Source: http://rwinters.com/council/010515.htm
Timestamp: 2017-05-23 01:11:38
Document Index: 466117009

Matched Legal Cases: ['§21', 'art 1', 'arts 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2']

Cambridge City Council meeting - January 5, 2015 - AGENDA
1. Reconsideration filed on Dec. 16, 2014 by Councillor Mazen on Part (2) relating to granting special Permits in Section 10.43, remained in committee. The question comes on passing to be ordained (9-0) on or after Dec 29, 2014 Part (1). Planning Board Hearing held Nov 18, 2014. Petition expires Feb 10, 2015.
Reconsideration Failed 3-6 (Carlone, Cheung, Mazen voted YES)
1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a donation from the Cambridge Trust Company to the Multi-Service Center’s Carey Program in the amount of $1,500 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account to be used by the Carey Transitional Program for Homeless Men to provide a meal for program participants at the monthly House Meetings.
2. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing) in the amount of $3,000 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to provide services in relation to hoarding related activities which include training service providers, funding assistance for clean-ups, and establishing and supporting hoarding related peer led support groups.
3. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of funds from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ (EEOHS) salary reserve in the amount of $5,553 to the Grant Fund Human Services Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be subcontracted to the Cambridge YWCA to pay one time salary increases to staff at the homeless family shelter.
4. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s Highway Safety Division in the amount of $7,500 to the Grant Fund Police Department Salary and Wages account which will enhance effective pedestrian, bicycle and/or moped-related enforcement efforts, and reduce fatalities and injuries.
5. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-76, regarding a report on police patrols in Area IV. [Read Report]
6. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-110, regarding a report on the status of the housing development on the site of the Toyko Restaurant.
7. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-108, regarding a report on providing reduced-rate Hubway memberships. [Read Report]
8. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-123, regarding a report on the future of Hubway. [Read Report]
9. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 14-68, regarding public bulletin boards on major streets and intersections.
10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the ISO Public Protection Classification Survey which is an analysis of the City’s structural fire suppression delivery system.
11. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a FY2015 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for $6,400 to the Grant Fund Historical Salaries and Wages account ($5,900)and to the Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($500) which will continue to support two part-time archives assistants, who maintain the Commission public archive of Cambridge history, and will fund a performance group that will participate in the publication party for the Area 4 oral history book.
12. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,500,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Education Extraordinary Expenditures account for the Feasibility Study for the King Open and Cambridge Street Upper School & Community Complex, Geotechnical Services, Licensed Site Professional Services (LSP), Construction Management at Risk preconstruction services and City of Cambridge construction management costs.
13. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the authorization to borrow an amount not to exceed $39,000,000 for the purpose of refinancing existing General Obligation Bonds to acquire lower interest rates than those currently being paid.
Please find attached an order requesting the authorization to borrow an amount not to exceed $39,000,000. The purpose is to refinance existing General Obligation Bonds to acquire lower interest rates than those currently being paid.
The City, in conjunction with its Financial Advisor and Bond Counsel, closely monitors the market for favorable conditions which would potentially allow for the City to reduce its debt service costs. The last time that the City was able to take advantage of market conditions was in 2012, when the City refinanced certain eligible bonds allowing it to realize savings of just over $1 million in debt service costs. This process of recalling bonds and reissuing them to achieve a lower interest rate is common practice. The ability to take advantage of lower interest costs, if market conditions permit, is received favorably by the rating agencies and demonstrates prudent debt management practices and is included in our debt policy.
While the City received favorable interest rates at the time of the sale of these bonds because of its Triple A rating, current market conditions would allow the City to refund the remainder of the eligible maturities (those with 10 years or longer remaining in principal and interest payments) to realize savings of approximately $190,000 annually through 2028, which equates to $2.4m in gross savings. Generally, these would be bonds that had original maturities of 20 years. These expected savings, based on current market conditions, exceed industry standards of $1m in savings. Additionally, we are able to do this without extending the maturities beyond their original schedules.
What bonds are being refinanced:
Since the City can refinance bonds with 10 years or longer remaining until maturity, the first series of bonds that is eligible is the Series 2005 bonds that were not refinanced in 2012. The last series that would be eligible is the 2009 series of General Obligation Bonds:
2005 Bonds (Maturing 2025)
(on eligible maturities)
Interest Rate at time of Issue
Library Construction: $700,000
2006 Bonds (Maturing 2026)
Library Construction: $7,000,000
2007 Bonds (Maturing 2027)
Police Station $8,500,000
2008 Bonds (Maturing 2028)
CRLS Renovations
Library Construction $13,550,000
After careful analysis of the 2009 Bonds, it was concluded that it is not favorable to include these in the refunding.
The Refunding is timed to coincide closely with the 2015 General Obligation Bond Sale in February. If, between now and February market conditions should deteriorate, such that it is no longer meets the required threshold, the loan order allows for the City to take no further action, and not proceed with the sale. The loan order also allows for balances to remain if market conditions are such that it is no longer feasible to refund all of the callable bonds.
Agenda Item No. 13A Jan 5, 2015
ORDERED: That in order to reduce interest costs, the Treasurer with the approval of the City Manager is authorized to issue refunding bonds pursuant to G.L. c.44, §21A or any other enabling legislation to refund all or a portion of the remaining amounts of the City’s Municipal Purpose Loan of 2005 Bonds dated Feb 1, 2005, Municipal Purpose Loan of 2006 Bonds dated Feb 1, 2006, Municipal Purpose Loan of 2007 Bonds, Series A dated Feb 15, 2007 and Municipal Purpose Loan of 2008 Bonds dated Feb 1, 2008; that the refunding bonds shall be issued in an amount not to exceed $39,000,000 in order to pay the principal, redemption premium, if any, and interest on the bonds to be refunded, and costs of issuance of the refunding bonds; and that the Treasurer is authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary or desirable to carry out this transaction, including a refunding trust or escrow agreement with a bank or trust company; provided, however, that no refunding bonds shall be issued pursuant to this order after June 30, 2015.
4. 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 June 18, 2014 to discuss revisions to the Cambridge Municipal Code Section 9.04.050 (A) Defacing public property of Chapter 9.04 entitled “Offenses Against Property”. [Committee Report Number Five of June 30, 2014 Placed on Table on motion of Vice Mayor Benzan on June 30, 2014.]
6. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Planning Board to begin testing strategies to enhance such engagement at the earliest opportunity by methods such as requiring developers to hold a public meeting in the neighborhood and provide a report along with the permit application describing public input and changes to the project as a result of such input and to suggest changes to the Planning Board rules, which could be adopted by the Planning Board and/or Zoning Ordinance, which could be enacted by the City Council to codify successful community engagement strategies. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor McGovern on Order Number Six of Sept 22, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Councillor McGovern on Sept 29, 2014.
7. Congratulations to Marvin Gilmore on the release of his biography Crusader for Freedom. Charter Right exercised by Mayor Maher on Resolution Number Twenty-seven of Oct 20, 2014. Placed on the Table on the motion of Mayor Maher on Oct 27, 2014.]
8. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Nov 22, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code by adding a new Chapter 8.68 entitled “Concussion Prevention and Management in Youth Activities at City Facilities.” The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 23, 2013.
9. A communication was received from Donna P. Lopez, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor David P. Maher, Chair of the Ordinance Committee for a public hearing held on Dec 19, 2013 to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.67 entitled relating to Plastic Bag Reduction. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Feb 24, 2014.
10. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to the proposed amendments to the Tobacco Ordinance, Chapter 8.28, Regulations on Youth Access and Sale of Tobacco Products and on Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Jan 5, 2015.
11. 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.]
12. 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 Oct 30, 2014 to discuss a proposed amendment to the Municipal Code in Chapter 8.28 entitled “Restrictions on Youth Access and Sale of Tobacco Products and Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Jan 5, 2015.
13. Reconsideration filed on Dec 16, 2014 by Councillor Mazen on Part (2) relating to granting special Permits in Section 10.43, remained in committee. The question comes on passing to be ordained on or after Dec 29, 2014 Part (1). Planning Board Hearing held Nov 18, 2014. Petition expires Feb 10, 2015.
[Zoning petition filed by Charles D. Teague, et al. to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to clarify the existing ordinance so that said ordinance can be enforced: to (1) align the zoning amendment expiration date in the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance to be the same as state law; (2) align the Special Permit criteria with adjudicated state law; and (3) require that the master plan be followed whereas following the master plan is optional under state law. - Part 1 Passed to 2nd Reading on Dec 15, 2014; Parts 2 and 3 Remain in Committee]
Part 1 Ordained 9-0, Ordinance #1363
1. An application was received from the Lesley University requesting permission for forty-eight temporary banners on electrical poles along Mass. Ave. between the Porter Square campus and Doble campus to showcase the January 2015 opening of Lesley’s new Lunder Arts Center. The temporary banners will be hung January through June. Approval has been received from the Electrical Department.
2. An application was received from Muireann Glenmullen, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 48 Middlesex Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
3. An application was received from Port Landing Landlord LLC, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 131 Harvard Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission, Public Works, and the neighborhood association.
4. An application was received from Hathaway Partners (Rob Wolff), requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 33 Richdale Ave; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
1. A communication was received from Marion Foster, 75 Richdale Avenue, transmitting support for Cambridge Historical Commission’s vote on the Hathaway Bakery building’s designation as a historical landmark.
2. A communication was received from Elizabeth Moore Moriarty, 75 Richdale Avenue, transmitting support for Cambridge Historical Commission’s vote on the Hathaway Bakery building’s designation as a historical landmark.
3. A communication was received from Christopher and Sally Lutz, 75 Richdale Avenue, transmitting support for Cambridge Historical Commission’s vote on the Hathaway Bakery building’s designation as a historical landmark.
4. A communication was received from Martha Older, regarding banning plastic carryout bags and pass the Decker bill.
5. A communication was received from Gillian Gane, transmitting support for Councillor Carlone’s proposed ban on plastic bags.
6. A communication was received from Noel LaPierre, Surfrider Foundation Massachusetts Chapter Chair, regarding an amendment to the Decker Ordinance.
7. A communication was received from Chris Woodward, 184 High Road, Newbury, Surfrider Foundation Massachusetts Chapter Supporter, transmitting support for the Decker Ordinance.
8. A communication was received from Judith Nathans, 511 Putnam Avenue, regrding the vote on plastic bag ban.
9. A communication was received from Victoria Schechinger, Surfrider Foundation Massachusetts Chapter Supporter, transmitting support for the Decker Ordinance.
10. A communication was received from Carol O’Hare, 172 Magazine Street, transmitting support for the Decker Ordinance.
11. A communication was received from Denise Ward regarding the vote on the plastic bag ban.
12. A communication was received from Saul Tannenbaum regarding police body-mounted cameras.
13. A communication was received from Jan Devereux, 255 Lakeview Avenue, in support of the bike path to Watertown.
14. A communication was received from Charles Teague, 23 Edmunds Street, urging the City Council to pass to a second reading Part 2 of the Teague petition.
15. A communication was received from Hadassah Fleishon, 100 Landsdowne Street, in opposition to the Smoking Ordinance.
16. A communication was received from Jonathan King, 40 Essex Street, in support of Resolution #4 on Mayors for Peace.
17. A communication was received from Hasson J. Rashid, 820 Massachusetts Avenue, regarding converting the Foundry Building for a homeless shelter.
1. Resolution on the death of Jolin Zhou. Mayor Maher
2. Congratulations to Mike Feloney on his appointment as the Director of Housing in the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development for the City of Somerville. Mayor Maher
3. Resolution on the death of Joseph M. Cremens. Mayor Maher
4. Resolution on the death of Janet T. (Almond) Dever. Mayor Maher
5. Retirement of Anne Sullivan from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Mayor Maher
6. Retirement of Patti Turner from the Cambridge Health Alliance. Mayor Maher
7. Congratulations to CRLS Boys Varsity Basketball Coach Lance Dottin on his 300th career victory and thanks for his 19 years of coaching and shaping the lives of young men from Cambridge. Councillor McGovern
8. Resolution on the death of George L. Hinds, Sr. Councillor Toomey
9. Resolution on the death of Virginia E. “Ginny” (King) Williams. Councillor Toomey
10. Resolution on the death of Belmira Goncalves (Botelho) Barbosa. Councillor Toomey
11. Resolution on the death of Matthew D. Griffin. Mayor Maher
12. Resolution on the death of Sister Mary Mark Pizzotti, DM. Mayor Maher
13. Resolution on the death of Thomas J. Cooney. Mayor Maher
14. Resolution on the death of Elizabeth Joan (Furey) Ward. Councillor Toomey
15. Congratulations to Helen Kobek on being awarded the Otsuki Prize in the 2014 Onkyo Braille Essay Contest. Councillor Toomey
16. Resolution on the death of Virginia “Ginny” (Bayliss) Jay. Mayor Maher
17. Retirement of Diane Squires from the City Manager’s Office. Mayor Maher
18. Happy Birthday wishes to Joan Squeri. Vice Mayor Benzan
19. Happy Birthday wishes to Nivia J. Pina. Vice Mayor Benzan
20. Happy Birthday wishes to Nana Ocasio. Vice Mayor Benzan
21. Happy Birthday wishes to Michele Scott. Vice Mayor Benzan
22. Happy Birthday wishes to Tanya Earls Milner. Vice Mayor Benzan
23. Happy Birthday wishes to Emily Bibbins Silas. Vice Mayor Benzan
24. Happy Birthday wishes to Reynaldo A. Benzan. Vice Mayor Benzan
25. Happy Birthday wishes to Reyita Ramos. Vice Mayor Benzan
26. Congratulations to Dr. Joan Abrams of the Biotechnology Program at Rindge School of Technical Arts on being awarded a $100,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. Vice Mayor Benzan
27. Happy Birthday wishes to Margarita Perez. Vice Mayor Benzan
28. Congratulations to Juan A. Lopez on being appointed as the Boston City Council Research and Policy Director. Vice Mayor Benzan
29. Speedy recovery wishes to Lawrence Adkins. Vice Mayor Benzan
30. Happy Birthday wishes to Janet Doucette. Vice Mayor Benzan
31. Congratulations to Arthur “Art” Krieg on his appointment as CEO of Checkmate Pharmaceuticals. Councillor Cheung
32. Resolution on the death of former United States Senator Edward W. Brooke. Mayor Maher
33. Resolution on the death of Cedric E. Harvey, Jr. Councillor Toomey
34. Congratulations to Joe and Kate Shannon on the birth of their daughter Maureen Grace Shannon and to Marty Foster and Pat Connolly on the birth of their first grandchild. Mayor Maher
35. Resolution on the death of Stansbury A. Themea, Sr. Vice Mayor Benzan
36. Congratulations to Jay Ash on being appointed by Governor-elect Baker as the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development in Boston. Vice Mayor Benzan
37. Congratulations to Ronald L. Walker II on his appointment by Governor-elect Baker as the Secretary of Labor for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Vice Mayor Benzan
38. Congratulations to City Councillor Leland Cheung on being appointed to the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Board by Governor Patrick. Councillor Toomey, Vice Mayor Benzan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Kelley, Mayor Maher, Councillor Mazen, Councillor McGovern and Councillor Simmons
1. That the City Manager is requested to take the necessary steps to ensure enforcement of parking regulations by the parking lot next to the Boston University Bridge and outdoor gym facility. Councillor Cheung
2. That the City Manager is requested to report back on any progress made in acquiring state funding for design and construction of the portion of the Watertown branch B&M Line railroad property to construct the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway and on the feasibility of a low-cost, temporary paving solution for the Greenway in order to realize the community benefits while the path awaits permanent construction. Councillor Mazen, Councillor Kelley and Councillor McGovern
Charter Right - Toomey (from the video of the meeting), but City Clerk indicates that this was adopted 9-0
3. That the City Manager is requested to report back on Policy Order #5 of May 19, 2014 regarding the feasibility of taking the Vail Court lot by eminent domain for the “public good.” Vice Mayor Benzan
4. That the City of Cambridge calls on Congress to stop the new Nuclear Complex programand urge President Obama to take U.S. nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert, and to adopt an unconditional No-First-Use policy and support a representative group from Cambridge to attend the upcoming Conference on Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to be held at the UN in New York City on April 26, 2015. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Mazen and Councillor Simmons
5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Human Services Department, Community Development Department, Department of Public Health and any other relative departments as well as local shelters to determine a way to fund and supply an additional 100 shelter beds as soon as possible so that the City can better address the immediate shelter needs of our homeless community members while ongoing conversations are taking place regarding long term solutions to this crisis. Councillor McGovern
Order Withdrawn with Unanimous Consent - McGovern
6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the implementation of the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance and what property owners should expect. Councillor Cheung
7. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to abandon the "Complete Street" plan for Pearl Street. Councillor Toomey and Vice Mayor Benzan
8. That the Mayor is requested to schedule a Roundtable Meeting with the Cambridge Housing Authority and stakeholders to discuss RAD and actions to be taken going forward. Councillor Simmons
9. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and other relevant City personnel to determine the feasibility of having the City commit to constructing 1,000 brand new affordable housing units in the City by the end of this decade, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner. Councillor Simmons
1. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Housing Committee, for a public hearing [held on Dec 17, 2014] to receive an update from the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) on programs, projects and policy changes CHA is implementing or planning to implement in the coming year.
2. A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Marc C. McGovern, Chair of the Human Services and Veterans Committee, for a public hearing [held on Dec 2, 2014] to discuss poverty and issues related to the experience of organizations working with those living in poverty.
5:30pm The Ordinance Committee will conduct a public hearing on a 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. This hearing to be televised. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm The Housing Committee will conduct a public hearing to receive an update on the incentive zoning study to the Housing Committee from the Community Development Department. (Sullivan Chamber)
4:00pm The Human Services and Veterans Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss the City’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. (Sullivan Chamber)
3:00pm The Health and Environment Committee and Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebration Committee will conduct a joint public hearing to hear a report from HEET on natural gas leaks in Cambridge and the implications on the environment. (Sullivan Chamber)
5:00pm The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee will conduct a public hearing to discuss changing the method by which surplus votes are transferred in Municipal elections whether the Fractional Transfer Method could replace the Cincinnati Method and whether this requires a Charter change and to discuss the Clean Election Law. (Sullivan Chamber)
O-1 Jan 5, 2015
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take the necessary steps to ensure enforcement of parking regulations by the parking lot next to the Boston University Bridge and outdoor gym facility.
O-2 Jan 5, 2015
WHEREAS: In May of 2013, the City of Cambridge purchased a portion of the Watertown branch B&M Line railroad property to construct the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway; and
WHEREAS: The purchased corridor has since not been constructed into the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway; and
WHEREAS: The Watertown-Cambridge Greenway has already been constructed in Watertown and ends abruptly as it approaches Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The Greenway will allow residents a non-motorized route to and from the Watertown Mall, Arsenal Mall, and Star Market - and will be an important regional non-motorized transportation link between the Minuteman Path and the Charles River paths; and
WHEREAS: Cyclists riding to and from Watertown and Waltham are in need of a low-stress, accessible, and encouraging commuting space; and
WHEREAS: CDD’s Bicycle Network Plan draft calls for Cambridge to construct its portion of the Watertown-Cambridge Greenway; and
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on any progress made in acquiring state funding for design and construction of this path; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the feasibility of a low-cost, temporary paving solution for the Greenway in order to realize aforementioned community benefits while the path awaits permanent construction; and be it further
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on next steps to convert the Watertown Branch rail line, from Concord Avenue to the Fitchburg Line corridor, into a shared-use path either by way of City purchase and construction, or by way of private landowner construction.
O-3 Jan 5, 2015
WHEREAS: There has been an increasing number of complaints regarding the graffiti and general state of neglect of the blighted property on Bishop Allen Drive known as Vail Court; and
WHEREAS: On May 19, 2014, Councillor Simmons filed Policy Order #5 requesting the City Manager to consult with the appropriate City personnel to determine the feasibility of taking the Vail Court lot by eminent domain and to report back to the City Council; and
WHEREAS: Our City is in dire need of a substantial amount of affordable housing units to meet increasing demand; now therefore be it
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on Policy Order #5 of May 19, 2014 regarding the feasibility of taking the Vail Court lot by eminent domain for the “public good.”
O-4 Jan 5, 2015
WHEREAS: 69 years after the U.S. destroyed the people of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the threat of nuclear devastation continues to threaten all of humanity; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Conference of Mayors has repeatedly and unanimously called on U.S. Presidents to convene negotiations whose purpose is the elimination of all nuclear weapons, to which in the 1970 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), the U.S., Russia, China, France, and the U.K. solemnly committed themselves; and
WHEREAS: Far from convening negotiations to achieve the elimination of nuclear weapons, the U.S. has embarked on an enormous program to enhance existing nuclear warheads, and to build new nuclear submarines, bombers, and missiles, at an estimated cost of $1 trillion to US taxpayers by the year 2030; and
WHEREAS: The U.S. Conference of Mayors has supported the anti-nuclear-weapons program of Mayors for Peace since 2003, and whereas the City of Cambridge has been a leading member city of the Mayors for Peace since 2003; and
WHEREAS: The Mayors for Peace have called for taking all nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert, adopting an airtight No-First-Use policy, never targeting cities, and ending all new nuclear weapons construction programs; now therefore be it
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge calls on President Obama to live up to the NPT binding commitment to engage in international negotiations for the elimination of all nuclear weapons, a commitment affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge calls on Congress to stop the new Nuclear Complex program, and to devote the resulting $1 trillion in savings over 30 years to pressing human needs, including affordable housing, public transit, healthcare and education; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the City of Cambridge urges President Obama to take U.S. nuclear weapons off hair-trigger alert, and to adopt an unconditional No-First-Use policy, both of which he is empowered to do without congressional action; and to adopt a formal policy never to target any city for nuclear devastation; and be it further
RESOLVED: That the Cambridge City Council encourage and support a representative group from Cambridge to attend the upcoming Conference on Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to be held at the UN in New York City on April 26, 2015 (which will be attended by 189 countries, including the 5 signatories to the NPT, Britain, France China Russia and US) and that it also send copies of this Proclamation to the elected representatives of this municipality, including the U.S. Congressman, the U.S. Senators, and the President, and further to the Boston Globe, the Boston Herald and the Cambridge Chronicle.
O-5 Jan 5, 2015 Withdrawn
WHEREAS: The Cambridge City Council and City Administration is very much concerned with the challenges faced by those struggling with homelessness in our community; and WHEREAS:	A recent Boston Globe article pointed out that on any given night there is a shortage of approximately 100 shelter beds in Cambridge; and
WHEREAS: The Human Services and Veteran's Committee will be evaluating the City's Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness, which is currently in year nine and focuses on many long term solutions to this crisis; and
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Human Services Department, Community Development Department, Department of Public Health and any other relative departments as well as local shelters to determine a way to fund and supply an additional 100 shelter beds as soon as possible so that the City can better address the immediate shelter needs of our homeless community members while ongoing conversations are taking place regarding long term solutions to this crisis; and be it further
O-6 Jan 5, 2015 Charter Right - Cheung
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council on the status of the implementation of the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance and what property owners should expect.
O-7 Jan 5, 2015 Charter Right - Toomey
O-8 Jan 5, 2015
ORDERED: That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable Meeting with the Cambridge Housing Authority and stakeholders to discuss RAD and actions to be taken going forward.
O-9 Jan 5, 2015
ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to consult with the Community Development Department and other relevant City personnel to determine the feasibility of having the City commit to constructing 1,000 brand new affordable housing units in the City by the end of this decade, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.
The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Dec 17, 2014 beginning at 4:06pm at 831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room.
The purpose of the hearing was to receive an update from the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) on programs, projects and policy changes CHA is implementing or planning to implement in the coming year.
Present at the hearing were Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Dennis Carlone; Councillor Craig Kelley; Councillor Nadeem A. Mazen; Councillor Marc C. McGovern; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Chris Cotter, Housing Director; Cassie Arnaud, Housing Project Planner, Community Development Department (CDD); Meryl Brott, Recycling Program Manager, Department of Public Works; Neal Alpert; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.
Also present were Gregory Russ, Executive Director; Mike Johnston, Deputy Executive Director; Terry Dumas, Director of Planning & Development; James Comer, Director of Operations, Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA); Justice Laher, Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Bill Cunningham, Alliance of Cambridge Tenants (ACT); Elaine DeRosa, Executive Director; Golnaz Tabatabai, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC); Kathy Watkins; and Jan Devereux.
Councillor Simmons convened the hearing and gave opening remarks. (Attachment A). Councillor Simmons then introduced Gregory Russ. Mr. Russ then introduced CHA staff, Terry Dumas, James Comer, and Michael Johnston. He stated that the CHA is in the process of undertaking the 5th largest effort to preserve public housing in the country. He acknowledged a very unique set of opportunities because of the City Council’s support of low-income housing and City support for this effort. He stated that the support manifests itself in many ways, and that the CHA does not operate in a vacuum.
Mr. Russ then explained the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) He stated that the CHA has been trying for 8 years to raise sufficient capital money to rehabilitate, preserve or rebuild all the housing that the CHA currently owns, and that the proposed rehabilitation programs are very much needed. He stated that the CHA was already able to preserve Lincoln Way, LBJ Apartments and Jackson Gardens. He stated that these properties were the first phase of the redevelopment effort. He stated that over the next five years, the CHA is approaching $360 million in capital activity. He stated that the CHA came to RAD after failing to secure HUD approval for a property disposition. He stated that the CHA asked HUD if they could dispose of their property to non-profit affiliates and that HUD came back to the CHA and asked if they were interested in another program. He stated that RAD is attractive because housing authorities receive HUD monies in 3 ways: from tenant voucher funds, from capital fund from the United States Congress that is appropriated each year (less than $3 million per year), and from operating subsidy. A typical tenant rent is around $430-450 per month. HUD has proposed, and Congress has agreed, to try the demonstration. He stated that two ways to make improvements is to borrow money or to secure low-income housing tax credits. In one case you are raising equity that does not have to be paid back. In the other, the debt does have to be paid back. He stated that when CHA looked at RAD they couldn’t get anything to work. HUD then changed the regulations and the numbers worked for CHA. He noted that the first round participation is funded by Citibank and Wells Fargo and that HUD approved 1,150 units in first round.
Mr. Russ stated that nine properties are being converted to RAD in the first round. He stated that they will invest about $200 million dollars in those properties. The second phase of RAD consists of 979 units which cover Corcoran Park, Burns Apartments, Truman Apartments, Russell Apartments, Jefferson Park Federal, Roosevelt Towers, small elderly properties and scattered sites. He stated that they expect approval for this second phase in February or March 2015. Mr. Russ stated that this is a rolling process. In exchange for doing the whole portfolio, HUD advised CHA that they would help the CHA get conversion of Millers River for preservation through the process of disposition. This triggers tenant protection vouchers and once attached to the property, CHA can take on debt and use tax credits to renovate that property. He stated that the driver is to preserve these hard units in the city. Mr. Russ explained that the Cambridge housing market is becoming more expensive and is now in the same grouping as San Francisco, Silicon Valley and parts of New York. He stated that the CHA Board has felt that if there is strategy to pursue, it is to keep hard units in the city from disappearing.
Mr. Russ explained that Phase 1 and 2 were designed to raise enough money to complete the backlog of capital improvements that have not or would not be funded for decades to come under the current public housing funding system.
Mr. Russ stated that the system of policies that surround tenant protections, lease, tenants’ rights and agreements would transfer into the RAD Program. He stated that the CHA has just adopted a new administrative plan for the voucher program with a “Part 2” section designed just for RAD to ensconce the mission to keep as much of the public housing procedures and protections in place and unchanged as possible. They are keeping this public housing policy forum because it is good business. The CHA was not interested in making hundreds of administrative changes as construction disruption on tenants will be significant enough.
Mr. Russ stated that another impact the CHA must contend with it that the tax credit money the CHA will be receiving comes with a new, different set of rules and restrictions that are imposed by the IRS; this means that some rule changes or eligibility changes will be imposed on the CHA by the IRS. He explained that when you buy into the tax credit program, you buy into those rules in a way that is not always compatible with what you have been doing in public housing. He admitted that this is not an easy concept to explain. In addition, because you need an event that the IRS considers to be a taxable event to allow the credits to flow, the property has to change ownership, at least on an interim period. He noted that many people have interpreted this, incorrectly, as the CHA now bringing in an investor and moving toward privatization. He explained that the CHA retains the ownership of the land and sells the buildings to the investors for fifteen years - but control of the buildings remain with the CHA. This is the fundamental principle. Mr. Russ said that the CHA will make sure that when the investor exits, that they have the ability to control that outcome and long term affordability in a much stronger way. He stated that the CHA would take that property back into the CHA fold and the CHA is managing agent for the properties during the tax credit period.
Mr. Russ stated that the CHA views the tax credits as a means to an end, and not the final configuration of control or ownership. He stated that the CHA is looking to put rehab funds into properties with a 30-40 year life expectancy. There are substantial reserves required by the RAD.
Mr. Russ explained that the debt amount is reasonable and not excessive given the agency’s cash flow. He explained that the CHA has spent a lot of time making sure that cash flow at the sites can support reasonable amounts of debt on these properties.
Mr. Russ stated that the rent structure will change. RAD rules and tax structure rules are slightly different. He stated that the CHA has had to reconcile those two programs. He explained that the latest estimate is that there are about 87 households that would receive some kind of rent increase (out of the 2100 units that would be converted between Phase 1 and 2). Councillor Simmons asked the reason why the rent increases would take place in 87 units. Mr. Russ answered that under the RAD, it requires you to raise the maximum rent that a family would pay at any point above the CHA’s current ceiling rents (but at 30% or less than the households income).
Mr. Russ explained that there is a transition initiative in the plan that has not been initiated. He added that there will be meetings with all of the 87 affected households before any increase takes place. He noted that the CHA retained ceiling rents so they have many working households at their properties. For some of the households, the period of implementation will be over many years.
Councillor Simmons stated that RAD influences each development at different times. She questioned if households will experience an increase in rent from one site to another. Mr. Russ responded that the first recertification will start the clock and the increase will then be phased in over three years. He noted that there will be a one-year suspension of re-certifications because of the RAD program.
James Comer stated that the CHA will retain their bi-annual recertification schedule. They wanted to keep that consistent. They wanted to have them occur at the same time in alternating years. The annual income certification for tax credits will not have any impact on rents. Rents will be reset every two years.
Councillor Simmons asked about the possibility of holding harmless the 87 households across the total portfolio that are due to have rent increases in Phase 1. Mr. Russ stated that tax credit rules will not give the CHA the discretion to do that. He noted that most increases are not large but a few are. The CHA has been advising households that they would have 3-5 years before being fully impacted. James Comer stated that 30 days notice of rent increase is required by the CHA. Mr. Comer then gave an example of a household with a significant rent increase. He stated that a gentleman who recertified in November currently pays $1,280 per month. His new rent will be $1,946. His next recertification is in November 2016 but in 2016 there will be rental increase amnesty. His next recertification will be in 2017 and then if his income stayed the same, the CHA would begin to phase in the increase. Councillor Simmons asked if the rent increase will take place all at once. Mr. Russ responded in the negative and stated that it will be phased in over three years after his next recertification. Councillor Carlone asked the household income of this gentleman. Mr. Comer stated that the total household income is $120,000, and that there may be multiple individuals earning income within that unit.
Mr. Russ stated that CHA staff will meet with each family individually in the near term. They want to make sure that the households understand what the rent change is. He noted that many of the households are multiple wage earners. He reaffirmed the commitment of the CHA that each of the 87 affected households understand the schedule and is made aware of potential change.
Councillor Simmons then asked Mr. Russ for the timeframe of Phase 1. Mr. Russ responded that all Phase 1 developments will be closed by June. He noted that different properties will convert at different times.
Councillor Simmons then asked for clarification of the purpose of a RAD project. Mr. Russ answered that the purpose is to adequately fund both operating and capital costs for each property. He stated that you cannot raise enough money to reinvest in the properties using the conventional funding platform for public housing. The CHA projects that from FY 16 through FY 20 that they are looking at “all in” and construction activity of $362 million dollars will go back into the properties and the community.
Councillor Simmons then asked who the LLC’s are going to be and how is this not different than expiring use buildings? Mr. Russ stated that CHA’s non-profits enter into ownership with the investor (Attachment B). He stated that the CHA is investing in properties that they intend to hold and keep for the next 30 or 40 years. This is a 30-year build, not a 15-year build. The goal is long-term affordability and not to end up in an expiring use situation.
Councillor Simmons asked where tenants of Manning will be relocated and how this will affect the waiting list. Mr. Russ stated that the general CHA waiting list will be closed. At Putnam Gardens they will have to relocate 18-27 families off-site. He noted that the construction schedule for Putnam is almost 4 years. He affirmed that as units get finished, families will have the chance to come back to their former buildings. He stated that other properties have different construction schedules. Families may be moved in-site or off-site with an offer for return. Michael Johnston stated that they will not be drawing from the wait list for approximately two years. Councillor Simmons inquired if people are going to be told that the list will be closed. Mr. Russ answered in the affirmative and stated that everyone on the waiting list will be notified. Mr. Russ stated that in Jefferson Park, families have been slowly moved out. There are currently eight households left. Councillor Carlone asked where people have been moved. Mr. Russ replied that people have been moved internally.
Councillor Simmons noted the impact of the waiting list in other developments because people who are being moved have priority. Mr. Russ agreed with Councillor Simmons and stated that transfers have priority status. He noted that the CHA will still be processing emergencies.
Mr. Russ then stated that there will be a unit reduction at Jefferson Park State and when completed there will be 94 units. Councillor McGovern asked if there will be unit reductions at other sites. Mr. Russ responded in the negative. In fact, Mr. Russ affirmed that the Manning Apartments will have more units when it is complete.
Councillor Simmons stated that currently there is already little to no movement on the waiting list for housing. Mr. Russ stated that they are staggering the projects to balance competing needs. He stated that the Manning Apartments will not be closed until the middle of next year. Mr. Russ commented that as properties get to a place where they finish off-site relocation, it is not inconceivable that they could be opening a few lists somewhere in that time period. He stated that emergencies get folded into the transfer mix. Councillor Simmons asked how long the waiting list will be closed. Mr. Russ repeated that it would take two years but it could be longer.
Councillor McGovern stated that when talking about the lists opening back up, it is not as if there will be a windfall of apartments, noting that it will only be about 250 turnover per year. He asked how many people were on the lists. Mike Johnston stated that there are 6,500 families and 3,000 elderly on the lists.
Mr. Russ stated that they will be taking applications from people who want to get on the Section 8 list in the spring of next year for a limited amount of time. He stated that there are currently 250 on the list so it will be all new applicants.
Councillor Simmons asked what role immigration status will play. Mr. Russ stated that nothing will change regarding immigration status.
Councillor Mazen stated that he laments the closing of the list but asked if there is some way a non-CHA solution can add the free spots to the cycle without closing the list. Mr. Russ responded that if someone pitched an idea, the CHA would be open to discussions, but that there are no ideas he currently has on this matter. Terry Dumas stated there are very few current residents that will want to move out of the City, so it would need to be Cambridge-based. Mike Johnston stated that the CHA has been meeting with the CDD to pursue options through inclusionary zoning.
Councillor Simmons asked Mr. Russ what housing advice the City Councillors should offer to the residents. Mr. Russ stated that when the Section 8 list opens in the spring, people can apply. He proposed that because this is a staggered set of financing and construction, the CHA could provide the City Council with some of their best estimates. If the event of an emergency situation, they can take an application and then determine if it meets criteria of emergency status. Mr. Russ stated that he does believe that they will not be placing applicants from the waiting list for at least 24 months.
Councillor Simmons suggested that it would be helpful to receive information from the CHA on a regular basis. Mr. Russ stated that CHA could give quarterly updates to the City Council to give the sense of the bigger picture.
Councillor Simmons then asked Mr. Russ if there will be Section 3 jobs and will those jobs be available to Cambridge resident. Mr. Russ replied that Section 3 jobs are a goal. He stated that in addition to job opportunities, you can satisfy Section 3 goals by working with Section 3 owned businesses or engaging in other economic opportunities. He stated that Section 3 speaks to jobs for qualified individuals. He noted that a possible employer has a say in whether a person can be useful in a certain position. He noted that, despite the construction jobs that would be opening for the rehab efforts on the CHA buildings, he very much doubts that these would translate into Section 3 jobs for CHA tenants, as they would need a guaranteed opportunity and a guaranteed apprenticeship for this to be viable. He stated that CHA efforts have been on providing other economic opportunities such as training, education, job readiness, tenant coordinators, and the hiring of a significant number of people for the CHA workforce. He said that over the past 6 years, the CHA has hired 1 professional, 6 office staff and 3 maintenance workers that were Section 3 hires. Councillor Simmons then asked Mr. Russ if he could come back before the committee to speak to Section 3 opportunities, as he had a City Council that was eager to help the CHA think outside of the box. Mr. Russ stated his willingness to do so.
Councillor Simmons then submitted Summaries of Questions and Comments from the October 2014 Tenant Town Meeting to be made part of the record (Attachment C). She stated that most of the people attending that meeting were dwelling in CHA units. She stated that people feel that they are not heard. She noted the importance of having residents better-informed.
Mr. Russ stated that public outreach with RAD has been ongoing for years. He stated that 17 meetings have taken place on rent simplification. He noted that there was significant input from the community. Mr. Russ stated that with respect to RAD, starting in 2007 there has been a public process. There have been approximately 37 meetings to date. He noted that if the City Council has specific suggestions on how to improve their tenant outreach, he would be happy to entertain those suggestions.
As it relates to immigration issues, Mr. Russ stated that a federal rule is imposed on CHA by virtue of the housing subsidy that is received. He stated that if money is coming through HUD there will be that rider attached. In some cases they are not always the bearer of news that they can shape that policy. He stated that often the CHA does have to function like a landlord, and that can lead to a difficult dynamic with some CHA tenants. He stated that he is not aware of anyone at the CHA that wants to see a tenancy come to an end. He stated that the CHA is very careful on the eviction front. He approximated that 20 evictions per year take place. He stated that CHA is doing a series of RAD meetings every month all around the city, which take place on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Mr. Russ stated that he will inform the City Council of those meetings, as well. He stated that the CHA would be happy to give response to the questions posed as a result of the Town Meeting. He stated that when RAD is complete, the properties will be an affordable asset for the next 30-40 years.
Councillor Kelley stated that he cannot conceive how complicated the challenges the CHA faces are. He asked if $360 million is the amount of money used to conduct the extensive renovation of these buildings and questioned if this figure includes the amount to fix the elevators and pre-existing problems. Mr. Russ responded that elevators have been replaced at Burns, Roosevelt Towers, and Jefferson Park with Truman Apartment repairs beginning in February. He added that new wiring is in the scope of work for almost all of the developments and that he is trying to get the maximum amount of work completed at each site as can reasonably be afforded.
Councillor Kelley asked what happens if people lose their jobs and cannot pay rent. James Comer responded that a resident can come in for interim recertification and rent can be lowered to 30% of their income.
Councillor Kelley asked what happens if the CHA does not bring in enough money from its tenants that it cannot pay off the debt that it is assuming as part of RAD. Mr. Russ stated that there might have to be a reduction in the number of vouchers it issued in that event, but he also noted that the CHA will have structured debt and it is not taking on so much debt that it cannot be repaid. He stated that the CHA feels comfortable with the estimate and that the ratio of debt is not so burdensome that they cannot make payment.
Terry Dumas stated that the investors are incredibly careful and will do everything in their power to minimize their risk. The underwriting is very conservative. The CHA has done four developments like this in the past. In every case, the underwriting was stringent and they are doing well.
Councillor McGovern stated that as it relates to communication, it is important to realize that sometimes agencies that are intended to be supportive and helpful are often bureaucratic, and are seen, rightly or wrongly, by those it serves as the enemy. He stated that the CHA is battling some of that, and it must recognize that fact. He stated that some residents have that feeling of “If I complain, I could put myself in jeopardy.” He asked Mr. Russ about the option of an ombudsman or that someone that could be the middle person. Mr. Russ stated that there is a customer service person. He stated that if residents feel that they are not getting traction with the building manager, there are other options. He added that James Comer and two deputies are available to sit with residents. He stated that if someone feels that there is a rent or policy issue, they are protected in the lease and through the grievance process. He stated that Mike Johnston, in the last couple of years, has become the point person for elected officials to speak with about any concerns they may have. He stated that this is a question for the CHA to determine if they raise that position to the level that is being discussed.
Councillor Mazen echoed Councillor Simmons’ statement regarding bringing forth information about the process to the masses and policy makers. He stated that it would be nice to do a State of Public Housing address. Mr. Russ agreed that this would be helpful. He noted that the CHA is open to do an individualized session or regular sessions with City Councillors to walk them through the program.
Councillor Carlone questioned if RAD is only for housing authorities. Mr. Russ responded in the negative. He noted that RAD is available to other owners of what are called “the orphan programs.” Non-profits and private owners can take advantage of RAD. He stated that he is pleasantly astounded at the scale of what is being done. Councillor Carlone asked how the contractors will be managed. Mr. Russ stated that the CHA has staffed well for both the planning and construction phase. He noted that four new people have been hired to deal with the construction phase and that Planning staff has been beefed up. Terry Dumas stated that the pool of contractors is the same group of contractors that do schools, town halls, fire stations, etc.
Councillor Carlone added that it appears that the prices range from $15,300 to $212,000 per unit.
Councillor Simmons opened the floor for public comment at this time.
Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli stated that as it relates to income eligibility and immigration status, people in the 60-80 percent of area median income range will have fewer units available. That should inform people of what the City does around its housing policy. She noted the need for housing available to people in that income range. She stated that households that have immigration status concerns may not meet income status for inclusionary zoning.
James Williamson stated that he appreciates the hearing. He stated that he does believe there are people who are looking at ways to develop policies who may have contributed to this approach of housing. He stated that there are people who really sought this direction in terms of an affordable housing policy. He stated that Congress is funding the voucher side, not public housing. He said that it is important not to contribute to something that is not positive. He noted his concern that Citibank is going to be the lender, as Citibank has been in the news lately and has been involved in the scandals in Mexico. This should not be overlooked. He stated that the most important issue for him is respect, communication, etc. He stated that regarding Section 3, it is not the CHA that does the browbeating but there should be opportunity for people interested in these jobs to get them. He stated that the phasing is hitting tenants really hard. He stated that the total amount of money on the ceiling rent is apparently $200,000. Without going after staff resources, one of his biggest complaints is that when he hears about the travel expenses for CHA staffers that come up at every Board of Commissioners Meeting. He asked the CHA to take a look at expenses that may not be crucial. He stated that lawyers’ fees are also expensive which is not affordable. He said that this is distressing when you hear about this at meetings.
Councillor Simmons asked Mr. Russ to respond in writing to the questions that were gleaned from the Town Meeting. She suggested a follow-up meeting with the CHA to discuss Section 3. Mr. Russ stated that he would be happy to respond to these questions in written form.
The hearing was adjourned at 6:17pm.
The Human Services and Veterans Committee conducted a public hearing on Dec 2, 2014 beginning at 4:06pm at 831 Mass. Ave., Basement Conference Room.
The purpose of the hearing was to discuss poverty and issues related to the experience of organizations working with those living in poverty.
Present at the meeting were Councillor Marc C. McGovern, Chair of the Committee; Councillor Nadeem Mazen and Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan, Committee Members; Councillor Leland Cheung; Councillor Dennis Carlone; Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development; Robert Kelley, Associate Planner; Cliff Cook, Planning Information Manager, Community Development Department; Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services; Susan Mintz, Adult Employment Director, Office of Workforce Development; Annie Nagle; and Paula M. Crane, Deputy City Clerk.
Also present were Gail Sudore, CEO, Solutions at Work; Tara M. Riopelle, Program Assistant, Solutions at Work; Claire Lindquist, Resident Service Coordinator, Fresh Pond Apartments; Kaiti Jones, Community & Youth Liaison, Greater Boston Vineyard Church; Kelly Worrall, Executive Director, Food for Free; Cheryl-Ann Pizza-Zeoli, Hasson Rashid, Alliance for Cambridge Tenants; Elaine DeRosa, Executive Director; Tina Alu, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee.
Councillor McGovern stated that the Human Services and Veterans Committee have had three or four meetings thus far on this subject. He stated that the results of a poverty survey that the City undertook looking at various demographics showed alarming results. He noted that what was more alarming and of concern to the City Council is that the findings were based on the federal definition of poverty. He added that when looking at that definition and how low those thresholds are and how expensive it is in Cambridge, those numbers are substantially higher than what came out in the City’s report. Councillor McGovern pointed out that in Cambridge there are a lot of people who have a lot of money as well as people who are struggling financially. He explained that the City Council wants to support struggling families and that goal is what is driving this meeting. He noted that he is also the Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on Income and Security which has met two times with one upcoming meeting scheduled. He stated that these meetings are open to the public but there is no public comment. He stated that the group is working on goals towards issuing a report to the City. He stated his hope that the completion date of said report will be March of 2015. He stated that the goal of this Commission is to better inform the City Manager and the City Council about things that can be done differently to help those in need.
He introduced Gail Sudore, CEO, Solutions at Work (SOW) and Tara Riopelle, Program Assistant.
Ms. Sudore gave an overview of a PowerPoint presentation (Attachment A). She stated that there are at least 738,514 people and 200,000 families in Cambridge and the greater Boston area who face homelessness. She stated that the 2014 Community Outlook Survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston concludes that 7 out of 10 Americans are one pay check away from being homeless. She noted that only 15.8% of people who are homeless are chronically homeless. Ms. Sudore noted that a staggering trend is that for the past thirty years, Massachusetts has been in the top ten of greatest income equality.
Ms. Sudore stated that Solutions at Work was established in 1989 by a group of homeless individuals who found the social services available at the time to be lacking. She stated that there were very few opportunities to help people become more self-sufficient by taking control of their own lives and helping other people who face similar challenges. She noted that the founding premise of Solutions at Work is that people who have experienced homelessness or poverty must have an effective voice on their own behalf. She noted that the primary objectives of SOW are to create a network of community support, promote and serve as a template for innovative and real solutions to combat and eliminate poverty and homelessness that can be implemented in communities and to provide transformative opportunities which empower people to be self-sufficient and fully contributing members of society.
Ms. Sudore affirmed that Solutions at Work is the only independent, nonprofit organization in Massachusetts dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness by providing individuals and families with resources and opportunities to strengthen their self-confidence, achieve self-sufficiency and participate in helping others.
Ms. Sudore gave an overview of the programs and services of Solutions at Work. She stated that the Children’s Clothing Exchange Program helps low-income families deal with a high-cost, persistent item in their budget which is clothing for their children. This is a unique barter system in which a parent/guardian can trade their children’s outgrown items for age appropriate clothing, gear, equipment, books and toys. She commented that this service is free of charge.
The SolutionsWear Program provides interview-appropriate clothing, shoes and accessories to men and women who are enrolled in area job-training programs, transitioning from military service, incarceration, health care or other institutional settings, and/or are unemployed, underemployed or laid off and going on job interviews to enter or re-enter the workforce. She comments that this program helps people create a professional image and presence that bolsters their confidence, ensures success and improves their quality of life.
Ms. Sudore stated that the Moving Up Program provides low-cost moving services to people transitioning out of homelessness or those living in extreme poverty. This program picks up and transports items from emergency shelters, hotels/motels, storage facilities, private homes, and furniture banks. She noted that this program also provides work transition and job opportunities, job skills, training and professional development for homeless or impoverished people who would like to pursue a career/employment or start a business in the moving industry or other fields to enable them to become financially stable and more active contributors to the larger society. Ms. Sudore noted that 45 people who have gone through job transitioning program who have gone on to create own businesses and employ 1,000 people in a one-year timeframe.
Ms. Sudore then told the committee about the Get Connected! Program which refurbishes high quality donated computers and printers and gives them free to those in poverty or moving out of homelessness to use to job search, find affordable housing, continue their education or stay in touch with their support network. This program also provides job skills, education, training, professional development and work transition opportunities for homeless and impoverished people who would like to pursue a career/employment or start a business in the Information Technology/Computer field.
Ms. Sudore added that in 2013, 28% of workers earned poverty-level wages which is $11.06 an hour.
Ms. Sudore introduced Tara Riopelle who told the committee her life story. She stated that she went from riches to rags in a day. She stated that she became homeless ten years ago when her daughter was an infant. She stated that she was a participant of Solutions at Work and utilized their clothing exchange program. She also utilized the Solutions Wear Program. She stated that she was living in a shelter and working to get housing. She stated that with the Solutions at Work programs she was able to secured employment and an apartment. She stated that the Moving Up Program helped her move into her apartment. She stated that there is a high demand for this program and noted that because you can only attend one time to get furniture and necessities, she spent 3 ½ hours ensuring that she had everything that she and her daughter needed. She noted that the program helped to put furniture together. Ms. Riopelle stated that she is now the mother of five children and is married. She stated that she decided to give back and volunteer at Solutions at Work. She stated that she then increased her volunteer hours and was later offered a job at Solutions at Work. She noted that she is now the Program Assistant at SAW and is climbing the ladder. She noted that she works four days per week but still volunteers her time as well.
Ms. Sudore thanked Ms. Riopelle for sharing her story.
Ms. Sudore affirmed that Solutions at Work partners with, serves, and received referrals from more than 175 nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and faith-based communities. She noted that Solutions at Work also partners with colleges, universities, corporations and business entities who promote Solutions at Work’s programs and services, donate new clothing and items, conduct clothing drives and mobilize volunteers to work on special projects.
Councillor McGovern noted that Cambridge has many organizations who work very hard to support people in need. He stated that while he was recently in Texas for the National League of Cities Conference, it was very interesting to hear what is going on in other places. He noted that although Cambridge has not resolved all issues relating to homelessness and poverty, it is doing an incredible job compared to other places.
Councillor McGovern opened the meeting to public comment.
Hasson Rashid stated that Solutions at Work is a great organization. He noted that they do the best that they can but the problem is that the City can do more in the way of keeping the doors open for opportunity. He stated that this is one of the reasons why homelessness is rising. He stated that the city is not keeping the doors open to absorb the homeless people. He spoke of the annual homeless count and stated that there is no need for people to be out in the cold.
Councillor Cheung asked if any organizations found themselves competing for funding or grants with the city. He noted that last year when the City Council reviewed the ten year plan to eliminate homelessness, one thing that was discussed was the need for transitional housing. He stated that it is important to look at the spectrum of need. He stated that the City needs to look at transitional housing and middle-income housing.
Elaine DeRosa stated that there is collaboration among the various service agencies and knowledge as to what each one is doing. She noted that she cannot think of one example where this has been the case. Ellen Semonoff stated that in some instances the city is the applicant on behalf of many of the not-for profits. She stated that the state receives $3.8 million in funding from HUD and that Cambridge only receives a portion of that funding along with other not-for profits that have applied for funding. Ms. Semonoff stated that there is some competition across agencies who are vying for the same funding but in general, there is tremendous collaboration. She noted that this is not a huge issue.
Councillor McGovern noted that there is a Human Services and Veterans meeting scheduled for Jan 14, 2015 to review the Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. He noted that a list has been compiled of different organizations that work with the homeless who will receive the report beforehand in an effort to have meaningful dialogue at that meeting.
Ms. Sudore commented that there never seems to be enough dollars to go around. She noted that the need is large and it is growing. She stated that NPR stated that 85% of giving goes to higher education institutions yet poverty affects far more people. She stated that more dollars provide for a more vital community.
Councillor Carlone asked Councillor McGovern about the Human Services and Veterans Committee meeting of Jan 14, 2015. He stated that as one of the newer councilors he is not familiar with the previous Ten Year Plan. He asked if ideally there be a suggested strategy of where to put money. He asked if there will be strategy that will make a recommendation to the City Council. Councillor McGovern stated that this is his hope. Councillor McGovern added that as much as it is important to bring people together for conversation, the role of the City Council is that of policy makers who direct city funding and goals. His hope is that there will be a report that states the gaps and the recommendations of the City Council to close those gaps.
Ellen Semonoff stated that the 10-year plan is required of communities that receive funding from HUD. She stated that the City needs to create another 10-year plan. The reality is that there will be policy-related choices about permanent supported housing which is the main way to deal with homelessness. She stated that creating housing for very low income individuals within Cambridge is something that the City can do but the question remains how much the City is prepared to devote to this issue. She stated that the City Council is responsible for these decisions. Councillor McGovern then commented that he viewed a story on 60 Minutes regarding an initiative in Nashville wherein a number of vacant apartment buildings were purchased by the city and then served as temporary housing. He stated that the homeless population was ranked based on need and as apartments opened up they offered services and apartments. He noted that due to the limited space and housing, there are difficult conversations that need to take place.
Hasson Rashid asked if this was the first 10-year period that Cambridge attempted to calibrate a strategy to end homelessness. Ms. Semonoff responded that at prior times there have been programs in place but does not believe there was ever a written strategy.
Councillor Carlone stated his hope that this meeting will be a clear recommendation that as a city we need to acquire land for affordable housing, especially this very specific type of housing. He stated that if more people say that it is necessary, we will find ways. He stated that the number one issue is land and that everything else will come eventually. He stated that the presentation by Ms. Sudore was very powerful. He stated that people in Cambridge do care about the issue of homelessness. He stated that when he was recently in Texas, he could not help but notice the great number of men on the street asking for money. He stated that he looks forward to definitive recommendations on how to move forward.
Councillor McGovern stated that there are two tracks, the track of the immediate and the housing piece.
Councillor Mazen stated that this presentation was deeply disturbing in a productive way. He stated that his least productive note is that he does not know how a City Council or society ignores this problem and offers great activities without taking care of homelessness. He stated that it is important for the City Council to look at what a just budget would be.
Mr. Rashid stated that Massachusetts has a high problem with homelessness. He stated that the Foundry building is a big place and that there is great need for shelter units and low income housing units. He stated that he would like to see 100 units of housing for poor people to be located at that site.
Councillor Mazen stated that there is tradeoff between what we do now and what we do in the future. He asserted that the city needs to look at hands-on learning as a means of moving around future generations of poverty. He stated that he was recently invited to the State House for a Just A Start event and wondered why he is not regularly invited to such events that align mutual goals. He stated that he fully believes that there needs to be collaboration in Washington and at the State House. He noted that the city should be lobbying politicians at a higher level and pursuing philanthropy dollars. He noted that the wealthy save and invest while there are many people that can be convinced that the thing to do is spend. He stated that for a long time it was the belief of the conservative politician to lower the tax rate because if you spend more you waste more. His question is if we spend more, what do we get? He commented that his hope is that a 10-year plan can help with that issue.
Ms. Sudore stated that it is not fundraising but investing in a more vital community. She stated that it is helping people more to self-sufficiency. Councillor McGovern noted that for a lot of people, it is a charity thing to write a check and feel good about it.
Ms. Sudore stated that they are Solutions At Work is working with Harvard to create a study and put an economic case together. She expected this to be done within the next 6-8 months. She noted that the other component besides housing is what the United Nations calls the Decent Work for All Initiative that allows people to live well. To have the ability to do that helps keep people out of poverty. She stated that we must think out of the box and spoke of The Conservation Economy (Attachment B).
Cheryl Ann Pizza-Zeoli stated that as it relates to self-sufficiency, the CHA was in a fight with HUD about self-sufficiency. She stated that the CHA is insistent that it has to be a reduction in subsidy, not the end of subsidy. She stated that we have to think about a way to provide deep affordability. It will not go away. She noted that she is happy to see that the CHA has changed its view. She stated that the CHA could maybe work with the City to help the households in that range. Those households will be affected by significant rent increases because of the conversion to RAD. She reiterated the need to continue to provide deep affordability. She stated that families at the upper end of the scale should be able to continue to live in public housing and that the emphasis should not be on graduating them. She noted that the Worcester Housing Authority illegally evicted people. She questioned why it is a goal that people should graduate out of public housing if the family is stable and doing well. She asserted that these families are successful and should not be forced to graduate into something that would destabilize the family.
Councillor Mazen inquired as to who is leading on lobbying/philanthropy as it relates to the issue of alignment coordination. Robert Keller stated that the National Community Development Association conducts lobbying in Washington on behalf of the city for block grants.
Councillor Carlone stated that the City Council oversees the budget for the city. He asserted that the current City Council will be more aggressive than in the past. He noted that this issue coincides with the Community Development Department’s comprehensive plan for the city. He stated that the city utilizes 12 million dollars every year to lower the tax rate and that Cambridge has the lowest residential tax rate in the state. He stated that this money should be used for affordable housing and the homeless. He stated that such a strategy needs to be placed on the ballot. Councillor Carlone stated that the city could easily generate money for programs. He stated that he would like recommendations for the upcoming Jan 14, 2015.
Councillor Mazen stated that using free cash to mitigate the tax rate in order to turn the economy is good science. He stated that doing so above and beyond inflation is literally an annual tax cut. He stated that you have to peg it to inflation which is a level set tax rate. If you dip below the rate of inflation, you are literally giving a tax cut. He stated that he does not believe that people are looking for tax cuts.
Councillor McGovern stated that he would like to hear from Ms. Riopelle. He stated that while it is important to talk with professionals, it is necessary to hear from people who have actually been in homelessness. He asked Ms. Riopelle what would have been helpful to her and what gaps could be filled. Ms. Riopelle responded that the Section 8 waiting list was long, housing and jobs were difficult to find and daycare was as issue. Councillor McGovern stated that there is a lot of low-hanging fruit wherein change can happen. Councillor McGovern noted that it is important to think about the things that the city can do to fill the gaps while discussing the larger issues. Ms. Sudore stated that some things are more complicated and challenging to put in place but there are simple things that can be done right away such as changes to hours of community centers which are not always viewed as a support network or structure.
Councillor McGovern thanked all those present for their participation.
The meeting adjourned at 5:48pm.
14-68. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #9
14-76. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #5
RE: report on the City’s hiring process and on what kind of professional development and career advancement programs are offered to existing employees.
14-108. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #7
14-110. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #6
14-123. Report from the City Manager: See Mgr #8
RE: report on changing the name of “North Point Boulevard Extension” to “Education Circle.”
RE: report on possible changes to the “Super Crosswalk” including the bike crossing at Church Street.
RE: report on ways to streamline both the City’s process and the City’s technology for replying to Massachusetts Public Records Law requests and to examine how major cities’ open data and FOIA requests are handled, including options for a full time data management team including representatives of the City Clerk’s office, the City Solicitor’s office, and IT.