1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Sustained Enforcement (STEP) grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division in the amount of $50,250 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account which will be used to supplement sustained, high visibility, year-round traffic enforcement.
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a transfer of $11,279.48 in the Smart Policing Initiative grant from the Grant Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1.20) and from the Grant Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account ($11,278.28) to the Travel and Training account which will fund trainings around techniques and methods to operationalize our focused deterrence program for recently released violent offenders.
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Shannon Grant for $20,500 received from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition's Community Safety Initiative through the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account ($16,500) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($4,000) and will be dedicated to hot spot patrols and Metro Gang Task Force participation.
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a Homeland Security Grant from the City of Boston for $4,869.85 to the Grant Fund Fire Salary and Wages account. The City has received this grant, as reimbursement, for trainings performed in conjunction with the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI).
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for $3,595 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($2,500) and the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,095) to provide funds for the Senior SAFE Program that educates seniors on the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety and Security for $11,123 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($8,823), to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($1,500) and to the Travel and Training account ($800) to provide funds to continue the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE) Program that educates students on the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment.
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the State Executive Office of Public Safety, Department of Fire Services for $187,500 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account to provide funds for new and replacement equipment for the Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Response Team.
8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $915,694 from bond proceeds/premiums to the Debt Service Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($207,371) and to the Debt Service Extraordinary Expenditures account ($708,323) to redeem the Series 2005 bonds that are due Apr 18, 2015.
9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a rescission of the remaining amount of the loan order ($1,600,000) authorized by the City Council on Feb 13, 2012 for the renovations to the original police station at Five Western Avenue.
Please find attached an order requesting the rescission of the remaining amount of the loan order authorized by the City Council on Feb 13, 2012 for the renovations to the original police station at Five Western Avenue.
Professional cost estimates were developed for the project. Fortunately, the City was the beneficiary of a very favorable bidding environment when it received actual construction bids, which translated into significant savings from the estimated costs.
It is considered to be a sound financial practice to rescind any balances on loan authorizations for projects that have been completed because these balances are included in certain debt ratio calculations that are used to determine the financial strength of the City. Bond related balances cannot be used for any purpose other than what was originally intended.
As a result, I am requesting that the authorized but unissued portion of such Feb 13, 2012 loan order, $1,600,000, be rescinded because there is no further need for these funds.
10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 15-11, regarding a report on installing composting facilities at City Hall and other key municipal buildings.
Composting collection containers presently exist at the Senior Center on Mass. Ave. and the Public Works Recycling Center on Hampshire Street, St. Peters Field on Sherman Street, Cambridge Community Center on Howard Street, Whole Foods on Prospect Street, as well as at ten of the public schools in the City.
In the immediate future, the Department of Public Works will place additional clasping compost bins at 344 Broadway, the Lombardi Building and a City Hall. These bins will be switched out as often as necessary and will be collected once per week.
11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-148, regarding a report on allowing a Veteran Owned Business classification similar to Women and Minority Owned Businesses.
13. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 14-72 and 15-23, regarding ride share regulations.
14. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to a request that the City Council authorize the Purchasing Agent to award a five year, two month contract to the successful bidder on the School Bus Transportation Bid as required by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30(b).
ORDERED: That the City Council authorizes the Purchasing Agent to award a five year, two month contract to the successful bidder on the School Bus Transportation Bid as required by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30(b).
15. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $60,000 from the Water Fund Salary and Wages account ($30,000) and the Water Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($30,000) to the Water Fund Travel and Training account (judgment and damages) to cover current and anticipated medical services/prescription costs for employees injured during the performance of their work duties.
16. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $28,157.09 from the General Fund Police Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund Police Travel and Training account to support various officer trainings related to tactical operations and law enforcement trends.
17. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appointment of members of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Committees for two year terms, effective Apr 1, 2015.
Ms. Jung is a fulltime parent of small children who walks as her primary mode of transportation. Her daily walks with her children have made her aware of the pedestrian issues and is eager to bring her perspective to the Committee.
Mr. Stern lives and works in Cambridge. He is interested in making walking an easier, more appealing choice for residents of and visitors to the City.
Mr. Cohen-Tanugi is interested in the design of roadway projects and policies related to traffic calming, traffic signals, and sidewalk design; and aspects of proposed development projects as they affect people on foot. She is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
Ms. Cohen lives in Cambridgeport and is a transportation planner. She brings a solid planning background and understanding of best practices to the Committee.
A Cambridge resident since 1993 and a Boston-area bicycle commuter since 1989, Mr. Bercu is a strong proponent of bicycling as an important element of the urban transportation mix and of active transportation more broadly. He is Harvard Law School graduate and has a practice in Cambridge.
This past summer, Ms. Cokeh completed a month and a half bike tour, biking over 1800 miles from Seattle, WA to Los Angeles, CA. Through a private partnership, she is currently interviewing kids and families in North Cambridge to better understand their biking desires and barriers.
Ms. Biernacki brings an awareness of issues that are key to individuals in the community less comfortable to cycling in dense urban areas and on city streets. After rediscovering biking, she has joined various social rides such as the Cambridge Bow Tie Ride, Friends of the Grand Junction ride, and Hub on Wheels.
Ms. Flax is a public school teacher, has lived in Cambridge 40 years (mid-Cambridge, Cambridgeport and now Cambridge Highlands). She is interested in working with the Committee to improve outreach and education around cycling.
Ms. Jaffe is a young professional living in the Inman Square area of Cambridge. She previously lived in the Netherlands for a year, researching bicycle commuting habits on a Fulbright fellowship. Ms. Jaffe is passionate about bicycling and brings fresh ideas and an international perspective to the committee.
Mr. McDonnell has lived in various areas of Cambridge since 1987, including North Cambridge, Riverside and West Cambridge and bikes to work in Boston daily. As the father of 3 children, he is interested in the safe use of bikes, particularly for children.
Mr. Poirer was born and raised in Cambridge and is a local cycling advocate around the issues of economic freedoms and health benefits associated with bicycling. He is a graduate of CRLS and Harvard University.
Mr. Raser is a lifelong cyclist and recent homeowner in Cambridge. He has a degree in sustainable development from the Earth Institute at Columbia University and currently works for Draper Laboratory in Kendall Square.
Ms. Rudel has lived in North Cambridge since 1996 and bikes to work in Newton. She has an interest in urban planning, and served on the Trolley Square Development committee years ago.
Mr. von Knobelsdorff holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge, UK, and has cycled in various parts of the world, including the US, Denmark, Belgium, France, Iran, giving him a practical understanding of how different infrastructures shape different behaviors.
Melissa Shakro is a planner in MIT's Office of Campus Planning. In this role, she spends a great deal of time on commuter and transportation projects.
18. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an update on the status of the Pearl Street reconstruction project.
This is an update to the status of the Pearl Street reconstruction project, with background information in the attached previous communication.
We propose to reconstruct Pearl Street without making changes to the parking regulation at this time. The underlying streetscape proposal remains unchanged, regardless of whether parking regulations on the street are changed.
The reconstruction of Pearl Street will commence in the summer/fall of 2015 and be complete by fall of 2016. A thorough evaluation of project outcomes, including pedestrian/bicycle use, vehicle speeds, yielding to pedestrians, parking patterns etc., will be conducted after the project has been completed. Auto ownership rates, pedestrian comfort, bicyclist safety, and transit vehicle mobility will also continue to be monitored.
We also propose continuing discussions with staff and the community about future trials or pilots, with the additional assessment information from the evaluation in hand. Changes to the street that involve pavement marking or signing can be made after the baseline construction is complete. The potential for any signing or marking related to bicycling will be considered as part of the complete project evaluation, and can be installed at that time.
19. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the recommendation from the Planning Board to approve 1) the disposition of the leasehold interest in the Foundry Building; and 2) a diminution of the disposition process as it relates to the provision of a traffic study and provision of real estate appraisals of the Foundry Building.
In accordance with Chapter 2.110.010 of the Municipal Ordinance, please find attached the recommendation from the Planning Board to approve 1) the disposition of the leasehold interest in the Foundry Building; and 2) a diminution of the disposition process as it relates to the provision of a traffic study and provision of real estate appraisals of the Foundry Building.
Based on the Disposition Report, which was submitted to the Council on Jan 26, 2015, and the recommendation of the Planning Board, I am recommending a disposition of the leasehold interest in the Foundry Building, and a diminution of the disposition process.
As required in Chapter 2.110.010 of the Municipal Ordinance, I am requesting that the City Council hold a public hearing within 6 weeks of receipt of these recommendations on the disposition of a leasehold interest in the Foundry Building to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority will work with the City of Cambridge in redeveloping the Foundry Building in a way that meets the vision and objectives expressed by the City Council and the community.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the Table of Use work.
Referred to Transportation & Public Utilities Committee as amended.
RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record opposing the option of removing parking along the length of Pearl Street to create a bike lane.
12. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an update on the Foundry Building process, including the City's plans to collaborate with the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority (the "CRA") to redevelop the Foundry building in a way that meets the vision and objectives expressed by the City Council and the community. City Manager Agenda Number Seventeen of Dec 15, 2014 Referred to Unfinished Business. City Manager Agenda Item Twenty-four of Jan 29, 2015 referred to Unfinished Business.
13. That any committee report that has not been signed by the Chair of the committee within seven days after submission of the committee report by the City Clerk be placed on the City Council Agenda unsigned. Order Number Eight of Mar 2, 2015 Referred to Unfinished Business.
14. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 3, 2015 to continue discussions on the zoning petition filed by Whitehead Institute to amend the Zoning Ordinance, Sections 14.32.1 and 14.32.2 to provide for an increment of 60,000 square feet of GFA to be allowed by special permit in a portion of the MXD District, in Section 14.70 by retitling "Special Provisions Applicable Within the Ames Street District: and by adding a new Section 14.72 "Special Provisions Applicable Outside the Ames Street District. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Mar 30, 2015. Planning Board Hearing held Dec 16, 2014. Petition expires Apr 8, 2015.
1. An application was received from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology-MIT Technology Review requesting permission for seventy-six temporary banners on electrical poles along Mass. Ave. from Memorial Drive to Sydney Street and Broadway and Main Streets to celebrate and publicize an upcoming event at MIT: Solve. The event will take place on the MIT campus Oct 5-8, 2015. The temporary banners will be hung the week of Sept 12th and taken down the week of Oct 11th. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department.
2. An application was received from Susan's requesting permission for a blade sign at the premises numbered 408 Cambridge Street. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development and abutters.
3. A zoning petition has been received from Chestnut Hill Realty, requesting the City Council to amend the Zoning Ordinance in the Basement Housing Overlay District Section 20.600.
4. An application was received from Tocco Classico requesting permission for a sandwich board sign and display of merchandise in front of the premises numbered 1638-1642 Mass. Ave.
5. A constable bond was received from Charles M. Durrah for approval of the surety.
1. A communication was received from Susan Ringler, 604 Green Street, regarding passing the strong version of the proposed ban on single-use plastic checkout bags to the full council.
2. A communication was received from Chris A. Lutes, Co-owner, Miracle of Science, Middlesex Lounge, Cambridge, 1. and Tory Row transmitting support for Mass + Main zoning proposal.
3. A communication was received from Liz Lyster, 62 Kinnaird Street, transmitting strong support for a ban on plastic bags.
4. A communication was received from Paul Steven Stone, 219 Harvard Street, regarding rejecting spot zoning for the Twining/Normandy.
5. A communication was received from Richard McKinnon, The McKinnon Company, on behalf of The Whitehead Institute, submitting the Letter of Agreement for the Whitehead Petition including the Design Narrative/Zoning Guidelines.
6. A communication was received from Phillip Sego, 221 Norfolk Street, urging the City Council to vote yes on the proposed "Bring Your Own Bag" Ordinance.
7. A communication was received from Patrick Barrett III, 234 Broadway, regarding Policy Orders #7 and #9.
8. A communication was received from Young Kim, 17 Norris Street, urging the City Council to vote yes on the proposed "Bring Your Own Bag" Ordinance.
9. A communication was received from Gary Mello, Franklin Street, regarding subsidies for electic cars, increased parking availability in the Green Steet garage, street cleaning, and liquor licenses in Central Square.
10. A communication was received from Hasson Rashid, regarding City Managers agenda item #19, Calendar Item #1, and Unfinished Business Item #11.
11. A communication was received from Ria Ora, supporting the proposed "Bring Your Own Bag" Ordinance.
12. Sundry communications were received, urging the City Council to support the "Bring Your Own Bag" ordinance.
1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, City Clerk's Office transmitting a report from Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen, Chair of the Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee for a public meeting held on Feb 19, 2015 to discuss emerging technologies for master planning and comprehensive zoning and local researchers will present their work on data science and neighborhood planning policy.
2. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Public Safety Committee, for a public hearing held on Dec 3, 2014 to discuss fire safety, including a review of Cambridge Fire Department operations, what happens to people after a fire, trends in fire safety and how possible fire safety hazards such as abandoned buildings are reviewed.
3. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Ordinance Committee, for a public hearing held on Mar 12, 2015 to discuss amendments and other related documents associated with the plastic bags ordinance.
ORDERED: That the City Council go on record commending Lesley University, its students, and staff for their leadership in the fossil fuel divestment movement.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works to install "No Trucks" signs at either end of these streets to alert truck drivers that they should not attempt to use them.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with a plan to make owning electric cars in Cambridge easier for residents.
RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward suitably engrossed copies of this resolution to the Cambridge Delegation to the State House and to Senator Karen Spilka, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Senator Vinny deMacedo, Senator Brian Dempsey, Senator Stephen Kulik, and Senator Todd Smola, the members of the Conference Committee, on behalf of the entire City Council.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the appropriate city departments as to the suitability of raising the liquor license cap in and around the Central Square area and other parts of the City.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the local business associations, neighborhood groups and city departments to conduct a series of cleanups of our neighborhoods and City Squares, primarily Kendall, Harvard, Central, Alewife, Inman, Huron Village and Porter or aid in the coordination of the efforts and publish the efforts on the City's website.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council with an update on the analysis that has been done to understand the finances of new development in Central Square, including the report by economic consultant Sarah Woodworth.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status and next steps for the Beekeeping ordinance.
RESOLVED: That the City Council welcomes a report back from the delegates upon their return.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is also requested to confer with the appropriate City personnel to determine, as part of the broader question above, the cost and feasibility of adding additional parking levels to the Green Street Garage, to determine how many additional feet the garage could be expanded to as of right and how many extra parking spaces that would yield, and what changes, if any, would be needed to existing zoning laws in order to build the garage to its maximum capacity, and to report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee held a public hearing on Feb 19, 2015 at 3:09pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss emerging technologies for master planning and comprehensive zoning and local researchers will present their work on data science and neighborhood planning policy.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Dennis J. Carlone; Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan; Councillor Leland Cheung; Stuart Dash, Director of Community Planning, Community Development Department (CDD); Daniel Schwartz; Mike Connolly; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.
Also present at the hearing Ryan Chin, Managing Director, City Science Initiative and Research Scientist, Changing Places Group at MIT Media Lab; Ira Winder, Research Scientist, Changing Places Group at MIT Media Lab; Ariel Noyman, SMArchs U + D Candidate, School of Architecture and Planning and Research Assistant, Changing Places Group at MIT Media Lab; Carey Anne Nadeau, Founder, Open Data Discourse; Kristopher Fosmoe, System Design and Management Fellow, MIT Engineering Systems Division; Paul Tammaro; Tom Stohlman; Christopher Fry; John Sanzone; Jan Devereux; Doug Brown; Mairi Staples; Heather Hoffman; Minpa Claggett Borne; Hasson Rashid; Nancy Ryan; David Himmel; Carolyn Shipley; Bob Flack; Peggy Barnes Lenart; Tamar Etingen; Laura Powell; Lee Farris; Leigh Hardy; Stephen Ronane; Gary Dmytryk; Susan Juvet; John Hawkinson; and Kenneth Taylor.
Ryan Chin stated that he and his colleagues will present research in the area of smart cities. He stated that he will give a brief overview of the research. He noted that the Media Lab is part of School of Architecture and Planning. He noted that the lab is a typical space that is highly collaborative. Mr. Chin summarized the kind of research that is taking place in the Media Lab. He noted that the research is sponsored in part 80 corporate sponsors. He gave some examples of the work that has been done by the Media Lab including work with robotics, mediated matter, 3D printing and thinking about the intersection of biology and architecture and design. He explained that his group focuses on cities. He stated that his group has been promoting the idea of a living laboratory and the idea that a city is a place to try new technology. They also take students to places throughout the world to look at new transportation networks in places such as Lisbon, Portugal and Austria. He noted that after the tsunami in Japan they brought groups of students to post-tsunami areas to think about how to build resilient cities. He noted that they have collaborated with schools in China and Finland. He stated that his group does a lot of urban protyping by using tangible tools for urban planning beyond the paper modeling of today. An example of this is a model of Kendall Square that was made out of Legos. This is a way to begin to think about physical and digital tools that can complement each other. Most recently they are taking students to Andorra which has the highest car ownership in the world. They want to re-think their transportation solutions. These are samples of the places they investigate. He noted that they are thinking about frameworks for developing new urban systems. He pointed out that most of the licensed patents in the world that are concentrated in the cities. There is a linkage between innovation and cities. Mr. Chin stated that the key element is social ties which is the linkages between people. When thinking about a city, there are three key elements: density, proximity and diversity. The core areas are in urban simulation.
Mr. Chin stated that in Dubai there is high density but low social diversity. He stated that Rio Favella in Brazil is also like this. In Kendall Square, there is high job density but low residential density. That is a challenge. The Hubway Bike stations are empty which is a good indicator. He stated that the question is how to create affordable housing for all classes of people. Another core area of work is how to develop innovative housing. The CityHOME project looks at how to develop micro units. One challenge is that they are small but they are good in some respects that they do not take up much space and one could afford to live there. This space could be transformed to shift space. They have developed prototypes that show how this can be achieved using simple technology. This technology allows the creation of what is essentially robotic furniture. This has been coupled with gesture recognition which thinks about a way to personalize the space. For young people who want to live in the city, they can have a modular and transformative kind of space. He said that they are also researching the idea of mobility. He spoke about the CityCar project which is a foldable electric vehicle and takes up little space. It is similar to bike sharing but with an electric vehicle. They build a full-scale prototype that shows full capability. The Persuasive Electric Vehicle is designed for bike lanes and has a removable canopy for protection in the rain. He noted that if you can solve the last mile and first mile, there is essentially no reason to own a car. As it relates to the mobility issue, he noted that question is what happens when you put in an autonomous driver. If a car is shared, in the past you would park the vehicle. As more people utilize the vehicle, the number of vehicles that are needed is very minimal. Mr. Chin stated that in Singapore, there are 800,000 privately owned cars but only 12% of the population use those cars. He explained that another area of research is the CityFARM project. He said that there are not many food secure companies. When we experience a drought or tsunami, the import and export of food is strained. Because of this, his group has been looking at NASA's MIR Space Station. He noted that aeroponics is a derivative of hydroponics. He stated that the reality is that most food is wasted in the transit to the table. He stated that they built a mini prototype that was able to grow food for the entire Media Lab in three weeks. He stated that they grew enough food for 300 people to have salad in one day. He stated that they are developing a new food growth chamber with no genetic modification to the seeds. He advised that the key is that if food can be grown in the city the result will be a higher nutrient content and lower transportation cost. Mr. Chin stated that the next step is to deploy the CityFARM program in a network. Once there is an open network, you can share goods with someone else. He stated that if this is done, we can begin to make changes.
Ira Winder stated that he is a research scientist. He gave a brief overview of his presentation. (ATTACHMENT C). He stated that CityScope is a project where the fundamental question is how to bring the public into the process. They started conducting workshops so that multiple people from multiple backgrounds could better communicate in a shared problem. He stated that the participants were placed into four groups. He stated that they designed a square kilometer of an ideal city in China with Legos. The groups had the same design goal and all had the same kit to work with. These groups came up with four unique concepts. These groups included economists, environmentalists, and people from diverse backgrounds. In the first prototype they built Kendall Square. They looked at subject areas such as advanced technology, solar power, wind flow and venture capital. He stated that they are looking at ways to make the model interactive more than they are looking at data. Another factor to the models is that they are not trapped to the room in which they were built. They are fabricated and put into mobility. They abstract the work into a game environment where you can take cells of the city and propose buildings and it would show on the grid.
Carey Nadeau stated that her company works with cities to prioritize civic open data. She stated that the City of Cambridge provides data for numerous topics such as crime, accidents, public art, real estate, etc. She stated that her company works with the city to prioritize research questions. She noted that 89% of governments are committed to making data open. She said that there are still questions to answer that open data can resolve. Ms. Nadeau noted that the City of Cambridge is taking open data to the next step and Open Data Discourse could serve as a host to internal training to start thinking of questions to ask. She stated that they could represent the city at civic challenges that invite residents to add to the quantitative data set to inform policy makers. She noted that Open Data Discourse conducted a Street Safety Challenge with the City of Cambridge. This dataset related to traffic accidents. She stated that the city put the information on a map and they were able to identify priority research questions such as what intersections in the city are unsafe. She stated that in over one month they increased web traffic by 18 times. Workshops were held to bring together policy makers and residents and over fifty people attended.
Kristofer Fosmoe stated that the work he concentrated on was around bike safety. He stated that they were able to find that a lot of the planned bike routes are in places where accidents are high. He stated that the Department of Public Works plans for redesigning of streets around sewers. He stated that the metric that they identified was accidents per kilometer. He stated that the city is doing a fine job but there may be other ways to incorporate experiments into city planning. There is a lot of rich literature in statistical design of experiments.
Councillor Cheung asked Mr. Fosmoe if LED lighting would aid in the reduction of crime in the city. Mr. Fosmoe responded that he can find all the information but not the date that it was input. He noted that he cannot tell when bike lanes were built - so it is difficult to tell whether and when LED lights impact traffic incidents. Ms. Nadeau stated that there is a lot of potential data sitting latent in the City of Cambridge.
Vice Mayor Benzan questioned if the City of Cambridge should think about the expansion of sidewalks or the investment into more bike lanes and cycle tracks. Kristofer Fosmoe responded that pedestrian accidents and bike accidents do not happen in the same locations.
Councillor Mazen stated that one reason to have the meeting is the volume and research that is happening around us and the shared character of high octane academic research and volunteer research. He noted that in all cases, what became clear is the drive and depth. He stated that as we learn from our peers and community members, it is important to realize that this is the tip of the iceberg, in terms of what is possible for our collaborations or in terms of innovative urban planning research in the City of Cambridge.
Ariel Noyman stated that the challenge for the project was how to communicate regulations in a coherent way. (ATTACHMENT D). He stated that zoning is hard to understand and comprehend if you are not an expert. He stated that the question they asked is how urban data can become accessible and unambiguous. He stated that Kendall Square was used as a case study. He stated that the Zoning Code can be decoded and it was converted to an algorithm. This was the allowable envelope for an area in Kendall Square to be built. He noted that they also designed a user interface and set up a website for people from the MIT community to join in a community meeting. He stated that the system reacts when a law is broken. He noted an increased degree of engagement when people were interacting with the model and concrete inputs.
Ryan Chin stated that this technology is being applied to bus rapid transit. He stated that this country does not have true bus rapid transit. This is low cost per mile as a substitute to subways. He stated that the idea is to develop potential corridors of bus rapid transit and develop a scale model to be able to understand the relationship between streets as it relates to bus rapid transit.
Councillor Cheung stated that he is not sure of how to define the scope of "casually engaged groups." He stated that he would like to include number of organizations who are doing hands-on community work. He noted that he does not believe there is a consistent, deliberate effort to engage the city in some of this work. As it relates to the Kendall Square project, Councillor Cheung asked how far back the research went. He questioned what factors might be left out such as the fact that there were a few stakeholders at the table who made decisions. He asked about the correlation between that and public engagement.
Councillor Mazen stated that engaging the groups can answer some of Councillor Cheung's questions. He stated that now is the time to engage with all of the resources in the community that can do work for the city and without great cost.
Stuart Dash stated that CDD has worked on a number of projects with research groups over many years and look forward to other ideas. Councillor Mazen asked Mr. Dash if there is a standard practice for reviewing and reengaging academic and research practices. Mr. Dash responded that typically CDD is approached by either the City Council or interested people directly. Councillor Mazen stated that he would like to see more community engagement.
Councillor Carlone stated that it was a fascinating presentation. The analysis, testing and evaluation seem superb. He noted that the art of city buildings is not included. He asked if MIT Real Estate Investment Management has worked with the presenters. Mr. Chin stated that there is not a mechanism for doing that right now. It is very transparent. Councillor Carlone stated that the City has very dramatic upcoming issues relating to Alewife and that Central Square is going to be more of a focus in the near future. He noted that a priority area in the Master Plan is Alewife. He stated that there may be cooperative efforts that may interest the presenters. He stated that in Kendall Square, more streets are needed. Mr. Chin stated that doing things locally is a huge benefit in terms of time as well as working with the city that is home to MIT. He stated that would like greater engagement.
VMB thanked the presenters. He stated that there is a wealth of information at the city's disposal. He stated that the major challenge that he sees is that technology is moving incredibly fast. He stated that we must figure out way to keep up with changes in technology. He stated that he would like the city to inform the CC on how best to develop partnerships with the universities. This should be the policy in place. He stated to ask CM on how best to develop relationships.
Councillor Mazen noted the importance of engaging groups in a more deliberate way.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to inventory a small set of innovative urban planning research at local universities, engaging these groups, and reporting back with a plan to bring these resources into Cambridge's planning discussions.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on how best to develop partnerships with local universities developing software and other resources related to city planning.
Councillor Mazen then invited public comment.
Lee Hardy asked how the homeless street population factors into the conversation. She noted that there have been discussions regarding the removal of benches in Central Square which does not help this population. Mr. Chin stated that the MIT Center for Civic Media does a lot of that work. He stated that this goes back to the point of creating a network of all groups that would overlap in the space. He commented that this problem could be taken on as a project.
Peggy Lenart stated that the presentation was inspiring when thinking about how people can come together. Responding to a question regarding open space in the Kendall Square area, Mr. Chin stated that as additional expertise and layers are added to the model at some point the model could be a real-time, dynamic thing. He stated that they are adding technology and noted that the playground is the initial level.
Doug Brown thanked Councillor Mazen for hosting this meeting. He stated that the Media Lab work is commendable. He stated that it is regrettable that the Media Lab has more going on with Boston than Cambridge. The problems in Cambridge are real. He stated that often we end up in a position where we are reactive as opposed to proactive. He stated that more of the data is online. Mr. Brown noted that there are vast holes in the Assessor's database. He suggested taking a page from the Safety Study Challenge and run a citizens' challenge for planning and development. He stated that he would like to see what the people come up with as it relates to the city. He stated that if that approach was taken and had crowd sourced the nexus study, the result would have been cheaper, faster and more creative in its solutions.
Ken Taylor stated that he is interested in asking the city and the Media Lab about the other major players in the city such as MIT Real Estate, Harvard Planning, etc. He commented that they are major players in the city and they should be involved in the process up front. Ira Winder stated that it is a tenuous issue the way the development takes place in Cambridge. He stated that MITIMCo has a certain book of assets that they are developing with the approval of the city. He stated that there is probably a lot of room for more input from the ground up. The goal of the prototypes is that when communities engage, they want to have a tangible vision as a result of their work. Ariel Noyman stated that in order to have bottom up, they need someone to invite them to create the playground. Mr. Chin stated that there is not a formal collaboration with MIT Real Estate.
Councillor Mazen stated that his perspective is that motions would meet what the speaker is talking about as it relates to creating working opportunities.
The hearing adjourned at 5:12pm on the motion of Vice Mayor Benzan.
The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Dec 3, 2014 at 3:02pm in the basement conference room at 831 Mass. Ave.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss fire safety, including a review of Cambridge Fire Department operations, what happens to people after a fire, trends in fire safety and how possible fire safety hazards such as abandoned buildings are reviewed.
Present at the hearing were Councillor Craig Kelley, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Dennis J. Carlone; Councillor E. Denise Simmons; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Gerry Reardon, Fire Chief; Jack Albert, Deputy Superintendent of Police; and Joe Wilson, Deputy Superintendent of Police; Peter Donovan, Deputy Fire Chief; Michael Nicoloro, Deputy Inspectional Services Commissioner; Luis Matnog, Disaster Program Manager, Red Cross; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street; and Kim Courtney.
Councillor Kelley convened the hearing and explained the purpose. This meeting came about because of a fatal fire on Prospect Street. He stated that there was a 2 alarm fire yesterday and that, in general, fires are not as uncommon as people might think it would be useful to have an overview of how Cambridge addresses fire safety issues.
Councillor Kelley opened the meeting to public comment at 3:08 PM. No one appeared and public comment was closed.
Councillor Kelley asked Luis Matnog about services provided by the Red Cross. Mr. Matnog stated that the Red Cross provides services to anyone in the state in a disaster and to families in need. The Red Cross provides comfort kits and lodging in area hotels for people in need. There are restrictions on lodging for 2 -3 days during the week or 3-4 days over weekends. There are interagency services that are provided after the Red Cross services. The Red Cross case workers give information on the interagency services, such as the YMCA, etc. for long term services. The Red Cross provides services as along as the services are needed by the families. The Red Cross psychologist provides direct services. The Red Cross does not provide insurance assistance.
Councillor Toomey asked how the Red Cross is notified. Mr. Matnog responded that the Red Cross is notified by the fire department; it is as the need arises.
Councillor Carlone asked if the Red Cross is nonprofit. Mr. Matnog responded in the affirmative. The Red Cross is made up of 90% volunteers. He stated that the Red Cross has comfort kits in their response vehicles. The Red Cross has 84 emergency vehicles, with 5 in Cambridge. Their headquarters is also in Cambridge. Deputy Superintendent Wilson stated that the police and fire will notify the MBTA who will send a bus and the fire victims are kept warm until the Red Cross can transition, though sometimes they gather in neighbors' homes instead. A bus is provided by the MBTA as an emergency vehicle. Mr. Nicoloro stated that some towns use a school bus for an emergency vehicle. Mr. Matnog stated that there are 84 emergency vehicles state-wide; 5 Red Cross vehicles are in Cambridge.
Mr. Matnog stated that the clients are screened then case work managers are called to provide services to families. A credit card type of card is used for the families. $60-80 per person is put on the card that can be spent subject to some restrictions per national standards. Food, clothing and lodging are provided. Councillor Carlone asked if there is one thing missing. Mr. Matnog explained that the Red Cross concentrates on food, clothing and shelter. He added that the Red Cross is not a reporting agency to INS but people without proper documents tend to fade away from an event. There are four hotels used by Red Cross for lodging in Cambridge and more in the region as far away as Medford where people will go depending on availability of space. The case workers call the clients daily and the Red Cross calls the different agencies if more services are required. There is an agreement with the Medical Reserve Corps. Councillor Carlone asked about medical services provided. Mr. Matnog stated that services are provided on a case-by-case basis. Councillor Kelley asked if phones are given. Mr. Matnog responded in the negative. Deputy Superintendent Wilson stated that the police would provide transportation to the clients to temporary housing, if needed. Deputy Superintendent Albert asked if the Red Cross has cab vouchers. Mr. Matnog responded in the negative. Councillor Kelley asked what happens to the lodging issue after 2-3 days. Mr. Matnog stated that it is taken care of with their insurance company. He spoke about $750 reimbursement that is paid to renters by the landlord if the landlord has insurance. He stated there is also a Renters Insurance and the Red Cross encourages renters to get it. Mr. Nicoloro added that Renters Insurance is inexpensive. The tenants in the Allston Street fire were encouraged to purchase Renters Insurance, but had not purchased it.
Councillor Kelley asked for an overview from Inspectional Services. Mr. Nicoloro explained that Inspectional Services is called by the Fire Department during the fire. He, or someone from his department, is on call 24/7. Councillor Kelley asked if there is job in Inspectional Services that is responsible for shutting of electricity, plumbing and gas. Mr. Nicoloro stated that during the Allston Street fire he shut down the whole block, though it's actually the utility company that shuts things off. He directs the electric (NSTAR) company. He stated that 911 (the Emergency Communications Center) notifies NSTAR. The Fire Department notifies the gas company and shuts off the gas. Gas can be shut off either at the street or at the house. The meters are outside for safety of shutting off for new construction but sometimes utilities need to be shut off inside a building. Shunt trip is what Harvard and MIT and other bigger buildings have to shut off the power and CFD has a key to all those boxes to allow quick shutoff.
Councillor Kelley asked about responding to abandoned buildings. Mr. Nicoloro stated that Inspectional Services will inspect property for, at the Inspector's judgment, fire hazards. If found, Inspectional Services writes a citation and gives someone 30 days to clean up and if they do not they go to court. A garage on Rindge Avenue was notified to take down a blue tarp and if not removed in 30 days a court order will be sought. If the property owner does not address the violations, the City, through contractors, can solve the problem but must get a court order before doing anything on the property. Mr. Nicoloro stated that the Fire Department has a list of abandoned buildings. He provided a list (ATTACHMENT A). He explained that an X on a building means that the building is unsafe and not fit for human habitation. He stated that Vail Court will be checked out because it is not fit for human habitation. The owner of the property owner needs to secure the property; it is their responsibility. Councillor Toomey inquired TT when the building would be ordered to be torn down. Mr. Nicoloro stated that the City Council needs to notify Inspectional Services to go to court to have a building torn down. This is done through court order. He further stated that if a building is abandoned Inspectional Services will not enter unless there is permission from the family or owner. He will go onto the property to take pictures. The property would be cleaned out and a lien placed on the property. Three vendors are called to clean out a property. He further stated that the Highland Street property is also in poor condition.
Councillor Kelley asked if there is a difference between an abandoned building and an empty house. Mr. Nicoloro stated that Inspectional Services tries to go through the property owner first; then seek a court order. He explained that the Pearl Street building is empty and all utilities are shut off. This building is in good shape. If it contained combustible material it would require a court order. If a house is empty, but well maintained Inspectional Services has no problem with the property. Inspectional Services can also act if the grass is too high and is providing harborage for rodents. The City's Board of Survey consists of the Building Commissioner, the Fire Chief and the City Engineer and the Board will go look at a building to see if it's salvageable. Councillor Toomey commented that there are fewer fires today since the end of rent control. Mr. Nicoloro stated that the former City Manager put the on-call personnel in the Inspectional Services Department. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that nationwide fires have declined. There are statistics in the Fire Department broken down in different classifications. He also stated that sprinkler and fire alarm regulations have changed.
Councillor Kelley asked for an overview of the Fire Department. Deputy Chief Donovan stated the fire department is an ISO class 1 department. There are 2 divisions, 8 engine companies and 4 ladder trucks along with rescue, paramedics, hazmat, 2 boats and a platoon boat. A 29 foot fire boat that can pump 1500 gallons/min is located at the Sonesta Hotel. The other boats are on trailers at different Fire Houses. Councillor Toomey stated that Cambridge is above the norm for equipment and personnel.
Councillor Kelley inquired about the cause of the Prospect Street fire. Deputy Chief Donovan responded that it had something to do with smoking and medical oxygen, which can accelerate a fire. Councillor Toomey expressed his concern with barbecues being located on the second floors. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that barbecues are not allowed on second or third floors. They must be 10 feet away from a combustible surface per state law. Chimineas are not allowed in Cambridge for fires alone. It can be used to cook food, but still must be 10 feet away. It could be deemed a hazard even 10 feet away. If the Fire Department is called because a barbecue is used in an unlawful manner; the Fire Department would state that it is a violation or a potential fire hazard. BBQs can stay hazardous for hours after their use. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that the issue is the open flame. Councillor Kelley asked what happens from an insurance stand point. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that he could not answer this. Councillor Carlone commented it could negate your insurance. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that he has seen fires caused from cooking.
Councillor Toomey spoke about the fire details when public property is used or propane is used for something such as a Rib Fest or Formaggios. A fire detail is needed for fires on public property and over 40 pounds of propane in any number of tanks, such as the Rib Fest, requires a permit. Deputy Superintendent Albert stated that oil dripped onto the sidewalk and the fire detail was watchful of the situation. The River Festival needs a plumbing inspector and fire detail. The plumbing inspector inspects all tanks and hookups. They need to be stable, have quick disconnects and cannot be changed during the event. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that propane's danger is its fuel, which expands 260 times; it is dangerous and a tank acts like shrapnel should it blow up. Propane tanks cannot be stored inside. Propane heat is avoided on property in Cambridge. A temporary fuel permit is required for propane heaters on a construction site and a safety plan is required. If there is any threat of a fire hazard propane will not be allowed.
Councillor Carlone asked about skyscrapers if there have been problems. One Broadway had a problem; the building is required to have a sprinklers system and, as with other high buildings, a standpipe connection on the roof and elsewhere. A high rise hose is used for a high rise fire and firefighters would carry or event take the elevator up to within two floors of a fire. Councillor Carlone inquired about non-vented gas fire places. Mr. Nicoloro stated that this falls under the plumbing code. Interior gas fireplaces are UL listed and there must be a CO detector if not vented. Councillor Carlone asked if from a fire standpoint putting utilities below grade is a no. Mr. Nicoloro stated that the grid would have to be redesigned and eliminate the overhead and that it is not relevant from a fire safety standpoint. Jello is used for an insulator because it does not burn. Councillor Carlone asked about coordination issue between cities. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that it is done by line boxes and they are assigned to both cities, with the Incident Commander being the first on the scene and deciding who to keep. Councillor Carlone commented that the fire headquarters are undersized.
Councillor Kelley asked about trains such as a possible ethanol train. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that Engine 3 has a stored foam capacity. Engine 6 has is a dedicated foam engine with special training and is the dedicated response for that sort of response, though every pump truck has some foam for car accidents. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that when water does not extinguish fire then foam is used.
Councillor Kelley asked about the coordination between the Police and Fire Departments. Deputy Superintendent Albert stated that personnel will be dispatched to site. The Fire Department controls the scene. The Police assist with traffic control. The Police do not have fire training other than training on fire extinguishers. The Police and Fire Departments work together. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that there are fires in sprinkler buildings. Business sprinkler systems are designed to extinguish a fire. Residential sprinklers are not designed to extinguish fires; they are made to help people get safely out of a building. Deputy Superintendent Albert stated that the police cars are equipped with fire extinguishers and they have been used by the police. The Police are not trained to go into a fire. Police need to use their best judgment until the Fire Department comes. The big thing is for the police not to park in front of the fire scene to make sure fire vehicles have appropriate access. Police secure the scene and direct traffic. The Police gather information on the number of people and other fire issues and give the information to the Fire Department. The Police assist people to get out of the fire.
Inspectional Services assesses gas stations and so forth.
Councillor Kelley asked if fire stations have a specific area that they are responsible for. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that there is a district map. There is a response and inspection districts. He would provide the maps. There are First Alarm districts, Second Alarm districts, Response districts and Inspection districts.
Deputy Chief Donovan noted that the Fire Department inspects all new sales of homes for fire alarm and carbon monoxide; this is state law compliance as a 26F form is needed to close. Single and two family homes can use battery powered fire alarms. Three and four family homes need to be hard wired. When houses are sold or transfer the fire dept inspects the alarms; it is done twice a week. There are 20-30 houses inspected weekly. A single family home takes about 15 minutes. When an inspection is done, the whole response crew shows up since they move around as teams. The fees range $50-$300. Deputy Chief Donovan stated that there is a lot of information on the fire department website.
The hearing adjourned at 4:52pm.
The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Mar 12, 2015 beginning at 5:47pm in the Sullivan Chamber.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss amendments and other related documents associated with the plastic bags ordinance.
Present at the hearing were Vice Mayor Dennis A. Benzan, Councillor Dennis J. Carlone, Co-Chairs of the Committee; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Craig Kelley; Mayor David P. Maher; Councillor Marc C. McGovern; Councillor Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.; Arthur Goldberg, Deputy City Solicitor; Owen O'Riordan, Commissioner of Public Works; Andrea Spears Jackson, License Commissioner; Sam Lipson, Director of Environmental Health, Cambridge Health Department; and City Clerk Donna P. Lopez.
Also present were Judith Nathans, 511 Putnam Avenue; Clint Richmond, Sierra Club; Phil Sego, 221 Norfolk Street; Noel LaPierre, Surfrider; John Hawkinson, 2 Clinton Street; Mike Connolly; Paul Tammaro, Marion Street; Bob Rosa, 44 Sacramento Street; Rob Palange, 1400 Mass. Ave.; Laura Donohue, Bob Slate Stationer, 30 Brattle Street; Keren Schlomy, 175 Richdale Avenue; Carrissa Blackburn, 99 Bishop Allen Drive; Adam Hirsch, l JFK Street; Mekenna Kobed, 7-11, 750 Mass. Ave.; Mary Bane Campbell, 36 Linnaean Street; Alison Leary, 192 Chapel Street; Elena Saporta, 102 Ellery Street; Jan Devereux; Rachel Wyon; Shelley Rieman, 201 Franklin Street; and Minka vanBeuzekom.
Councillor Carlone convened the hearing and explained the purpose. The hearing was recorded with private audio devices. He stated that the format of the meeting would be to hear from the petitioners, that being the City of Cambridge and City Staff, comments from the City Council and then the meeting would be opened to public comment.
Councillor Carlone requested Deputy City Solicitor Arthur Goldberg and Public Works Commissioner Owen O'Riordan to come forward. Commissioner O'Riordan explained that there are two sets of documents on the matter. One document dated Jan 26, 2015 and transmitted to the City Council on Feb 20, 2015 (ATTACHMENT A-1) which contained the original plastic bag ordinance, a redlined version of the ordinance with amendments, a list of thirteen amendments, proposed regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of Public Works if various amendments were approved and the standard specifications ASTMD6400 for plastic products that can be composted in response to Policy Order # 11 of Dec 15, 2014 (ATTACHMENT A-2). The second document was dated Mar 9, 2015 (ATTACHMENT B). He outlined that the second document contained information that a communication was received from a plastic bag industry group, the Progressive Plastic Bag Alliance, that there may be an issue mandating a charge for compostable or paper bags as it would violate the Massachusetts Constitution. In light of this the City Solicitor has prepared two amendments and a revised set of documents which reflects two options relating to this issue. The first option provides for the mandated charge as originally proposed and the second option would permit, but not require retail establishments to institute a charge for checkout bags.
Councillor Carlone asked the commit how they wish to proceed. As a result Commissioner O'Riordan gave an overview of each amendment.
# 1 changed the name of the ordinance.
# 2 deleted 8.67.020 in its entirety and replaced the language.
#3 described the use of plastic bags for wrapping fish.
#4 take out bags would be allowed for restaurant take out.
#5 pertains to the thickness of plastic bags.
#6 defines compostable plastic bags.
#7 defines retail establishments and exempted bazaars operated by nonprofit organizations or religious institutions and farmers markets.
#8A provided authority to the Public Works Commissioner to charge for compostable or plastic bags and charge placed on retail receipt and retained by retail establishment.
#8B retail establishment could charge for a checkout bag and charge placed on retail receipt.
#9 renumbers items in 8.67.040.
#10 deals with the effective date.
#11 addresses exemptions associated with hardship. An exemption is allowed for up to 2 years. An exemption would be allowed for a stock pile of plastic bags to draw down the inventory.
#12 and #13 deals with exemptions and renaming items in 8.67.060.
Mr. Goldberg noted that in section 8.67.040 (A) in the redline version strike out the word "either" after the word If.
Councillor McGovern asked Councillor Carlone to move to public comment before the City Council made comments.
Councillor Cheung asked about ASTM standards. Commissioner O'Riordan explained what is being proposed in ordinance for compostable bags is D6400. He stated that no biodegradable bags complies with the two standards. It is proposed that the ASTM D6400 for compostable be used. The D7001 is specific to marine environment. Councillor Cheung questioned whether there are any marine biodegradable bags used for compostable bags. Commissioner O'Riordan responded in the negative.
At this time Councillor Carlone opened the meeting to public comment.
Judith Nathans, 511 Putnam Avenue, noted that the successful bans were places that did impose a fee. She was encouraged with the January proposal to charge a fee. She is disappointed that the Massachusetts Constitution does not support charging a fee. Ireland and California did not have a problem charging a fee and the economic consequence is needed. She stated that you can recycle plastic bags in Cambridge.
Phil Sego, 221 Norfolk Street, stated that he was a retired member of the Sierra Club. He stated that plastic bags are great for retailers but now the problems are being learned. Plastic bags blow into lakes and streams and have a lifelong life cycle. They strangle birds, fish and other animals and break down and outnumber plantain. The Los Angeles storm drains contain 25% plastic bags. He stated that biodegradable bags and paper bags are better. Better still is no bags. There was a voluntary agreement with the state that retailers would reduce plastic bags by 33% which has not happened. There are 35 million bags that have been used since the voluntary ban.
Clint Richmond, Sierra Club, Brooklyn by-law composer, commented on the proposed amendments. He stated that the 2.25 mils bags have a charge. He would be fine with a 3.0 mils. He stated that regarding the takeout food today most restaurants use paper. It is important that fast food be not eliminated from ban because some restaurants are still using plastic. He stated that amendments 10-13 deal with implementation. He discouraged delay in implementation. He was opposed to waivers and exemptions. He encouraged a shorter time table for the implementation. He stated that the Star shopping bag is not recyclable. Paper is fine.
Noel LaPierre, Chair, Surfrider Foundation Massachusetts Chapter, stated that his foundation protects the waterways. He spoke about the devastation to the marine ecosystem by plastic bags. He supported a plastic bag ban. He opposed takeout food, 2.25 mils and the exemption from 6 most to 2 years. He supported the charge.
Laura Donohue, Bob Slate Stationer, spoke as an owner of retail store. She focused her remarks on three proposed amendments. She supported 2.25 mils. She stated there are low and high density bags. She stated that a low density bag is more elastic and is reusable. She requested leaving the thickness at 2.25 mils. She suggested added poly non-woven bag at $1.25 which can be sold by retailers. Compostable bags need to be stored in an area where they need special care. She spoke about the need for a product that can carry something that stays dry and can hold a heavy amount. She wanted an exemption for a longer period for products such as these. Smaller retailers are being given a longer period of time and all retailers should be given the same amount of time. She supports the transition time of one year. She stated that she is a destination retailer and wants to remain so.
Carrissa Blackburn, Local First, had a list of questions and wanted them to be put into the educational information. The questions centered on penalties, mandatory minimum charge subject to state sales tax, double bagging could retailer decline, exemption from inclement weather where product would be damaged, return merchandise where there was a charge for bag provided for fish could other product be included.
Adam Hirsh supported a broader ban. He suggested using Boston's ban. What has been the economic impact of the San Francisco ordinance for small retailer been? What is the 80/20 success rate?
Mary Bane Campbell, 36 Linnaean Street, stated that she has lived in cities that have bans that have the same problem as Cambridge with the traffic and businesses and no one uses plastic bags and they were not popular when offered for use. She suggested discussion with other communities who have bans.
Allison Leary, Newton Board of Alderman, stated that Newton has passed a plastic ban. She is a member of Sierra Club. Newton has an exemption for smaller retailers. She supported the 3 mils. She stated 3 million bags will be eliminated from the waste. No fee is charged in Newton. We need to eliminate plastic now. She stated that a state ban will help to ban communities together. She wanted a state-wide ban to be as strong as local bans.
Elaine Saporta, 102 Ellery Street, stated that waste goes to the Saugus incinerator. This is highly toxic material that goes into the air and water.
Jan Devereux, 251 Lakeview Avenue, supported banning plastic bags. She stated that she does not like the amendments because they water down the ordinance. She stated that fear is overblown. She urged the City Council to show leadership and ban plastic bags.
Councillor McGovern stated that Cambridge was one of the first communities to discuss this and other communities have taken action. It is time for Cambridge to take action on this. He stated that change is difficult, but we will not remember when we had plastic bags. People and business will get used to this and move forward. We need to do this now. He spoke about plastic bags being one time use. Takeout plastic bags are the ultimate one time use. He was opposed to the elimination of takeout bags from the ordinance. He stated that he could support the one year effective date, but could not support this if Amendments Eleven and Twelve are approved. Extensions are not needed. He had concerns about the amendment on the plastic bag inventory. He wanted the inventory managed.
Councillor Cheung asked why there is an exemption for mils; what is the most mils allowed. He stated that 4 mils was stated. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that a certain mils would make the bags more likely to be reused. Councillor Cheung stated the response about charging a fee is valid and that the City is not eliminated to charge. Allegation from Plastic Bag Association is untrue. He wanted plastic bags that are marine biodegradable and compostable as well; where can someone get these. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that the City is providing compostable bags to residents in pilot program. He stated that Trader Joes and Whole Foods sell the bags. Councillor Cheung noted that the City provides free salt but residents still buy salt from stores and this may be the same for compostable bags. Councillor Cheung stated that Washington, DC charges for bags and consumers do not notice the charge and he wanted the fee to be given to clean up waterways.
Councillor Kelley stated that Cambridge does not have a square foot exemption such as 3500 square feet. He stated that charging for the bags is the only way to make this work. He stated his support for either a 2.25 or 3 mils. He had confidence in the Public Works Commissioner to make judgment on exemption. He did not support the food exemption.
Vice Mayor Benzan asked how amendment 8A would work. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that retail establishment can charge and retain the fee. If a retailer provided either a paper or compostable bag they could charge $.10 and have it on the sales receipt. If the sale is not on the receipt it would be a violation of the ordinance. Vice Mayor Benzan asked if the fee charged could go to Charles River Conservation group. Deputy Solicitor Goldberg responded that the fee proposed is either no fee, but if there were a fee the retailer keeps the fee. He stated that the Law Department should look at the issue because it could be a tax and whether the City has the right to do this legally. Vice Mayor Benzan asked what the consequence is to charge or not to charge a fee. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that the fee is to discourage the use of plastic bags. In communities where a fee was charged plastic bag use was discouraged. Vice Mayor Benzan stated that he favored a one year exemption and did not support exempting takeout food bags and charging for bags at the checkout counter. Commissioner O'Riordan explained that a 2.25 mils is a reusable bag.
Councillor Cheung spoke about the fee. He stated that if a fee was institute without a ban it reduced plastic bag use. He would like to see if the funds could be directed. He favored the fee and down the road direct the funds to clean up waterways. He stated that in California there are signs "bring your own bag." He suggested changing the title of the ordinance.
Councillor Carlone stated that in inclement weather books or delicate objects fall under a new criteria. Mr. Lipson spoke about extending a leak proof bag to other items and the exposure of bacteria. Small plastic bags was not added for cross contamination for meat.
The committee proceeded to discuss the amendments.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number One.
Councillor Cheung made a motion to amend to delete "Checkout Bag" and insert in place thereof the words "Bring Your Own Bag". The motion to amend carried on a voice vote of five members.
Amendment Number One as amended prevailed on a voice vote of five members.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Two. Councillor Cheung made a motion to amend the second sentence by adding the word "burned" after the word "being." The motion to amend carried on a voice vote of five members.
Amendment Number Two as amended prevailed on a voice vote of five members.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Three. Councillor Kelley made a motion to amend by adding a comma after the word "not." The motion to amend carried on a voice vote of five members.
Amendment Number Three as amended prevailed on a voice vote of five members.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Four. He explained that a vote in the affirmative would insert language about takeout food from restaurants; a negative vote would not insert this language.
Amendment Number Four did not prevail. Vice Mayor Benzan voted in the affirmative; Councillors Carlone, Cheung, Kelley and McGovern voted in the negative.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Five.
Councillor Kelley commented that it is difficult to compare the mils because there is no square foot exemption. He stated that he has no knowledge that a 3 mils plastic bag is more reusable.
Councillor Carlone explained that there is a movement in retail to 3 mils. The economics would discourage plastic and it costs more for the 3 mils.
Vice Mayor Benzan wanted to be considerate of the retail stores. He supported the 2.25 mils.
Amendment Number Five did not prevail. Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Kelley voted in the affirmative and Councillors Carlone, Cheung and McGovern voted in the negative.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Six.
Councillor Cheung asked how this would impact the curb side compost pilot program. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that the compostable bags will be provided by the City to the residents for the pilot. In the future if the whole city uses compostable bags there may be no cost. Councillor Cheung stated that he hopes that when this goes city-wide that there is a marine biodegradable and compostable bags. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that if in the future there are marine biodegradable compostable bags this could be revisited. Deputy City Solicitor suggested that no change be made to the ordinance at this time. Councillor Carlone noted that there is great interest to add marine biodegradable bags.
Amendment Number Six prevailed on a voice vote of five members.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Seven.
Councillor Cheung made a motion to amend to strike out the words "farmers markets."
Councillor Carlone noted that people who go to farmer markets are ecology minded. He supported the amendment.
Vice Mayor Benzan would not vote to strike farmers markets.
Councillor Cheung asked if there are health implications with farmers markets. Mr. Lipson stated that if there is meat that is not cooked there maybe. He also noted that salmonella is found in produce also.
Commissioner O'Riordan stated that the plastic bag definition already excludes farmers markets.
Councillor Kelley supported exempting farmer markets.
It was noted that the word "seasonable" should read "seasonal" and the clerical error was corrected.
The question now came on the amendment to strike "farmers markets" and the amendment carried on a voice vote of three members. Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Kelley voted in the negative.
Amendment Number Seven as amended and corrected prevailed on a voice vote of five members.
Vice Mayor Benzan asked if the charge is subject to sales tax. Commissioner O'Riordan responded in the affirmative.
Amendment Number Eight A prevailed on a voice vote of five members.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Nine.
Amendment Number Nine prevailed on a voice vote of five members.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Ten.
Councillor McGovern stated that he would support if the two year exemption was not allowed in amendment Number Eleven.
Amendment Number Ten prevailed on a voice vote of four. Councillor Kelley was recorded in the negative.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Eleven.
Councillor McGovern stated that this waters down the ordinance. He trusts the Commissioner of Public works. He did not support amendment Number Eleven.
Councillor Cheung asked Commissioner O'Riordan about hardship circumstances. Commissioner O'Riordan could not cite a particular hardship circumstance. He stated that there may be a legally protected right.
Councillor McGovern commented that if this were amended to one year that businesses may never make the transition. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that the City Manager's letter of January 6th explained that there would be outreach to the community and if there is an undue hardship he would come back to the City Council and amend the ordinance.
Councillor Carlone stated that objects of art, books, lithograph, stationery or boards and inclement weather are different situations. Clarification may be required to regulate this. This may fall in the exemption. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that a limited number of businesses are exempted.
Councillor McGovern stated that he would rather book stores or stationery stores be on an exempted list rather than be reviewed every two years.
Councillor Kelley stated that he does not read that any particular store is exempt; it is up to the Commissioner.
Vice Mayor Benzan stated that it is making it difficult for establishments to purchase bags. This amendment give the Commissioner the authority to give the exemptions.
Amendment Number Eleven prevailed on a voice vote of three members. Councillors Carlone and McGovern were recorded in the negative.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Twelve.
Councillor Cheung questioned the workload. Commissioner O'Riordan stated that there is a workload associated with this amendment. This allows establishments to use their existing inventory.
Councillor McGovern stated that he would vote in the negative on this.
Vice Mayor Benzan stated that businesses buy plastic bags in volume and it may take more than a year to drawn down the inventory. He does not want to make it more difficult for retailers.
Councillor Cheung noted that awareness building requires time for the work to be done. He stated that one year makes sense.
Commissioner O'Riordan stated that organic plastic bags and compostable bags are being worked on and providing additional time in an appropriate way would be appreciated.
Councillor McGovern stated that he supported the one year implementation but does not see the need for the draw down.
Amendment Number Twelve did not prevail on a voice vote of three members. Vice Mayor Benzan and Councillor Kelley voted in the affirmative.
Councillor Carlone read amendment Number Thirteen.
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to purchase 10,000 reusable bags for distribution at senior housing developments, senior centers, food pantries or anywhere seniors frequent to help seniors and low income residents who are unable to purchase reusable bags.
Councillor Kelley commented that he did not think that this was a good idea.
Vice Mayor Benzan amended the motion to include that students in public schools be requested to create a logo for the usable bags.
The amendment carried on a voice vote of five members.
ORDERED: That students in the public schools be requested to create a logo for the reusable bags.
The motion as amended carried on a voice vote of five members.
Communication from Susan Koechner, 83 Washington Avenue, in support of the plastic bag ban (ATTACHMENT C).
Communication from Diana Meservey and Thomas Dinwoodie, 57 Francis Avenue, in support of a plastic bag ban (ATTACHMENT D).
Communication from Marjorie Yates, 36 Upland Road, in support of banning environmentally damaging plastic bags (ATTACHMENT E).
Communication from Judy Bright, 283 Upland Road, urging the City Council to make the plastic bag ordinance strong and stringent (ATTACHMENT F).
Communication from Stephanie Haims, 6 Cutler Avenue, in support of the plastic bag ban (ATTACHMENT G).
Communication from Nicolai Cauchy, 387 Huron Avenue, commenting on regulations that enhance the proper use of existing bags rather than an outright ban. (ATTACHMENT H).
Communication from Denise Ward in opposition to banning plastic bags but in support of a fee (ATTACHMENT I).
Communication from Lynne Meyer-Gay, 10 Bowdoin Street in support of the plastic bag ban and a strong and stringent ordinance (ATTACHMENT J).
Communication from George Emlen, 47 Walker Street, urging the passage of a strong ordinance to end the use of plastic bags (ATTACHMENT K).
Communication from Aryt Alasti in opposition to banning plastic bags (ATTACHMENT L).
Communication from Bob Childs, 120 Garden Street, in support of banning plastic bags (ATTACHMENT M).
Communication from Kristine Jelstrup, 120 Pleasant Street, urging a strong ban or reduction on single use plastic bags (ATTACHMENT O).
Communication from Deidre Purcell, 12 Hurray Hill Road, supporting the plastic bag ban (ATTACHMENT P).
Communication from Judith E. Smith, American Studies, UMass, Boston in support of banning plastic bags (ATTACHMENT Q).
Communication from Noel LaPierre, 65 Louise Road, Belmont, urging the City Council to adopt a strong ordinance that will benefit the environment by getting single use plastics bags out of circulation (ATTACHMENT R).
Communication from the Massachusetts Sierra Club, 10 Milk Street, Boston in support of the plastic bag ban and transmitting comments on the amendments (ATTACHMENT S).
Communication from Tobey Pearl, 269 Upland Road, urging support of the plastic bag ban ordinance (ATTACHMENT T).
Communication from Charles J. Marquardt, 10 Rogers Street, in support of the ideals in the Checkout Bag Ordinance (ATTACHMENT U).
Communication from Molly O'Brien, 103 Pleasant Street, in support of the plastic bag ban (ATTACHMENT V).
Communication from Ginger Ryan, in support of the plastic check out bag ban (ATTACHMENT W).
Communication from Andrea Dulberger, 185 1/2 Elm Street, in support of the plastic bag ban (ATTACHMENT X).
The amendments as amended were referred to the City Council with a favorable recommendation on a voice vote of five members. Attached is the action at the committee hearing and the redline version of the ordinance with the actions of the committee (ATTACHMENTS Y & Z).
The hearing adjourned at 8:25pm.
RE: report on organizing a series of meetings with residents to discuss the future of North Mass. Ave.
RE: report on allowing a Veteran Owned Business classification similar to Women and Minority Owned Businesses.
RE: report on a list of variance requests and applications results (approved, disapproved, withdrawn) since Jan 1, 2010.
RE: report on exploring the potential for installing composting facilities inside City Hall and other key municipal buildings.
RE: report on discussions that the City administration and City staff may be having with regard to state-level regulations for ride-sharing apps such as Uber, Lyft, and Sidecar.