Merry Month of May - May 12, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
The FY26 Budget Hearings are continuing, but here are the highlights for this week’s regular City Council meeting… comments and additional details to follow:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to technical corrections that should be made to the Floodplain Zoning text. (CM25#118) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern along with Committee Report #1; comments by Nolan, Zusy; text amended 9-0 per Committee Report #1; Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Apr 30, 2025 to hold a public hearing on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 5.000 and Section 20.70 with the intent of (1) replacing the Floodplain Overlay and Planning Board Special Permit with the Massachusetts model ordinance structure for permitting development in the flood plain through administrative review; (2) updating references to the most recent FEMA maps to maintain compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program; and (3) revising other parts of the Zoning Ordinance for internal consistency. The Committee voted favorably to accept the amendments and forward them to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. [text of report]
pulled early along with Manager’s Agenda #1; Report Accepted, Place on File 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to meet with the leadership of the Harvard Square Business Association to discuss the proposal and to take the necessary steps to facilitate the release of $72,000 to fund the RFP development for the tunnel engineering study. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, City Manager Huang re: cost considerations, Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan re: pedestrianizing a portion of Harvard Square and skepticism re: tunnel proposal, McGovern, Toner, Nolan, Azeem; Charter Right - Azeem
I saw some images and videos of the abandoned tunnel under Brattle Street several years ago. This is a very intriguing idea.
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to ensure that all city owned parking lots, with a focus on school complexes, including the still under construction parking at Tobin/Darby Vassal school complex, could be made available for after-hours use by residents. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan re: more general parking concerns; add Siddiqui, Zusy, Wilson as sponsors 9-0; Toner notes that this is a request, a hope - notes that parking used to be available in off hours; Simmons comments, proposed amendment adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
On the Table #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-22, regarding a request to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours. [Tabled – May 5, 2025]
Charter Right #1. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Inclusionary Housing Study, explore remedies to address the lack of housing starts and provide for consideration draft amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and explore other incentives to encourage developers to include affordable units beyond the requirement voluntarily. [Charter Right – Azeem, May 5, 2025]
Azeem amendment by substitution, McGovern amendment to change date from January 2026 to October 2025; late communication from Chris Cotter (Housing) re: Inclusionary Housing; Toner, Simmons comments; [Editor’s Note: Chris Cotter’s testimony – esp. re: amount of time required for “study”, failure to conduct study on schedule – seems evasive and less than sincere]; Azeem wants accelerated timeline, does not support lowering 20% inclusionary requirement; comments by Zusy, City Manager Huang (noting that lowering pct. would not legally require a study); Simmons comments; date change from Jan 2026 to Oct 2025 adopted 9-0; Nolan, Toner amendments noting (in part) that the required study was not done and a reminder that adjustments of IZ percentages for different project sizes was requested in Sept 2024; comments by Nolan, Toner, Zusy (noting possible reduction in housing demand due to federal policies), Cotter, Wilson, Huang; Azeem calls the question (to end discussion) - voted 9-0; Nolan, Toner amendments adopted 9-0; JSW comments - not in favor of any reductions, wants even higher required percentages for larger projects, use of AHT funds to subsidize; Substitute Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Late Communication #2. A communication was received from Director of Housing, Chris Cotter. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
The original Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (1998) made sense in that the mandate for subsidized units in projects of 10 or more units came with a density bonus plus one additional market-rate unit for every mandated “affordable” unit. The revised ordinance (2017) was politically driven and economically nonsensical. The City Council could now amend the ordinance to reflect current conditions and economic reality … or they can act politically and ensure that few new inclusionary housing units are ever built. Indeed, many of the inclusionary units that have come on line in recent years were ones that were hatched prior to the current ordinance. Municipal election years can confound good decision-making.
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to include in the FY26 Operating Budget a continued commitment to Emergency Housing Vouchers for Permanent Supportive Housing and Mixed Status Families, and the Transition Wellness Center, as well as allocate the necessary resources to establish a municipal successor to Rise Up Cambridge that builds on its mission of providing direct, dignified economic support to families. [Charter Right – Wilson, May 5, 2025]
Wilson proposes substitute Order; Wilson elaborates
that substitute order calls for “allocation of at least 25 additional housing vouchers or $1 million, whichever is greater, that would be open to the 20 remaining residents at the Transitional Wellness Center who do not have a permanent housing placement in process and to other shelter residents in Cambridge; and to allocate funding for a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge as soon as possible”; comments by Wilson, McGovern; Ellen Semonoff reports that there are some beds available at 240 Albany Street for people in recovery, efforts now being made to find situations for all remaining TWC occupants; Nolan comments, proposed amendment to require report of scope and cost of any Rise Up successor program; comments by Yi-An Huang of projects now in pipeline by Affordable Housing Trust (AHT); comments by Zusy re: open-ended continuing costs associated with keeping TWC open, fact that an unlimited number of people will continue to come to Cambridge for our generous services, suggests greater support for 240 Albany St./Bay Cove rather than open-ended provision of vouchers; Toner asks if additional $1 million for vouchers is feasible; Yi-An Huang notes that vouchers would be specifically for those in transition to permanent supportive housing; Toner expresses concerns about wording of request to fund a successor to Rise Up program; McGovern elaborates on possible options for successor program, criteria for eligibility, implementation dates; Wilson addresses matter of a “benefit cliff” that could potentially trigger loss of MassHealth benefits, implementation timeline (hoping to have everything up and running by Jan 1, 2026); Siddiqui notes that getting this into FY2026 Budget may not be possible; Toner expresses concerns about operation of proposed program and where the money would be coming from; Yi-An Huang says there is a path to creating a successor program - challenge is resourcing, questions of scale of program, prioritization; JSW comments about ARPA, opening of shelters, would prefer to give vouchers to all residents of all shelters, calls Rise Up successor program critical; Zusy to vote No because City budget otherwise seeing cuts; Nolan amendment to Substitute Order Adopted 9-0; Substitute Order Adopted as Amended 8-1 (Zusy-No)
Some councillors must have not read the memo regarding the need for greater fiscal restraint for the time being. And, of course, municipal election years can confound good decision-making.
Charter Right #3. First floor retail policy order. [Charter Right – Zusy, May 5, 2025]
Toner offers additional amendment that the Order be referred to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee and the the Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committee for a hearing and discussion before being forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for deliberation; comments by Zusy about value of neighborhood retail; Nolan, JSW, Azeem comments; Amendment Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson-Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Wilson-Absent)
I live in a BA-1 zone (mixed residential/commercial), but I don’t think this would be advisable for all residential zones. It’s one thing to grandfather existing small retail establishments, but I wouldn’t necessarily want to open up all residential zone to ground floor retail. Besides, isn’t everyone aware of how many vacant retail spaces there are right now and the fact that a lot of retail is croaking?
Resolution #7. Resolution congratulating Diane LeBlanc on her Retirement. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner
pulled by Simmons for comments; additional comments by McGovern, Toner, Siddiqui, Azeem, Nolan, Zusy, Wilson, Sobrinho-Wheeler, City Council Assistant Naomie Stephen; standing ovation for Diane LeBlanc; comments by Diane LeBlanc w/appreciation and thanks to staff of City Clerk’s Office
Diane LeBlanc has been a blessing for the last three years. We are an historic city and it has been great to have someone with a background as an archivist in the role of City Clerk.
Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on May 5, 2025 to initiate the process of re-appointing the City Auditor, PO25#62. The Committee voted favorably to forward the re-appointment of the City Auditor, Joseph McCann, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Joseph McCann reappointed to another 3-year term as City Auditor 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Cinco de Mayo - May 5, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Here are the featured items this week. I’ll offer minimal comments for now - summaries to follow after the meeting.
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang on executive order re: sanctuary cities, federal grant agreements (esp. HUD grants), federal budget w/significant cuts to programs; creation of federal funding stabilization fund, executive actions outpacing legal/court responses, expected steep cuts, proposed elimination of entire CDBG program, housing eligibility; JSL asks about how these interact with Cambridge budget process; Nolan notes loss of coastal resiliency funding; Zusy asks why are waiting to reduce budget until FY27, Manager notes that City is making some adjustments now, Zusy suggests making some judicious cuts now; Manager notes that City has contingency plans, won’t sign on to Trump mandates, expected legal challenges, possible funding losses; Zusy asks about Free Cash status and prognosis, concerns about depleting cash reserves in order to fund various requests; Azeem - suspend rules to take up Order #6; City Manager says he understands intention behind Order #6 but we cannot do everything and must remain fiscally responsible, will provide more detailed responses during Budget Hearings, TWC response already provided, Rise Up successor planning to follow for FY27 and not FY26, prioritization of major proposals now underway; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-14, regarding a home rule petition allowing Cambridge to end the practice of property owners passing on broker’s fees to tenants. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; Home Rule Petition Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-22, regarding a request to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours.
pulled by Nolan; Nolan comments; Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan notes that this is still before the Buildings & Grounds Subcommittee of the School Committee; Wilson, McGovern, Zusy, Azeem comments; Yi-An Huang notes that current garage not designed for public use, possibility of converting it while preserving school safety; Simmons explains status as Chair of School Committee; Tabled 8-0-1 (Zusy Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Subandha Karmacharya as a member of the Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship for a term of three years.
Appointment Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Carolyn Zern as a member of the Planning Board for a term of five years.
pulled by Zusy (asking about term lengths of boards); explanations by Melissa Peters (CDD), Mayor Simmons; Appointment Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board recommendation on the AHO Heights Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the prioritization of zoning priorities. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Zusy; responses by Melissa Peters (CDD); Placed on File 9-0
Order #1. City Council support of the completion of the Mass Central Rail Trail. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan to be added as sponsor; comments by Zusy; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
I go back a long way on this one and on other rails-to-trails projects. Back in the 1980s I rode/walked along the route of what would eventually become the Minuteman Bikeway with a lead person from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). [Andy and I also played on the same Boston Junior Park League baseball team.] I was also tasked along with two other bicycle advocates to chart out the markings and intersections along the entire route of the Minuteman Bikeway, and I witnessed all stages of its construction. In the early 1990s, my friend David Goode was tasked by the Mass. Department of Environmental Management (now folded into the DCR) to research the available right-of-way of the Mass Central Railroad west of Route 495, especially around Berlin, MA west to the Wachusetts Reservoir in Clinton, MA. I purchased a hybrid bike for this purpose - the same bike that I use today - so that David and I could explore the route. So we loaded the bikes into my old VW Bus and we headed west. We not only explored the section of the RR right-of-way built after the Wachusett Dam forced a change in the route, but also the original right-of-way that had gone back to nature. That was an adventure. The culmination of our exploration was at the reservoir where we scrambled up a hillside and found the long-abandoned Clinton Tunnel through which westbound trains once passed before immediately finding themselves on the highest wooden trestle in New England as they passed over the South Nashua River below the dam. It was great fun going through the Clinton Tunnel on our bikes, and I have returned on several occasions.
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Many sections of what is now the Mass Central Rail Trail, including most of the section through Weston which originally faced strong local opposition, have now been built. I attended some of those meetings in Weston 30 years ago. There are trade-offs between having a more primitive, unimproved right-of-way vs. a paved bikeway, and I could understand and appreciate the differing points of view. On balance, the Mass Central Rail Trail continues to be a great long-term project as it wends its way toward a greater degree of completion.
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to investigate bike pod storage options to be placed in suitable areas in the City to provide residents and visitors safe storage options. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Toner; comments by JSW; Toner, Zusy, Nolan comments - issues of how to add these w/o negative impacts, nontrivial cost; Simmons amendment to analyze cost adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to prepare an update with details on the status of potential civilian flagger operations in the Cambridge police union contract and work with relevant city staff to explore a civilian traffic flagger program and update the current police union contract on the City’s website. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; comments by JSW, Toner (noting that active police officers, retired officers, officers from other communities, and only then civilian flaggers; City gets 10% of the fee), Zusy ($64.50/hour and a 4 hour minimum), Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0
This order is just an echo of similar orders from years past. I saw primarily civilian flaggers during my various cross-country trips. In Massachusetts, every time the idea is suggested it has been met with anecdotes about how a uniformed police flagger foiled a crime and why this “proves” the need to have only uniformed officers doing this job. This is total nonsense. It’s the same sort of protectionism that has kept requirements for lucrative police details in many situations where any competent person could do the job.
Order #5. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Inclusionary Housing Study, explore remedies to address the lack of housing starts and provide for consideration draft amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and explore other incentives to encourage developers to include affordable units beyond the requirement voluntarily. Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Nolan; City Manager acknowledges the economics; Melissa Peters (CDD) notes that IZ has been main driver of affordable units; Azeem comments - notes that an 8% inclusionary requirement might pencil out, higher percentages currently infeasible; McGovern asks how long the analysis would take, Melissa reports from Chris Cotter an estimate of 9 months; McGovern recounts history of how current requirement would come to be and the 5-year review has not been done, still believes that AHO will surpass production of IZ, notes political perceptions of making any changes; JSW opposes lowering of 20% requirement as well as quick implementation of any changes, suggests tiered requirements; Siddiqui comments; Zusy supports intention of this Order, agrees with adopting a temporary reduction in mandate pending detailed study, notes dearth of new Inclusionary units over last 3 years - though contradicted by numbers in Budget Book and elsewhere; Melissa Peters notes distinction between issuance of building permits and actual construction; Toner reiterates that 5-year study now overdue; Zusy asks to be added as co-sponsor of original Order; Substitute Order by Azeem, JSW, Siddiqui, McGovern; Wilson comments (wants to use Affordable Housing Trust to subsidize IZ), Manager responds that it may be possible; Nolan comments, including whether a seeking a variance is a possibility, Melissa Peters suggests this would not qualify as a hardship; McGovern suggests changing reporting date on substitute amendment from January 2026 to October 2025; Charter Right - Azeem
Please read the letter from Patrick Barrett on this topic. City Council initiatives are often more performative than practical.
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to include in the FY26 Operating Budget a continued commitment to Emergency Housing Vouchers for Permanent Supportive Housing and Mixed Status Families, and the Transition Wellness Center, as well as allocate the necessary resources to establish a municipal successor to Rise Up Cambridge that builds on its mission of providing direct, dignified economic support to families. Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Voted along with City Manager #1; Simmons substitute language for Order #6; McGovern wants to spend down Free Cash and raises property taxes to fund the DSA-recommended wish list of additional programs and extension of existing programs set to expire; Wilson also wants to spend down Free Cash and raise taxes to fund the DSA-recommended wish list; JSW also wants to spend down Free Cash and raise taxes to fund the DSA-recommended wish list; Siddiqui also wants to spend down Free Cash and raise taxes to fund the DSA-recommended wish list - especially the Rise Up local welfare program; Toner objects to references to “the unelected City Manager” who is hired by the elected City Council, notes that Council voted 8-1 to maintain city manager form of government, 9-0 to extend City Manager’s contract, recalls discussions over this past year in Finance Committee re: fiscal restraint, notes that Rise Up was funded by ARPA and not from property taxes, City Manager has been clear along about the greater wisdom in closing the ARPA-funded Transition Wellness Center in favor of better alternatives, will support substitute Order, need more time to structure any possible Rise Up successor, not the right time to be funding new programs; Nolan notes that City Council and City Administration has pushed back hard on federal actions, City Manager has stood firmly in support of community values, would prefer to find efficiencies in existing budget to fund emergency measures, notes large residential property tax increases in recent years and that this also affects rents; Zusy calls programs commendable but we don’t have the funds to continue them all, willing to seek efficiencies in order to free up some funding; Simmons notes that leadership requires difficult choices, asks Council to support substitute amendment to Order #6; Azeem notes that he initially voted to find more $ to support TWC but that this has led to additional demands to fund many other things, and we don’t have unlimited capacity to fund all these things, do support municipal voucher initiative, calls Rise Up program very effective, wants City Council orders to be respected and feels that current City Manager follows City Council orders more than his predecessors; McGovern reiterates that we have enough money from Free Cash to fund everything; Simmons Substitution Adopted 5-4 (BA,PN,PT,CZ,DS-Yes; MM,SS,JSW,AW-No); Wilson Charter Right on Substitute Order
Committee Report #2. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on April 17, 2025 to discuss the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
While I cannot say for sure, this policy order has a distinct quality of a municipal election year rallying device. All of its sponsors have attended Finance Committee meetings regarding the questionable feasibility and advisability of these programs, and it seems like a combination of ignorance and arrogance to continue to insist that these all be funded. ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) was a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus bill passed by Congress to aid in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. It was never intended to be a permanent addition to the operating budgets of cities and states that accepted ARPA funding. The key word in “Transition Wellness Center” is “Transition” - indicative of a short-term accommodation to reduce shelter occupancies during the worst period of the COVID epidemic. The “Rise Up Cambridge” local welfare program was also principally funded by ARPA, and any successor program would have to be more limited and with stricter eligibility requirements. [Needless to say, welfare programs are best funded through the state and federal government rather than as individual municipal programs.] Emergency housing vouchers in response to major changes in federal housing policies and funding seem like an appropriate conversation in the moment, but any notion that the City can simply take on all of these costs and burdens is woefully naive.
It is noteworthy that the Cambridge Democratic City Committee (CDCC) has signed on as a sponsor of a rally scheduled to coincide with the City Council meeting. I am a member of the CDCC (Ward 6) and I don’t recall there being any mention of this anywhere or any vote to endorse these proposed measures. Then again, the CDCC - much like so many political organizations - is prone to acting as an extension of a small number of activists who have inserted themselves as principal decision-makers who feel little or no need to consult their membership.
Order #7. First floor retail policy order. Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; amendments proposed by Toner, Nolan; comments by Azeem, McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui; Melissa Peters responds; Nolan amendment Fails 4-4-1 (PN,SS,JSW,DS-Yes; MM,PT,AW,CZ-No; Present-BA]; Melissa Peters explains options for amendment to zoning; Zusy concerns re: “other appropriate areas of the city”; Toner explains the intention of the Order; JSW says he would welcome retail or restaurant next door without any qualifications; Zusy notes what was done in Somerville; Charter Right - Zusy
Neighborhood-scale retail is a great amenity, but I don’t think it would make sense or be welcome at all locations in all residential districts. This is why zones such as the BA-1 and BA-2 zones were created - to permit these uses in locations where they already existed and where they can coexist with neighbors. I know - I live in a BA-1 zone.
Resolution #14. Resolution on the death of Doane Perry. Councillor Nolan
Doane was a jewel of a human being. Doane also served for a time as President of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association (MCNA). I have enduring respect for all of the people who have assumed the burden of heading up a neighborhood association and taken on the often-difficult task of developing consensus from a broad range of differing opinions.
Committee Report #1. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on April 10, 2025 to discuss services being provided to the unhoused community and an update on the opioid settlement. [text of report]
pulled by Zusy for minor amendment (pg 3); Report Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on April 29, 2025 on a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Article 11.000 with the intent to amend certain subsections of the Affordable Housing Overlay, Section 11.207 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, with the intent of limiting allowable height increases in Residence C-1 districts, removing references to provisions in the base zoning that are no longer applicable, and clarifying references to departments responsible for enforcement. The Ordinance Committee voted favorably to accept the amendments and forward them to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Zoning Petition Amended 9-0; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Note: The FY2026 Budget Hearings start this week.
Budget Season - April 28, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
This week brings the FY2026 Budget with the Budget Hearings to commence next week. Here are the items of special interest this week:
The Budget and the Loan Orders
Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY2026 submitted budget and appropriation orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Nolan notes that FY2026 Budget now exceeds $1 billion, asks councillors which departments should be pulled, requests questions to be submitted in advance, objects to a recent department head exit not being included in the Budget, wants more detailed information on Loan Orders - will pass to 2nd Reading and refer to Finance Committee; brief comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Asst. City Manager for Fiscal Affairs Claire Spinner, Budget Director Taha Jennings; Councillor Wilson asks about process for seeking greater tax increases; additional McGovern, Simmons comments re: reducing residential exemption, increasing property taxes and public engagement; Yi-An Huang, Claire Spinner, Taha Jennings note that City has kept Council apprised much earlier in the process due to new economic environment, fact that setting of tax rates depend on other factors to be known later, altering residential exemption would only shift money around and not the tax levy which is a 7.8% increase, possible shift from commercial to residential taxpayers; McGovern entertains notion of increasing taxes to fund pet projects; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Because the City decided this year to decouple employee benefits from the individual department budgets, it’s a bit difficult to do my usual multi-year comparisons of individual department budgets. Some of the key features of the FY26 Budget are:
a) an overall 3.7% increase in the Operating Budget [from $955,584,350 in the FY25 Adopted Budget to $991,181,320 in the FY26 Submitted Budget;
b) a Public Investment Budget of $41,204,770 and Loan Authorizations of $109,936,000 (see below) yielding a Total Capital Budget of $151,140,770;
c) a total property tax levy of $677,732,415 to support the General Fund Operating and Capital Budgets - an increase of 7.85% from the FY25 property tax levy; and
d) 19 new full-time positions.
Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Ahern Field and surrounding amenities. [text of Loan Order]
#3-#11 pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $16,500,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $11,100,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support significant building improvements and deferred maintenance projects. Proposed projects include but are not limited to upgrades of Public Works facilities, municipal offices, youth centers, branch libraries, fire stations, and deferred maintenance. [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $19,986,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $27,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in Central Square. [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,000,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Program and for planning and design of a floodwater storage tank. [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Capital Repairs Program and projects related to climate change preparedness efforts. (CM25#99) [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,250,000 to provide funds for Ozone Generator replacement; Lead Service Line replacement; and water works construction projects in coordination with DPW street restoration projects, which include repair and or replacement of water infrastructure at Dana Street, Sciarappa Street, Massachusetts Ave 4, Haskell Street and Hillside Avenue. [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,600,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Wilder Lee Playground and play areas at 359 Broadway. [text of Loan Order]
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0
A Work in Progress
Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Community Safety Department. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Yi-An Huang notes that Community Safety Director Liz Speakman will be moving on to the Boston Area Race Crisis Center, to be succeeded by Marie Mathieu (who has been social worker at libraries and more recently as Asst. Director of Clinical Services with the Community Safety Department); comments by Marie Mathieu, Liz Speakman; Sobrinho-Wheeler tries to stoke controversy over existence of a parallel co-response initiative within the Cambridge Police Department (per Harvard Crimson article); McGovern comments; Nolan discusses definitions of co-response vs. “alternative response” and rationale for there being a clinician within Emergency Communications (well-explained by Owen O’Riordan & McGovern); Nolan notes the George Floyd period and how CSD can to exist, very inappropriately asks Liz Speakman if tension of not realizing the full potential of CARE and the stress of perhaps not feeling fully supported part of the reason you are leaving; Simmons notes that this is a very inappropriate question; Liz Speakman makes a personal statement expressing gratitude; Zusy comments about redundant services; Azeem asks about # of phone calls expected (8-10 calls/day); Siddiqui, Wilson, Simmons comments; Yi-An Huang notes great strides of CPD in “progressive policing”, offers explanation of distinction between CPD and CARE responses; Placed on File, Referred to Public Safety Committee 9-0
I really want this new department to be successful, but I am not all clear about what its actual function is.
Unfulfilled Wish Lists and Good Enough For Now
Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-8, regarding a request to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy re: delay in municipal broadband, Chromebooks distributed but no one knows how to use them; Nolan comments on past Digital Equity Study; Wilson notes that Manning Apts. residents did receive some training with the Chromebooks; Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager regarding the Transition Wellness Center (TWC). [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler who wants to fund anything and everything; comments by McGovern who would still like to fund TWC for another year; comments by Wilson who “wants to move some dollars around to make this work”; Zusy notes that there is $48.7 million and $15.5 Million for homelessness and housing stability in FY26 Budget for housing - very generous; Nolan comments; Simmons notes that Yi-An Huang recommends not continuing the TWC and has explained the basis for this recommendation, additional comments that this was never meant as a permanent solution; Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Mar 27, 2025 to receive a status update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in Cambridge, as well as to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY26 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040, and to further discuss the Free Cash Appropriation Requests, CM25#40 and CM25#41, referred to the Finance Committee on Mar 17, 2025. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
I suppose it’s fair to say that elected officials (and candidates) are often judged on what they promise to deliver and not necessarily on their ability to deliver on those promises. It’s also easy in our system to play good cop/bad cop with the City Manager and the City Administration by making a show of how hard you tried to establish and fund an initiative that may actually make little sense on financial or practical grounds. One great example is the proposal for municipal broadband - and I take note of a City Council Order this week to focus instead on “assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs.” A more recent example is the divided vote on whether to reverse course and continue the Covid-era Transition Wellness Center. The Manager is recommending to proceed with its planned closure and to find alternate accommodations for its few remaining residents. It remains to be seen whether the City will find a suitable alternative to the “Rise Up” local welfare program that was created from the ARPA windfall.
The Little Stuff That Counts
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to establish a Lost and Found program at Cambridge City Hall. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to assemble a list of public and private spaces available to the public, indoors and outdoors, noting contact information and any associated requirements, ensuring that there are public meeting places identified in each neighborhood. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy noting that CDD used to have a listing of indoor meeting spaces and that this should be restored and to also include outdoor spaces; Order Adopted 9-0
I like these kinds of bread-and-butter initiatives – practical and ordinary stuff. I will suggest that any accounting of available public and private meeting and event spaces should include outreach to the many churches and related buildings that are actually plentiful.
It’s A Job
Order #4. City Council requesting that the Chair of the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee initiate the process of re-appointing the City Auditor. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; Simmons notes that the Order already states that this is to be referred to Gov’t Operations Committee (though the Order actually only refers this to the Chair of the committee); McGovern, Nolan, Toner comments; Order Adopted, Referred to Gov’t Operations Committee 9-0
There will also have to be a process to appoint a new City Clear when our dear Diane LeBlanc retires next month. Paula Crane will serve as Interim City Clerk in the meantime, and I hope she’ll at least consider taking on the City Clerk role for the next three years.
That moment when you celebrate the retirement of someone you knew when he first took the job 33 years ago.
Resolution #7. Congratulations to Officer Victor Martignetti on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons
You really become aware of the passage of time when you see people who you knew when they started a job now retiring decades later. Victor isn’t the first. There have been quite a few long-term City employees whose long careers began and ended on my watch.
Committee Report #1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Mar 20, 2025. The meeting was a Cannabis Roundtable with cannabis businesses to discuss issues facing the retail cannabis industry in Cambridge and discuss potential changes, including adjustments to the current 1,800-foot buffer zones and introduction of social consumption. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
I continue to be amazed at the degree to which our City Council caters to this one industry. If only they could be as receptive to the concerns of the rest of us.
Committee Report #2. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Mar 25, 2025 to review and discuss the update to the Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 2.0. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
The Proposed New Cambridge Charter – For Better or Worse – April 14, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
My taxes are almost done (yeah, I never get an early start), and the City Council meets on the eve of Tax Day. Here are the agenda items that distracted me this week:
Money Talks
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
pulled by Nolan; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang re: Harvard President Alan Garber’s announcement to not cooperate w/threats from Trump Administration, courage of students and others in standing up to administration; cancellation of federal grants, breach of order by federal government, positions terminated, programs cut or eliminated (such as LIHEAP), danger of the coming years, confronting the federal government; comments by Nolan, Siddiqui (asks about Volpe, no word yet); Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge FY2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Claire Spinner (Finance), Joseph McCann (Auditor), Robert Mahoney (independent audit consultant), Zusy, Simmons; Placed on File 9-0
Talking about Transportation
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-67 regarding Cambridge Bicycle Plan Update and Consideration of Network Connections. (CM25#82) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Stephanie Groll (Transportation Planning - now part of Transportation Department), Toner (on how CSO might be modified), Owen O’Riordan (looking at all modes of traffic, achieving a high degree of consensus), Zusy, Wilson (wants more details in spelling out the “network”, EW routes vs. NS routes; McKenna talks about the 2015 process and “vision”, calls NS routes “low speed, low volume” vs. EW routes “requiring” separation; Wilson asks how Broadway became included in current plan, McKenna says it was added in the 2020 plan; Nick Schmidt (new pedestrian and bicycle program manager) introduced; McKenna says development of the Network Vision independent of the Cycling Safety Ordinance, claims there was a public process [Is that really true? - I don’t recall there be any such process.]; Wilson addresses broader concerns re: CSO and needs of actual people; McGovern says Main Street was not part of the Ordinance, McKenna says the Ordinance calls for 25 miles, some streets (the “special four”) specified, says Brattle Street and Main Street “essential” to be added to network; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-23 regarding a Citywide Shuttle Bus Pilot program. (CM25#84) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Toner, Zusy, Siddiqui, Brooke McKenna; Referred to both Neighborhood & Long-Range Planning Committee and Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Mar 17, 2025 with MIT transportation experts and City staff to brainstorm ways to better accommodate mobility for all users as we continue to promote the use of sustainable modes. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent)
This and That
Order #1. City Council opposition to Federal efforts to defund or censor museums. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Nolan; comments by Simmons, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #2. That the City Council go on record declaring Earth Day, April 22 in the year 2025 “Sustainable Cambridge Day” and that the City Manager is requested to communicate to all City departments the City’s commitment to our climate goals and the need to support the efforts of the Sustainable Cambridge initiative. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Nolan for comments; Order Adopted 9-0
Charter Right #1. Continued funding of the Transitional Wellness Center. [Charter Right – Toner, Apr 7, 2025]
McGovern proposed amendment Adopted 7-0-0-2 (Azeem, Zusy - Present); Toner notes Human Services Committee meeting on this topic, Manager was clear about lack of funding for continued operation; City Manager Huang comments on Cambridge many investments for unhoused communities, fact that this proposed expenditure would add considerable expense and City is already opening permanent supporting housing; Toner, Zusy to vote No while acknowledging good services provided by the TWC; McGovern challenges Zusy unnecessarily, gets agitated suggesting he’ll just bring this up again, suggests false choices between this and trees and other matters, calls his colleagues statements “shameful”; Sobrinho-Wheeler supports the Order and suggests lack of prioritization process, wants the City Council to take more control of the Budget process (bad idea); Nolan notes that there is a lot of desire to fund everything, but it’s unfair to shame each other on financial and other decisions, does not agree with referring this to Finance Committee; Simmons expresses concerns about promoting a program that is not well run; Wilson will vote Yes on the proposal; McGovern comments; Yi-An Huang notes that if we had no resources there would be no hard choices, and some (limited) funding creates environment where priorities must be set and choices must be made, and further notes that federal cuts can affect local choices, each year’s budget feeds into the next year’s budget; McGovern again suggests that this should be a priority in addition to other pet projects like municipal broadband; Siddiqui suggests rethinking the Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting agenda, continues to promote her own “Rise Up” local welfare program; Azeem notes simultaneous expiration of ARPA funding and losses in federal funding, asks when any decisions re: Spaulding program must be made; Ellen Semonoff says a date is difficult to determine - there are 22 people still at TWC, and the longer people stay based on possibility of extension the more likely they may find themselves with no next step, notes that if TWC does not close now it will be more difficult to do so in the future; City Manager notes that funding TWC will make it more difficult to fund a successor program to the “Rise Up” local welfare program; Nolan additional comments re: many proposed projects; McGovern objects to suggestion of vouchers vs. TWC; Order Adopted as Amended 5-4; Reconsideration Fails 0-9
[My own personal opinion is that this entire conversation is proof positive why it would be a terrible idea to have legislators wrest more control over city management with the goal of promoting specific (often politically motivated) projects - the essential definition of political patronage – which can sometimes produce good benefits, but often not. I will add that if some of the current councillors could have their way, property taxes would soar, especially in light of recent news regarding Kendall Square commercial property challenges and their tax levy implications.]
Only 279 Communications this week. One, in particular, stood out above all the others:
Communication #208. Patrick W Barrett III, re: PO25#49. [text of communication]
Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Mar 5, 2025 to receive an update on the state of the arts in Cambridge and discuss how the City is currently supporting artists and art organizations through grant programs and funding, with a focus on the Central Square Cultural district. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent)
The Cambridge Charter
Committee Report #3. The Cambridge City Council’s Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review was held on Fri, Mar 28, 2025 to review the communication from the City Solicitor with updates in the Charter review process that was referred from the Mar 17, 2025 City Council meeting. [text of report]
Rules Suspended to take up early along with Comm & Reports #2 and #3; Siddiqui thanks all involved; Toner comments; March 28, 2025 revisions voted Adopted 9-0; Committee Report Placed on File 9-0; Comm. & Reports #2 Placed on File 9-0 (superseded by ; City Solicitor Megan Bayer walks through changes in latest Draft; Siddiqui motion to accept latest changes Adopted 9-0; comments by Nolan re: Charter Review Committee; Sobrinho-Wheeler addresses removal procedures, McKenna notes state law regarding conviction of felony and removal upon sentencing (as was the case with former Councillor William Walsh in 1994); Zusy on review of ordinances every decade, Mayer responds [Note: They used to be not only reviewed but frequently published as a bound volume], McKenna notes that existing ordinances would be a 6 inch wide bound volume; Simmons speaks on half of School Committee member Caroline Hunter re: role of the Mayor on the School Committee; McGovern remarks on review of ordinances suggesting that the period of review be baked into the ordinance language itself; Wilson expresses gratitude to Law Department and Charter Review Committee, how to put into practice the review of ordinances, Bayer notes this would be a significant undertaking; Megan Bayer notes that many City departments are affected by ordinances and that they should be involved in their review; Siddiqui acknowledges Clerk’s Office, notes many CRC recommendation that have been referred to Government Operations for future consideration; McGovern says Gov’t Operations meetings will be scheduled; Toner asks if charter review must be done every 10 years or does clock start w/adoption of any revision, Bayer notes that it would be every 10 years (in a year ending in a ”2”); Home Rule Petition Adopted 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting an update regarding Revised Charter Draft including Home Rule Draft.
Placed on File 9-0 (superseded by late communication below)
Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting - Updated City Charter Revised Charter Draft.
Placed on File 9-0; Home Rule Petition Adopted 9-0
Late Order #3. That the City Council approve the motions that passed favorably in the Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review on March 28, 2025. Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui (PO25#55)
Order Adopted 9-0
Late Order #4. That the Council accept the new additional changes as detailed that the Law Department has made that the Special Committee did not vote on. Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui (PO25#56)
Order Adopted 9-0
Late Order #5. That the City Council petition the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to enact the attached home rule petition entitled, AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE; provided, that the Legislature may make such incidental changes necessary to effectuate passage of this petition. Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui (PO25#57)
Order Adopted 9-0
Late Order #6. That the City Council request that State Rep. Marjorie Decker sponsor the home rule petition entitled AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE. Councillor Siddiqui
Nolan amends to have rest of delegation invited, Siddiqui very truculent in response; Amendment Adopted 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (McGovern - Absent)
This has been a long haul, and not such a pleasant one. On the bright side, there won’t be any major changes to the general framework of Cambridge municipal government. We’ll still have a city manager form of government with all at-large elections conducted via proportional representation with some added flexibility for the Election Commission to slightly modify the tabulation methods (the one thing I wanted to see for many years). The City Council will continue to choose their own Chair (the Mayor), but the Mayor will serve as an ordinary member of the School Committee with its Chair being elected by the School Committee (something I suggested over 20 years ago). Also, I was finally heard regarding the matter of keeping intact the current mechanisms for Resident Initiative Petitions and Referenda (which the City Council had originally eliminated). The updating of the language and overall structure of the proposed Charter is also a worthwhile change.
On the negative side (for starters): (a) the selection of the original Charter Review Committee was tainted and driven by the whims of the Mayor at that time; (b) the current penalties under the Plan E Charter for City Council interference (not acting through the City Manager) were eliminated (a very bad thing); and (c) at every step the City Council insisted on greater control of budgetary matters, board appointments, and more. I can only speculate how the whole procedure may have been different (and probably better) had there been an actual Charter Commission - as opposed to having only incumbent city councillors having any say regarding any changes in the structure our municipal government.
Assuming the posted draft of the new Charter is approved by the City Council, it will then have to be reviewed by the Attorney General and the Home Rule Petition will have to be approved by the State Legislature. If all that takes place, it will then come back to the voters of Cambridge - optimistically in time for the November 2025 election, but it could potentially be further delayed. - Robert Winters
Tending the Garden (Street) - April 7, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
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Not that you could ever tell from the scandalous focus of the local tabloids, but the Big Issue residents are hotly debating now is whether the Garden Street road configuration should stay or go. Beyond the sideshows and the political posturing and opportunism, here are a few things of interest on this week’s agenda:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Cambridge Public Schools’ long-term facilities condition assessment. [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Interim School Superintendent David Murphy, Councillors Wilson, Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a proposed amendment to the Drought Ordinance. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Unfinished Business #4 brought forward; Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Cambridge Municipal Code 13.08, Water System Regulations and Chapter 13.12, Water Reservoirs. [Passed to 2nd Reading Mar 24, 2025; Eligible To Be Ordained Apr 7, 2025] [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; Ordained as Amended 9-0
Order #1. That the City Council send a formal invitation to Mr. Gerald Chan to come before the Economic Development and University Relations Committee to answer questions and present his plans for the Harvard Square Movie Theater, as well as his other vacant properties in the City. Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by McGovern (paradoxically endorsing nostalgia and preservation while simultaneously endorsing wholesale changes in built environment); comments by Siddiqui re: legal imitations in what Council can do; comments by Wilson, Simmons; Toner proposes amendment to bring in 23 other vacant storefront owners; Zusy supports amendment, wants to extend to other property owners but without shaming; McGovern OK with amendment but expects this will take several meetings, dismisses suggestion that this is “shaming”; Zusy suggests that singling out one property owner not ideal, there are broader considerations; Amendment Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 11, 2025 with the City Solicitor and the Community Development Department, Economic Opportunity Division, to discuss concerns with vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge, and prior efforts and possible options such as new policies, taxes, and/or fines to reduce the number of vacant store fronts and commercial properties in Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Order #2. Continued funding of the Transitional Wellness Center. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by McGovern with some history of funding for this facility; Sobrinho-Wheeler advocates for keeping it open beyond ARPA funding; Wilson comments; Yi-An Huang notes current funding is ~$3 million/year which would likely rise, contracts would need to be extended, more information for these and similar services will be forthcoming; Charter Right - Toner
Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-68 re: Garden Street two-way traffic alternatives. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mar 31, 2025] [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (JSW) along with Charter Right #3; Placed on File 9-0
Charter Right #3. That the City Manager and appropriate staff move forward with Option 4 to reopen Garden Street to two-way traffic while maintaining separated bike lanes. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mar 31, 2025]
pulled by Toner along with Charter Right #1; JSW proposed amendment by substitution calling for more analysis and not moving forward with Option #4; Toner expresses appreciation for JSW amendment but wants to move forward with 2-way preference; Nolan notes that there have already been many changes to other road redesigns, supports bi-directional bike lanes as safest alternative; Siddiqui aligns w/JSW; Azeem agrees w/JSW amendment and focuses on cost of different options; TPT Director Brooke McKenna suggests estimated cost of Option #4 to be $137,000 with timeline of Summer 2026, additional costs associated w/utilities; Azeem uses cost to rationalize making no changes; Zusy suggests that JSW amendment would just be “kicking the can down the road”, need to take a vote on this now and resolve outstanding issues re: loading zones, etc.; Wilson appreciates spirit of JSW amendment, notes that these issues are city-wide pinning neighbors against each other, making movement across the city difficult, insufficient outreach to those affected; McGovern notes dissatisfaction of some neighbors but wants to keep current configuration; JSW Amendment Fails 4-5 (BA,MM,SS,JSW-Yes; PN,PT,AW,CZ,DS-No); Toner notes that some will be unhappy either way, resounding push-back after restricting to 1-way; Nolan notes that many came out in support for Option #1 (keep 1-way) due to organized effort, speaks in support of bi-directional bike lanes, notes $50 million on Mass. Ave. due to provision of bike lanes; Zusy notes that while TPT reports were rational there is also need for safety for drivers and not just cyclists, 42,000 registered vehicles and Garden Street a strongly preferred route for hundreds of years, rollover accidents caused by current configuration, school-related traffic increases anticipated; Siddiqui says safety data supports Option #1, but McKenna says crash analysis has not been done, acknowledges increase in rollover crashes but does not ascribe cause; McKenna notes potential congestion problems (which is interesting in that the TPT position has been in favor of congestion in that it leads to reduced speeds); Yi-An Huang notes that bike lane debates among most contentious in many communities, notes the many trade-offs; Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan notes thought given by TPT in regard to Garden Street and other streets where road configurations are planned, notes that all four options provide safe passage for all users; Wilson comments on difficult and divisive conversation, notes similar shifting points of view in Cambridge and other communities, fact that there have been fatalities last year - all on roads with separated bike lanes; JSW notes that if Option #4 is chosen there are limited means to provide replacement parking or loading zones (which didn’t seem to be a concern for the Mass. Ave. bike lanes); McGovern expresses concerns about the “pendulum” of changing back and forth, acknowledges complaints about Brattle Street bi-directional bike lanes; McKenna notes concerns about people not looking both ways when crossing bi-directional bike lanes; Simmons motion to end debate Prevails 8-1 (SS-No); Order (to move forward w/Option #4 - 2-way operation of Garden Street) Adopted 5-4 (PN,PT,AW,CZ,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW-No); Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Note: The notion that the City Council should not be making decisions on road configurations that would revert Garden Street to 2-way traffic is ironic to say the least. The entire (amended) Cycling Safety Ordinance that mandated specific treatments for specific roads was based on this same sort of “political traffic engineering”. It seems pretty clear to many of us that this level of micromanagement is fundamentally problematic, and it is, in fact, the rigidity of the timelines that were established in the Ordinance that have created all of this mess. I will add that this entire topic is mainly about “winning” for the Cambridge Bike Safety group.
656 Communications - almost all of which have to do with Garden Street bike lanes and parking, plus a lesser number having to do with (a) Half-Crown Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District (and ABC’s never-ending quest to bulldoze Cambridge history), and (b) “Our squares and corridors”. There were relatively few about the Councillor Toner situation, and opinions varied widely. Clearly, bike lanes and the built environment (including glass houses) are higher on the list of resident priorities.
Late Order #4. That the City Council formally go on record to urge, in the strongest possible terms, the Harvard Corporation to stand up in defense of the values that are fundamental to both the University and our democracy; and that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to act with urgency and coordinate a response and consult with all relevant city, regional, and state entities to develop a united front and take all action possible to counter this assault on the foundational values of our city as a center of higher learning. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (PO25#52)
Comments by Nolan; Yi-An Huang remarks noting centuries-old relationship between Harvard and Cambridge, need to stand up to Trump Administration and their unlawful actions; Simmons and all councillors ask to be added as sponsors and that this be also directed to our legislative delegation; Siddiqui notes Globe opinion article by Niko Bowie and Benjamin Edelson entitled “Harvard’s Moment of Truth”; McGovern comments re: “vindictive bullies” (irony noted); Azeem asks about what actions City could take; Yi-An Huang notes that having City Council on record is important, ongoing meetings with the Harvard Corporation, action of taking a $750 million bond to ensure liquidity in the event of shut-off of federal funding, growing set of faculty and alumni speaking up, “there is a voice of truth and integrity that needs to come out”; Nolan amendment Adopted as Amended 9-0
Playing Politics – March 31, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
While there are some featured attractions at the circus, it’s the side shows that get the most attention. After the “vigils”, the selective outrage, and competing efforts to pack Public Comment have passed, here are some of the more significant things on the agenda this week:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Federal update.
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang on staff reduction in federal agencies, concerns about long-term local impacts, loss of funding to local programs, changes in public housing eligibility and subsidies, actions by ICE w/o due process, hope for judicial intervention and correction, City signing on to legal challenges; comments by Siddiqui, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons - especially in regard to Cambridge Housing Authority; Placed on File 9-0
This will likely be a regular agenda item for the foreseeable future as the repercussions of current federal policies affect local programs - and sometimes wreak havoc. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in terms of the City’s FY2026 Budget, program cuts, subsidized housing eligibility, reallocation of resources, and the potential for local tax increases to offset discontinued federal funding. This is somewhat reminiscent of the weekly COVID updates of a few years ago.
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-53, regarding assisting companies, institutions, and other organizations in adopting truck safety requirements. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler (JSW); comments by JSW, Brooke McKenna (TPT), Toner, Zusy, Wilson; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-66 regarding an automated parking enforcement draft home rule petition. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Zusy, Toner, Simmons, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-68 regarding Garden Street two-way traffic alternatives. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Toner motion requesting staff to move forward with option #4 in report; Nolan comments on bike lanes staying under all options, likes bi-directional bike lanes, two-way traffic lowers traffic speed; McGovern comments - not a clear consensus; Brooke McKenna responds that current configuration is best; JSW inquires about original process, costs of changing configuration; Steven Meuse (TPT) responds re: process, McKenna responds re: costs; JSW wishes to exercise Charter Right on Toner motion (is that an option?); Megan Bayer states that as a new Order, a Charter Right is in order; Simmons explains that a Charter Right should cease discussion; Toner explains original order from last year and that delay will only lead to many communications and public comments at next meeting; Megan Bayer explains best practice re: use of Charter Right; Simmons provides wisdom on this; Charter Right - Sobrinho-Wheeler
I expect plenty of two-way competing testimony on this during Public Comment.
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Floodplain Zoning Amendments. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Order Adopted as City Council Petition 9-0; Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a memo regarding 84 and 96 Bishop Allen RFI submission responses and next steps. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner re: other lots and public-private partnerships; comments by Acting CDD Director Melissa Peters, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Zusy (RFPs vs. RFIs, parking), Megan Bayer, Siddiqui, Wilson, Azeem, Simmons (on long history of inaction on Central Square), Yi-An Huang, Nolan; Referred Back to City Manager 9-0
“All but one respondent envisioned a mixed-income housing approach to 84 Bishop Allen Drive. 84 Bishop Allen Drive was seen as large enough to create a meaningful number of affordable units within a mixed income, mixed-use residential building. In contrast, the smaller 96 Bishop Allen Drive site was seen as manageable as an affordable housing only project.” My take is that as more and more required criteria are added the less viable everything becomes. I also expect some Public Comment insisting that the least economically viable options should be the only ones considered.
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-17 which requested that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Harvard PILOT negotiations. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Yi-An Huang, Taha Jennings (Budget Director), Nolan, JSW, Siddiqui; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)
Interim one-year agreement to increase their annual payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) from $4.7 million to $6 million per year - with the hope of a much longer term agreement after that. Those who actually think about the many important roles our local universities play will also understand how many Cambridge residents are employed by those universities and of the enormous value that provides to Cambridge residents. It is worth emphasizing that our local universities are facing many of the same threats to funding as the City is - likely moreso.
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Public Works to work together with the Chair of the Health and Environment Committee to make appropriate changes to the draft of the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 and forward a final draft to the full City Council for approval as the City’s policy document on zero waste. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)
As with the BEUDO Ordinance, I have some concerns about granting carte-Blanche to the Chair of the Health and Environment Committee to forward a final draft to the City Council that they may not scrutinize prior to approving it. This has become a growing problem in how the City Council has conducted itself over that last several years - especially in our first COVID year when several consequential actions were waved through with minimal scrutiny of possible unintended (and sometimes intended) consequences.
I served on the Recycling Advisory Committee for 22 years and always tried my best to view all proposed changes through the eyes of the residents of the city. We had the enormous benefit of having some very knowledgeable members (I’m thinking of you Rob Gogan) who understood the practical aspects of recycling and not just the idealism and advocacy. The current ZWMP draft includes “Evaluate a hybrid Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) program” among its strategies. Exactly how this might work in a city dominated by multi-family buildings is unclear, and I’m not really sure how people would feel about having to purchase stickers or follow some other protocol to pay for any excess trash above some permitted limit. What works in the suburbs doesn’t necessarily work in a more urban environment.
All that said, I was pleased to see that we appear to be reasonably on target with our previously established waste reduction goals. The last point I will make is one that my friend Sumner Martinson (DEP) emphasized many years ago: We are fundamentally just materials collectors when we put out our recyclable and compostable materials out at the curb for pickup. Recycling is what is done (or not done) at the next step down the road. Waste reduction is important, but recycling is actually carried out by industrial partners when they take the feedstock we produce and remanufacture new products from that feedstock. People love to pat themselves on the back for recycling when they fill their toters, but that’s actually not recycling at all - and the recycling industry continues to suffer out of public view. Glass may be in the worst place at all – it’s more likely to end up as gravel substitute for drainage applications at landfills than be remade into new containers. The economics of recycling is far more important than the idealism of recycling.
Order #2. Appointment of Paula M. Crane as Interim City Clerk effective June 1, 2025. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)
I am grateful for Diane LeBlanc’s time with us as Cambridge City Clerk. Her background as an archivist in our very historic city has been a blessing. That said, Paula Crane is an unsung hero in the Office of the City Clerk and she’ll be great in the short- or long-term.
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to prioritize Cambridge Street and Northern Massachusetts Avenue first and to introduce the necessary zoning language and to continue working on Central Square as soon as practicable. Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, McGovern, Zusy, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee and Housing Committee held a joint public hearing on Mar 4, 2025 to discuss zoning priorities focusing on major squares and corridors. The Committee voted favorably to recommend that the City Manager be requested to direct the Community Development Department to prioritize Cambridge Street and Northern Massachusetts Avenue first and to introduce the necessary zoning language and to continue working on Central Square as soon as practicable. See PO25#43. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Though there is obviously room for new development in these places, I get the strong feeling that the chief proponents of new development – either residential or commercial – pay very little attention to long-term goals or consequences.
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department, and Human Rights Commission, and local immigrant rights and immigrant-serving organizations to develop and implement policies and protocols to prevent illegal detainment, hold Know Your Rights trainings, and ensure that the City of Cambridge is adequately prepared to respond to and mitigate violations of this nature. Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Azeem; comments by Azeem (wants City’s Law Dept. to intervene), Siddiqui, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do more outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the drought status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Wilson Absent)
Water conservation is good, but we are in a far better position now than we were just a few months ago. In fact, our Stony Brook Reservoir is now overflowing, and the level of the Hobbs Basin (a.k.a. Cambridge Reservoir) is much higher now.
Stony Brook Reservoir overflowing into the Charles River - March 12, 2025
Order #6. That the Human Services and Veterans Committee hold a meeting to discuss Sex Work and Sex Trafficking. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Toner; Order Adopted 9-0
Regardless of any positive aspects of such a discussion, this is quite clearly a move by some councillors - most notably Sobrinho-Wheeler and Siddiqui - to capitalize politically on the current misdemeanor charge involving Councillor Toner. Indeed, many of the people writing letters and jumping on this bandwagon have affiliations with the local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and/or the Cambridge Residents Alliance (CResA) - though, quite frankly, it’s getting difficult to tell the difference between the two. The “outrage” is clearly well-coordinated.
For the handful of people who actually are interested in my opinion, I will simply say that I understand the difference between what city councillors do as part of their jobs and what they do outside of their jobs. I am primarily interested in the former, and I’ll leave the latter to the local tabloids and anonymous commenters. I count myself among the many people who feel that Councillor Toner has been one of our effective and collaborative city councillors. He’s also a human being.
By the way, whatever happened with this little kerfuffle of a couple of years ago? I don’t recall there being a subsequent policy order regarding the “toxic work environment” next door to the Sullivan Chamber at that time. Just imagine what that environment might have been in a “strong mayor” system. How do we feel about the fact that City-salaried City Council aides routinely work in the political campaigns of their bosses? I can recall a time when one incumbent councillor was granted nearly-free campaign headquarters space in a prominent location in obvious violation of campaign finance laws. No whistle, no foul.
It is indeed ironic that the most recent Best Motion Picture Academy Award went to the film “Anora” – while here in Cambridge some are reacting in a manner analogous to Claude Rains in “Casablanca”, “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here.” We even have a local state legislator supporting the legalization of sex work while simultaneously calling for Councillor Toner’s resignation. Let’s not forget that not so long ago a person selling marijuana might have been written off as a dope dealer, and now we have a City Council resolution congratulating a sitting member of the Cambridge School Committee on his grand opening of a cannabis dealership. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Times change. You don’t have to love all the changes, but sometimes you just have to roll with them.
Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to renewal of the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District. [Charter Right – Azeem, Mar 24, 2025] (CM25#66) [text of report]
Comments by Azeem, Toner, Nolan, Charles Sullivan (Historical Commission), Zusy; Motion by Azeem as Amended by Toner Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
As I said last week, I fear that the ABC juggernaut to bulldoze the historic fabric of Cambridge may involve objecting to any and all efforts to preserve the many historic features of our city in favor of maximum development. Councillor Azeem’s exercise of his Charter Right last week seems to confirm this. There are several communications from ABC adherents indicating their preference to discard most or all of such preservation efforts. If all you really want is A Bigger Cambridge, why let a long and rich history get in your way?
On The Table #3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $570,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of replacement firearms for the Police Department. These funds would support the purchase of replacement firearms for the Department. Police Department firearms are typically replaced on approximately a ten-year cycle. The manufacturer has ceased production of the model currently used and replacements are almost impossible to source. It is important that department personnel are all trained on the same firearm to ensure safety and interoperability. [Tabled – Mar 17, 2025]
Removed from Table 9-0; Comments by Toner, Nolan, Azeem, CPD Commissioner Christine Elow, Yi-An Huang, Siddiqui (beholden to DSA), McGovern (who notes that he is in discussion with DSA re: homeless shelter that was cited as a false choice of guns vs. shelters - why exactly does DSA have any standing in this discussion?), JSW, Zusy, Taha Jennings, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted 6-3 (Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (Nolan - Yes)
On The Table #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of a new fully electric accessible transport wagon. This funding will allow the purchase of a fully electric, American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant transport wagon to replace one of the aging F350s. The new vehicle will ensure the safe and comfortable transport of community members to court, shelters, and other service providers. [Tabled – Mar 17, 2025]
Removed from Table 9-0; Order Adopted 9-0; Reconsideration Fails 0-9
Though these will likely be approved after the recent delay and corresponding Finance Committee hearing last week, I allow myself to be entertained by the many ways Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler (DSA) tap-dances his way through the many ways to say “Defund The Police” without explicitly saying “defund the police”. He apparently also believes in disarming the police - as evidenced by his remarks at the recent hearing. The Ghost of Zondervan lives on.
162 Communications - mainly on (a) Garden Street, (b) “Our squares and corridors”, and (c) support for Councillor Toner.
Meanwhile, In Other News – March 24, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
With a backdrop of personal indiscretion on the part of one councillor and political opportunism by others, here are the more interesting agenda items for this week’s City Council meeting:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning April 1, 2025 and ending March 31, 2026. (CM25#54) [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0
Water & Sewer Block Rates: FY16 - FY26
Water & Sewer Rate Increases: FY16-FY26
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its AAA rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. (CM25#55) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2024 Town Gown Reports and Presentations. (CM25#63) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
The only point I’ll make here is that even though many people argue that our local universities should provide housing for their undergraduate students, graduate students, and other affiliates, not everyone wants to live in university housing. Speaking personally, I never even considered it when I was a graduate student.
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a proposed Home Rule Petition prepared by the Law Department which would raise the sound business practices and written quote contract thresholds under M.G.L. c. 30B for City contracts with certified disadvantaged businesses. (CM25#64) [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0
I continue to wonder where the line is drawn between “affirmative action” and “political patronage” - especially in regard to employment and City contracts.
Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to renewal of the Half Crown-Marsh Neighborhood Conservation District. (CM25#66) [text of report]
Charter Right - Azeem
I always love these detail-rich reports from the Cambridge Historical Commission. That said, I fear that the ABC juggernaut to bulldoze the historic fabric of Cambridge may object to any and all efforts to preserve the many historic features of our city in favor of maximum development.
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
I will be interested to see what a current analysis shows regarding the effect of recent significant increases in Linkage Fees for new development as well as the effect of our current Inclusionary Housing requirements. Politically-motivated initiatives do not generally align with economic realities, and courage among elected officials to acknowledge this is often in short supply.
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Housing Liaison and all relevant departments to ensure the successful implementation of an outreach and assistance campaign to provide broad and equitable access to eviction record sealing for eligible Cambridge tenants. Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0
I interpret this Order as yet another mop-up attempt to mitigate the negative effects of major road reconfigurations that dramatically reduce available parking - especially on and near commercial and residential “corridors”.
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and institutional stakeholders currently operating some form of shuttle to explore options for a municipal transit pilot program. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy
Order Adopted 9-0
73 Communications - mostly requesting that the City Council exercise restraint in any proposals to rezone “our squares and corridors”.
Resolution #5. Condolences on the death of Gladys “Pebble” Gifford. Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan
Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Mon, Feb 24, 2025 to review and discuss the launch of the Cambridge Net Zero Transportation Plan (NZTP). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Feb 25, 2025 to discuss tenant-paid broker fees and other housing fees and the options that the city and state government have to regulate them. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Feb 26, 2025 to review and discuss the City Council priorities and goals and discuss how these will shape and be incorporated within the City budget. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on March 19, 2025 to receive an update on the amendments to the Floodplain regulations. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Evacuation Day Special - March 17, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
March 17 marks the 249th anniversary of the end of the 11-month siege of Boston that ended when the Continental Army under the command of George Washington fortified Dorchester Heights in early March 1776 with cannons captured at Ticonderoga. British General William Howe’s garrison and navy were threatened by these positions, and they were forced to decide between attack and retreat. Howe chose to retreat in order to prevent what could have been a repeat of the Battle of Bunker Hill, withdrawing from Boston to Nova Scotia on March 17, 1776. The British evacuation was Washington’s first victory of the Revolutionary War. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this event was how Henry Knox - a 25-year-old Boston bookseller-turned-artillery colonel - had returned with his men from a six-week mission to Fort Ticonderoga in New York dragging more than 119,000 pounds of firearms and ammunition, including 59 cannons. He and his men transported the load over 300 miles, through the snowy Berkshires, on 42 sleds pulled by 160 oxen. [Ref: WBUR newsletter] In contrast, many of the people of Boston today use this day as an opportunity to drink and get wasted.
Meanwhile, across the River Charles, we have these agenda items on tap for this week’s City Council meeting:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Annual Surveillance Report concerning City Departments’ use of Surveillance Technology or Surveillance Data. (CM25#33) [text of report]
pulled by Toner (w/M7,M8); comments by Nolan, Christine Elow (CPD), Mike Madeiros (CPD), Zusy, Toner, City Solicitor Megan Bayer. Overt cameras in Central Square expected to be installed 2nd week of April; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $570,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of replacement firearms for the Police Department. These funds would support the purchase of replacement firearms for the Department. Police Department firearms are typically replaced on approximately a ten-year cycle. The manufacturer has ceased production of the model currently used and replacements are almost impossible to source. It is important that department personnel are all trained on the same firearm to ensure safety and interoperability. (CM25#40) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Christine Elow (CPD), Sobrinho-Wheeler (DSA), Zusy, Jim Mulcahy (CPD), Casey McGrath (CPD), Wilson, Manisha ?? (CPD), Simmons, City Manager Yi-An Huang, McGovern; Tabled and Referred to Finance Committee 7-2 (PT,DS-No)
Note: This agenda item was the focus during Public Comment by many of the characters from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) who used this as an opportunity to express their hatred for police and to suggest a false choice between this appropriation and funding for homeless shelters, etc. Nonetheless, some city councillors chose to validate this false choice during their comments – and pushback from the City Administration was, at best, weak.
Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of a new fully electric accessible transport wagon. This funding will allow the purchase of a fully electric, American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant transport wagon to replace one of the aging F350s. The new vehicle will ensure the safe and comfortable transport of community members to court, shelters, and other service providers. (CM25#41) [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Wilson, Toner, Nolan; Tabled and Referred to Finance Committee 5-3-1 (BA,PT,DS-No; JSW-Absent)
Committee Report #2. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Mar 3, 2025 to review and discuss the City Manager’s Surveillance Technology Impact Report (STIR) related to allowing Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA) technology in Cambridge. [text of report]
Late Order #4. That the City Manager provide the Council with a report before May 31, 2025, that includes a summary of all requests for approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received by the city council during the prior year pursuant to Section 2.128.030 or Section 2.128.040 of the Surveillance Ordinance, including whether the City Council approved, disapproved, or required modifications to the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received, for the Council to review and adopt. (PO25#34) Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update regarding Federal funding.
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, Placed on File 7-0-2 (voice vote)
Manager’s Agenda #9. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000,000 from Free Cash to the Debt Stabilization Fund. This appropriation will be used to mitigate anticipated debt service costs in future years for the City’s major capital projects.
pulled by Nolan; comments by Zusy; Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #24-62, regarding an update on recommendations and planned next steps from the City’s study of resident experiences of inclusion and bias in Inclusionary Housing in Cambridge. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO24#162, regarding proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business Ordinance to add select HCA requirements so the city can waive the HCA requirement and zoning amendment to remove repackaging prohibition. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent); Adopt Amendment re: repackaging 8-0-1 (JSW Absent); refer Petition Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (JSW Absent); Placed Communication on File 8-0-1 (JSW Absent)
A. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Chapter 5.50 CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING. (ORD25#5)
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent)B. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Zoning Petition to remove the repackaging prohibition as a City Council Zoning Petition. (ORD25#6)
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (JSW-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of members to the Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee.
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy on Out-Of-Town News; comments by Simmons re: hope that Somerville-based Culture House (who will curate Kiosk) will respect Cambridge history and context; additional comments by Melissa Peters (CDD); Appointments Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO25#16, regarding permissible height increases under the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) in the Zoning Ordinance. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, McGovern, Nolan, Zusy; apparently AHO projects will be capped at “only” 9 stories on “neighborhood streets”, but greater AHO heights to remain on “AHO corridors”; McGovern doesn’t want to touch AHO believing “it’s working fine”; Language Adopted as a City Council Zoning Petition 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present); Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present); Placed on File 9-0
A. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to amend certain subsections of the Affordable Housing Overlay, Section 11.207 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. (ORD25#7)
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-0-1 (Zusy-Present)
Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #24-58, regarding the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge. (CM25#53) [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; McGovern, Wilson to schedule a Human Services Committee hearing on this (Apr 15, 3-5pm); comments by Siddiqui, Azeem, Toner, Nolan, Zusy, Wilson; Referred to Human Services & Veterans Committee 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Wilson, Simmons, Nolan; Order Adopted, Referred to Civic Unity Committee 9-0
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to draft language to create an Ordinance to ensure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions. Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Nolan, McGovern, Siddiqui; Add Siddiqui, Wilson as sponsors; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #3. Designating the Fourth Thursday of March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 9-0
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to present a zoning petition to the City Council for consideration on maximum unit size. [Charter Right – Toner, Mar 3, 2025]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Amendment Petition has been received from Mushla Marasao in regards to Article 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, Tbl 5.1. (AP25#11) [text of petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Wilson-Absent)
Applications & Petitions #4. A Zoning Amendment Petition has been received from BMR-320 Charles LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L. P., regarding a Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge, which, upon adoption would create a new East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District, or the “ECCE Overlay District”. (AP25#14) [text of petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Wilson-Absent)
Committee Report #1. The Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review met on Mon, Dec 9, 2024; Mon, Jan 27, 2025; Thurs, Feb 13, 2025; and Mon, Feb 24, 2025, to discuss the recommendations made by the Charter Review Committee and other Charter related suggestions made by Councillors. The Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review voted on several recommendations made by the Charter Review Committee and by Councillors. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting City Charter – Update Regarding Alternative Mayoral Selection Proposals and Other Updates. [text of report]
Referred to Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review 9-0
Late Order #5. That the City Council approve the motions that passed favorably in the Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review. Committee Report is attached. (PO25#35) Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Just Another Manic Monday – March 3, 2025 Cambridge City Council meeting
Note: Earlier in the day (10am) there was a Special City Council meeting at which the City Manager’s contract was extended for another four years.
Most of the Public Comment was in regard to Order #2 (see below).
Here are the items that grabbed my attention:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update regarding Federal funding.
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by City Manager Yi-An Huang, comparable to impact of Covid, incredible harm expected grants reduced or eliminated, hiring freezes and reductions at universities, reduced graduate student admissions, firing of federal workers, Cambridge currently receives ~$23 million annually in federal funding ($9-10 millions to DHSP, $7 million to schools, $6 million to CDD), many Cambridge-based institutions affected (e.g. housing subsidies, Cambridge Housing Authority), immediate cuts currently paused, main impacts expected in FY26, scale of cuts impossible for City of Cambridge and State to backfill, how to stabilize to degree possible, possibility of stabilization funding; JSW asks about legal liabilities; some things now in court, unclear how things will end up, other federal obstructions; Nolan comments; Owen O’Riordan on possible loss of CDBG funding; McGovern, Simmons, Wilson, Zusy, Siddiqui comments; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Supplier Diversity. [text of report]
pulled by Wilson; comments by Wilson, Pardis Saffari (CDD), another woman (Liz), Owen O’Riordan, McGovern; Placed on File 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of David Freilach, Rachel Dowley Alexander, and Chris Herlich as members and the reappointment of Kai Alexis Smith as a member of the Public Art Commission for a term of three years.
Appointments Approved 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-63 regarding recognizing and honoring the Massachusett Tribe. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to changes in the Clerk Department ordinance regarding a fee increase. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, City Clerk Diane LeBlanc, Taha Jennings, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (DS-Absent)
Supplemental City Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss the purchase of real property, off Cambridge/Concord Turnpike in Lincoln, Massachusetts, near the Hobbs Brook Reservoir. Discussing this matter in an open session may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the City.
Moved to Executive Session 8-0-1 (Siddiqui-Absent); Placed on File 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to explore potential actions the City can take to mitigate the impact of Eversource price hikes. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, -Simmons, Nolan, Wilson, Zusy; Simmons amendment re: scheduling meeting, adding Wilson as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #2. That the City Council go on record reaffirming that Cambridge is a Sanctuary City not only for immigrants but also for all marginalized communities, including transgender and nonbinary individuals. Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by McGovern; Wilson, Zusy, Nolan, Siddiqui added as sponsors 9-0; comments by McGovern, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0 (Siddiqui-Absent)
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to coordinate with the MBTA in finding ways in which to strengthen safety measures. Mayor Simmons, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, Simmons, Nolan, Wilson; Zusy amendment adopted 7-0-2 (JSW,SS-Absent); additional comments by Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (JSW,SS-Absent)
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate Departments to develop language to create an “Affordable Rent Incentive Program” program for Cambridge and to report back to the City Council with option, including the percentage of possible tax abatements. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern; Nolan notes that state enabling legislation was passed in 2023, notes distinction between “naturally occurring affordable housing” vs. deed-restricted affordable housing, program would only apply to rentals to income-qualified tenants; Zusy asks about impact on tax levy, meaning of “percentage of possible tax abatements”; McGovern suggests that average 1BR rent is $3000 (questionable - perhaps advertised rents rather than actual average rent), suggests limiting this only to early applicants; Zusy suggests doing this as a pilot, suggests that “this is the way we’re really going to solve the housing crisis”; Wilson, Azeem (will apply to relatively few units), McGovern comments; add everyone as sponsors 8-0-1 (SS-Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (SS-Absent)
Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to commit to prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands for the rest of this and future snow seasons and direct appropriate City staff to generate a policy for prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands after snow storms. Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Sobrinho-Wheeler (wants City to clear snow from all sidewalks); JSW amendment Adopted 8-0-1 (SS-Absent); add Simmons as sponsor Adopted 8-0-1 (SS-Absent); Nolan comments on need for property owners to clear sidewalks, community responsibilities; Zusy comments re: asking too much of DPW in a difficult weather situation; Wilson comments re: small business owners; McGovern comments on assisting business associations and CSBID; Simmons comments on bike lanes being cleared by putting snow onto sidewalks, difficulties for seniors; Order Adopted 7-0-1-1 (SS-Absent, CZ-Present)
Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to draft a home rule petition allowing Cambridge to end the practice of property owners passing on broker’s fees to tenants. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner (will vote NO - it’s a private business relationship), Sobrinho-Wheeler (vouchers don’t cover broker’s fees) naively suggests that landlords won’t pass cost onto tenants; add Nolan as sponsor 8-0-1 (SS-Absent); Zusy notes that fees will surely be passed onto tenants in form of higher rent; Nolan naively suggests this will not increase rent; Azeem incorrectly asserts that voucher-holders won’t have to pay added rent caused by factoring brokers fee into rent; Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-1 (Toner-No, Siddiqui-Absent)
Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff to present a zoning petition to the City Council for consideration on maximum unit size. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Toner; Toner questions legality of this, notes that City Solicitor unsure of legality; Charter Right - Toner
Order #10. That the City Council go on record in support of HD.2996/SD.1305 An Act to Regulate Junk Fees in Housing and HD.238/SD.35 An Act Eliminating Forced Broker’s Fees. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner (will vote NO); Order Adopted 7-1-1 (Toner-No, Siddiqui-Absent)
Order #13. The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to create a plaque to be placed at the entrance of or inside City Hall that demonstrates the values that the Cambridge City Council upholds of the separation of church and state and gender equality. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Zusy - notes that inscription dates to another era and anyone looking at it would recognize this, offers modern interpretation, suggests that few people read this inscription or the plaques within City Hall, notes their content, suggests explanations unneeded; Nolan explains origins of this policy order, noting that enhancement made inscription more visible, suggests that she and Siddiqui found it to be unwelcoming and non-inclusive, had two high school students draft this order, offers irrelevant historical context, Nolan offended by word “men”, says some people would prefer to take inscription down; McGovern notes that values and sense of what is acceptable changes over time; Simmons notes that first woman honored in City Hall was Margaret Fuller, then Barbara Ackermann, portraits in Ackermann are now all women who have served in office, plaque for Clorae Evereteze in stairwell, notes role of committee looking into markers and memorials and issue of George Washington owning slaves and memorialized on Cambridge Common but balanced by Prince Hall monument; add Simmons as sponsor 8-0-1 (SS-Absent); Zusy notes clutter in front of City Hall, suggests having young people giving tours, notes that there is an important message captured in the inscription; Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-1 (Zusy-No, Siddiqui-Absent)
[Note: Perhaps it should be noted that City Hall was donated by Frederick Hastings Rindge who also authored the inscription.]
294 Communications - mainly from the previous regular meeting re: either municipal broadband (pro and con) and the citywide upzoning (pro and con).
Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on February 11, 2025 to review and discuss the update to the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) Annual Report. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (SS-Absent)
| City Council subcommittees for 2024-2025 [revised Sept 30, 2024 due to death of Councillor Joan Pickett] |
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| Committee | Members |
| Ordinance | McGovern (Co-Chair), Toner (Co-Chair),
Azeem, Nolan, Pickett, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Simmons (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Finance | Nolan (Co-Chair), Toner (Co-Chair), Azeem, McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Wilson, Simmons (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Government Operations, Rules, and Claims | Toner (Chair), Azeem, McGovern, Zusy, Sobrinho-Wheeler |
| Housing | Azeem (Chair), Siddiqui (Chair), McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson |
| Economic Development and University Relations | Toner (Chair), Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Wilson |
| Human Services & Veterans | McGovern (Chair), Wilson (Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Nolan |
| Health & Environment | Nolan (Chair), Azeem, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson |
| Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations |
Zusy (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Azeem, Nolan, Siddiqui |
| Transportation & Public Utilities | Zusy (Chair), Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson |
| Civic Unity | Simmons (Co-Chair), Zusy (Co-Chair), McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson |
| Public Safety | Toner (Chair), Wilson (Chair), McGovern, Zusy, Siddiqui |
| Family Policy Council | Siddiqui (Co-Chair), Wilson (Co-Chair) |
| Special Committee on Rules | Toner (Chair) |
Rules? We don’t have to follow no stinkin’ rules!
Updated Nov 2, 2024 - In the 2022-23 City Council Rules, there are two items that have been often ignored in recent City Council terms:
Rule 28. Every committee of the City Council to which any subject may be referred shall report on the subject within a reasonable time from the time of referral. 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 will be placed on the City Council agenda unsigned…
Rule 29. Minutes shall be kept of all committee proceedings. All minutes, reports, and papers shall be submitted to the City Council by the City Clerk or their designee. Recommendations of each committee shall be made to the City Council for consideration and adoption.
As if communication through the Tunnel of Zoom wasn’t bad enough, some committee Chairs apparently have not seen fit to keep either their colleagues or the public informed unless they were present at the meeting or chose to view a recording of the meeting. There are reasons why minutes of a meeting are taken. Not everyone wants to suffer through a recording of a long and possibly boring meeting, and a voluminous transcript is not a substitute for good (succinct) minutes.
Here is the current record of deliquency [Chair]: (updated Dec 16, 2024)
Ordinance Committee (7 missing reports) Finance Committee (0 missing reports) Gov’t Operations, Rules & Claims (1 missing report) Health & Environment Committee (2 missing reports) Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, etc. (1 missing report) Public Safety (0 missing reports) |
Econ. Development & University Relations (4 missing reports) Human Services & Veterans (1 missing report) Housing Committee (0 missing reports) Transportation & Public Utilities (0 missing reports) Civic Unity (0 missing reports) Most Delinquent: Number of Missing Reports: |
City Council subcommittees for 2022-2023
| Committee | Members |
| Ordinance | McGovern (Co-Chair), Zondervan (Co-Chair), Azeem, Carlone, Mallon, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Toner (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio, quorum 5) |
| Finance | Carlone (Co-Chair), Nolan (Co-Chair), Azeem, Mallon, McGovern, Siddiqui, Simmons, Toner, Zondervan (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio, quorum 5) |
| Government Operations, Rules, and Claims | Mallon (Chair), Carlone, Nolan, Simmons, Toner (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Housing | Simmons (Chair), Azeem, Carlone, Mallon, McGovern (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Economic Development and University Relations | Toner (Chair), Azeem, Mallon, Nolan, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Human Services & Veterans | McGovern (Chair), Azeem, Mallon, Toner, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Health & Environment | Nolan (Chair), Azeem, Carlone, McGovern, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations | Carlone (Chair), Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Transportation & Public Utilities | Azeem (Chair), McGovern, Nolan, Toner, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Civic Unity | Simmons (Chair), Carlone, Mallon, Toner, Zondervan (5 members, quorum 3) |
| Public Safety | Zondervan (Chair), Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Toner (5 members, quorum 3) |
The Mayor shall serve as ex-officio member of all committees of the City Council.
FYI - Current Rules and Goals: Cambridge City Council & Cambridge School CommitteeCity Council Rules 2020-2021 (as amended Oct 26, 2020) City Council Rules 2018-2019 (provisionally adopted for 2020-2021 term on Jan 6, 2020) City Council Rules 2016-2017 (adopted Feb 29, 2016) City Council Rules 2014-2015 (adopted January 7, 2014, amended Feb 10, 2014 to reflect current Council committees) City Council Goals - FY2012-2013 (adopted Dec 13, 2011) City Council Committees (for the current term) Rules of the School Committee 2020-2021 - Adopted January 6, 2020 (document says 2019-2020) Rules of the School Committee 2018-2019 - Adopted January 1, 2018 School Committee Rules (adopted January 7, 2008) School Committee Goals (adopted October 7, 2008) |
Research Assistants? I don’t think so...
May 2, 2006 – The Cambridge City Council voted 8-1 on May 1 in favor of giving themselves personal “research assistants.” Only Councillor Craig Kelley had the fortitude to raise any questions about the proposal. So it appears the proposal will sail through the Budget Hearings with barely a raised eyebrow. While I have raised the issue of the genesis of this proposal, the question of its merits and its implementation have not been addressed here. So, here are some observations, questions, and suggestions for our elected officials, City administration, and residents to consider:
1. There was a time when our elected officials enlisted citizens to assist them in research matters relating to public policy. Cambridge is perhaps the best city in the United States in which to find experts in almost any matter that the City Council (or School Committee) may need to better understand. There is a wealth of evidence over the last 65 years showing how citizens have worked with elected officials in the development of public policy. If the City Council feels burdened by the research needs of its committees, there is an enormous pool of talent available at no cost. Currently, the City Council makes very little use of this very available resource.
2. There was a time when councillors collaborated much more than they currently do in committee work and in the development of policies. A well-functioning City Council committee should delegate responsibilities so that each member masters certain facets of the tasks at hand and shares this knowledge with the rest of the committee. In effect, councillors serve as staff to each other. I would argue that it is better that elected officials educate themselves.
3. Are these jobs going to be publicly posted with a job description? Who will be doing the actual hiring? If Councillor Smith wants to hire Mr. Jones as personal staff, will the mayor have veto power over the hire? Does the Personnel Department have a role to play here or are these to be political hires? None of these details have been discussed publicly and they are important.
4. If these “research assistants” are to be hired, there should be policies and safeguards to ensure that they are not working on behalf of any councillor’s political campaign. Otherwise, this proposal will have the effect of using taxpayer dollars to support the political campaigns of incumbent councillors. In fact, maybe it’s time to consider a similar disqualification for staff in the Mayor’s Office. A founding principle of Plan E government is the elimination of political patronage in favor of responsible, professional government. Some of us still believe in this ideal. At the very least, strong guidelines should be established for what is and is not permissible.
5. The existence of this proposal within the budget of the Mayor’s Office is very strange indeed since it involves personnel for councillors, not the mayor. Should we not infer from this that the consensus of the councillors is that the City Council staff is not up to the task? If the job of councillor has changed so much, should there not be some discussion of revamping the Office of the City Council to better match the needs of the councillors? Why are these tasks being outsourced?
6. Some councillors have recently stated that the filing of City Council orders requesting information through the City Manager is not enough and that councillors would be better served by having their own staff to get this information. This strikes me as contrary to the intent of the Plan E Charter which dictates that all matters involving City personnel be directed through the Manager. One can easily imagine a scenario where each councillor has his or her personal staff contact City department heads for information rather than filing an Order as a body to get a common response. If the consensus is that the City Manager is being obstructive or extraordinarily slow in responding, shouldn’t the City Council take more forceful action in holding the Manager accountable?
7. If the term “research assistant” is meant to be factual, then perhaps these RAs should be topic-specific so that we can have people who have some background or aptitude for the tasks at hand. If, for example, research in energy-related matters is what is needed, then someone with that knowledge would be ideal. Is any such protocol being discussed to ensure that the councillors and the taxpayers will get the best quality research for their tax dollars? I would hope that matters like scheduling and event planning will be handled by the City Council Office rather than by “research assistants.”
8. Several councillors have complained that e-mail has had a dramatic effect on the responsibilities of a city councillor due to the time consumption associated with responding to these messages. I don’t doubt this. However, there are efficiencies that can make such tasks much easier. For example, if each councillor receives 100 e-mail messages on a particular topic, then rather than making 100 shallow replies, I would advise responding to ALL of the issues of substance raised by residents in a single, comprehensive message sent (using blind-carbon-copy) to all of the people who sent messages. Those of us in academics have been doing this for years. It’s much more effective to craft comprehensive messages sent to the whole class rather than many nearly identical messages sent to individual students. There are MANY ways to be more effective in e-mail communication. Then again, if individual responses are seen as more valuable in securing potential votes in the next election, that’s a choice each councillor must make on his or her own - independent of taxpayer-supported staff.
In summary, I am not questioning whether or not some changes in staffing are warranted. I am, however, asking that any such changes be done in the best interest of taxpayers and that City funds are never used to either directly or indirectly support the reelection efforts of elected officials. - RW, May 3, 2006
Punching Out Your Cake and Having it Too – a chronology of the proposal for personal Council staff
(posted April 28, 2006)
Jan 1998 - The vote for who was to be mayor went on for several weeks as Ken Reeves held out until there were 4 other votes for Katherine Triantafillou, an outcome sincerely supported by at most two councillors (Reeves and Triantafillou). The would-be mayor rounded up her supporters for the coronation. A congratulatory cake was ordered. As the vote occurred and there were momentarily 5 votes on the table for Triantafillou (Born, Davis, Duehay, Reeves, Triantafillou), Councillors Galluccio and Russell changed their votes to Duehay. Councillors Born, Davis, and Duehay then changed their votes to Duehay and Mayor Duehay was elected. Councillor Galluccio was then elected vice-mayor. Meanwhile, in the room next to the Council chamber, Alice Wolf aide and Triantafillou supporter Marjorie Decker exploded in anger and punched out the cake, police were called, and a grudge began that remains to this day.
Feb 1998 - Mayor Duehay made good on the deal by hiring Galluccio campaign worker Terry Smith to work in the Mayor’s Office “to assist the mayor and vice mayor”. This marked the first time (to my knowledge) that any councillor other than the mayor received personal staff (except for a brief experiment with interns some years earlier). Resentment grew among other councillors about the special treatment one councillor received in exchange for delivering the mayor’s job.
1999 - Frank Duehay and Sheila Russell announced they would not seek reelection. Jim Braude, David Maher, and Marjorie Decker were subsequently elected to the City Council as incumbent Katherine Triantafillou was defeated, principally as a result of Marjorie Decker winning her seat.
2000 - After 1½ months without electing a mayor, Anthony Galluccio was able to secure 6 votes to become mayor (Braude, Davis, Galluccio, Maher, Sullivan, Toomey). David Maher was elected vice-mayor. Terry Smith became chief of staff of the Mayor’s Office. David Maher did not request any personal staff. Kathy Born suggested during the Budget hearings that the idea of personal staff for councillors be referred to the Government Operations Committee. Ken Reeves said at this time, “I don’t believe the vice-mayor needs the extra staffing and not us.” Note that this was a reference to the previous administration (Duehay-Galluccio).
Around this time, the Government Operations Committee met to discuss the proposal for personal staff. The estimates given for City Council staff were: (1) $390,250 for a low-level, bare bones proposal; (2) $157,450 for 8 part-time staff with no benefits; (3) $72,300 for one legislative research assistant. Deputy City Manager Rich Rossi said personal staff was tried briefly about 10 years earlier with interns. Michael Sullivan voiced concern about keeping in touch personally with his constituents and wondered how he would find enough things for this person to do. Most of the councillors spoke in support of giving themselves personal staff. Kathy Born said that if she found her job to be too much, she could hire her own staff person, only she would have to pay for it out of after-tax money, unlike an employee of a business. She suggested higher Council pay with the option of paying for a staff person out of this additional pay. The option would remain for a councillor to act as a “full-time councillor” without staff. Jim Braude said that a councillor could lend his or her campaign the money for the staff person.
One week later, the City Manager proposed a 23% pay raise for city councillors and a change in the ordinance to allow for automatic increases so that they would never again have to vote to raise their own pay. The pay raise was approved and the question of personal staff disappeared for the rest of the Council term.
2001 - Kathy Born and Jim Braude chose not to seek reelection. Brian Murphy and Denise Simmons were elected to the City Council.
2002 - Michael Sullivan was elected mayor on Inauguration Day. Henrietta Davis was elected vice-mayor. Unlike the previous term, Henrietta Davis did request and receive personal staff as vice-mayor when Garrett Simonsen, Davis’ election campaign manager, was hired to the Mayor’s Office staff as her assistant. Indications are that he served more than just the vice-mayor.
2004 - Michael Sullivan was again elected mayor, only this time Marjorie Decker was elected vice-mayor. Garrett Simonsen became chief of staff of the Mayor’s Office. Sullivan hired Kristin Franks (who had been Decker’s campaign manager) as “assistant to the mayor and vice-mayor” but the indications were that she was working almost exclusively for Decker. By summer, Franks was gone and Nicole Bukowski, another Decker campaign worker, was hired as exclusive staff to Decker. For the remainder of the Council term, Bukowski waited hand and foot on Decker - and resentment among other councillors grew for the remainder of the Council term.
Late 2005 - Craig Kelley was elected to the City Council and incumbent David Maher was defeated. Speculation immediately began about who would be the next mayor. Some councillors reported that a plan was being discussed to give certain councillors personal staff as part of the vote-trading for electing the mayor.
Early 2006 - Ken Reeves was elected mayor and Tim Toomey vice-mayor. In a surprising turn of events, Bukowski continued to serve out of the Mayor’s Office as personal staff to Councillor Decker - clearly a part of the deal to make Reeves mayor. Rumors circulated that there was a plan to assign some councillors additional committee chairs as justification for getting personal staff. When the committee chairs were announced, Councillor Decker (who, along with Councillor Galluccio, has maintained the worst record of committee attendance during her time on the Council) was surprisingly given four committees to chair. In contrast, Henrietta Davis (who has always been at or near the top in committee attendance) was given only one. This was seen by some as a way to justify Decker keeping her personal aide in exchange for her vote for mayor.
April 2006 - Ken Reeves submitted a budget for the Mayor’s Office that is 54.3% higher than the previous year. The cause for the increase is a proposal for personal staff for all the remaining councillors at a recurring annual cost of about a quarter-million dollars. There was no public indication of any kind that such an extravagant plan was in the works. An order is on the May 1 City Council agenda (after the budget was already submitted on April 24 including the increase) formally calling for the major staff increase. The order is co-sponsored by Reeves, Toomey, Decker, Galluccio, Sullivan, and Davis. It is expected that, like every person hired to date as staff for the vice-mayor (and most of those on the mayor’s staff), all of the new “research assistants” will be affiliated with the election campaigns of the officials they will serve. Curiously, these patronage hires will be occurring at a time when there are fewer major issues before the Council and when an unprecedented number of councillors are either serving in other elected positions or seeking election to other positions now or in the near future. - RW, April 28, 2006
Ref: April 27, 2006 Cambridge Chronicle story on the Council staff proposal
April 27, 2006 Cambridge Chronicle story on the submitted FY07 Budget
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Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, One Ring to rule them all, |
The nine Nazgûl arose as Sauron’s most powerful servants in the Second Age of Middle-earth. It is said that three of the Nine were originally “Great Lords” of Númenor. They were all powerful mortal Men to whom Sauron each gave nine Rings of Power. These proved to be their undoing: “Those who used the Nine Rings became mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old. They obtained glory and great wealth, yet it turned to their undoing. They had, as it seemed, unending life, yet life became unendurable to them. They could walk, if they would, unseen by all eyes in this world beneath the sun, and they could see things in worlds invisible to mortal men; but too often they beheld only the phantoms and delusions of Sauron. And one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning, they fell under the thralldom of the ring that they bore and of the domination of the One which was Sauron’s. And they became forever invisible save to him that wore the Ruling Ring, and they entered into the realm of shadows. The Nazgûl were they, the Ringwraiths, the Enemy’s most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death” (The Silmarillion: “Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age”, 289). |
The corrupting effect of the rings caused their bodily forms to fade over time until they had become wraiths entirely. Given visible form only through their attire, their original form was completely invisible to mortal eyes. The red reflection in their eyes could be plainly distinguished even in daylight, and in a rage they appeared in a hellish fire. They had many weapons, which included long swords of steel and flame, daggers with magical venomous properties and black maces of great strength. |
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