pond Golf Course will open on Thursday, May 21 under previously announced operational guidelines. The course will close to walkers and members of the public at dusk on May 20. Under the course’s temporary guidelines, all players must have a tee time reserved prior to their arrival and may not arrive sooner than 15 minutes before tee off. Tee times will be 15 minutes apart. All players must stay in their cars until their group has been called up to tee off. Only four players will be allowed to tee off at a time and all players are required to exit the golf course parking lot immediately after they conclude golfing. An area for waiting will be established for golfers coming to the golf course not in a vehicle or by ride sharing company to ensure proper social distancing.
Hours of operation at the golf course will be reduced from 7am to 6pm. Tee times must be paid in full by credit card or Venmo at the time tee time reservations are made. Players will have up to two hours prior to tee time to cancel or reduce the number of golfers. The putting green will remain closed. No golf instruction, league play, tournament play, or large gatherings will be allowed. All players will be allowed to play only 9 holes and must use their own clubs as rental clubs will not be available.
Staff will be stationed throughout the golf course enforcing social distancing rules and the use of face coverings.Several hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the golf course and adjacent to the parking area. For additional information, visit: http://www.freshpondgolf.com/
The City of Cambridge also announced a pilot program with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which will open Riverbend Park to the general public on Sunday, May 24, 2020, and Sunday, May 31, 2020. During these days, Memorial Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic from 11am to 7pm. Following the pilot program, the City and DCR will re-evaluate the opening of Riverbend Park. The pilot program will allow the City and DCR to assess crowd capacity, compliance with social distancing practices, and the use of face coverings.
With the Governor announcing a Safer at Home Advisory this week and the ongoing improvement in local COVID-19 data, officials with DCR, the City Manager, Chief Public Health Officer, Police Commissioner, Fire Chief, and the Director of Traffic, Parking and Transportation agreed to a pilot to evaluate the public health impacts of opening Riverbend Park. The proposed pilot was also discussed with the City’s Expert COVID-19 Advisory Panel.
Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members and should wear face coverings at all times while outdoors.
For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19
May 19, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced that mobile testing will begin in The Port neighborhood today (Tues, May 19), and in all Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) senior buildings on Wed, May 20, expanding the City’s mobile testing capabilities among more vulnerable populations. The initiative, which is being funded by the City of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and coordinated by the Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD), is a collaboration with the Broad Institute, the Cambridge Fire Department, Pro EMS, and other city partners.
“As part of our efforts to support our residents, this expanded testing capacity will allow the City to reach more of our most vulnerable populations and provide a convenient testing option in one of the most impacted neighborhoods in the community,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “We want to thank MIT for their commitment to The Port neighborhood and our vulnerable populations. This new pilot program will allow more Cambridge residents to have easy access to free testing, which will in turn help us reduce the spread of the coronavirus.”
“The more testing that we can conduct in our City, the more information we will have to better understand the infection rate at a given point in time and continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer. “Testing in The Port and in senior housing is critical given data that indicate higher infection rates among people of color and seniors.”
Testing in The Port is being conducted by Pro EMS and will take place at the Pisani Center, which is located at 131 Washington Street, and will be offered to 1) residents of The Port and all other Cambridge residents, and 2) individuals who are homeless and those who live in congregate settings such as single room occupancy facilities (SROs) and sober houses. Testing is voluntary and free of charge.
Details of the testing include:
For residents of The Port: Testing at the Pisani Center will be by appointment only and run from 12-8pm on Tues, May 19; Thurs, May 21; and Sat, May 23; as well as Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week (May 26, 28, and 30). Appointments can be made by phone at 617-665-3795 or online: https://covid-test.appointlet.com/s/cambridge.
For those experiencing homelessness and who live in congregate settings: Testing at the Pisani Center will be by appointment only and run from 10am-12pm on Tues, May 19; Thurs, May 21; and Sat, May 23; as well as Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday of next week (May 26, 28, and 30). Appointments will be scheduled by Cambridge service providers, who support and work with those who may be experiencing homelessness or live in congregate settings.
Testing in CHA senior housing will take place as follows:
Residents were alerted that testing at CHA senior housing sites would begin this week, and appointments are not necessary at these locations. Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics from the Cambridge Fire Department – with logistical support from the Cambridge Police – will conduct the testing, which is voluntary and free of charge.
Results of the testing will be reported to the Cambridge Public Health Department, and staff will call residents with their results. The City of Cambridge has had a strong partnership with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, as well as Pro EMS. With support from the Cambridge Fire and Police Departments, they have provided three rounds of rapid testing in all seven skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, as well as in a number of homeless shelters throughout the city. Cambridge was among one of the first municipalities to work with the Broad Institute and to implement a rapid testing pilot program.
The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19
May 18, 2020 – The City of Cambridge is reviewing the plan released today by the Baker-Polito Administration for the reopening of businesses in the Commonwealth and has announced City-specific construction activity guidance. Mandating both strict social and business guidance, the state plan calls for the gradual, safe reopening of businesses in four phases. Cambridge businesses planning to reopen must adhere to all Massachusetts regulations, in addition to any additional guidance issued by the City. In the coming days, the City of Cambridge will release further information on City-specific orders that will supplement the State’s recommendations.
The Commonwealth’s plan, “Reopening Massachusetts,” details four separate phases of reopening, each phase of which will last for a minimum of three weeks. The launch of each phase will be dependent upon key public health metrics. These metrics will be regularly updated and re-evaluated to determine whether to advance reopening or if steps are needed to mitigate transmission rates before the next phase of reopening.
Although it is not mandatory to reopen, businesses that are eligible to reopen during each phase rollout must adhere to Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards, as well as sector-specific protocols and best practices. The Commonwealth has and will continue to publish Sector Circulars and Checklists to help businesses adjust their operations appropriately with regard to physical distancing, hygiene protocols, staffing and operations, and cleaning/disinfecting, and to ensure employee and customer safety.
Businesses that reopen must also self-certify a COVID-19 Control Plan indicating how the workplace will prevent the spread of the virus and adhere to state protocols for reopening. Self-certification documents must be kept onsite in case of inspection. Businesses are also required to make visible to patrons and employees signage attesting compliance with the business’s COVID-19 Control Plan and posters outlining mandatory safety standards for employees and for employers.
Effective today, essential businesses that have been operating, manufacturing businesses, construction sites, places of worship, and hospitals and community health centers are eligible to reopen and must demonstrate compliance with the State’s new safety standards by May 25, 2020.
The City of Cambridge will expand currently allowed construction activity in the City in four phases:
The Administration today also issued a Safer at Home Advisory. The Advisory, which replaces the Stay at Home Advisory issued March 23, 2020, recommends that individuals only leave home for healthcare, worship and permitted work, shopping and outdoor activities. It also encourages Seniors and residents with underlying health conditions to only leave home for essential errands.
The City of Cambridge’s Temporary Emergency Order requiring residents to wear face coverings or masks still remains in effect, as does the statewide mask order.
“As a city, we all have a critical role to play in making sure that the reopening of our economy is done responsibly and thoughtfully,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “Patience and compliance with the Commonwealth’s regulations will be critical to ensuring a safe and smooth reopening. We are also developing Cambridge-specific guidance and will share it when it is available to further inform the reopening of Cambridge businesses and offices.”
For more information on the Massachusetts reopening plan and to access state resources, please visit - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts
For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19
May 15, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that grant and loan applications are now available for Cambridge small businesses through the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund for small businesses and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (“CRA”) Loan Program. Grant applications will only be available from May 15, 2020 until May 29, 2020 at 11:59pm EDT.
The use of the City of Cambridge’s Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund (MDRF) for small businesses will result in the award of grants of up to $10,000, which will not have to be repaid. The MDRF will prioritize businesses that have been more severely affected by the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. There is no guarantee that small businesses will secure a grant nor receive the maximum amount of funds. Grant funds are based on a business’s documented proof of need. Applications will be reviewed after the May 29, 2020 deadline.
In addition, the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (“CRA”) has developed a zero (0%) interest loan program (the “CRA Loan Program”) which is being administered in cooperation with Cambridge Savings Bank and will provide loans of up to $15,000 to small businesses that have qualified to participate in the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund. The CRA Loan Program will provide interest free loans that will be repaid in five years with nothing owed for the first year and semi-annual installments paid over the remaining four years. The maximum grant/loan amount for each business is $25,000 (up to a $10,000 Grant and up to a $15,000 Loan) or three months of business expenses, whichever is lower. Allowable business expenses may include the average rent, salaries, utilities and cost of goods, not covered by other programs. The CRA Loan program will remain open until funds are exhausted.
The Small Business Grant Program is being funded with $500,000 from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund and with a combined $1.6 million from Community Development Block Grant Funds and Federal CARES Act Funds administered by the City. The $1.5 million zero-percent loan program is being funded by the CRA, and serviced by Cambridge Savings Bank.
Businesses eligible for funding from the City’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant program, or the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant program administered by the City, are not eligible for a grant from the MDRF, but are eligible for the CRA Loan. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact Pardis Saffari at psaffari@cambridgema.gov.
More information about eligibility, exclusions, and the application for these programs can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/MDRFbusiness.
Those with questions or in need of assistance can call 617-349-9775 or email MDRFGrantBusiness@cambridgema.gov. Translation services are available upon request.
More COVID-19 Updates at 2020 CCJ Notes I (January to June) and at the City's COVID-19 Information Page.
Big Loans and Bigger Speeches - May 18, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda NotesThe boys and girls will again have a virtual shindig this week in and out of the Sullivan Chamber. I'm still counting on an innovative Kendall Square startup to develop special glasses that can filter out the glare of virtue signaling, but until then there's this: Manager's Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 from the Massachusetts. Department of Environmental Protection to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account which will be supplemented with $379,000 in City funds to purchase three plug-in hybrid rubbish packers that will replace three diesel powered rubbish packers. “And we was fined $50 and had to pick up the garbage.....” - Stockbridge, MA Manager's Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $6,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of various water pollution abatement projects, including but not limited to Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts. Manager's Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. Manager's Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $16,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan which will support improvements at the Department of Public works Complex including the Ryan Garage, Lafayette Square Firehouse structural repair, and other municipal buildings. Manager's Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $9,000,000 to provide funds for the construction of improvements of the Lexington Avenue and River Street Firehouses. Manager's Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $237,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper School. Manager's Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for various Schools for repairs to electrical service, roof replacement, chiller replacement, floor replacement and replacement of bi-directional amplifier and antenna in various school buildings. These are the annual Loan Authorization orders that accompany the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Note the big fish in there - $237 million to borrow for the design and construction of the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper School. Last year's loan authorizations totaled $74.3 million and $88.15 million the year before that. I suppose we'll be seeing a tidy little jump in debt service next year even with our AAA bond rating. I hope one of the city councillors at least asks what the projections for residential real estate taxes might be for the next cycle. It's not like other budgets are being slashed. Once again, here's a chart showing the one-year and two-year changes to department budgets as well as the 16-year changes. Manager's Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19. Expect more grandstanding from the usual suspects as soon as the City staff have completed their reports. There's nothing like a good crisis to practice your political speech-making. Frankly, I just want to hear what the Cambridge response might be to Governor Baker's cautious "phase one re-opening plan." I expect some councillors will continue to harp on street closures as the One Big Answer to All Things. Charter Right #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide information to the City Council about social media protocols and what disciplinary action has been taken as result of the Department’s social media use incident. I really wish some councillors understood the City Charter and actually listened last week to what the City Solicitor (correctly) had to say. The last thing we need are politically driven councillors micromanaging City employees. By the way, if a City Council aide calls for the firing of a City employee, is that a violation of Chapter 43, Section 107?: “Except for the purpose of inquiry, the city council and its members shall deal with that portion of the service of the city as aforesaid solely through the city manager, and neither the city council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the city manager either publicly or privately. Any member of the city council who violates, or participates in the violation of, any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, and upon final conviction thereof his office in the city council shall thereby be vacated and he shall never again be eligible for any office or position, elective or otherwise, in the service of the city.” Order #2. Creating an Arts Recovery Advisory Committee. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern Order #3. That the City Council go on record in strong support of Bill HD. 5054 relative to restaurant delivery commissions during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to provide an immediate update to the Council on the digital equity research initiative and advisory board, and on efforts to ensure reliable access to the Internet citywide. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan Regardless how one feels about municipal broadband, I think we do need some answers about how some version of universal Internet access can be achieved if only for the purpose of educational access in a school year conducted via Zoom and similar platforms. Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission and Board of Election Commissioners to determine the feasibility of universal vote-by-mail for the City of Cambridge. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone I'll take this one. If you boys and girls were paying attention when there was the previous debate about "early voting" for municipal elections, it was explained to you at that time that such authority lies with the State and not with the City - hence the Home Rule Petition that is now collecting dust in the foyer of the State House and which is dutifully included in every City Council agenda packet by our City Clerk. The City cannot simply enact universal vote-by-mail via a Council vote or by a vote of the Election Commission. That authority resides with State government - and I expect that universal vote-by-mail may well be forthcoming from our glacial legislature. That said, if they were to simply permit "no excuse absentee voting" which everyone seems to understand is both feasible and politically acceptable, that would likely address most of the concerns about safety in voting. Time's a wastin', legislators. Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to amend the Cambridge emergency advisory on face coverings/masks to require face coverings be worn inside common areas of multi-unit buildings with the exception of 2-and 3- family buildings and in all workplaces where more than one person is present at all times. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern Good idea. Even in my triple-decker, the tenants and I maintain social distancing in a way that might make you think we don't get along. (We do.) Order #7. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to develop and present to the City Council a comprehensive strategy for how we are going to reopen the city. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler By "present to the City Council a comprehensive strategy", the authors of the Order no doubt mean "present to the City Council a plan to carry out the specific strategies that we hereby propose". This seems to be a recurring theme of these councillors. Order #9. That Chapter 2.108 be amended by inserting a new section 2.108.140. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler Some of you may recognize this as just a reformulation of the eminent-domain-like proposals from these same socialist councillors from a few weeks ago. When nobody salutes your flag, just sew the threads into another flag. There are better ways to handle an emergency than confiscating whatever property suits you. Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, communicating information from the School Committee’s Special Meetings held on May 7, 2020. Are we actually still providing public education in Cambridge or are school staff just lending a few suggestions to those students who are now being effectively home-schooled by their parents - while a lot of other students are enjoying an early summer vacation? |
Budgets and Bandanas - Coming up on the May 11, 2020 Cambridge City Council AgendaHere's my take on this week's agenda: Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19. Manager's Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the FY2021 submitted budget appropriation orders. I like to track how the budgets of the various City departments change from year to year and in the long term. Here's a chart showing the one-year and two-year changes as well as the 16-year changes. The big jumps upward this year are for Public Celebrations (up 31.8% in one year and 45.7% for two years), Public Investment (up 38% in one year and 114% for two years), and the Library (up 26.3% and 38.9%). Curiously, Employee Benefits dropped 16.4% from the FY20 Budget, but the change from the Adopted Budget or actual expenditures could possibly be different. I am trying to read between the lines about how the Covid-19 pandemic will express itself in the FY21 Budget, but perhaps those effects may primarily be felt in terms of a long string of supplemental expenditures and dipping into "free cash". The City Council apparently continues to treat itself with its political appointees (a.k.a. aides) with an 11% one-year jump. The City Manager's Office (Executive) also increased its budget by nearly 13% in one year and 24.4% over two years. The overall FY21 Proposed Budget is 5.5% more than last year's Proposed Budget. Charter Right #1. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to review the order and align it with guidelines promulgated by the CDC, WHO, Dr. Fauci, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to make clear face coverings are required in public settings only when physical distancing is not possible. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED IN COUNCIL MAY 4, 2020] Everyone has opinions. Everyone has agendas. Some people say they have God on their side. Others claim they have Science on their side or that Climate Change is their Righteous Cause and that everyone should comply with their agenda or else. Everyone has opinions, and bullshit is currency in Cambridge. The streets and sidewalks are not crowded - not even Memorial Drive, so they vote to close down streets to curry favor with their preferred constituents. Walking, coughing, maskless disease vectors congregate on benches and in doorways in Central Square, but the City Council will debate for hours whether it's OK for someone to doff their mask in the park without penalty. I am often reminded of the secret of performing magic - distraction. Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to order the Department of Public Works and any other relevant departments to consider implementing Simple Recycling’s curbside textile recycling program and report back to the Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Toomey Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Department of Public Works and any other relevant City departments to reopen the Recycling Center for a limited time and to place recycling bins strategically across the City for residents who are unable to access the Recycling Center to allow for residents to recycle plastic items such as bags. Councillor Toomey One thing I have known for 30 years is that Councillor Toomey has been one of the most stalwart supporters of recycling in Cambridge, so it's no surprise that these Orders are coming from Councillor Toomey. Regarding the Recycling Center, many of us are clearing out and organizing our living spaces while staying at home, and it sure would be great if we could recycle some of our scrap metal and more. I have a defunct old TV taking up space that won't be picked up with the rubbish and the City has suspended all other alternatives. We have brought tons of stuff to various Red Cross donation bins and elsewhere, but there's a lot more where that came from. Remember the old "Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance?" Well, they won't even let you in the store with that now and you will likely exit with a bunch more plastic bags, and it might be good if there was a place to lose them. Order #2. That the City Manager report to the Council with an update on recommendations being discussed by the Small Business Advisory Group so the Council may be prepared for quick action on items that may properly come before the body. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler I have no doubt that this will soon become one of the hottest topics at City Council meetings. Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Police Department to provide information to the City Council about social media protocols and what disciplinary action has been taken as result of the Department’s social media use incident. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone The "Shoe On The Other Foot Test" should be applied here. Imagine that someone in the Police Department inadvertently used the wrong account to tweet something like “More insane crap from that f--- (expletive redacted) Orange Menace in the White House. Sad for us.” Do you think there would even be a story let alone demands for disciplinary action? By the way, the person who erred here has been one of the most solid, courteous, and well-respected members of the Police Department for a very long time, and most of the present and former city councillors know it. I will be interested to see which councillors want to throw him under the bus for not complying with Cambridge political orthodoxy. Order #5. That the City Council go on record in solidarity with all Lesley University workers and in support of the demands of the community petition. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler I am in general agreement with all of the intentions of this Order, but I would like to inform those who don't understand the concept of infinity that not even our local elite universities have infinite financial resources. Even Harvard and MIT are having to make some difficult choices. - Robert Winters |
May 4, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today the appointment of 22 members to a new City Manager’s Construction Advisory Group. Representing public health, building trade unions, inspectional and public works officials, contractors, development project managers, and universities, the Advisory Group will provide advice on drafting best practices that the City can incorporate into a safe construction reopening plan.
On March 18, the City of Cambridge instituted a Temporary Emergency Construction Moratorium on all construction activity on both public and private property. This Moratorium was put in place to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 and safeguard the health of construction workers and all other workers associated with the construction industry, as well as members of the public.
“The decision to pause construction in the city was made out of an abundance of caution. Our planning approach for the eventual resumption of work is focusing on creating procedures and phasing that will protect both construction workers and the public,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “This new Construction Advisory Group will provide input on the factors and safety protocols that need to be considered for determining when and how construction will resume.”
The plan will include recommendations and guidance on how to safely resume various categories of construction projects permitted in Cambridge. An initial task of the Working Group is to conduct a comprehensive review of the current Cambridge Construction Guidelines for approved work during the Moratorium and review other guidelines that are being proposed, such as the city of Boston’s draft safety protocols and best practices recommendations. Previously approved emergency construction during the moratorium will continue.
Members of the Advisory Group include:
The Construction Advisory Group will be supported by staff from the City Manager’s Office and will meet weekly.
The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19
April 30, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today the appointment of 8 members to a new City Manager’s Small Business Advisory Committee. Representing business associations from across the City, the Advisory Committee will provide expert advice and help draft best practices that the City can incorporate into its “Small Business Back to Business” plan. This plan will also include recommendations and guidance on how to safely reopen businesses from the Cambridge Public Health Department, the City’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Panel, and the Commonwealth’s Reopening Advisory Board.
“Cambridge’s economic recovery plan for small businesses is going to require input from a diverse array of business leaders,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “We have a long history of partnership with our business associations, and we are looking forward to collaborating on the creation of safe reopening plans to help the City and our small business community prepare for when and how to reopen. Through the work of the Committee, we will be able to adapt to a business environment that is constantly evolving due to COVID-19.”
The Advisory Committee will also assist with disseminating information on how small businesses can access relief at the local, state and federal level as well as other information critical to the local business community. It will play an essential role in fostering an open dialogue between the business community and the policy-making departments in the City.
Members of the Committee include:
The Small Business Advisory Committee will be supported by staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Economic Development Division of the Communality Development Department, and will be consulting with other key departments, including the Public Health Department, License Commission, and Inspectional Services, Public Works, and Traffic, Parking & Transportation departments. The inaugural virtual meeting of the Committee will occur the week of May 4.
The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19
Murder Hornets, Plague, Charles River Turns to Blood, and the ordinary business of the May 4, 2020 City Council meetingThere's one mask I'm still waiting to see out there, and I don't know if I'll find it terrifying, reassuring, or just clever or funny. I heard there has been one arrest of a man who pulled a knife on someone not disguised as either Batman or Zorro. There's also a pointless "Next Door Cambridge" rhetorical war being waged on whether the cops should have been called on a maskless group in the Library park on Broadway. I personally just amuse myself by pretending that every day is now Halloween, though all those new souls and saints tend to dampen the frivolity. Meanwhile at Virtual City Hall there's another virtual meeting taking place this Monday covering virtually nothing other than Covid-19 matters (which is as it should be when the fat's in the fire or the shite's in the fan). Here are a few items that tweaked my beak: Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Larry Ward as an Election Commissioner for a term of 4 years, effective April 1, 2020. Larry has been a good friend and neighbor for decades. I have to wonder what elections in Cambridge (and elsewhere) will be like during this plague. At the very least, if the State Legislature has not yet passed no-fault absentee voting, then they haven't been paying attention. On the other hand, maybe they'll just approve a mail-in option and call it a day. Then again, maybe if we're lucky the coast will be sufficiently clear in November to actually go to the polls (if we dare). Manager's Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19. Charter Right #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to review the recommendations listed above with the appropriate City personnel with a view toward establishing clear guidelines that will allow for the re-opening of construction projects across the City, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. [EXERCISED CHARTER RIGHT IN COUNCIL APR 27, 2020] We clearly have allowed some "essential businesses" to operate during this ordeal - with the understanding that safety protocols must be respected. There are plenty of other things that could potentially be restarted with that same understanding, and that includes some construction activities. Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Wayne Travers. Councillor Toomey, Councillor McGovern Wayne was at one time the monitor at the Recycling Center in the DPW Yard. We spent many hours there together in days of yore. Though we haven't been in touch for quite a few years, I have very fond memories of Wayne, his motorcycle, and his sense of humor. Farewell, friend. Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department to create a plan for how the City will support small, local businesses in recovering from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including use of existing city resources and CARES Act funding to provide additional support, such as individual coaching to support businesses as they are allowed to return to work. Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons This will likely be one of the most difficult tasks for which the City can provide only partial solutions. One option that I hope is considered is to allow many/most Cambridge businesses great freedom to adapt their businesses creatively without unnecessary bureaucratic interference. Order #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Director of Cambridge Public Libraries to explore ways in which physical library materials can be made available to Cambridge Public Schools students and other Cambridge residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui Order #3. The City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Arts Council and other relevant departments to determine an appropriate public memorial for members of the Cambridge community who have been lost as a result of this COVID-19 virus. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Carlone I'll do my best at optimism here and look forward to the day when we can commemorate not only those lost in the pandemic but also the scientists who developed the therapies and/or vaccines that helped to bring it under control. Order #4. That the City of Cambridge declares May 4, 2020, “Kent State Martyrs Remembrance Day,” and declares May 15, 2020, “Jackson State Martyrs Remembrance Day,” and invite all Cambridge residents to learn about and reflect on the tragic events that occurred on those days. Councillor Zondervan While I completely agree with recognizing the anniversaries of both of these tragic events, I really dislike the use of the word "martyrs" here just as I dislike when the word "heroes" is used to characterize victims of senseless or religious violence. Order #5. That the City Manager enhance the data center to include information which the City Council deems essential to facilitating our collective response to the COVID-19 crisis. Councillor Zondervan Order #6. That the City Manager restart Planning Board meetings virtually and prioritize the completion of any special permits that are in process. Councillor Zondervan The wording of this Order makes clear that this is about jump-starting marijuana sales opportunities, unless there are other "Economic Empowerment applicants" of which I am unaware. I guess we all have our priorities. Order #7. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City personnel to devise a plan that will place Cambridge on a path to offer free covid-19 tests to all Cambridge residents, similar to that recently enacted by the City of Somerville, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Simmons I suspect this may already be planned - depending on availability of dependable testing materials and staffing levels. It does, however, remind me of an old rule we had about mathematics diagnostic testing, namely that you only do it when you have an idea of what you're going to do with the results. I'm sure we'd all like to have a better sense of the true infection rates, but what then will be done with the results? Will this trigger extensive "contact tracing?" Will it be a precondition for returning to work or moving into an apartment? Will housing developments be partitioned into "tested positive" and "tested negative" sections? In some societies these would not be considered unusual steps, but I doubt whether that could happen in Cambridge. Maybe we'll just make better graphs. Order #8. That the City Manager work with the IT Department to design a system for video conferencing and public comment during the City Council and other official meetings that allows the administrator of the meeting to prevent, eject, and recover from any bad actors attempting to disrupt the meeting. Councillor Zondervan We love our technology, but we never seem to establish safeguards and protocols until we're busy reacting to abuses. I personally wish there was a mechanism for tracking down and prosecuting these "bad actors" even if that meant compromising their precious anonymity. I wonder if this sort of thing came up in the "surveillance ordinance" discussion last year when they were worrying about laryngoscopes. Order #9. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to review the order and align it with guidelines promulgated by the CDC, WHO, Dr. Fauci, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to make clear face coverings are required in public settings only when physical distancing is not possible. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan The difficulty is that the phrase "required in public settings only when physical distancing is not possible" will be often be a matter of opinion, and I think we all know what the opinion of that unmasked person running or riding past you will likely be - regardless of race, age, or gender. - Robert Winters |
CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)
9:00am The City Council's Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 budget. (Sullivan Chamber, TV and web-only)
| Budget Overview Mayor’s Office Executive - Leadership Diversity DGVPI Equity and Inclusion Public Information Office Tourism |
City Council City Clerk Employee Benefits Finance Admin. Budget Personnel Purchasing Auditing |
Assessing Treasury/Revenue Information Technology Law Emergency Communications General Services Public Celebrations Reserve |
Animal Commission Electrical Fire Department Police Department Traffic, Parking & Transportation Inspectional Services License Commission Election Commission |
| Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. | |||
2:00pm Special City Council meeting on Covid-19 updates from the City Manager and his staff, including possible road closures. No Public Comment. (Sullivan Chamber, TV and web-only)
6:00pm School Committee Virtual Special Meeting (webcast from Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
Virtual Special Meeting of the School Committee with public comment at 6:00pm on Thurs, May 28 for the purposes of continuing the conversation about a COVID-19 recovery plan with a focus on special education supports and services. This meeting will be from 6 to 8pm.
Until further notice, the Cambridge School Committee will hold its meetings and hear public comment virtually. Meetings will be livestreamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 98/99, as usual.
Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments. The sign up window is Tues, May 26 at 9:00am through Thurs, May 28 at 12Noon (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
- To sign up to call-in by phone: contact Jennifer Dever Wood at 617-349-6620.
- To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device: visit www.cpsd.us/school_committee/virtual.
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber, likely web-only)
9:00am The City Council's Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 budget. (Sullivan Chamber, TV and web-only)
| Cambridge Health Alliance Public Works Water Community Development Historical Commission |
Peace Commission / PRAB Cable TV Debt Service Library Human Services |
Women’s Commission Human Rights Commission Veterans’ Services MWRA Cherry Sheet |
City Overview Section Financial Summaries Section Revenue Section Public Investment Section |
2:30-5:00pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Design Review Meeting (via Zoom)
6:00pm The City Council's Finance Committee will meet for continued public hearings on the FY21 School Department budget. (Sullivan Chamber, TV and web-only)
9:00am The City Council's Finance Committee will meet for a public hearing on the FY21 budget. (Sullivan Chamber, TV and web-only and only if necessary)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber, TV and web-only)
8:00-9:30am Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)
5:30pm City Council meeting - Budget Adoption vote expected (Sullivan Chamber, likely web-only)
5:30pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting (via Zoom)
6:00-7:30pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber, likely web-only)
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.)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber, likely web-only)
2:30-5:00pm Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Design Review Meeting (Police Station, First Floor Community Room, 125 Sixth St.)
5:30-7:30pm Transit Advisory Committee (Senior Center)
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.)
6:00-7:30pm Central Square Advisory Committee meeting (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)
6:00pm Pedestrian Committee Meeting (City Hall Annex, 4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)
5:30pm Special (Midsummer) City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber)
