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City Council - Regular Meeting

September 9, 2024 ·05:30 PM Final
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Agenda — 99 items

  1. 1 Requiring a 2/3rds vote for approving changes to be forwarded to the legislature and the voters on a future ballot. RECONSIDERATION FILED IN COUNCIL AUGUST 5, 2024 BY COUNCILLOR TONER TABLED IN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
  2. 1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR).
  3. 2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Irene Monroe to the Cambridge Library Board of Trustees.
  4. 3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Avanti Tilak to the Open Data Review Board for a term of two-years.
  5. 4 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,603.12 to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. Funds will be used for quality assurance (call review) for the emergency medical protocol used by staff to provide pre and post-dispatch instructions for medical emergencies.
  6. 5 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $300,027.61 received from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, State 911 Department, to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($195,084.41), the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,130) and the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Travel and Training account ($101,813.20). This formula-based reimbursement grant will support training of Emergency Communications Center personnel, classroom fees
  7. 6 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $574,531, received from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, State 911 Department, to the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Salary and Wages account ($481,080), and the Grant Fund Emergency Communications Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($93,451). This formula-based reimbursement grant will support the costs of Emergency Communications Center personnel salaries, overtime, and annual maintenance costs of dispatch-related software.
  8. 7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report detailing the Board of Zoning Appeal’s proposed modifications to the Zoning Ordinance, specifically concerning the implementation of dormer guidelines.
  9. 8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons to the Family Policy Council; Appointments: Interim Superintendent David Murphy. Reappointments: Tina Alu, Michael Johnston, Michelle Lower, Geeta Pradhan, Bridget Rodriguez, Elizabeth Stapleton (Formerly Elizabeth Hill), Tagesech Wabeto.
  10. 9 CMA 2024 #184 : AR Response GOld Star Pool
  11. 10 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $11,500.00 received through a donation from the T. Baker Fund, Inc. for the City of Cambridge STEAM Initiative, to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($11,500.00). These funds were donated by the T. Baker Fund, Inc. and will be used to support the Cambridge STEAM Initiative’s Makerspace efforts.
  12. 11 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $10,000 received from the Cambridge Community Foundation, for the College Success Initiative (CSI), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Department salaries and wages account. These funds will be used to support part of the salary costs associated with a college success coach who will provide individualized college coaching for students attending UMass Boston and for graduates of the Community Learning Center’s Bridge to College program who attend Bunker Hill Community College.
  13. 12 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $18,711.00 from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($18,711.00). These additional funds will be used for HEAP client benefits.
  14. 13 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $6,505.00, received from donations to The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs, to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account. Funds were generously donated in memory of Paul Ryder, who served as the City’s Director of Recreation from 1982-2016. The Cambridge Program will use the funds to purchase supplies and equipment to better support participant and program needs.
  15. 14 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointments of David Lyons and Elysse Magnotto-Cleary and the appointments of Khyati Saraf and Lorie Graham as Members of the Conservation Commission for a term of three-years. As well as the appointment of Jim Gerstle and Sean Bedingfield as Associate Members of the Conservation Commission for a term of one-year.
  16. 15 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,101.85, to the Grant Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance account. These funds will supplement the 2023 RDP grant award of $110,500 appropriated in March 2024.
  17. 16 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $416,991.00, received from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to the Grant Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to support the purchase of an all-electric rubbish packer.
  18. 17 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $200,000 from the General Fund Public Works Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Public Works Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and projected FY25 costs related to Public Works personnel injured in the course of their job.
  19. 18 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $276,800, received from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program to the Grant Fund Public Works Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account. This grant will focus on increasing urban trees, create a map of high and low tree mortality areas across the Mystic River Watershed, and establish a regional urban forests working group of municipal tree wardens to develop strategies to maximize the likelihood of urban tre
  20. 19 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-08, regarding recommendations for the refinement and improvement of the housing permitting process.
  21. 20 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $350,000, from the General Fund Employee Benefits Salaries and Wages Account to the General Fund Employee Benefits Travel and Training Account. Funds will be used to cover the costs of anticipated payments of workers compensation medical bills for personnel injured in the course of their job, through the end of FY25.
  22. 21 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-26, regarding clarification on the Wage Theft Ordinance.
  23. 22 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to extending the prior authorization for the City Manager or their designee to grant street obstruction approvals, along with any other necessary approvals for temporary obstructions until June 30, 2024.
  24. 1 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to prioritize the repair of the water bubbler at Anderson Tennis Courts on Pemberton Street.
  25. 2 That the City Council go on record acknowledging September as Suicide Prevention Month.
  26. 3 Declare September as National Recovery Month.
  27. 4 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to provide a comprehensive report outlining the City's knowledge of the garbage chute issues at 1 Leighton Street.
  28. 5 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to enact policy that will extend the priority period for Social Equity and Equity Empowerment cannabis business applicants for a period of six months to one year, or until guidance has been received from the Cannabis Control Commission.
  29. 6 That the City Manager direct the Community Development Department (CDD) and the Law Department to draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the Housing Committee to eliminate exclusionary zoning and allow up to six stories of multifamily housing in all residential districts. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TONER IN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
  30. 7 That the City Manager directs CDD to hold public meetings to inform the Cambridge community about the proposed changes before any public hearings of the Ordinance Committee and the Planning Board on this topic. CHARTER EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR AZEEM IN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
  31. 8 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide a status update on the implementation of the PACE program and provide resources and information for property owners; and provide any recommendations for expanding PACE adoption
  32. 9 That the City Manager is requested to provide an update on progress towards providing a recommendation for changes to the existing ordinance and a report on the impact of the Short-Term Rentals in Cambridge, including how enforcement happens and how many units are registered and available.
  33. 10 That the City Manager be hereby and is requested to work with relevant staff to provide an update on the status of the Vail Court property and associate litigation in Said S. Abuzahra, Trustee of Equity Realty Trust, et al. v. City of Cambridge, in Executive Session if necessary, at a future meeting.
  34. 11 That this City Council go on record calling for MIT’s dissociation from the fossil fuel industry in the Climate Project.
  35. 12 That the City Manager is requested to provide a status Update on Automated Parking Enforcement.
  36. 1 1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR). CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER IN COUNCIL AUGUST 5, 2024.
  37. 2 1. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of delaying the Mass Avenue reconstruction project to minimize its impact upon the busy season for restaurants and other affected businesses, and, should this not be found feasible, a method of providing financial assistance to the impacted businesses to cover the costs of removing their outdoor dining structures, designed to mitigate some of the financial impacts upon them, should be established. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY MAYOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JUNE 3, 2024 TABLED AS AMENDED IN COUNCIL JUNE 10, 2024
  38. 3 1. ORDD-2023-8B : Ordinance 2023 #8B Amend Chapter 14.04 – Fair Housing
  39. 1 An application was received from DND Homes LLC., requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 490 Putnam Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Approval response has been received from the neighborhood association.
  40. 2 An application was received from John Felix, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 316 Pearl Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Approval response has been received from the neighborhood association.
  41. 3 An application was received from FAST SIGNS OF WOBURN representing Bom Dough, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 1 Canal Park. approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and proof of abutters mailing has been provided.
  42. 4 An application was received from Pamela Jagiello representing STUDS, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 1 Brattle Square Unit 2C. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and proof pf abutters mailing has been provided
  43. 1 A communication was received from Alex Hines, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda).
  44. 2 A communication was received from Andrew King, regarding I oppose private development on public land (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda).
  45. 3 A communication was received from Annamay Bourdon, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (5).
  46. 4 A communication was received from Cathy Hoffman, regarding CDD RFI.
  47. 5 A communication was received from Chris Duncan, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (1).
  48. 6 A communication was received from Dan Phillips, regarding In support of two housing items.
  49. 7 A communication was received from Dan Totten, regarding RFI update.
  50. 8 A communication was received from Danielle, regarding In support of affordable housing at 84 and 96 Bishop Allen Drive (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda).
  51. 9 A communication was received from David Fichter, regarding and Debra Wise Future Development at Starlight Square must remain in public_city control_ not a private developer partnership.
  52. 10 A communication was received from Donna Palermino, regarding Opposing private redevelopment of the city lot that was formerly home to Starlight.
  53. 11 A communication was received from Ellen Mei, regarding I support public development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda).
  54. 12 A communication was received from Federico Muchnik, regarding Winn Development's memo dated August 3_ 2024.
  55. 13 A communication was received from Hatch, regarding Starlight redevelopment.
  56. 14 A communication was received from Helen Walker, regarding Please Support of POR #6 (2024 #101) and POR #7 (2024 #102).
  57. 15 A communication was received from Jacquelyn Smith, regarding Bishop Allen Drive Parcels 84 and 96.
  58. 16 A communication was received from Jana Odette, regarding Winn Development & Walden Square Road (10).
  59. 17 A communication was received from Janet Moses, regarding, Omo Moses and Maisha Moses Starlight Lot.
  60. 18 A communication was received from Jonathan Slate, regarding REQUEST FOR VOTE AGAINST PLANNED CURB CUT REQUEST ON WESTLEY AVENUE BY DEVELOPERS OF 55 HARVEY STREET
  61. 19 A communication was received from Julie Bernstein, regarding Testimony on CMA 2024 #149.
  62. 20 A communication was received from Kathy Watkins, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (9).
  63. 21 A communication was received from Leigh Manley, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (7).
  64. 22 A communication was received from Linda Moussouris, regarding Alerting the Committee on University Relations & Economic Devt_ to statewide PILOT efforts_ questions as to what Harvard & MIT might do about PILOT.
  65. 23 A communication was received from Manik Dhar, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (2).
  66. 24 A communication was received from Margery Davies, regarding PLEASE VOTE FOR Policy Orders 2024 #108 and 2024 #109.
  67. 25 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding CHARTER REVIEW- please support a strong manager and 2_3 vote.
  68. 26 A communication was received from Marilyn Frankenstein, regarding please get a better deal on Harvard's PILOT.
  69. 27 A communication was received from Maritza Soto, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (8).
  70. 28 A communication was received from Matthew Schreiner, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (6).
  71. 29 A communication was received from Max, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (3).
  72. 30 A communication was received from Nancy Pendergast, regarding Policy Orders.
  73. 31 A communication was received from Rika Welsh, regarding Email from 4 constituents who oppose private development on public land without allowing public input_ (CMA #27 on 8_5_24 agenda .
  74. 32 A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding PILOT from Harvard U.
  75. 33 A communication was received from Shelley Rieman, regarding Future of Starlight Square space.
  76. 34 A communication was received from Stephen Cellucci, regarding I oppose private development on public land_ (CMA #27 on 8_5 agenda) (4).
  77. 35 A communication was received from Steven Sands, regarding Winn Development & Walden Square Road.
  78. 36 A communication was received from Suzanne Bas, regarding Davis CMA #87 public land use.
  79. 37 A communication was received from Vickey Bestor, regarding Harvard PILOT contributions for Housing.
  80. 38 A communication was received from Mary Ellen Kent, regarding Petition #3.
  81. 39 A communication was received from Mr. Hasson J. Rashid, regarding Election Official Factsheet.
  82. 40 A communication was received from Nina Herrera, regarding Air pollution’s deadly toll in Massachusetts.
  83. 41 A communication was received from Helen Walker, regarding In memorium Joan Pickett.
  84. 1 Congratulations to Karen Roust on her retirement.
  85. 2 Condolences on the death of James M. "Jim" Albert.
  86. 3 Retirement of Dennis John Paul Kaveney from the First Church Shelter.
  87. 4 Condolences on the death of Thomas Murphy.
  88. 5 Condolences to the family of Valerie Corr Hanserd.
  89. 6 Condolences to the family of City Councillor Joan Pickett.
  90. 7 Congratulations to the Honorable Laurence Pierce on his retirement from the Court.
  91. 8 Condolences on the death of Frederick James "Freddie" Cabral.
  92. 9 Best wishes to Nathan Klima as he begins studies at MIT and thanks for his commitment and service to the residents of Cambridge.
  93. 10 Congratulations to Detective Brian O'Connor for being awarded the American Donald D. Drummond International Member of the Year Award.
  94. 11 Congratulations to Donald Copeland on his retirement.
  95. 12 Congratulations to the organizers of the 5th Annual Community Cookout.
  96. 1 A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
  97. 2 A communication was received from Brian Corr, Executive Director, Police Review & Advisory Board, transmitting Police Review and Advisory Board Quarterly Report for 2023 Q4.
  98. 3 A communication was received from Brian Corr, Executive Director, Police Review & Advisory Board, , transmitting Police Review and Advisory Board Quarterly Report for 2024 Q1.
  99. 1 Awaiting Report Status Update