Gently Stepping Forward – February 26, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

The previous meeting featured some rather obvious jostling for position in the process of evaluating the recent Charter Review Final Report and deciding any charter change proposal. This week should bring even more of this power struggle when the question of “next steps” is taken up. The report has already been sent to the Law Department, the Election Commission, and perhaps more departments for review, but the question now is whether this should be initially vetted within the Government Operations Committee (chaired by Councillor Toner) or if Councillor Nolan (and perhaps others) will try to bypass that initial review by creating some kind of ad-hoc committee-of-the-whole so that she can gain more control of the process. This, of course, is intertwined with the election of Mayor Simmons who appoints all the City Council committees – and those appointments were done with some care.

I will say right now that some of the proposed Charter recommendations are virtually assured to be dead on arrival at the State House, but I don’t yet know if the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government (or whatever committee takes up such matters) can take an à-la-carte approach to proposed city charters or if it’s all-or-nothing. Before any modified Charter can go before Cambridge voters, it must first clear this hurdle.

I will also say that there are some aspects of the structure of Cambridge government that really should be rolled into any new Charter but which the Charter Review Committee never considered, e.g. the Special Acts that established/empowered the License Commission, the Election Commission, the Traffic Board, the Cambridge Health Alliance, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority. It is commendable that the Committee chose to consolidate most of the charter specifics that were only referenced in the Plan E sections of M.G.L. Chapter 43 (sections 93-116) - at the suggestion of the Collins Center staff who were advising the Committee - but this was incomplete, probably because of lack of expertise on those specifics within the Collins Center staff. This is especially true of matters involving our proportional representation elections (an essential component of Plan E). There may be good reasons to leave some of these out of the Charter, but since they are part of how we do business, these questions should at least be part of the current discussion. [Needless to say, this should have been discussed within the now-dissolved Charter Review Committee, but that’s another conversation that has much to do with how that committee was formed.]

Here are the agenda items that caught my eye this week:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments and reappointments of members to the Cambridge Bicycle Committee.
pulled by Nolan; PN wants committees to be “commissions” so that City Council would gain more control over these appointments, asks about whether diversity of opinion is a factor in appointments; Iram Farooq claims there is some diversity, but acknowledges that these committees are primarily advocates rather than representatives; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments and reappointments of members to the Cambridge Pedestrian Committee.
pulled by Nolan; no additional comments; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, Policy Order Response #24-15 dated Feb 12, 2024 regarding drafting zoning language and related changes to allow for and encourage the continued growth, redevelopment, and evolution of Central Square. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; JSW wants to know when this would go to Planning Board; Farooq says it goes to PB when petition is filed and during the process; Toner asks if this will build upon work already done; Farooq says YES, and that advisory committees need not be consulted (really?); Nolan suggests that better methods of informing community should be considered; Pickett asks if Central Square Lots study will be integrated and how; Farooq says study in its final stages; Wilson agrees re: communication with residents; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

Charter Right #1. That the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee be referred to the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 12, 2024]
Toner says conversation should start in Gov’t Operations Committee; Nolan OK with starting there, but says it should not stay there - noting that she and Siddiqui are “deeply involved in this” (quite the understatement); Pickett draws parallel with how possible Rules changes are now being considered in committee; Siddiqui OK with starting in committee, but will participate and “brainstorming” with suggestion of a robust process; Toner explains process of culling ideas from councillors, legal questions, timeline; Wilson wants a community conversation around this; Referred to Gov’t Ops. 8-0-1 (Azeem Absent)

Resolution #6. Resolution on the death of Charles Fried.   Councillor Nolan

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Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to present recommendations for the refinement and improvement of the housing permitting process to the City Council, with a focus on reducing delays, minimizing costs, and enhancing clarity and accessibility for all stakeholders.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Toner; Toner proposed amendments; JSW wants to keep “affordable” language, wants to add other groups for consultation; Toner motion to change “affordable housing” to “housing” Fails 2-6-1 (MM,PT-YES; PN,JP,SS,JSW,AW,DS-No; BA-Absent); Toner motion on simplifying processes to all housing and not just “affordable” housing, McGovern says middle-income housing should be included; Adopted 8-0-1; JSW motion to amend Toner motion to add two additional groups Adopted 8-0-1; Toner motion as amended Adopted 8-0-1; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (BA Absent)

Order #2. City Council support of H.4138, The Affordable Homes Act, and urge legislators to retain the provisions for a location option transfer fee.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Toner; Toner will vote NO on proposed transfer fee; Nolan says Council has supported transfer fee in the past, delivers a prepared speech, says that this would not enact a tax or fee but only permit that local option (this is unbelievably naive), notes that legislation would set the range of possible fees, says this is about local control (but this begs the question about other proposed “local control” proposal to allow municipalities to create their own rent control laws); Nolan suggests motivation for supporting this is so that other municipalities would enact such a tax (again, very naive); McGovern concurs with Nolan, quotes David Kale in asserting that commercial transactions are lion’s share and that some residential exemptions could be made, expresses desire to take in as much revenue as possible; Pickett asks how this relates to existing Home Rule Petition now before the State Legislature, notes that there is already a $4.56/thousand stamp tax by state and that this would be on top of that; JSW uptalks that Legislature could act on our and Somerville’s and Cambridge’s petitions or pass current legislation, deflects by asserting that revenue raised could be used for other purposes; Pickett wants homeowners to gain maximum value in the sale of their greatest financial asset; Wilson offers generalities and suggestion that this might not lead to a tax; Simmons notes that we do use CPA fund for this but characterizes this as a “shortfall” and that (unlimited) more money is needed, notes Envision report and suggests that what we are doing is not enough; Order Adopted 6-2-1 (JP,PT - No; BA Absent)

Order #5. That the City Manager is hereby directed to confer with the City Manager’s Housing Liaison, Community Development Department, and the Cambridge Housing Authority on the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Pickett (who offers amendments); Nolan supports order and JP amendments; McGovern asks of motion-makers are OK with the amendments; Wilson supports amendments; both JP amendments adopted 8-0-1; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with the data analysis included in the Economic Feasibility Analysis provided to EOHLC as part of Cambridge’s MBTA Communities final compliance submission.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted 8-0-1

Comments?

Having Recently Secured World Peace, the Cambridge City Council Presents its February 12, 2024 Agenda

Here’s my first pass at the Feb 12 Agenda. Please note that the City Council will also meet the following morning (Tues, Feb 13) at 8:30am at City Hall Annex, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway for a Goal-Setting Session.

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) Economic Impact Report. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Azeem, Pickett, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Simmons, Iram Farooq, Yi-An Huang, Owen O’Riordan; Placed on File 9-0

Not surprisingly, even though this report makes it abundantly clear that results are inconclusive due to insufficient data, partisans on either side are already drawing conclusions in their respective mailing lists and blog posts. Critical thinking in Cambridge is in short supply.

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department Update. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; introduction of CSD staff by Liz Speakman, description of start-up of the new department, collaboration with CPD, CFD; ready to launch in March; Toner asks about how large staff will eventually be; Toner asks about liability in the event of mistakes; City Manager notes significance of rapidly-evolving situations; responders not being sent into dangerous situations; opportunities to free up police officers; Nolan comments include H.E.A.R.T., asks about CSD staff members who were let go; Simmons and City Manager make clear that personnel questions are not appropriate for City Council; McGovern expresses concern about CSD collaboration with CPD, CFD; Speakman explains that theirs is not a “co-response model” and protocols for when responders may feel unsafe in a given situation; response via 911 and hope for an alternative for direct access; Sobrinho-Wheeler (ah-ah-ah) asks about background skills of staff, Speakman explains some of the training; JSW desperately trying to inject H.E.A.R.T. into discussion; City Manager notes that H.E.A.R.T. not doing emergency response, City has tried hard to work with them, calls it a challenge how City might work with H.E.A.R.T., only submitted their proposal 2 months ago and without an operational budget, suggestion that they focus on how to use the ARPA money previously allocated; McGovern asks what happens to ARPA money if H.E.A.R.T. does not spend it; Manager notes that funds must be drawn down by the end of the year and that funds could be re-allocated to other programs; Siddiqui says allocated money can continue for additional 2 years; Manager says that ARPA money must be allocated and spent by Dec 31, 2024; Wilson comments, wants to support H.E.A.R.T.; Toner asks if H.E.A.R.T. has done same training, Speakman assumes so but cannot speak for them; Azeem says badges and uniforms can yield respect, Speakman says there are multiple perspectives on this; Placed on File 9-0

I enjoy looking back at past promotional materials from the “H.E.A.R.T” advocates - just to remind myself of their unwavering disdain for police and policing, and the fact that their entire proposal amounts to little more than overt political patronage coupled with the continuing disregard by some councillors of the Charter prohibition against dictating who should be hired by the City administration. Our new Community Safety Department and their quest for alternatives to traditional police response continues to be challenged by this political interference.

Charter Right #1. Foreign Policy in Council. [Charter Right – Siddiqui, Jan 29, 2024]
Siddiqui says she wants to “speak my truth”, would not support an outright ban on foreign policy issues; notes many people who spoke on Ceasefire resolution who had never spoken before [but this may largely be due to their not living in Cambridge]; Azeem notes that Cambridge is an attractive target for activists to press their issue that relates little to Cambridge or not at all; Pickett notes many emails that say focus should be on municipal affairs; McGovern notes that Ceasefire issue took up a lot of time but that this is not the norm, notes that that resolution was sent to our elected officials (reps, senators, president) and that this is appropriate; Toner notes that we all have our own opinions and that the city is divided on this issue - not eager to be hearing from people all around the country; Nolan says it’s important to take this up in committee, but how do we represent the people of the city and not just the super-organized groups; Wilson calls this resolution unique [really?]; Siddiqui says she heard opposite of Pickett in emails; Simmons makes distinction between the message and the messenger - the disruptive nature of “by all means necessary” - people in City Hall visibly shaken; Toner notes that Thursday meeting will be on various issues and not just this issue; Order Adopted and Referred to Gov't. Ops. 9-0

This would merely refer the discussion to the Government Operations Committee, and there’s no real explanation for why Ms. Siddiqui chose to exercise her charter right to delay this referral.

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Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to commence the process of drafting updated district maps and development processes, along with the zoning language and relevant ordinances to allow for and encourage the continued growth, redevelopment, and evolution of Central Square.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner
taken up early by Nolan; Azeem briefly describes the order; McGovern comments; Nolan asks if target dates are achievable noting timeline for Alewife; City Manager speaks optimistically about how this could mesh with Central Square Lots Study; suggests Feb 26 or Mar 4 for first update; Siddiqui asks when Lots Study will come back to City Council; O’Riordan estimates 4-6 weeks; Toner wants more community input but notes all the past Central Square studies; McGovern notes that this is not only about heights and densities. desire that it should be exciting and lively; Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on Feb 6, 2024 to discuss the potential for business corridors and squares to promote urban scale, mixed use development in which the provisions of innovation space subsidizes the delivery of housing and ground-floor retail. [text of report]
comments by Toner, Wilson; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I am generally suspicious of matters like this one, but there’s no question that added development in Central Square - both residential and commercial - makes a lot more sense than anything the previous City Council supported and ordained. I hope that a serious and honest dive into the economics of such development is part of the upcoming discussion.

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Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to facilitate the participation in a public hearing(s) and or working session(s) to address Racial and Gender Disparities in City contracting and procurement.   Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui
taken up early by Wilson; Wilson calls results of the study “disgraceful” to the Black community, blames “systemic racism”; Siddiqui says civil rights lawyers are now scrutinizing City practices; Manager says City has been contacted by Lawyers for Civil Rights but that they are misreading the report especially in regard to public companies such as Staples, notes that such companies can submit lower bids and provide faster delivery; City is now wrestling with the report; Siddiqui suggests we can be “intentional” [but it’s not at all clear how that relates to being “legal”]; Nolan says only 1% going to women and BIPOC-owned companies; Toner will schedule a committee meeting on this topic; Simmons recalls “Buy Cambridge” initiative and how money was directed to BIPOC-owned companies during Covid, need to talk to people in departments about how they choose contracts; Order Adopted 9-0

It’s worth taking a look at the October 2023 Disparity Study Report (warning - it’s 379 pages), but the Executive Summary is just 15 pages and contains all the essentials.

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Order #4. That the City Solicitor in collaboration with the Commissioner of Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Community Development Department and the Police Department research rules and regulations governing the use of Electric Micromobility Devices and what, if any, authority Cambridge has to introduce its own regulations of these Devices including speed and location of use, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.   Councillor Pickett, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan
taken up early by Wilson; Pickett notes need for streets to be safe for everyone, need for clarity on how these devices are used, state allows municipalities to regulate e-bikes appropriately, but not necessarily other micromobility devices, expect mid-March response from Law Department; Toner notes that City Council is not trying to limit options for people, but also capabilities of some of these devices, need for updated rules of the road; Nolan notes need to understand the limits of our legal authority; Wilson expresses need for safety for all; Manager says speed limit for e-bikes is 18mph; Azeem notes that he owns an e-bike and cannot get speed up to 15mph; Order Adopted 9-0

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Committee Report #1. The Charter Review Committee held their final meeting on Jan 23, 2024 to review and discuss the Final Report. [all agendas, minutes, and video links]
Nolan thanks committee; notes goals, says current Charter no longer a permitted form [that’s not true]; lauds committee’s outreach [really?]; Nolan wants whole Council to be involved in evaluating the recommendations, and ensuing process, suggests having this go before voters in a special election; Minutes Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Kathleen Born, Charter Review Committee Chair, transmitting the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee.
pulled by Toner; Motion #1 to refer to Solicitor, Election Commission, others; Nolan, Azeem, Siddiqui wants this referred to committee of the whole rather than just Gov't Ops.; Pickett notes this will be a lengthy process; Wilson thanks committee for their volunteer time, wants a structure for this discussion; (2) Motion #2 to refer to Gov. Ops.: Charter Right - Simmons; Motion #1 amended 9-0; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Toner Motion #1: That the City Manager direct the Solicitors Office, Election Commission and any other department deemed necessary, to review the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee and its proposals and provide written feedback on the legality and practicality of the proposals in advance of future discussion.
Adopted 9-0

Toner Motion #2: To refer the Final Report of the Charter Review Committee to the Government Rules, Operations and Claims Committee.
Charter Right - Simmons

And so it begins. I will have a lot to say about this in the coming months. – Robert Winters

Comments?

How Can We Miss You When You Won’t Go Away - January 29, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Capitulation is the featured item on this week’s menu, and we’ll see if there are enough votes to send the Gaza stew back to the kitchen for revision. This meeting will take place entirely with Zoom for reasons that require explanation only for the extremely clueless. It will be interesting to see how many people sign up for Public Comment, and I do hope the Mayor asks each of them to state their home address (or at least their city of residence).

Here are the items worth noting for serious analysis and/or comic relief:

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO24#4, regarding the possibility of acquiring the property located at 727 Massachusetts Avenue.
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, City Manager Huang, Deputy City Manager O’Riordan; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program, eliminate the $200 annual permit fee and determine if the process can be simplified. [Charter Right – Simmons, Jan 22, 2024]
comments by Nolan, Azeem, Simmons, O’Riordan, Maura Pensak, Nolan; Referred as Amended to Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 9-0

Resolution #1. Resolution Congratulating Lisa Peterson.   Mayor Simmons

Resolution #2. Resolution Congratulating Sam Corda.   Mayor Simmons

Resolution #3. Condolences to the family of Maureen C. Morris.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett

Order #1. That the Community Development Department report back with any necessary edits to the attached zoning language that would allow unrelated people to live together in the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

This was previously introduced as a citizen petition several years ago by an especially unhinged individual. It was pointed out at that time that restrictions on the number of unrelated persons living in a dwelling unit originally came about as a matter of public safety caused by unscrupulous landlords packing apartments with unrelated persons. That’s quite different than the situation of a reasonable number of unrelated persons choosing to live together as housemates. I do find it creepy that this proposal chooses to redefine the word “family.”

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Order #2. Calling for an Immediate Negotiated Ceasefire in Gaza.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui who wants to remove most or all of the “Whereas” clauses as a substitute order (capitulation), opposes other proposed amendments; comments by McGovern who seems to think that the protesting mob is representative of Cambridge residents, claims to not want to make any statements that alienate anyone (doubtful), supports the substitute order; comments by Wilson; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler who says this is just about opposing violence; Siddiqui moves the Substitute Order; comments by Nolan who states that all councillors want peace and to question that is unfair, notes that the loudest voices don’t necessarily represent all residents of the city, agrees that most residents likely do want a negotiated cessation of hostilities, acknowledges shared blame toward Hamas and Netanyahu, notes personal attacks and bullying and need for people to treat each other with respect; Nolan offers amendments acknowledging Hamas as a terrorist organization and more; Azeem would keep original Order and amend that rather than the Substitute Order; Toner ready to vote; Pickett says we’ll never satisfy all those who spoke on this; Siddiqui withdraws substitute fearing it lacks the votes; Nolan moves amendments with Toner; amendments taken up one-by-one (some pass, some fail); eventually Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I encountered some interesting pole decorations Inman Street on Saturday. Perhaps this goes under the category of “How to Win Friends and Influence People”. I took the liberty of redecoration. Heck, it’s not like I was tearing down posters of hostages. I consider Denise Simmons to be a personal friend, and I stick up for my friends. The proposed resolution is relatively benign, but I would still move to amend it to modify the phrase “support for an immediate, negotiated ceasefire by both Hamas and Netanyahu Administration” to something more like “support for a negotiated end to hostilities - conditional on the release of all hostages and the demilitarization of Gaza.” Then again, there’s no rational basis for the Cambridge City Council chiming in on this. On the other hand, there is a long history of the Cambridge City Council ineffectively chiming in on world affairs. See Boston Herald note from Aug 21, 1935, for example.

Late Order #5. That the topic of discussing foreign policy resolutions by the City Council be referred to the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee.   Councillor Azeem, Mayor Simmons
Comments by Azeem; Charter Right - Siddiqui

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Order #3. Supporting An Act establishing the municipal reforestation program (S.452/H.869).   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Pickett
pulled by Nolan; Nolan wishes to finalize; Order Adopted 9-0, Reconsideration Fails 0-9

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Traffic & Parking Department to take immediate action and make safety improvements to the intersection of Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney Street, and Bristol Street as soon as possible.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled early by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, Huang, O’Riordan; Order Adopted 9-0

This is Zondervan’s corner. It’s worth noting that both sponsors of this Order donated money to the campaign of Boston City Councillor Kendra Lara after she crashed her car into a house in Jamaica Plain (Sobr.-Wheeler $10, Azeem $100). So much for commitment to traffic safety. - RW

Comments?

More to Come - January 22, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Hopefully this will be an actual meeting and not a Zoom reaction to petulant socialist lunatics. The Committee appointments have also been made. Here are the interesting items on this week agenda:

Note: The meeting was again disrupted for a short while by the petulant socialist lunatics (PSL) and their infantile allies. One of their more endearing chants was, “Simmons, Simmons you can’t hide, you supported genocide.” They also chanted, “We’ll be back.” I’m sure they will, especially next week when it is expected that several city councillors will capitulate to the demands of the mob with a resolution having nothing whatsoever to do with the purview of the Cambridge City Council. If anyone thinks that will end this bad theater, I have some Nigerian oil futures you can purchase right now with a modest down payment to my offshore account.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Massachusetts Avenue Planning Study Working Group -- Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway.
pulled by Pickett; comments by Joan Pickett, Iram Farooq, Paul Toner; Placed on File 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the relevant City staff to evaluate the possibility of acquiring the property located at 727 Massachusetts Avenue.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, McGovern; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is hereby requested to confer with relevant City departments on potential public renewable energy projects that could receive funding through the IRA Direct Pay provision.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled early by Toner; comments by Toner, Huang, Farooq, Rasmussen, JSW, Nolan, Pickett, Wilson; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments with recommendations and legal opinions for adjusting transportation related fees and other considered changes.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
pulled early by Toner; comments by Nolan, Azeem, JSW (wants “progressive” fees), Toner; Acting City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Pickett, Owen O’Riordan; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to review the Across Sidewalk Electric Vehicle Charging (EV) Permit Pilot Program, eliminate the $200 annual permit fee and determine if the process can be simplified.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled early by Toner; comments by Nolan, Toner, O’Riordan, JSW, Pickett, Huang, Azeem, Siddiqui, McGovern, Wilson, Simmons; Charter Right - Simmons

The Cambridge community also lost two very significant members this week: Rachael Solem and Planning Board member Louis Bacci.

Late Resolution #2. Condolences to the family of Louis J. Bacci Jr.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Toner
Comments by Pickett

Late Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Rachael Solem.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Pickett, Mayor Simmons
Comments by Nolan, Pickett

Comments

The New City Council Begins to Take Shape - January 8, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

During Mayor Simmons’ remarks at the Jan 1 Inaugural meeting, she made reference to beginning the new City Council term with a clean slate. A lot of people feel the same way - including me. It’s almost guaranteed that some bad behavior will follow – especially if some councillors engage in shallow populism – but hopefully there will be enough fortitude to call BS when that needs to be said, and that goes triply if we continue to see the kind of unchallenged displays like we witnessed during the Inaugural meeting.

I was especially pleased to see the City Manager’s communication regarding the eternal backlog of “Awaiting Report” items - most of which really should not have been carried forward to the new City Council term. This is not to say that there are few things worthy of consideration on the list - only that it would be better to set some priorities first. City Council policy orders should not be “Letters to Santa” or “make work projects” for campaign workers occupying patronage positions as City Council Aides.

Here are the notable items in this week’s agenda (in my opinion, of course):

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Orders and Awaiting Reports for the New Term.
pulled by Toner; Rules Suspended 9-0 to bring forward Comm. & Reports #2; Toner says he intends to move to place all Awaiting Report Items on File; Manager explains desire for Council to collaborate and prioritize; McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Toner, Nolan, Wilson, Azeem, Pickett, Simmons remarks; Simmons notes need to update City Council Goals which have not changed since 2017, notes difference between goals and policy orders; Toner motion to place Comm & Rpts #2 and all items on Awaiting Report on File Approved 5-4 (BA,MM,JP,PT,DS - Yes; PN,SS,JSW,AW - No); Manager’s Communication #4 referred to Gov’t Operations 9-0

118 Communications (really 121 topics) — The tally is 51 on the proposed (and failed) BEUDO amendment to the amendments; 41 on Zondervan’s order re: police procedures; 22 calling on the City to evict Elbit Systems from Cambridge (mainly from people who don’t live in Cambridge); 4 protesting the City Council’s Nov 20 “Present” vote calling for a ceasefire in Gaza; 2 pro-municipal broadband; 1 anti-municipal broadband; 1 supporting of the Freedmen’s Commission, and 1 regarding traffic on N. Mass. Ave.

I’m highlighting these communications primarily to point out what may well have been the single most stupid idea floated at the last Charter Review Committee meeting - namely a proposal to require a pro/con tally of all public comment and communications to the City Council on various issues. For starters (and this was pointed out by more sensible voices), not every opinion is pro or con. There can be nuanced points of view (like almost all of my points of view). Also, those who are reasonably satisfied with the status quo rarely feel compelled to make public comment. Most public comment these days tends to be reflection of political organizing and often consists of less-than-well-informed diatribes (e.g., the belief that the City Council or the City Administration can evict a commercial tenant (Elbit Systems) associated with a country now in disfavor among the extreme left, or the fascist belief that the Planning Board could support zoning that singles out particular companies). “Direct Democracy” can be very appealing – until you realize that it can be little more than mob rule. I’ll choose representative democracy every time - even when I have concerns about the wisdom or the representativeness of the representatives.

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Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to consult DPW, CDD, IQHQ, Friends of Jerry’s Pond, Alewife Study Group and Mass Audubon about further changes and enhancements to Jerry’s Pond, improvements to the shoreline ecology and other improvements to the current plans for the Rindge Avenue public edge along Jerry’s Pond and investigate funding sources for such plans including the use of City moneys and resources.   Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled early by Toner; remarks by Wilson, McGovern, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Nolan, Pickett, Azeem; Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan, DPW Commissioner Kathy Watkins respond; Order Fails 4-5 (MM,SS,JSW,AW - Yes; BA,PN,JP,PT,DS - No)

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, and Arts and Celebration Committee held a public hearing on Sept 27, 2023 to discuss the future treatment of Jerry’s Pond, specifically the Rindge Avenue edge as it affects the community. The meeting on Sept 27, 2023 was recessed and reconvened on Dec 13, 2023. [text of report]
pulled by Toner (early); Placed on File 9-0

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Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to consult with relevant staff to consider using remaining ARPA funding to create a tuition relief opportunity with Lesley University for Cambridge employees and residents.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons
Order Adopted 9-0

Note: The meeting began in the Sullivan Chamber but was disrupted by the same petulant nitwits who disrupted the City Council Inauguration a week earlier. The remainder of the meeting was conducted in Zoom, and all public commenters who insisted on bringing up matters not on the agenda were summarily muted (in accordance with City Council Rules). - Robert Winters

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It’s Mayor Simmons - and I couldn’t be happier

January 1, 2024 - E. Denise Simmons was elected Mayor at today’s Inaugural Meeting of the 2024-2025 Cambridge City Council. The vote was (eventually) unanimous. Marc McGovern was then elected Vice-Chair by an 8-1 majority.

For what it’s worth, control freaks should never be chosen as Mayor, so this was a good outcome.

Councillor	Vote for Mayor (1st Ballot)	Vote for Mayor (2nd Ballot)	Vote for Vice-Chair
Burhan Azeem	McGovern → Azeem (2)	Simmons	Azeem → McGovern (3)
Marc McGovern	McGovern → Simmons (1)	Simmons	McGovern
Patricia Nolan	Nolan	Nolan → Simmons	Nolan
Joan Pickett	Simmons	Simmons	Nolan → McGovern (1)
Sumbul Siddiqui	Siddiqui	Simmons	Wilson → McGovern (6)
E. Denise Simmons	Simmons	Simmons	McGovern
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler	Siddiqui	Simmons	Wilson → McGovern (4)
Paul Toner	Simmons	Simmons	Nolan → McGovern (2)
Ayesha Wilson	Siddiqui	Simmons	Wilson → McGovern (5)
Result:	Simmons 4, Siddiqui 3, Nolan 1, Azeem 1	Simmons unanimous	McGovern 8, Nolan 1

The meeting was disrupted by the morons from the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and their allies chanting tired refrains such as “Justice for Faisal”, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, and accusations that most of the Cambridge City Council support genocide. Methinks PSL would be more appropriately named “Petulant Socialist Lunatics”. They also defaced the front stairs of City Hall with their various predictable catchphrases. Unless steps are taken to regulate the “time, place, and manner” of what they feel are their free speech rights, these lunatics will be back again and again and again, and Cambridge will be seen broadly as a sanctuary city for idiots. - Robert Winters