2023 City Council Agenda Notes - July to December
(transferred from main Council Notes page)
This is the last meeting of the 2022-23 Cambridge City Council, and I really hope the next group of nine will find the road back to reasonable. I have had my fill of councillors engaging in political patronage, calling cops murderers, enacting mandates without expending effort to convince people, and backroom political machinations held under the guise of “ad-hoc” committees created to evade the primary purposes of the Open Meeting Law. We can do better. Maybe the new City Council can even find that “Third Way” on matters involving bikes, housing, and other matters rather than playing “winner take all” every which way. The Big Elephant in the room next year will be deliberations on revisions to the City Charter, and it’s not yet clear if rationality will prevail over political self-interest in that process. I have refrained from commenting so far on that upcoming pachyderm, but that will end soon and I intend to be brutally honest in my assessment.
The out-of-sight battle for who shall be Mayor is, of course, raging and my understanding is that all six incumbents are seeking the crown. I have a couple of favorites, of course, but as Werner Heisenberg taught us, the act of measurement can only introduce uncertainty into what is being measured, so I’ll shut up for now and hope for the best. I’ll also refrain from comments on the three departing councillors thanks to some sage advice that my mother gave me a very long time ago.
It’s a light agenda for this sunset meeting, but here are a few items of potential interest:
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for Miss Markham’s School at 10 Buckingham Street on the Buckingham, Browne & Nichols (BB&N) Lower School campus. (CM23#303) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; remarks by MM (dismissive of landmarking of building “I don’t know what we’re preserving.”), Charles Sullivan (who explains the historical and architectural significance), McGovern would prefer a plaque rather than landmarking; PN will not support landmarking - OK with a plaque; DC supports landmarking, would prefer to see original portion of building preserved, possibly moved, and new building built in addition, Sullivan concurs; DS supports landmarking, wants efforts to be expended to preserve, Sullivan notes that other than landmarking no other options; QZ sees no value in preserving this building; Siddiqui also does not support landmarking; Order Fails of Adoption 2-6-1 (DC,DS-Yes; AM,MM,PN,PT,QZ,SS-No; BA-Absent); Placed on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-82, regarding an update on Municipal Broadband and Digital Equity. (CM23#307) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; remarks by PN, wants timeline; Yi-An Huang notes pairing of Digital Equity and Municipal Broadband and fact that some improvements in digital equity can be done at modest cost (not $200 million), City-owned fiber network would have some policy advantages, substantial amount of City subsidy would be required and must be balanced against other priorities, whether or not it should be part of 5-year plan, need to find the money first; Nolan harps on “this is a utility” and apparently believes Harvard, MIT, and “Kendall Square” would provide financial support (really?); QZ tells story of broadband access in Suriname, would raise taxes to pay for this; Placed on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $68,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund City Council Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the work of the Charter Review Committee. Funds will be used to support the work of the Charter Review Committee which has been meeting since August 2022 and is tasked to review the City’s current charter and to recommend changes. These efforts included contracting with an outside consultant to assist with research and facilitation of committee meetings, as well as public outreach events and materials. The Committee is anticipated to release a final report by Jan 31, 2024. (CM23#308)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to fundamentally change how it responds to situations that could lead to violence and death. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Dec 11, 2023] (PO23#215)
pulled by Zondervan; QZ asks about killing of Faisal; Christine Elow notes work with PERF, working with police union on body cameras and policies, released dashboard, after-inquest review by PERF, work on less-lethal options and other launchers, training of entire department; QZ asks about what policies are being negotiated with union; QZ asks about arms that police carry, possibility of response without firearms; Elow notes that Comm. Bard agreed with reduction of weaponry, 20% of inventory was destroyed, camouflage eliminated; QZ asks about long guns on roofs at protest last week; Elow explains that at large events best practices requires rooftop observations, knew of Elbit protest in advance and possibility of counterprotest, Special Response Team on roof, concerns about harm and vandalism; preparation for worst-case scenarios; QZ continues to harp on presence of rifles on roof; Siddiqui asks about policy vs. practice re: presence of rifles with Special Response Team; Elow notes what has happened elsewhere in country and need to be prepared; PN notes that Public Safety meeting was not held due to lack of quorum, but originally scheduled for Dec 6, then changed to Dec 13 when members could not attend; PN gives prepared speech on inquest and process; Nolan proposes amendments to Zondervan order; MM notes that officers on roof were not “snipers” (Elow concurs) and that preparedness for worst-case scenarios is necessary; DS notes diversity of opinion and that “you’re entitled to your own opinions but not your own facts”, notes that seniors want public safety and that they don’t want Police Department neutered, not like police departments elsewhere; DS cautions against neutering of CPD possibly leading to tragic outcomes, cannot support original order or amended order; Elow notes that Special Response Team formed under Comm. Robert Haas as an alternative to State Police or other law enforcement agencies, only used for special circumstances; Yi-An Huang notes that this conversation has been ongoing all year, notes that PERF generally only brought in when terrible things have happened elsewhere, notes that Faisal incident was a complicated situation that unfolded fast, notes that our police officers need to be supported; Toner will vote no because we are already making good progress; Carlone notes that we have done this already and that if we must pass an Order it should be the amended version; QZ says we have not dealt with this issue in the current term; Elow notes that CPD looks at every incident differently; Nolan notes that we have done some of this before, does not support disarming the Police, notes that Elbit protests here and elsewhere had escalated; Siddiqui will support substitute order, need for further conversation; Amendment by Substitution Passes 8-1 (QZ-No); Order as Amended Passes 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No); Amended Order forwarded to next City Council (Awaiting Report)
Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance 2023 #12 has been received from City Clerk, relative to BEUDO the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge be amended in Chapter 8.67.100 entitled “Emission Reduction Requirements”. [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 4, 2023; Eligible to be ordained on or after Dec 18, 2023] (ORD23#12)
pulled by Zondervan; Iram Farooq notes that CDD does not support this further amendment, notes that current ordinance reduces by 90% but exorbitant costs for minimal additional reduction and other problematic aspects of amendment, notes that CDD came up with most stringent ordinance possible and this was already adopted and that further amendment now would be a breach of trust; Zondervan notes that his latest proposed amendments addresses these concerns; Farooq says no fuel now available to meet proposed specifications and that only natural gas would currently suffice and with higher carbon cost - nothing gained with added regulatory structure; McGovern notes Council actions over past few months in this area, not supportive of amendments; Nolan says even if not a good idea to amend so soon this was our expectation under new stretch code, says it’s possible to meet needs on extreme cold days, says we won’t meet state mandated goals on emission reduction; Carlone says this is doable, “I’ll be voting for children”; Ordination Fails 4-5 (DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; BA,AM,MM,PT,DS-No)
Resolution #1. Resolution on the death of Paul Parravano. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled early by Councillor Simmons; remarks by DS,MM,PT,AM,DC,PN,QZ,SS; Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with MIT to establish a suitable memorial in Cambridge in honor of Paul Parravano. Councillor Simmons (PO23#218)
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0
Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Roderick L. Jackson. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (QZ-Absent)
Resolution #4. Congratulations to Clifford Cook on his retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner
Resolution #6. Thanks to Alanna Mallon for her service to the citizens of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
Resolution #7. Thanks to Quinton Zondervan for his service to the citizens of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Resolution #8. Thanks to Dennis Carlone for his service to the citizens of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Nov 29, 2023 to discuss a Zoning Petition by Allene R. Pierson et al. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Dec 6, 2023 to discuss potential changes to the Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22 Cycling Safety Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Councillor Marc McGovern, relative to discharging the Cycling Safety Ordinance matter from Committee and moving it forward. to the next Council Ordinance Committee. (COF23#239)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #7. The Health and Environment Committee and the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a joint meeting on Dec 6, 2023 to discuss PO23#147 (options for amending parking fees and regulations throughout the City in order to further support the City’s goals of low carbon travel). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #8. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Dec 12, 2023 to receive an update and have discussion on Public Investment Planning. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Cleaning Out the Closet
Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Councillor Azeem, transmitting an update regarding matters in the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee [Implementing ways to enforce the anti-idling law. (PO22#55 of Apr 25, 2022)]. (COF23#236)
pulled by Azeem; Discharged from Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 9-0; Forward to next Council’s Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Simmons re Motion to Discharge Committee Items Councillor Simmons. (COF23#238) [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; Matters Discharged from Civic Unity and Housing Committees 9-0; Forward to next Council’s Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #5. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting, in accordance with POR 2023 #216, adopted Dec 11, 2023, recommendation that City Council take an affirmative vote to carry over pending Awaiting Reports to the next City Council. (COF23#240) [text of report]
Forward subset of Awaiting Report List to next City Council, including Policy Order of Charter Right #1; Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Comments?
The clock is winding down on the 2022-23 City Council and with Festivus approaching this may be the time for not only clearing out all the stuff beyond their expiration dates but also for the airing of grievances and the taking of a few parting shots.
Of special note is the opinion from the Acting City Solicitor regarding the forwarding of pending matters (and some really moldy ones) to the new City Council term. My fervent hope is that the current City Council votes to forward only significant pending matters and that the other items on “Awaiting Report” be allowed to fade into history or be re-introduced fresh in the new Council term.
Regarding the Festivus tradition of “airing of grievances”, Mr. Zondervan is back with his withdrawn Order from last week in which he tries to “educate” the Cambridge Police Department. This term can’t end soon enough.
There’s also a request from the Charter Review Committee requesting a one-month extension. This reminds me of the old joke we used to say when I worked (for 14 years) at Wellesley College:
Q: How many Wellesley students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Just one, but she needs an extension.
Anyway, here are the items I found noteworthy in this penultimate City Council agenda:
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item 23-57, regarding rodent control measures. (CM23#296) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN, Owen O’Riordan, John Nardone, Dave Powers, QZ, AM, SS; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. (CM23#297) [Cover Letter] [NHMP presentation] [NHMP 2023 Update]
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN, DC, Sam Lipson, Iram Farooq, QZ, Owen O’Riordan, Tom Cahill; Plan Adopted 9-0, Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the City of the Cambridge and Harvard University memorandum of agreement regarding Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT). (CM23#298)
Placed on File 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to fundamentally change how it responds to situations that could lead to violence and death. Councillor Zondervan (PO23#215)
pulled by Zondervan; Charter Right - Zondervan
Order #2. Transferring Items from the 2022-2023 Legislative Session. Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#216)
pulled by Nolan w/Comm. & Reports #2; comments by PN, SS, QZ; Order Adopted 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, transmitting legal opinion regarding Carry Over Procedures for City Council Business. (COF23#228)
pulled early by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #4. A communication from the Cambridge Charter Review Committee Chair, Kathleen Leahy Born, transmitting a memorandum with a request for an extension through Jan 31, 2024. (COF23#230)
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by BA (who seems to think the Charter Review Committee was “nonpolitical”), PN (notes general lack of public involvement until very last meeting), DS (concerns about participation by committee members); one-month extension approved 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Comments?
The first thing that struck me when I looked over the meeting agenda was the list of 387 Communications - more than twice anything I’ve seen before (except for that Bergman stunt many years ago with messages submitted on paper plates - but that’s another story). So I decided to look them over in some detail. The main thing is that 288 of them were nearly identical concerning that Gaza order from the Nov 20 meeting and were sent via a robot (from “actionnetwork.org”) and addressed to “City Clerk Alex Geourntas” - who happens to be the City Clerk for Boston. [Our actual City Clerk is Diane LeBlanc, by the way.] So much for doing your homework, but I suppose even robots may have dogs who like to eat their homework. Perhaps the funniest of these was the one signed by former Cambridge City Clerk Margaret Drury who apparently didn’t take notice of the addressee in the robotic message that was sent under her name to the wrong City Clerk.
There are 333 messages in favor of the Gaza order, 8 opposed, 4 who suggested that the City Council should instead focus on local matters (there’s a concept), and one suggesting that such communications should be limited to actual Cambridge residents. There were 148 of 288 robotic Gaza messages from Cambridge residents and 139 from non-residents. There was also one Somerville resident who defiantly stated that “you have lost my vote.” They never had your vote, Einstein.
There are also 17 communications from people who are apparently pissed off at the City Council’s Nov 20 “Present” vote on the matter - apparently an attempt to sidestep taking a definitive position. Voting on foreign affairs has never been off-limits in the past, but I guess this one is different because of the various constituencies and the political consideration of siding with or opposing something associated with our local “Squad” representative in the U.S. Congress.
I think the new City Council should consider a rules change to address this proliferation of robot-generated messages - perhaps replacing them with a single communication of the form “sundry messages (288) received in support of Nov 20 order re: Gaza.” Together with new AI tools becoming available all the time, we may otherwise soon see weekly bundles of hundreds or even thousands of communications generated every week bearing little connection to matters actually relevant to Cambridge.
Also noteworthy is the message sent by a member of Siddiqui’s hand-picked Charter Review Committee in which she wants to know the head count of all those making public comment or submitting (robotic) communications on either side of the issue. Perhaps the next iteration of the charter recommendations will include a proposal for popular plebiscite to determine public policy. Give us Barabbas. I honestly believe the entire Charter Review business should be restarted with a properly selected charter commission and all meetings held in public session rather than the Zoom-based insular meetings of the current failed process that had negligible public participation.
By the way, the minutes of the Nov 20 meeting indicate that of the 159 people who spoke in person or remotely, 100 supported the Gaza order, 47 were opposed, and 12 others addressed matters that were actually relevant to the business of the Cambridge City Council.
One last note: I am especially appreciative of the Nov 30 public comment and the Dec 4 communication from Cara Seiderman re: the Gaza ceasefire order. It takes a good deal of bravery for a prominent City employee to make a statement opposing the Gaza order as written in an environment where many of the people with whom she regularly interacts may be hostile to her point of view. Cancel culture has unfortunately become part of Cambridge culture - and not just on the Harvard campus.
There is an actual agenda for the Dec 4 meeting that contains a few interesting items. Here’s a sampler:
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on the evaluation of the 2023 Street Cleaning Pilot. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the evaluation of the 2023 Street Cleaning Pilot and recommended language for special legislation to increase fines.
Order Adopted 7-2 (DS,PT-No)
Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,280,000, from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Human Services Extraordinary Expenditures account to support major ongoing improvements at Danehy Park including turf field and track replacement, irrigation improvements, water feature replacement, and capital improvement planning. [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Pierson, et al., Zoning Petition.
Placed on File 9-0
Charter Right #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule petition regarding the Fire Chief position. [Charter Right – Toner, Nov 20, 2023]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A late communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding a home rule petition for taking the Fire Chief position out of civil service. (CM23#290)
Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance 2023 #10 has been received from City Clerk, relative to the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge be amended in Chapter 8.16.081, Leaf Blowers. [Pass to 2nd Reading Nov 6, 2023; Eligible to be ordained on or after Nov 28, 2023] (ORD23#10)
pulled by Toner; comments by PT, PN, QZ; Ordained as Amended 9-0
Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Nov 28, 2023 to discuss proposed changes to the Cambridge Municipal Code that would lead to a phased-out ban of the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Cambridge. The Committee voted to send the proposed ordinance language as amended in Committee to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation that the language passed to a second reading on Nov 6, 2023 be further amended to reflect the change in transition date, (8.16.081.4 – Transition, 2. and 3.) from March 15, 2027 to March 15, 2026. (text of report)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #7. An Ordinance 2023 #11 has been received from City Clerk, relative to Chapter 2.131 – American Freedmen Commission. [Passed to 2nd Reading Nov 20, 2023; Eligible to be ordained on or after Dec 4, 2023]
Ordained as Amended 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and with state and federal regulators to establish an orderly testing and deployment strategy for Full Self Driving on Cambridge roads. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #2. That the City Council go on record requesting that MIT withdraw its objection to Eversource and the City of Cambridge proposed transmission line route so that the project can move forward expediently. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with CPD to fundamentally change how it responds to situations that could lead to violence and death. Councillor Zondervan
Order Withdrawn
Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Oct 31, 2023 to discuss updates on the Participatory Budget and ARPA. (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, Nov 14, 2023 to discuss the City’s proposed Linear Park redesign. (text of report)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Nov 15, 2023 to discuss and receive updates from the Community Safety Department and HEART. (text of report)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #4. The City Council’s Ad Hoc Committee on the City Managers evaluation process held a public meeting on Nov 17, 2023 to discuss the updates on the evaluation process. (text of report)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #5. A public meeting of the Ordinance Committee was held on Tues, Nov 28, 2023. The call of the meeting was to consider an amendment to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance that would require new covered properties to achieve net zero by 2030. The Committee voted to send the following amendment language back to the City Council with no recommendation. (text of report)
pulled early by Toner; comments by PT, Yi-An Huang (feels this is not good policy in terms of cost/benefit), QZ (disagrees, proposes amendment), PN, DC, MM, Iram Farooq, Megan Bayer (Acting City Solicitor), QZ proposes amendments (passes 5-4 (BA,AM,DS,PT-No); Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 5-4 (BA,AM,DS,PT-No); Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Late Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Bernard Goldberg. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons
Comments?
All the world is watching as Cambridge takes on the Middle East. </sarcasm>
Here are the featured menu items for tonight’s meal:
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule petition regarding the Fire Chief position.
Charter Right - Toner
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-72 regarding mechanisms to support Cannabis Business in Cambridge. (CM23#274) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #2. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to proposed changes to Cannabis Business Permitting Proposed Ordinance 2023-6. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 16, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained] (ORD23#6)
Ordained 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board’s recommendation on the Hen-keeping Zoning Petition and amended zoning text. (CM23#275) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend Articles 2.000, 4.000, 5.000, and 23.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of allowing hen-keeping as a permitted accessory use to principal residential (excluding transient accommodations as defined in Section 4.31.i), religious, and educational uses; with limitations and subject to regulation and permitting by the Cambridge Public Health Department. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 16, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained; Expires Jan 8, 2024] (ORD23#9)
Ordained as Amended 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study. (CM23#277) [text of report]
Placed on File 7-2 (DC,QZ-No)
The East Cambridge Neighborhood District Study is a great document - the continuation of great work of our peerless Cambridge Historical Commission. What the City Council will do with this or should do with this is a matter of some concern. Normally this would be an easy decision, but the spirit of New York’s Robert Moses continues to permeate current Cambridge politics - an environment where tearing down historic buildings, or any buildings, is apparently welcomed in favor of going higher and denser regardless of all other considerations. The spirit of Jane Jacobs will return at some point, and the only question is the extent of damage carried out in the interim.
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an Equity Inclusion Fall 2023 Update. (CM23#278) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
This is worth looking at primarily as an illustration of how bureaucracies grow.
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the American Freedmen Commission Ordinance. (CM23#279) [text of report]
Referred 9-0 to Freedmen's Committee proposed ordinance on Unfinished Business
Committee Report #2. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Thurs, Nov 9, 2023, to consider changes to the Cambridge Municipal Code that would establish the American Freedmen Commission. The Committee approved a motion that the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct the Law Department and any other relevant department to review the proposed ordinance language to create the Freedmen Commission and provide any recommendations in writing to the City Council by Nov 20, 2023. The Committee voted favorably to send the proposed language to the City Council with a favorable recommendation that it be passed to a second reading. (text of report)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
It will be interesting to see how this unfolds and whether this will amount to something constructive or just garden-variety political patronage.
Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report 22-40, regarding a Community Engagement Update. (CM23#280) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
This is clueless on so many levels. For example, “Additionally, each department is at a different point on its community engagement journey: the Department of Public Works (DPW) for example, started building its community relations team in the early 2000s …” In fact, our Department of Public Works has been a model of community engagement and personalized service delivery for many decades. Only a bureaucrat would see otherwise. On the other hand, the “community engagement” of some other departments will continue to be mainly performative in the sense that most decisions have already been made by staff or mandated via City ordinance with little room for discussion or change.
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2023 Cambridge Resident Satisfaction Survey Results. (CM23#281) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #12. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000, from Free Cash, to the Public Investment Fund Executive Extraordinary Expenditures account to support an evaluation of the Rise Up Cambridge Cash Assistance for Families Program. (CM23#282) [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0
The bottom line is that this program was only made possible because of the federal windfall of ARPA dollars growing out of the Covid disruption. What followed in so many cities was political opportunism - enacting initiatives that otherwise would not have been financially feasible or even legal. We are now in the phase where “studies” are being proposed and funded to extend this new add-on local welfare program.
Unfinished Business #3. ORD23#8A To amend Chapter 2.76 – Human Rights Commission and Chapter 2.119 Domestic Partnerships. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 2, 2023; Further Amended Nov 6, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained as Amended]
Ordained 9-0
Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Teresa Solano Neighbor. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons
I attended the November 11 memorial service for Teresa at Bigelow Chapel in Mount Auburn Cemetery and, as is often the case, it served as a reunion of many friends. Teresa was the Executive Director of the Election Commission during the period when we computerized our municipal elections and when I served on the Technical Working Committee for the Computerization of the Cambridge Elections (TWCC). That was a very rewarding experience for many of us who were involved in that project, and Teresa was a great partner in that initiative.
Order #1. Special Meeting on City Manager Review. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #2. Automated Parking Enforcement. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #3. Resolution in support of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s Call for a Ceasefire. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
After hours of unproductive public comment, Councillor Nolan called the question early in order to provide opportunity for most of the councillors to avoid voting Yea or Nay. Final vote on the Gaza Order was 2-0-0-7 (QZ,SS-Yes; all others “Present”)
This last item, of course, will likely consume most of the evening and accomplish nothing. - RW
Comments?
Tomorrow’s municipal election may be about choosing 9 people out of 24 City Council candidates and choosing 6 people out of 11 School Committee candidates, but there’s also the unspoken ballot question of the efficacy of our proportional representation (PR) elections. Elsewhere in the USA in years past, cities that used PR for their local elections gave up that election method when it yielded perverse results - either real or received. New York City quit using PR after two Communists were elected back in the 1930s (the actual story is a bit more nuanced). Other cities gave it up because some felt it was too “complicated” - a point of view not shared by me, though I admit that explaining how the tabulation works can be a challenge. That said, the idea of ranking your approved candidates doesn’t seem very difficult to understand.
There is a possibility that this year’s election could produce perverse results, or (hopefully) it will yield a group of candidates who are both rational and representative of the people of Cambridge. [I am, of course, quite biased since I am also a candidate this year.] I have often jokingly referred to myself as “the junkyard dog of Plan E and PR” in that I could be counted on to defend our system against any unwarranted or wrongheaded criticism. There are points worthy of criticism and there are opportunities to make some positive changes, but I do have some serious concerns about the efforts by some to turn Cambridge into the worst kind of populist government. [These concerns are the main reason I chose to be a candidate this year.]
Anyway, we’ll either be heading over the cliff tomorrow or pulling back from the brink. We’ll know soon enough. Meanwhile, there is a City Council meeting on Election Eve - traditionally one of the shortest ones, but I suppose all it takes is one difficult councillor to ruin everyone’s evening - unless the exercise of the Charter Right puts an end to the mayhem. Here are the items I found interesting this week:
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report #23-61, regarding the demographic information of dues-paying members of the municipal golf course.
pulled by Zondervan; QZ wants City to continue to collect information on race, age, and gender; Adam Corbell response that any such data collection will be voluntary; PT was under belief that such demographic information was NOT being collected at golf course; ambiguous response from Corbett; PN notes that this was report only on demographics (and not on other aspects of original City Council Order); MM addresses women’s sports scholarships; Placed on File 9-0
Hopefully this will mark the end of the silliness initiated by Councillors Nolan, Carlone, Zondervan, and Azeem back in January 2022. On the other hand, doubling-down on dumb ideas is not uncommon these days in politics from the local level to the national level and beyond.
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and other relevant City departments and prepare a report regarding the efficacy of establishing a dual reporting system for the Director of Public Health, the process by which the City could establish by ordinance a Commissioner of Public Health who would report directly to the City Manager, and the reestablishment of a Health Policy Board. [Charter Right – Simmons, Oct 30, 2023]
Simmons explains her use of Charter Right, wants to tease this Order out regarding what it aims to achieve; DS wants to Table and/or send back to Health and Gov’t Operations Committees; AM says many of these questions were asked at committee meeting, says there will be additional meetings; PN notes that this Order asks only for additional information from Law Department; MM suggests removing clause re: hiring a consultant; DS says that getting information is OK but concerned about whether a consultant should be hired; PN,AM,SS have had conversations with former MM motion to delete 2nd “Ordered” passes 5-4 (BA,MM,DS,PT,SS-Yes; DC,AM,PN,QZ-No); Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (DS-Present)
Committee Report #4. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee and the Health and Environment Committee held a joint meeting on Tues, Oct 17, 2023, to discuss the relationship between the City and the Cambridge Health Alliance, the budget of the Public Health Department, and best ways to serve the community’s public health needs. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
I can’t say for sure what this is all about, but my suspicion is that this is rooted in the desire on the part of several city councillors to gain more control over our local health care options. I will remind everyone that there were very good fiscal reasons to spin the Cambridge Hospital off with state legislation that established the Cambridge Health Alliance and to separate this out from the City’s Operating Budget. I am very curious what the actual motivation is here.
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to more fully explore the Commonwealth’s recommendations from the Separated Bike Lane document, especially for all squares and along small business districts, schools, and key park entries, and with a focus also on the integration of pedestrian and biking infrastructure. Councillor Carlone (PO23#202)
Adopted 9-0
I expect that Councillor Azeem may exercise his Charter Right on this one in order to give him time to ask Chris Cassa and others associated with the Cambridge Bike Safety group what he is allowed to think.
Order #2. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct CDD, the Law Department and any other relevant Departments to review this citizens zoning petition and provide any recommendations in writing to the Ordinance Committee on Nov 29, 2023. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted 9-0
This concerns the Zoning Petition from Allene R. Pierson et al. relating to where Lodging Houses are permitted as-of-right and, presumably, how this relates to the proliferation of quasi-hotel uses (AirBnB) that have been gobbling up rental housing in Cambridge. If I misread this, please disabuse me of my interpretation.
Committee Report #1. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee met on May 5, 2022, to discuss municipal broadband. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Human Services Committee conducted a public hearing on June 16, 2022, to discuss the recent MBTA bus network redesign. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee conducted a public hearing on June 28, 2022, to discuss the recent MBTA bus network redesign. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Looking back in time at meetings held more than a year ago.
Committee Report #5. The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Oct 25, 2023, to discuss, review, and evaluate the Zero Waste Master Plan and plan reports and updates, and to discuss possible ways to further reduce waste in Cambridge including exploring how the city might eliminate single-use plastics including but not limited to nips, bottled water, and utensils. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
I would love to see these nuisance plastics go away, but sometimes I feel as though our City Council just doesn’t like small businesses when they take actions that cut into the very narrow margins that allow these businesses to simply exist. Has persuasion been tried? Must everything be a legal mandate? - Robert Winters
Comments?
The circus that is this year’s municipal election will soon be over and we’ll know in a couple of weeks whether Cambridge will step back from the brink or careen over the edge. Hopefully events at the national and international scale will be enough to convince people locally of the dangers of the democratic socialists, the “intersectional left”, and others (like DSA, Our Revolution, and even the little old ladies of the Cambridge Residents Alliance) who casually embrace antisemitism hidden behind Halloween masks of liberation as they celebrate murder, rape, and kidnapping.
Speaking of elections, I was able to skip some City Council candidate events this week in order to focus on more important things like the School Committee election and, in particular, an event in East Cambridge entitled, “What’s Algebra Got to Do with It? - a School Committee Forum on Math and Academic Challenge.” I may write about this elsewhere, but the bottom line is that the participating incumbents had virtually nothing of substance to say other than the usual School Committee jargon, and several of the new candidates really shone - particularly Elizabeth Hudson, Alborz Bejnood, and Eugenia Schraa Huh. Bobby Travers also showed great promise as a candidate who has seen it all over the years working within the Cambridge Schools. Honestly, the only incumbents I see as worth retaining are José Luis Rojas Villarreal and Caroline Hunter. That’s an even 6. All too often the School Committee election is the forgotten stepchild of Cambridge elections - but their $245 million budget and the fact that the education and future prospects of so many Cambridge children is largely dependent on having good schools suggests that maybe voters should pay a little more attention.
Meanwhile, back at City Hall, here are some of the more notable items on this week’s agenda:
Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $2,091,000 from Free Cash to the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund. During FY23, the City received mitigation revenues from various developers as a result of commitments related to zoning ordinance amendments and special permit conditions. By law, all mitigation revenues must be deposited into the General Fund and can only be appropriated after the Free Cash Certification is complete.
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Claire Spinner as Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs.
pulled by Carlone; comments by Nolan, City Manager Huang (over 50 applicants); Placed on File 9-0
152 Communications - many either in favor or opposed to the policy order from the previous meeting regarding proposed changes to Linear Park in North Cambridge.
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the City Solicitor to look at possible base zoning changes for a new residential use that has a first-floor mixed-use option or other zoning alternative, to review the city’s permit policy for extending construction hours/days & propose changes that more significantly protect residents’ quality of life, and to work with the Department of Public Health to look at ways the City’s board of health, under the Nuisance Law, might further restrict undue noise. Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Carlone; comments by Carlone, Toner, McGovern; Order Adopted 9-0
None of the current city councillors live in a mixed-use district. I have - for over 45 years. I’m happy to tell you about the pros and cons.
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and the consultant team and deliver an update on Municipal Broadband and Digital Equity by December 2023. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan; Zondervan added as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
My assumption is that even if all relevant indicators suggest that Municipal Broadband won’t provide a fraction of the benefits its proponents have suggested, and even if it’s cost-prohibitive, a majority of councillors will signal Full Speed Ahead.
Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to engage with various stakeholders including recycling advocates, package store owners, and business associations, and report back to the city council with a list of recommendations to reduce the use of miniature liquor bottles. Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to report back to the City Council with an update to the Mar 23, 2021 report on the process of banning various single-use plastics in line with the discussion during the Health and Environment Committee meeting and actions by the state and by various municipalities. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; comments by Nolan, Toner, Carlone, Zondervan, McGovern, Azeem; add Zondervan as sponsor; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #10. City Council support of letter to State Lawmakers on the Mass Clean Heat Platform. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #13. City Council support of H. 872 An Act establishing a climate change superfund and promoting polluter responsibility, and the companion bill S. 481. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Zondervan; add Siddiqui, Nolan; comments by Zondervan, Nolan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and other relevant City departments and prepare a report regarding the efficacy of establishing a dual reporting system for the Director of Public Health, the process by which the City could establish by ordinance a Commissioner of Public Health who would report directly to the City Manager, and the reestablishment of a Health Policy Board. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Simmons; comments by Nolan, Simmons; Charter Right - Simmons
It’s also worth noting the following two items on the Hearing Schedule:
Wed, Nov 8
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss the results of the inquest regarding the Police shooting of Arif Sayed Faisal. [CANCELLED]
This is not a local legislative matter. An inquest was conducted and the officer(s) involved were found to have acted in a reasonable and proper manner consistent with their training and responsibilities. A Zondervan hearing on this matter would be nothing more than a political show, and I’m glad the meeting was cancelled.
Wed, Nov 15
3:00pm The Public Safety Committee will hold a public hearing from 3:00pm-5:00pm to discuss and receive updates from the Community Safety Department and HEART.
As I have said many times, the new Community Safety Department - as a mechanism for handling matters not necessarily requiring Cambridge Police - has the potential to relieve Cambridge Police officers of some of the responsibilities that can be safely managed by others. Cambridge HEART, in contrast, is little more than political patronage for a group of people who have consistently shown nothing but hostility toward Cambridge Police and law enforcement in general. - Robert Winters
Comments?
Conspicuously absent from this week’s Peoples Republic of Cambridge International Affairs Agenda is a resolution where incumbent city councillors actually have to say out loud their take on what recently transpired in Israel. Bothsidesism gives way to nosidesism as they gauge how voters might respond. Meanwhile, a vote on “AHO 2.0” to further disenfranchise residents is expected to breeze through on the same 6-3 vote (while they still can). Then there’s reparations. Here are a few things:
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-147, regarding a report on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-1 (QZ-No)
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the establishment of an Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund.
Order Adopted; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,903,731.64 from Free Cash to the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund. The $1,903,731.64 appropriated to the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund is the only the appropriation from Free Cash attributed to Opioid Settlement funds and will be used to fund specific future projects, per requirements of the settlement agreement, which will require separate individual appropriations by the City Council.
Appropriation Adopted; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-23 which clarifies the state law on zoning petition signature requirements to ensure clarity and lawful deliberation in the future.
Placed on File 9-0
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the License Commission and other relevant departments to prepare recommendations on regulations that would ban or limit the sale of nips in Cambridge. [Charter Right – Toner, Oct 2, 2023]
Adopted as Amended 9-0
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to reaffirm the city’s commitment to renovating the schoolhouse at 105 Windsor Street as a top priority following the completion of the Central Square lots study. [Charter Right – Simmons, Oct 2, 2023]
Adopted as Amended 9-0
Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from City Council, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) amendments. (Proposed Ordinance #2023-7) [Passed to 2nd Reading, Sept 11, 2023; Amended Sept 18, 2023; Amended Further Sept 18, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained; Expires Oct 29, 2023] (ORD23#7)
Ordained 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ-Yes; DC,PN,PT-No)
Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to 2.76.020 enacted is to protect the human rights of all the residents of the City Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity [Passed to 2nd Reading, Oct 2, 2023] (ORD23#8)
Resolution #12. Resolution on the retirement of Steven A. Cohen from the City of Cambridge Planning Board. Councillor Carlone
Resolution #13. Resolution of the retirement of Hugh Adams Russell from the City of Cambridge Planning Board. Councillor Carlone
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to conduct a thorough assessment regarding the feasibility, costs, and benefits of replacing the existing community notice boards on the front lawn of City Hall with one or two digital signs. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department, the Finance Department, and any other relevant departments to investigate potential mechanisms to support Cannabis Business in Cambridge. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish an American Freedmen Commission. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted, Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0
Order #8. That the City Council schedule a roundtable on Mon, Nov 13, 2023, from 3pm-5pm to receive an update from the City Manager and relevant departments on the Central Square City Lots Study. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to work with DPW to restore Linear Park by re-using the existing award-winning design, to create, publish and implement a climate resilience-based maintenance plan and minimize the embodied carbon of the project by re-using, wherever possible, the existing lamps and lamp posts. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted as Amended, Referred to Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning Committee 9-0
Committee Report #1. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on Apr 13, 2023 to continue the discussion of potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outline in the Nov 21, 2022 Policy Order adopted by the City Council. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Sept 27, 2023 to discuss the report and update on the City of Cambridge Disparity Study. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #3. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Wed, Oct 4, 2023, to discuss changes to the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge relative to Chapter 5.50, Cannabis Business Permitting. The Committee approved a motion that the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Law Department, the Finance Department, and any other relevant departments to investigate potential mechanisms to support Cannabis Business in Cambridge, including but not limited to: not collecting the local tax on Cannabis product sales, refunding some of the rent that was paid while awaiting a Special Permit, and limiting the number of stores that are allowed and report back to the City Council by Nov 20, 2023. The related policy order is on this agenda. The Committee voted to send the proposed ordinance language, as amended in Committee to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
Committee Report #4. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Tues, Oct 10, 2023. The Committee approved a motion to send the Zoning Ordinance Petition relative to hen keeping to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
Comments?
As expected, the property tax bills for owners of one-, two-, and three-family homes is leaping upward this year, and next year and future years are likely to see even more dramatic increases. Shockingly, the rapid expansion of new programs (and more) actually costs money, and there are limits to just how much revenue you can raise by growing more commercial property to cover those costs.
Including the likely ordination at this meeting of the zoning amendment that will allow stratospheric heights along some streets and squares with no meaningful mechanism for public input, here’s a sampler of what’s on deck this week:
TAX RATE HEARING
The Cambridge City Council will conduct a public hearing related to setting the property tax rate classification. Under the laws of the Commonwealth, the City has the option of taxing residential and commercial/industrial property at different tax rates. At this public meeting, the City Council will review tax rates/classifications proposed by the City Manager and the Board of Assessors. The votes taken will result in property tax rates that reflect the City’s property tax levy for Fiscal Year. [City Manager’s Tax Rate Letter]
The bottom line is that: the FY23 Adopted Operating Budget increased by 10.0% ($82.3 million) over the FY23 Adopted Budget, though $24.6 million of that increase represents a shift of funding for the Affordable Housing Trust from the Capital Budget to the Operating Budget. A better accounting therefore is that the FY24 Operating Budget represents an increase of $57.8 million or 7.2% over the FY23 Adopted Budget. The FY24 Budget adopted by the City Council in June 2023 projected a property tax levy increase of $48.8 million, or 9.2%, to $580.3 million in order to fund operating and capital expenditures. With approval of the recommendations in this memo, the actual FY24 tax levy required to support the FY24 Budget is $575,418,489 which is an increase of $43.9 million or 8.3% from FY23. This increase is lower than the estimated increase of 9.2% projected in June 2023 as part of the Adopted Budget, due in large part from higher than projected investment earnings, hotel motel taxes, and building permit revenue.
The property tax levy increase of 8.3% is above the FY23 increase of 7.45%. The property tax levy increase is also above the five-year (FY20-FY24) annual average increase of 7.03%, and the ten-year (FY15-FY24) annual average increase of 5.77%. The FY24 residential tax rate will be $5.92 per thousand dollars of value, subject to Department of Revenue approval. This is an increase of $0.06, or approximately 1% from FY23. The commercial tax rate will be $10.46, which is an increase of $0.08, or 0.7% from FY23. By property class, on average a single-family home will see a 8.41% tax increase, a condo will see a 6.5% decrease, a two-family will see a 4.7% increase, and a three-family will see a 5.4% increase.
FY2024 Taxes
| Residential Property Type |
FY24 Median Tax (incl. CPA Surcharge) |
Median $ increase |
| Condominium |
$1,555 |
- $ 7 |
| Single-Family |
$7,674 |
$ 743 |
| Two-Family |
$6,713 |
$ 494 |
| Three-Family |
$8,246 |
$ 598 |
History of changes in residential property taxes
| Median Annual Tax Increases - Cambridge |
| Tax Year |
condo |
single-family |
two-family |
three-family |
| FY2009 |
$ 18 |
$ 40 |
$ 24 |
$ 72 |
| FY2010 |
$ 69 |
$ 119 |
$ 47 |
$ 41 |
| FY2011 |
$ 77 |
$ 306 |
$ 132 |
$ 154 |
| FY2012 |
$ 60 |
$ 269 |
$ 177 |
$ 215 |
| FY2013 |
$ 65 |
$ 159 |
$ 80 |
$ 85 |
| FY2014 |
- $ 38 |
$ 109 |
$ 110 |
$ 201 |
| FY2015 |
$ 15 |
$ 11 |
$ 334 |
$ 253 |
| FY2016 |
- $ 18 |
$ 64 |
$ 101 |
$ 217 |
| FY2017 |
$ 11 |
$ 324 |
$ 237 |
$ 336 |
| FY2018 |
$ 76 |
$ 136 |
$ 33 |
$ 61 |
| FY2019 |
$ 21 |
$ 124 |
$ 292 |
$ 469 |
| FY2020 |
$ 43 |
$ 449 |
$ 366 |
$ 369 |
| FY2021 |
$ 3 |
$ 246 |
$ 131 |
$ 218 |
| FY2022 |
$ 33 |
$ 545 |
$ 301 |
$ 335 |
| FY2023 |
- $ 107 |
$ 419 |
$ 269 |
$ 379 |
| FY2024 |
- $ 7 |
$ 743 |
$ 494 |
$ 598 |
| 5 year average |
- $ 7 |
$ 480 |
$ 312 |
$ 380 |
| 10 year average |
$ 7 |
$ 306 |
$ 256 |
$ 324 |
| 15 year average |
$ 20 |
$ 268 |
$ 207 |
$ 262 |
| number of properties (FY2023) |
14841 |
3910 |
2292 |
1168 |
As you can see from these figures, it’s the large number of condominiums (nearly 15,000) that enables the City to declare such things as “80% of residential taxpayers will see a reduction, no increase, or only a modest increase.” For owners of single-, two-, and three-family homes, the story is quite different - especially during the last 5 years. Indeed, this year continues the sweet deal for condo owners. This year’s median change for condo owners is a reduction of $7, while it’s increases of $743 for a single-family, $494 for a two-family, and $598 for a three-family. Next year promises to see even greater increases.
Required Votes:
• Transfer of Excess Overlay Balances. [Authorize $2,000,000 in overlay surplus/reserves to be used for reducing the FY24 tax rate.]
Order Adopted 9-0
• Classify property into the five classes allowed, and adopt a minimum residential factor of 65%.
Order Adopted 9-0
• Approve the residential exemption factor of 30% for owner occupied homes.
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to revisions to the Affordable Housing Overlay Petition. [CDD Memo]
Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from City Council, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) amendments. (Proposed Ordinance #2023-7) [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 11, 2023; Amended Sept 18, 2023] [text of First Publication] [AHO-Sept12Edit]
Amended 8-1 (BA,AM,MM,PN,DS,PT,QZ,SS-Yes; DC-No) - further details to follow
Communications & Reports #4. A communication from Councillors Nolan, Carlone, and Toner transmitting alternative language to the Affordable Housing Overlay amendments. [text of communication]
Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #5. A communication from Councillors Nolan, Carlone, and Toner transmitting alternative language to the Affordable Housing Overlay amendments. [text of communication]
Placed on File 9-0
I have stated from the outset that the entire concept of the original Affordable Housing Overlay as well as this next premature amendment was a flawed concept in a number of ways. First, it is based on unrealistic and unsustainable targets for deed-restricted housing units. The cost is not simply the cost of construction. The amount of real estate taxes coming from every such unit is the bare legal minimum (think ~$100 rather than $1000 or $8000 - see above) while the cost of services for each resident is far greater. In other words, each additional deed-restricted unit represents a permanent sizable cost that must be covered either by shifting that burden onto other residential taxpayers or by permitting new commercial construction or both. As one local expert has stated, “Affordable housing makes housing less affordable.” This, of course, does not mean that “affordable housing” should not be built but rather that the actual costs must be understood - and we never hear any of that discussion among city councillors (or candidates).
The second fundamental principle of the AHO has been and continues to be the prohibition of any meaningful public input from residents, including direct abutters.
The important question that should be asked is what the appropriate percentage of deed-restricted units should be. During the Envision Cambridge process, there was a basic acknowledgment of that percentage being in the neighborhood of ~15% of all housing units and that perhaps that should rise somewhat. However, in a poorly attended meeting late in the game, a target percentage of 25% of all new housing units appeared out of nowhere, and it is from that unrealistic figure that claims of our “not meeting our goals” is derived. This is economically infeasible and unsustainable from the perspective of residential property taxation (see above).
The AHO is based on the principle of restricting housing growth in order to force the sale and development of residential housing only toward the so-called nonprofit developers. Specifically, if you own property along some of the proposed “AHO corridors” (see map above) you may need to seek variances for even modest alterations to your property, but a nonprofit developer can snap up the property next door and build a structure more than three times as tall (up to 12 stories on “AHO corridors” and 15 stories in “AHO squares”) with little or no setbacks and not be subject to any of the other restrictions that have been imposed over time on other property owners. This is bad from a planning perspective. It is an assault on urban design. It is economically unsustainable. Nonetheless, this latest AHO amendment will likely have 5 or 6 votes to be ordained based purely on populist politics and a shallow understanding of urban planning and municipal finance.
Unfinished Business #2. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended, Aug 7, 2023; further Amended Sept 18, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained – no expiration] [text of proposed amendment]
Ordained 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ,SS-Yes; DC,PN,PT-No)
Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Allene R. Pierson, regarding Cambridge Lodging House Zoning Change to strengthen Cambridge residential housing efforts, mitigate the disruptive impacts of short-term platform-based market rate rentals. [Signed petition] [Lodging House Petition]
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD and the Law Department to review the proposed amendment to BEUDO regarding new buildings, and to propose adjustments, especially with regards to the building permit vs certificate of occupancy question. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct CDD to meet with the Universities, large labs, large property developers and anyone with technical expertise regarding the proposed BEUDO amendment to get their input. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 20, 2023, to discuss potential amendments to the Building Energy Use Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to change the hours of off leash usage at Joan Lorentz Park to 6:00 to 10:00am to allow usage prior to typical work hours. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #7. Appointment of Lauren Reznick to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a five-year term. Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #8. Housing contributions from the City’s major institutions. Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #9. That the City Council schedule a roundtable on Mon, Oct 23, 2023, from 3:00pm-5pm to receive an update from the City Manager, relevant departments, and community partners on Central Square. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with the License Commission and other relevant departments to prepare recommendations on regulations that would ban or limit the sale of nips in Cambridge. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Charter Right - Toner
Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to reaffirm the City’s commitment to renovating the schoolhouse at 105 Windsor Street as a top priority following the completion of the Central Square lots study. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right - Simmons
Committee Report #1. The Civic Unity Committee held a public hearing on Aug 21, 2023 to discuss a proposed ”Cambridge Truth and Reconciliation Taskforce” from local reparations activists. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept 12, 2023, to hold a public hearing on potential amendments to the Municipal Code for the City of Cambridge to Protect Family Inclusion and Relationship Diversity, POR 2023 #97. The Committee voted favorably to send the proposed Ordinance language as amended to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Ordinance Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
Committee Report #3. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Health and Environment Committee was held on Tues, Sept 13, 2023. The call of the meeting was to discuss PO23#73. The Committee voted favorably that the City Manager direct relevant departments to work with the Health and Environment and Ordinance Chairs and report back to the City Council no later than the end of October 2023. The Committee also directed the City Manager to work with relevant departments on funding sources to incentivize the transition to electrification of lawn equipment. Note: PO23#163 and PO23#164 were adopted in City Council on Sept 11, 2023. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Comments?
Here are the things that drew my attention this week:
Reconsideration #1. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Cambridge Police Department and the City of Cambridge government sending trainees to, participating in any collaborations with, or supporting the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center or any similar facilities, in any way.
Motion to Reconsider Adopted 9-0; Simmons explains about unintended consequences of Order as written. Toner conveys remarks from Police Commissioner Christine Elow regarding preparation to critical incidents. Zondervan says this is just a resolution that conveys our feelings about it (actually, it's a policy order). McGovern engages in doublespeak, notes that his son lives in Atlanta and has participated in protests there, sees no reason why CPD would ever send anyone there. McGovern doesn't appear to understand that there are different kinds of training, and what Cambridge provides is not the same as what another jurisdiction might provide. Mallon says she was comfortable with original language and also says “this is just a resolution and not a policy order” but it is a policy order. She will not support any amendments. Nolan says we should only utilize facilities “that support our standards”. McGovern wants to add language to call out other facilities other than Atlanta. Carlone expresses confusion and lack of expertise to comment on it, and will vote Present. Siddiqui fine with original. Simmons Amendment Approved 5-4 (DC,MM,PN,DS-Yes; BA,AM,QZ,SS-No). Main motion Approved 6-1-0-2 (BA,AM,MM,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; PT-No; DC,DS-Present)
Mr. Zondervan and his trainees would abolish the police entirely if they could. I doubt whether CPD will be sending any of our police officers to Atlanta, but that’s really not the point of this policy order. I’m glad the matter is up for Reconsideration (it was an oversight that this item was not pulled last week) because anyone who votes in favor of this will not receive any ranking from me on my City Council ballot in November, and I hope others also use this as a signal for their own personal “No Vote” list. Isn’t it ironic that the same people who questioned police actions earlier this year are the same ones who will likely vote against this or any other opportunity for police training?
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Lauren Reznick as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years.
pulled by Simmons; Referred to NLTP Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2024. [Manager’s message] [Message from Taha Jennings, Chair of Community Preservation Act Committee] [FY24 Project Recommendations]
pulled by Siddiqui; remarks by Nolan re: cost for parks; remarks by Mallon re: cost of 2 BR apartment; all votes Adopted 9-0; Vote to not suspend rules for reconsideration (which is not the same as “moving Reconsideration hoping the same will not prevail”)
Though we all want housing to be as affordable as possible, there are permanent financial impacts associated with each new unit of deed-restricted housing. Hint: Every such unit yields significantly less property tax revenue than the added cost of the City services that must then be provided for its occupants, so residential taxes go up permanently for everyone else and/or more commercial development is required to balance the books. I hear a City Council candidate at a forum last week say why we need to ban labs and build affordable housing - but he neglected to mention that those labs are what pays for that affordable housing.
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department Update.
pulled by Zondervan who asks about HEART; Liz Speakman responds; Zondervan continues pressure about contract with HEART and is informed that there is not yet a contract (so much for separation of roles of City Council and Executive; McGovern chimes in about “the community” and wait for contract, wants to know when department will be up and running; Speakman says they are aiming for March 2024 and need to build trust and credibility (good luck); Speakman notes plan to have response to 911 calls; Mallon is “excited” and notes that she was able to meet the team of respondents, asks where policy of “mandatory reporting” stands; McGovern elaborates on questions surrounding the filing of reports and possible consequences; Zondervan harps on role of HEART and that “they are up and running” and that they have submitted a proposal; Speakman says there was a meeting but no proposal or scope of services was ever submitted; Zondervan wants more info on HEART and how they will fit in; Placed on File 9-0
Except for the $300,000 in political patronage ARPA funds, this is a promising report.
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City Manager’s Fall Update.
pulled by Nolan to say “kudos to the team”; Carlone concurs; Zondervan expresses appreciation and notes Budget discussion more collaborative, desire to include more residents, wants more promo on “green jobs”; Nolan would like more on municipal broadband (not in report); Huang says more on municipal broadband coming as well as capital planning; Siddiqui notes UPK, Rise-Up. Placed on File 9-0
Putting a positive spin on everything is a useful skill. Apparently all is well, and none of the City’s actions over the last year have even a shred of controversy or potential negatives.
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a memo and technical edit of the Affordable Housing Overlay language and Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation. [memo and technical edit] [Planning Board report]
pulled by Carlone who notes that corridor heights have now been jacked up from 120' to 140' on corridors, 150' to 170' in squares; Farooq says they did not change the text and that the text was just moved from one section to another; Carlone notes concern about perceived added height; McGovern suspends rules to bring forward Unfinished Business #6 (AHO); Rules Suspended; Moves to amend language by substitution of CDD language; Nolan asks why these amendments are before Council; Farooq explains that these amendments are just refinements at request of Planning Board and that there are still a couple of issues that have come up regarding “split lots” that might thwart the “intended outcome” - working with the project proponents, i.e. the developers who stand to benefit from the changes; Amendments to Petition Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from City Council, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) amendments. (Proposed Ordinance #2023-7) [Passed to 2nd Reading Sept 11, 2023] (ORD23#7) [text of report] [Final Publication]
The AHO (1.0, 2.0, or eventually 3.0, 4.0, etc.) needs a lot more than just a few technical edits. But then again, who has time for all that! Don’t you know that we have a crisis and there’s simply no time to make better decisions!
Charter Right #1. Policy Order re Improving the Quality of Life In and Around Central Square. [Charter Right – McGovern, Sept 11, 2023]
pulled by McGovern, watered down Substitute Order introduced removing references to unhoused community and proposed task force; Toner asks if there was intention to not have Task Force (miscommunication); Substitute Order Adopted 9-0 (Voice Vote)
I can’t wait to hear what Mr. McGovern has to say about this. As the late, great Sergeant Schultz used to say: “I see nothing! I know nothing!”
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments including the Affordable Housing Trust, Community Development Department and Law Department to review the attached zoning proposal and report back to the City Council with an initial assessment regarding the feasibility and efficacy of such an approach no later than Oct 31, 2023. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 11, 2023]
Toner wants to move to Housing Committee; Zondervan says that idea is to add CDD for their thoughts first before referring to committee; Simmons supports referral to Housing Committee but also voting for it as is; McGovern agrees with Zondervan re: sending to CDD only for now with a suggestion that CDD report directly to Housing Committee; Referral to Housing Committee 6-3 (BA,MM,QZ-No)
This proposal is a mix of good and bad ideas and observations, but it does at least highlight one of the greatest deficiencies in our City’s various affordable housing initiatives, namely the fact that they allow little opportunity for actually building wealth and equity. For example: “The existing financing mechanisms for affordable housing development preferentially generate income-restricted rental housing, which is also the greatest need, but further limits homeownership opportunities for people who have been economically disenfranchised.”
Charter Right #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments, including Community Development and Law to review the attached proposed amendment language and propose any adjustments no later than the Oct 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting. [Charter Right – Toner, Sept 11, 2023]
Order Adopted 9-0
I will simply add that my chief concern with the Green Roofs Zoning Ordinance is that it fails to acknowledge that when a leak occurs in a roof that is complicated by vegetative cover and more, diagnosing and curing that leak becomes an enormous expense - a lot more than just heading up to the roof with some flashing cement or a patch. Theory vs. practice.
Unfinished Business #4. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD22#11) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; notes that purpose statement updated, membership requirements updated to reflect demographics, AHO oversight to be nonbinding (hence meaningless), climate-related matters made nonbinding, etc.; Amendments re: appointments Approved 9-0; Nolan proposes amendments re: review provisions and non-binding for affordable housing and need to allow commission to impose certain dimensional and setback requirements; Nolan provides some history and context regarding applications and decisions over many decades; Azeem suggests that process causes unnecessary costs to property owners, and need to “foolproof this” for next 40 years; Carlone notes that our NCDs are seen nationally as successful and a model for other cities; McGovern emphasizes that removal of NCDs was intentional; Nolan notes that “size and shape of the structure” is an essential part of the review; Nolan Amendments Fail 3-6 (DC,PN,PT-Yes; BA,AM,MM,DS,QZ,SS) - noteworthy that the vote exactly coincides with the AHO2.0 proposal. McGovern suggests voting this at next meeting.
Note: This entire escapade was purely political and a “solution” in search of a nonexistent problem.
Whittling away Cambridge history one building at a time. I don’t really believe the current City Council has much of a grasp on what they are doing in this area. They are just so quick to buy into false narratives about history, democratic process, and more.
Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to amending Article 4.30 and Article 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge. [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; Expires Sept 25, 2023 (no meeting on Sept 25)] (ORD23#4) [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan who notes that essence is to allow cannabis sales as of right in business districts w/o need for Special Permit; Ordained 9-0
Cannabis. 'Nuf said.
110 Communications
Resolution #1. Congratulations to Karen Francis on her retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons
Karen is one of the best people I have ever met in Cambridge City government - a real friend. Indeed, everyone who works in the office of the Election Commission has a heart of gold.
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Law Department to prepare a proposed Home Rule Petition relative to amendments to the Fair Housing Ordinance, as discussed at the Ordinance Committee meeting on Sept 12, 2023, and report back to the full City Council by Oct 2, 2023. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to prepare a regular summary (at least annually) of available funds for each funding source, as well as any amounts released to specific projects or efforts. Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Carlone for explanation of how this information is currently unavailable; comments by Nolan who wishes to be added; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
This would be very helpful information.
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant departments to work together with the Chair(s) of the Health and Environment Committee and the Ordinance Committee, and include community input from residents and landscaping companies, to develop ordinance language that would lead to a phased in ban of the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Cambridge. Councillor Nolan
pulled by Toner; comments by Nolan; Toner wants to ensure outreach to landscaping companies and impact on workers; Adopted 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant city departments on funding sources to supplement available state and federal funds to support and incentivize the transition to electrification of lawn equipment. Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Leaf blowers and lawn care are surely at the top of my list of priorities right now. - Robert Winters
Late Order #5. That the City Council sign in support of a Transportation Grant Application. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0; Not Reconsidered
Comments?
There are 169 communications from members of the public. When few if any of the elected officials and City administration are listening, is there a sound? Here are a few noteworthy things on this week’s agenda:
Note: I will provide additional comments as soon as I have a chance to review the recording of the meeting. For now, here are the actions taken for those who are curious.
Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program Grant, in the amount of $1,000,000, received from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) to the Public Investment Fund Water Extraordinary Expenditures account, for the repair of the Cambridge Reservoir Dam - Hobbs Brook Gatehouse and Culvert Outlet.
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to 135 Fulkerson Street parcel and its transfer to the City for public use.
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-133 [Awaiting Report 23-49], regarding possible projections of build-out of the Alewife Quadrangle under the proposed AOD-Q zoning petition. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-135, regarding standards for henkeeping. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0; Zoning Petition Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to updates to the City of Cambridge’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process for the upcoming 10th cycle (PB10) of the program.
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to extending the prior authorization for the City Manager or their designee to grant street obstruction approvals, along with any other necessary approvals for temporary obstructions until June 30, 2024.
Order Adopted 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Victoria Bergland as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Board of Commissioners as the resident Representative for a term of 5-years.
Referred to Housing Committee 9-0
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and CPD to report to the City Council on all outstanding and recent (last 5 fiscal years: FY’23,’22,’21,’20,’19) lawsuits involving the CPD or individual members of CPD that the City is expending or has expended resources on, including an estimate of how much has been spent on these lawsuits to date in FY24. [Charter Right – Simmons, Aug 7, 2023]
Order Adopted 5-4 (BA,AM,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; DC,MM,DS,PT-No)
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and agencies to design and implement a pilot program providing subsidized, on-demand transit to low-income residents, people with disabilities and seniors, with a goal of expanding the program to service the region in ways that supplement the MBTA system via fare-free, on-demand transit for everyone. [Charter Right – Toner, Aug 7, 2023]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation. [Charter Right – McGovern, Aug 7, 2023]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Unfinished Business #4. Amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” (Ordinance #2022-11). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD22#11) [text of report (revised)]
Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to amending Article 4.30 and Article 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge. [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD23#4) [text of report]
Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to the Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) Zoning Petition and Design Guidelines. [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended Aug 7, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Aug 28, 2023] (ORD23#5) [text of report]
Ordained as Amended 9-0 - Final Publication
169 Communications
Resolution #16. Congratulations to Nancy Glowa on her Retirement. Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to establish and implement a regular maintenance schedule for tree wells, bump outs, crosswalks, and other pedestrian areas to prevent overgrowth and ensure consistent upkeep. Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #4. Policy Order to design and affix a commemorative plaque in honor of Atieno Simmons on one of the Pride benches in front of City Hall. Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #5. Policy Order re: Improving the Quality of Life In and Around Central Square. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
Charter Right - McGovern
Order #6. Rodent Control Update. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #7. Reviewing the Short-Term Rentals Ordinance. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #8. Changes to the Amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #9. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments including the Affordable Housing Trust, Community Development Department and Law Department to review the attached zoning proposal and report back to the City Council with an initial assessment regarding the feasibility and efficacy of such an approach no later than Oct 31, 2023. Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right - Toner
Order #10. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the relevant departments, including Community Development and Law to review the attached proposed amendment language and propose any adjustments no later than the Oct 2, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right - Toner
Order #11. That the City Council go on record in opposition to the Cambridge Police Department and the City of Cambridge government sending trainees to, participating in any collaborations with, or supporting the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center or any similar facilities, in any way. Councillor Zondervan
Not yet sure what was voted; Reconsideration Filed (likely by Zondervan)
Committee Report #2. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Mon, July 31, 2023. The call of the meeting was to hold a public hearing on a City Council Zoning Petition relative to amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). The meeting was recessed, and it was reconvened on Aug 3, 2023. The Committee voted to send the proposed ordinance language to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Petition Passed to 2nd Reading 6-3 (Carlone, Nolan, Toner - NO)
References:
Nov 21, 2022 City Council Order
Feb 8, 2023 Housing Committee Report
Mar 22, 2023 NLTP Report
May 1, 2023 Order/May 8 Charter Right
June 12, 2023 CDD memo
Aug 7, 2023 AHO Annual Report
July 21, 2023 Ordinance Committee Report
Communications & Reports #1. A communication from Councillor Simmons Re: Seeking Reconsideration of PO23#146.
Placed on File 9-0
Comments and additional details to follow
As many of you know, the Cambridge City Council generally meets only once each summer, and that meeting is coming up this week. The Midsummer meeting is often known for its very long list of agenda items, and this agenda is no exception. In a municipal election year, we can also generally count of there being a few table-setters from the incumbents looking for ways to draw attention to themselves. This year is unusual in that there appears to be some extraordinary effort being expended to ram through certain measures while a majority or super-majority of votes are still available before voters potentially replace some lame ducks with more rational alternatives.
Here are a few items from this week’s agenda that stood out:
Board & Commission Appointments
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to new appointments and reappointments of the following persons as members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees: Jane Licurse (appointment); Rae Simpson, Paula Paris, Michael Shear, Ben Milligan, Bill Lahey.
Appointments Approved 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Ethridge King as an Election Commissioner for a term of four years.
pulled by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Scott Walker to the Open Data Review Board as a City staff member.
Appointment Approved 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Climate Committee – Appointments: Joseph Adiletta, Mallorie Barber, Wendy DeWolf, Hajer Hyte, Michelle Holmes, Pasang Lhamo, Katharine Lange, Catarina Martinez, Rachel Mural, Joel Nogic, Tom Rawson, Vandana Sareen, Allie Shepard, Ming Su, and Neheet Trivedi. Reappointments: Keith Giamportone, Lyn Huckabee, Steven Nutter, and David Rabkin.
pulled by McGovern; Appointments Approved 7-0 (Nolan, McGovern recused due to family members among appointees)
Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of the following persons as a members of the Committee on Public Planting for a term of two years; Appointments: Uriel Bulow, Raymond Fahrner, Gretchen Friesinger, Robb Johnson, Amira Valliani, Achana Venkataraman, and Angela Zhong. Reappointments: Margaret Booz, Cindy Carpenter, Sara Cohen, Chantal Eide, Sophia Emperador, Sandra Fairbank, Ahron Lerman, Ruth Loetterle, Tracy Orr, and Cynthia Smith.
Appointments Approved 9-0
Neighborhood Conservation Districts - Preservation or Evisceration
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order #23-123, regarding an explanation of the legal standard that is used to compel changes or deny projects reviewed by the Historical Commission or Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions. [text of response]
pulled by Zondervan; Referred to Petition 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art III of the Cambridge Municipal Code, the Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCD) and Landmarks Ordinance. [text of response]
pulled by Zondervan; Committee Report #9 corrected 9-0; Referred to Petition 9-0
Communications #43. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding Submission in Opposition to Amendment to Chapter 2.78 entitled Historical Buildings and Landmarks.
Committee Report #9. The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Apr 26, 2023, to continue the discussion of potential changes to Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, proposed Ordinance #2022-11. The meeting was recessed and reconvened and concluded on June 21, 2023. The Committee voted to send proposed Ordinance 2022 #11, as amended, amending the City of Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report (revised)]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
It is remarkable just how much dishonesty is being circulated by the density advocates and ABC-elected sycophants on this issue. I never thought I would see the day when a possible majority of Cambridge city councillors might so gleefully go along with the bulldozing of historic buildings that might stand in the way of their single-issue agenda. I suppose this may be a cyclical phenomenon - like when the West End of Boston was obliterated and when Robert Moses ran roughshod over New York City before Jane Jacobs shined a brighter light on the destruction. Historic review of significant buildings is a good thing - even if some city councillors lack the vision to see this.
Fueling Controversy
Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-53, regarding a request that the City Manager work with relevant City Departments on how Cambridge might participate in PACE Massachusetts pursuant to the PACE Act, including exploring all Options for incentivizing participation.
pulled by Nolan; Property Assessed Clean Energy Act (“PACE”), as amended, accepted by the City Council 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Charter Right #3. Policy Order Re Creating A BEUDO Compliance Advisory Committee. [Charter Right – Azeem, June 26, 2023]
Azeem calls this proposal duplicative; Toner explains forward-thinking purpose of Order; Simmons notes educational component of proposed Compliance Advisory Board and need for better public process; Zondervan notes Electrify Cambridge initiative that would provide intended advise, notes that technical advice best handled by staff; Nolan notes that number of buildings affected are currently only large buildings but also expresses hope that this will eventually affect all buildings, calls Order nonproductive; McGovern asks of CDD if this is necessary; Iram Farooq feels no need for such a committee, $2 million committed for support for technical assistance for property owners; Simmons notes disparities among residents in terms of knowledge of City actions; Order Placed on File 9-0 with no action taken
Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from the City Council, relative to Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration (Ordinance 2023-3). [Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended by Substitution June 26, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after July 17, 2023]
Nolan explains her late communications with proposed amendments; Committee Report #15, and Comm. & Reports #5 brought forward 9-0; Zondervan motion to Pass to 2nd Reading with substitute language from Committee Report; Nolan moves to amend substitute language and expresses belief that there should be no exemptions for restaurants, provides anecdotal evidence from one chef; Azeem expresses support for Nolan amendment, calls restaurant objections overstated, but acknowledges potential costs, not ready to vote for Nolan amendment - especially because once adopted it cannot be amended; McGovern expresses support for CDD amendment excluding restaurants until 2035, intrigued by waiver idea; Susanne Rasmussen (CDD) notes that waiver provision could be problematic and may have legal implications; Iram Farooq (CDD) notes that you can pass an exemption or a waiver provision, but a waiver provision put responsibility on ISD on making decisions on what kind of cooking can happen, notes that additional Nolan amendment an improvement but would still require potentially burdensome process; Rasmussen says that a standard for what “cost-prohibitive” is would have to be established; Zondervan supports Nolan amendment, questions suggestion that ordinance cannot be amended, calls it a mistake to exempt commercial kitchens; McGovern does not want to force restaurants to act when not ready, but to provide incentives instead (very good!); Carlone says a program should be established to finance these changes, invokes “crisis” as rationale; Nolan says not just emission reduction but public health, calls all problems solvable; Simmons asks about distinction between exemption and waiver; City Manager notes how amendment puts ISP Commissioner in position of making subjective judgments about what equipment is necessary to “complete a meal” (Nolan shakes her head in disagreement), calls establishing what is and is not “cost-prohibited” a problematic regulation; City Solicitor Glowa notes that in some cities there is a zoning officer to make these kinds of subjective determinations, and Cambridge has never had such a position - a potential problem in having one individual making such determinations, better to have something more formulaic in making such decisions; Carlone says big issue is 2035 - thinks this is too far away and would want it sooner; [in all of this, no recognition that cooking uses are de minimis in the larger picture - RW]; Nolan Amendment Fails 4-5 (DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; BA,AM,MM,DS,PT-No); Zondervan moves to change 2035 to 2030 for restaurant deadline - QZ Amendment Fails 4-4-1 (DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No; BA-Present); Ordinance Amended by Language from CDD 7-1-0-1 (PT-No; DS-Present); Ordained as Amended 7-1-0-1 (PT-No; DS-Present); Reconsideration Fails 1-7-1 (Simmons-Yes; Mallon-Absent)
Communications #44. A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio regarding PO23#14 Revisited Vote No on BEUDO.
Communications #92. A communication was received from Patrick W. Barrett III regarding Reject Gas Ban Pilot.
Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Public Library to create an Induction Stoves Loaner Program and help residents access experience using induction stoves. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program and remove the $200 permit fee associated with the pilot program. Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #8. The Health and Environment Committee held a public meeting on Nov 16, 2022 to discuss how the City can act on the recently passed Massachusetts climate bill, including specifically how the City can implement a ban or restriction on fossil fuels in new construction projects as part of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources 10 city pilot program and how quickly the city can adopt the state’s newly promulgated energy stretch code for buildings. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #15. On Aug 1, 2023, the Ordinance Committee held a public hearing relative to amending the Municipal Code for the City of Cambridge to add a new Chapter, 15.30, titled “Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration”, proposed Ordinance 2023-3, and to consider a proposed amendment to BEUDO requiring new Covered Properties to achieve net zero by 2030. By a unanimous vote of all members present, a motion to recommend to the full City Council that the language passed to a second reading on June 26, 2023, proposed Ordinance 2023-3, Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration, be amended by substitution with the new language provided by CDD, was approved. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #5. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan, transmitting Proposed Amendments to the Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration Ordinance Language.
Discussed w/Unfinished Business #4; Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Transitioning to better energy sources is a good thing, but I simply cannot understand this City Council’s obsession with making all things mandatory without making any effort to simply convince people to make better choices. I guess you could call me pro-choice. I have never cared for control freaks - and we currently have several of them occupying seats in the Sullivan Chamber.
The High Priority of Cannabis
Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cannabis Amendments Special Permit zoning petition. [text of response]
pulled by Zondervan; Proposed changes to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #12. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on June 27, 2023, relative to the City Council Petition to amend Article 4.30 and Article 11.800 of the Zoning Ordinance. The Committee voted favorably to send the Petition as amended to the City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
As I have stated several times over the last several years, it is remarkable just how much attention and effort is spent by this City Council on the sale of marijuana. It’ like having Councillors Cheech & Chong.
Stay in Your Lane
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to consider measures to improve the Cycling Safety Ordinance Business Impact Study. [Charter Right – Toner, June 26, 2023]
Nolan suggests that this Order might best be withdrawn because most questions answered; Nolan moves to place on file; Placed on File 8-0-1 (QZ Absent)
Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to consult with relevant departments on an enhanced communication strategy to inform residents about the implementation of the Cycling Safety Ordinance. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Nolan (who wrongly claims that “the map has been in place for many years”); Simmons notes inadequacy of notification methods; Order Amended to add McGovern; Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #14. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public meeting on July 20, 2023 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm to discuss the update on the Community Development Department’s Economic Impact Study regarding the implementation of the Cambridge Cycling Safety Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Order #17. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on whether change in language to the CSO is necessary to enable installation of permanent, seasonal, and/or temporary outdoor dining and pop-ups alongside separated bicycle lanes consistent with Cycling Safety Ordinance that address concerns about the current situation. Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Toner
pulled by Zondervan; Nolan emphasizes that there be no changes to the Cycling Safety Ordinance (“The Pledge”); Zondervan amendments proposed to remove last “Whereas” and the main “Ordered”; McGovern says he has had conversations with Cambridge Bike Safety; Charter Right - McGovern
It is noteworthy that Order #17 dares to violate that untouchable Bike Pledge. Needless to say, any elected official (or candidate) who signs a pledge vowing to never listen to evidence or to refuse to modify an ordinance in order to provide a better balance among competing interests should not be acting in a legislative capacity. Meanwhile, Order #13 effectively says calls for telling people what is coming whether they like it or not. It seems that refusal to listen, and even removing mechanisms for public review and response, seems to be the modus operandi of this and the previous City Council.
Alternative Transportation, The War on Cars, and Killing You Softly with Fees
Order #7. Aligning Parking Fees With Climate and Transportation Goals. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Order #15. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and agencies to design and implement a pilot program providing subsidized, on-demand transit to low-income residents, people with disabilities and seniors, with a goal of expanding the program to service the region in ways that supplement the MBTA system via fare-free, on-demand transit for everyone. Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; QZ comments; Charter Right - Toner
I do hope that Mr. Zondervan understands that Cambridge does not control the MBTA. That said, I agree that there is some merit in the idea of fare-free buses as a means of providing good choices to residents so that they may choose to drive less often (or to not walk as far). In contrast, Order #7 is yet another effort to penalize the choices many people have to make.
The Rain, The Park, and Other Things
Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-42, regarding irrigation at Danehy Park. [text of response]
Placed on File 9-0
Order #4. Canopy Loss & Developing a Replacement Strategy. Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Order #5. Standards for Chicken Keeping. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled early by Toner; Zondervan explains about family served with cease-and-desist order; Toner asks about neighbor complaints; Peter McLaughlin says few complaints, not currently permitted under Zoning Ordinance; McGovern explains that ISD discovered livestock as part of other inspection; Toner asks whatever happened to City initiative on this matter; Public Health Commissioner Derrick Neal notes potential rodent and odor problems; Zondervan notes that Order is asking only for staff to review proposed ordinance; City Solicitor notes that this use not permitted under Zoning Ordinance, Beekeeping language was acted upon but chicken-keeping not acted upon due to continued public health concerns; McGovern suggests allowing this use w/appropriate regulation, suggests urgency; Zondervan requests that no enforcement take place; Azeem suggests that this use could be grandfathered in (for specific sites - Glowa) because it predates Zoning Ordinance (1920s); Nolan wants use allowed and notes that Somerville permits it; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #6. Encouraging De-Paving Throughout The City. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Order #16. That the City Manager is requested to meet with Governor Healey, DCR Commissioner Arrigo and Secretary Rebecca Tepper to discuss resuming Saturday closures to traffic this summer and mitigating the traffic impacts, including by making potential traffic signal adjustments. Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Let there be no doubt that the whole kerfuffle about Saturday closures of Memorial Drive has much to do with political competition - photo ops for some and a campaign to undermine one of our state representatives. Many initiatives such as this inevitably produce winners and losers - in this case traffic diverted onto inadequate neighborhood streets. Car-free cycling for some and diminished pedestrian safety and added inconvenience for others.
De-Paving is a great idea. My only (pleasant) surprise is that the order calls for encouraging it rather than mandating it. As for the chickens, I recall a time a few years ago when there were competing petition campaigns about this in (I believe) Cambridgeport. The real issue was long-time residents vs. skin-pierced newcomers enamored of pretend farming. Personally, I like seeing birds of all feathers around town.
Police Matters (and Really Poor Committee Appointments)
Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) which makes recommendations regarding the release of an officer’s name after a critical incident.
pulled by Nolan; insightful comments by Police Commissioner Christine Elow and City Manager Yi-An Huang regarding (a) how cities with policies of releasing officer names are generally cities making up for poor reputations (unlike Cambridge), and (b) no Massachusetts cities have a current policy regarding the release of names of officers in critical incidents; policy forthcoming after negotiation with police union, no release of officer names or other information until inquest completed; Placed on File 9-0
Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department and CPD to report to the City Council on all outstanding and recent (last 5 fiscal years: FY’23,’22,’21,’20,’19) lawsuits involving the CPD or individual members of CPD that the City is expending or has expended resources on, including an estimate of how much has been spent on these lawsuits to date in FY24. Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Toner; Zondervan notes anonymous letter received; Toner inquires about when City gets involved in lawsuits against City employees; City Solicitor Nancy Glowa notes very few such lawsuits against police officers and generally handled in-house by Law Department; Simmons expresses concerns about acting based on anonymous letters and unsubstantiated claims, impropriety of councillors intervening in personnel matters; Glowa says that councillors may not intervene; Councillor Zondervan claims a Point of Order, Simmons objects; Charter Right - Simmons (after which QZ claims he has the floor and Simmons says “not any more”)
Committee Report #10. The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on June 7, 2023 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm to discuss the Police Review and Advisory Board, including CM23#27. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Brian Corr, Executive Director, Police Review & Advisory Board, transmitting a Police Review & Advisory Board Report for the First Quarter of 2023.
Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Mayor Siddiqui has repeatedly appointed Councillor Zondervan as Chair of the Public Safety Committee. I find this bewildering.
Notable Resolutions
Resolution #3. Congratulations to Superintendent Pauline Wells of the Cambridge Police Department on her recent promotion. Councillor Toner
Resolution #4. Congratulations on the retirement of Oral Bynoe from the Cambridge Police Department. Councillor Toner
Resolution #7. Thanks and appreciation to Cambridge School Committee Member Fred Fantini for his service to the students and families in Cambridge for 40 years. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Resolution #8. Congratulations to Superintendent Rob Lowe on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department and on his new Appointment as Chief of the Boston University Police Department. Councillor Toner
Resolution #24. Resolution on the death of Donald W. “Don” Holland Sr. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Resolution #25. Congratulations to organizers of the Cambridge Jazz Festival 2023. Councillor Simmons
Resolution #27. Congratulations to City Councillor E. Denise Simmons on receiving the 2023 Pride Freedom Trailblazer Award. Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Late Resolution #28. Resolution on the death of Charles Ogletree. Councillor Simmons
Alewife - Triangles, Quadrangles, Pentangles, Etcetera
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with the relevant departments to provide the City Council with possible projections, based on stated assumptions, of expected outcomes in Alewife for total housing, commercial, open space and public amenities, over the next twenty years, if the proposed zoning were adopted. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #13. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 19, 2023, to discuss a City Council Zoning Petition relative to the proposed Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) and design guidelines. The Committee approved a motion requesting that the City Manager work with the relevant departments to provide the City Council with possible projections, based on stated assumptions, of expected outcomes in Alewife for total housing, commercial, open space, and public amenities, over the next twenty years, if the proposed zoning were adopted and to report back to the Full City Council by Sept 11, 2023. See Policy Order on this Agenda. The Committee approved a motion to forward the City Council Zoning Petition relative to the proposed Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) and design guidelines, to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Needless to say, addressing planning and zoning in the Alewife Quadrangle should have been done years ago. Perhaps they’ll get ahead of the curve in the Pentangle.
Ancient History, Hiring and Evaluating a City Manager
Committee Report #1. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Dec 4, 2019 at 2:00pm to discuss Policy Order #7, regarding Open meeting law review and Policy Order # 11, regarding Council Budget- Private Attorney. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #2. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Nov 17, 2020 to conduct a public hearing on Decorum of the Council, as well as the Rules Around and Duties of the Council Aides. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #3. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Mar 16, 2021 at 3:00pm to discuss the initial steps that must be undertaken to establish the search process for the next City Manager. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #4. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Apr 7, 2021 at 2:00pm to discuss the policy order seeking to make remote participation in City Council meetings permanent. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #5. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on July 12, 2021 at 5:30pm to continue discussing the hiring of the next City Manager. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #6. The Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee met on Aug 4, 2021 to continue discussing the hiring of the next City Manager. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Committee Report #11. The City Council’s City Manager Evaluation Sub-Committee held a public meeting on June 22, 2023, from 10:00am to 11:00am to discuss the City Manager Evaluation Process. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Great to see the City Clerk’s Office making good progress on these matters left long neglected. Needless to say, the Chair(s) of the Government Operations Committee bears much responsibility in the negligence. It’s almost as though they didn’t want residents to know what they were up to (or simply didn’t care).
The Charter Question
Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Kathleen Born, Chair, Charter Review Committee, transmitting an update to the Cambridge City Council.
Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
I’ll save my comments for when we get closer to the final recommendations. Then I will have a lot to say.
And the Rest …
Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the project update on the Central Square Municipal Property Needs Assessment and Planning Study.
pulled by Zondervan; City Manager Huang, Deputy City Manager O’Riordan, CDD’s Iram Farooq explain reasoning for a comprehensive approach to all assets; QZ wants added focus on 105 Windsor St.; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the 2023 Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report.
pulled by McGovern who expresses pride in removing role Planning Board in AHO projects while expressing satisfaction about how individual councillors (Siddiqui, Mallon) can exercise influence over particular projects (how on Earth is this a good thing?); Placed on File 9-0
Two important points not included in the report: (1) virtually all of these AHO projects are about densifying public housing on existing parcels, and (2) neither the public nor even the Planning Board has any say anymore. The Affordable Housing Trust can do whatever it pleases no matter what you or anyone else thinks.
Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a response to Policy Order 2022 #278, regarding the legal opinion for a public speaker to state their name, address, and phone number for the record. [text of response]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #26. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to possibility of acquiring the property at 450 Concord Avenue, owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (“Commonwealth”) and utilized by the National Guard Armory of Cambridge. [text of communication]
pulled by Nolan; questions raised (and answered) about seemingly high appraisal; National Guard has no plans to make entire parcel available; Deputy City Mgr. O’Riordan notes history of site as a landfill and that any reuse of land would require costly remediation; Order Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #27. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property as discussion in an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.
Move to Executive Session 9-0; Placed on File 8-0-0-1 (Carlone - Present)
Charter Right #2. That the City Council go on record in enthusiastic support of H.R.1433, the Philippine Human Rights Act, and in urging Representatives Katherine Clark and Ayanna Pressley to co-sponsor the existing bill. [Charter Right – Zondervan, June 26, 2023]
Zondervan refers to the United States' neocolonial interference in the Philippines, makes a long foreign policy speech; Nolan gives informed commentary on her amendment proposed regarding reference to Elbit America Cambridge whose primary activities are medical and do not involve weaponry, incorrect association of company with Philippine actions and possible other agenda based on association with Israel; Azeem expresses support for Philippines Human Rights Act but unwilling to vote on matters of foreign policy (good for him!); Simmons positively responds to Azeem’s comments and hope for future conversation about what kinds of resolutions are appropriate for Cambridge City Council; Nolan Amendment Adopted 6-2-0-1 (QZ,SS - No; BA - Present); Order Adopted as Amended 7-0-0-2 (BA,PT - Present)
Committee Report #7. The Civic Unity Committee held a public hearing on Sept 29, 2022 to discuss the two Aug 1, 2022 Policy Orders exploring ways to improve the lives of Cambridge’s African American/Black residents. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
Order #18. City Council support of graduate student workers of Northeastern University and their effort to form a union. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (DC,AM-Absent)
This is all well and good, but let’s never forget that the primary goal of every graduate student should be to graduate and to no longer be a graduate student. - Robert Winters
Comments?
City Council main page.