That the City Manager work with the Cambridge Fire Department and DCAMM to conduct a safety check of the Sullivan Courthouse Building

City of Cambridge O-16 ORIGINAL ORDER IN CITY COUNCIL June 3, 2019 COUNCILLOR MALLON COUNCILLOR TOOMEY WHEREAS: On June 1, 2019, Cambridge Fire Department Engines 1, 2, 3, & 5, Trucks 1 & 2, Squads 2 & 4, and Division 1 responded to an emergency call at the Sullivan Courthouse, where there were reports of steam coming out of the 16th floor; and WHEREAS: Preliminary reports indicate the presence of standing water in the Courthouse basement, asbestos condensing in that water, and the 16th floor reaching dangerously high temperatures; and WHEREAS: These emergency situations not only affect first responders, but also immediate abutters, as previous water-remediation measures at the Courthouse led to flooding in abutters’ basements, the building lacks basic safety infrastructure like sprinklers, power, and pipes, and pieces of the exterior and windows regularly break and fall off the building; and WHEREAS: The Cambridge Fire Department has responded to safety concerns four other times within the last six months at the Sullivan Courthouse; now therefore be it ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Cambridge Fire Department and DCAMM to conduct a safety check, with special concern for the presence of flammable materials, and report on the safety status of both the interior and exterior of the Sullivan Courthouse; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager work with the Public Information Office to ensure that this information is distributed to direct abutters of the Courthouse site; and be it further ORDERED: That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back to the City Council as soon as possible.