Coming Soon to a Theater Near You – August 3, 2026 Midsummer Cambridge City Council meeting
Public Comment will most likely be a replay of the DSA misfits and nitwits who were invited to share their misinformation at the July 23 Special City Council meeting. Then again, perhaps some actual residents from Newtowne Court and The Port will show up to provide a few lessons in reality. The recent Special Meeting ended badly with one freshman DSA city councillor imploding when the votes appeared to not be going her way. I hope this one goes better. Here are the agenda items that stood out for me:
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Police Review & Advisory Board Quarterly Report for the second quarter of 2026. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-35 which requested that the City Manager work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed Home Rule Petition and prepare a new Home Rule Petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to potential alternative methods of curb cut review. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan, Zusy, Flaherty, Azeem; Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #18. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, regarding the Sixth Annual Cycling Safety Ordinance Progress Report. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Brooke McKenna, Flaherty, McGovern, Zusy; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2026 Annual Report of the Affordable Housing Overlay. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Will MacArthur to the Social Housing Task Force. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to opportunities to streamline the permitting process. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Melissa Peters (CDD), Jennifer Caira (CDD), Al-Zubi, Zusy, Flaherty; Placed on File 9-0
Zoning and Development
Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Petition amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent) per Committee Report #5; Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to edits to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; McGovern explains that Cambridge Street currently has no active use requirements, proposed amendment by substitution would require active uses only in Lechmere and Webster Ave. areas, current petition would require active uses on all of Cambridge St. for all buildings greater than 3 stories; Amendment by Substitution Fails 2-7 (Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler - Yes); Petition Passed to 2nd Reading 8-1 (Azeem - No); Placed on File 9-0
Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council regarding improved tree loss accounting and reporting systems by Oct 1, 2026. Councillor Zusy, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Zusy for comments; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #12. Greater Interdepartmental Coordination and Community Information Sharing Relating to Development. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Zusy; comments by Zusy, McGovern, Nolan; Order Adopted 9-0
Petition #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Michelle Lower of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. transmitting a proposed Zoning Ordinance to amend the provisions of Section 13.59.42 if the Zoning Ordinance to allow for the transfer of 250,000 square feet of Gross Floor Area from the PUD-4C Zoning District on the Industry B Zoning District in exchange for the conversion of the existing brick and beam structure at 161 First Street into Affordable Housing. The Petition seeks to amend the Zoning Map by creating the “Technology Square Transfer Receiving District.” (PET26#3) [text of report]
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0
Committee Report #4. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on June 2, 2026 to discuss possible changes relating to setbacks, stepbacks, open space and wet labs to the recently adopted Cambridge Street Zoning. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee held two public hearings on June 16, 2026 and July 7, 2026 on two City Council zoning petitions to amend Article 17.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map regarding active use requirements on North Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street, including a special permit requirement for Formula Businesses on Cambridge Street. [text of report]
Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent); Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on July 21, 2026 on a Zoning Petition by Douglas P. Brown, et al., to amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance in Articles 2.000, 5.000, 6.000, 11.000, and 19.000 with the intent of amending height, setback, and open space requirements, adding step back and building depth and width requirements, and adding minimum off-street parking requirements for residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, including the Affordable Housing Overlay, as well as reducing the Project Review Special Permit threshold from 75,000 to 20,000 square feet for residential uses in Residence C-1 districts, among other changes. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler noting that petition received a 2-7 negative recommendation from Ordinance Commitee; Councillor Flaherty unsuccessfully tried to exercise his Charter Right (but this is not New Business), comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Siddiqui; Sobrinho-Wheeler Motion to Adopt Petition Fails 0-9; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to examine how a revived Central Square World’s Fair could build upon the successful partnership between the City, Cambridge Arts, and the Central Square Business Improvement District, including lessons learned from the annual Cambridge Dance Party and other large-scale public events. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Licensing and License Commission
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department and the License Commission to jointly lead the City’s evaluation of a limited pilot program from Fall 2026 through Fall 2027 allowing certain eligible licensed establishments to serve alcohol until 3:00am. Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Simmons; Adopted as Amended 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor and the License Commission to draft and submit a Home Rule Petition to authorize one additional Section 15 all-alcoholic beverages license not to be drunk on the premises. Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by McGovern, Zusy; Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Zusy - Present)
Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to explore options for reforming and modernizing the License Commission, including through the home rule petition process. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, the Transportation Department, and any other appropriate departments to determine whether the City may require Eversource, and any contractors or subcontractors working on Eversource’s behalf in Cambridge, to submit weekly certified payroll reports or similar payroll documentation for work performed in Cambridge’s public ways. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #5. That the City Council hold a Roundtable/Working Meeting on Thurs, Aug 6, 2026, from 1:30-3:30pm, to discuss the City of Cambridge’s ongoing and future work in using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve services – including comparative examples – while ensuring any AI use aligns with City values, complies with legal and privacy requirements, and benefits both employees and the public. Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Azeem
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to take steps to implement as soon as possible a program for automated parking enforcement which could be piloted in targeted areas of the city to evaluate different technologies, different functionalities for various locations, and publicize regulations Implementation of Automated Parking Enforcement. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #11. That the City Council accept M.G.L. Ch. 40U as a method of collecting some fines. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the property owner, and other appropriate parties regarding placing a historical marker on 103 Irving Street in recognition of Julia Child’s life, work, and connection to Cambridge. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #15. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of establishing a citywide digital wayfinding and information kiosk program on public property throughout Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Azeem
pulled by Zusy; comments by Siddiqui, Zusy, Flaherty, Nolan, McGovern, Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0
Order #16. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to work with the Health and Environment Committee to discuss a time-of-sale energy audit and review possible ordinance language, for potential adoption after deliberation and refinement. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Al-Zubi, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Nolan for comments (she ultimately wants mandates); Order Adopted 9-0
Order #17. That the Cambridge City Council in support of the initiatives in the House and Senate Environmental Bond Bill and the Energy Affordability Bill as priorities for the deliberation of the conference committee and for inclusion in the final bill, in order to support the climate and affordability initiatives of the City of Cambridge. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to take all necessary steps to temporarily restore and reactivate ShotSpotter within the areas of Cambridge previously covered by the system. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Al-Zubi, Siddiqui, McGovern, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Azeem, Yi-An Huang, Jackson Price, Zusy, Nolan; Amendments proposed by McGovern, Siddiqui Adopted 9-0; Nolan amendment to not allow ShotSpotter to be restored until a full STIR report is made Fails 3-6 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler - Yes); Order Adopted as Amended 6-3 (Al-Zubi, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler - No)
Note: Essentially, the McGovern/Siddiqui amended language to have a “resident assembly” do an evaluation and make recommendations must be viewed as a confession that the current City Council is NOT representative of the residents of Cambridge and that their actions often do not reflect the sentiments of the people of Cambridge - especially those residents living in neighborhoods like The Port and those not affiliated with advocacy groups.
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to report on progress of the February 2026 report’s recommendations, and plans for ensuring appropriate levels of support and staffing for the Community Safety Department, including continued expansion of CSD’s violence prevention program, the number and types of calls handled by the CARE team, and the timeline for more comprehensive staffing for the CARE team emergency response program and is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Nolan, Flaherty; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons Absent)
Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler; Order Adopted 9-0
Charter Right #4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate directing the appropriate City departments to install security cameras overlooking Cambridge public parks, with such cameras operational only between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am. [Charter Right – Simmons, July 23, 2026]
Comments by Azeem, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Flaherty, Police Commissioner Pauline Wells; Referred by Azeem 9-0 to City Manager (to be then referred to resident assembly as per ShotSpotter vote)
Committee Report #1. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Apr 29, 2026 to review the Cambridge Police Department’s use of ShotSpotter technology, also known as SoundThinking, which was referred to the Public Safety Committee through the Annual Surveillance Report, CM26#44, on Mar 9. 2026. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #5. Zero Waste Plan Ordinance Amendment. [Passed to 2nd Reading June 22, 2026; Eligible To Be Ordained on or after July 13, 2026] (ORD26#7) [text of report]
Comments by Nolan; Ordained 9-0
Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on May 26, 2026 to review and discuss implementation of Zero Waste Master Plan (ZWMP) 2.0, adopted by Council in June 2025, including review of draft ordinance changes as recommended by the ZWMP 2.0. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Resolution #3. Condolences to the family of Xavier Bautista. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Resolution #6. Congratulations to Glenn Koocher on his retirement. Councillor Simmons
Resolution #8. That the Cambridge City Council go on record thanking Michele Kincaid for her many years of service to the City of Cambridge and wishing her a happy retirement. Mayor Siddiqui
Comments by Siddiqui
Resolution #10. Condolences to the family of Vincent “Vince” Lawrence Dixon. Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons
Comments by Simmons, Flaherty; Simmons added a sponsor
Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Councillor Nolan Submitting Proposed Amendments to Short Term Rental Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0
Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
July 23, 2026 Special City Council meeting in response to the murder of Xavier Bautista
Call of the Meeting: The City Council shall hold a Special Meeting to receive updates on and discuss the City of Cambridge’s current, planned, and recommended public safety and violence prevention work on Thursday, July 23, at 5:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber, Second Floor, City Hall.
Note: The meeting agenda was revised prior to the meeting.
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City's violence prevention efforts. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Community Safety Department update. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on 2026 Summer Community Programs. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Violence Prevention Recommendations Report from the Community Safety Department. [text of report (Feb 5, 2026)]
Placed on File 9-0
Though this meeting has been scheduled as a result of demand by attendees at the July 8 community meeting on the murder of Xavier Bautista (a Cambridge City employee working for the Department of Public Works), the only posted agenda item is a generic report on violence prevention produced for the Community Safety Department and reported to the City Council nearly 6 months ago.
I can only hope that some of the current city councillors will refocus the discussion toward more timely matters, including a discussion (and action) on the Council’s recent questionable decision to remove the only gunshot detection system that had been in place in Cambridge. I am not optimistic. This could very easily become little more than a scripted teleplay focused on covering the asses of those councillors (and our current mayor) who were so insistent on the removal of the gunshot detection system based on specious arguments from activists.
We’ll see what transpires at the meeting, but my sense is that the DSA councillors (Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler) won’t budge from their anti-police ideology, and Councillor Nolan has likely already prompted her ACLU activist friends to provide for her political cover. I cannot so easily dismiss the fact that the necessary 5th vote to make Sumbul Siddiqui mayor came with the promise to appoint Ms. Al-Zubi as Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and in that role she dove headlong into her quest to remove our gunshot detection system by inviting a thoroughly one-sided panel of activists and commenters who were not even slightly representative of those residents of Cambridge who would be so negatively affected by the diminution of police protection in their neighborhoods. - Robert Winters
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to take all necessary steps to temporarily restore and reactivate ShotSpotter within the areas of Cambridge previously covered by the system. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
Charter Right – Al-Zubi
Order #2. That the City Manager is hereby requested to report on progress of the February 2026 report's recommendations, and plans for ensuring appropriate levels of support and staffing for the Community Safety Department, including continued expansion of CSD’s violence prevention program, the number and types of calls handled by the CARE team, and the timeline for more comprehensive staffing for the CARE team emergency response program and is requested to report back to the City Council in a timely manner. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Charter Right – Simmons
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to provide a comprehensive evaluation of violence response and prevention strategies, along with survivor support services, across City departments including CPD, CSD, CHA, and DHSP and come with recommendations before the City Council’s Public Safety Committee and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Al-Zubi
Charter Right – Simmons
Late Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to investigate directing the appropriate City departments to install security cameras overlooking Cambridge public parks, with such cameras operational only between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am. (PO26#139)
Charter Right – Simmons
At some point I’ll have more to say about what transpired at this meeting, but the basic points were:
(a) Al-Zubi and Sobrinho-Wheeler managed to bring in a truckload of DSA characters to recite their idiotic talking points about ShotSpotter.
(b) Several actual long-term Cambridge residents and persons of color expressed their belief that they wanted the additional police protection provided by ShotSpotter.
(c) As Councillor McGovern pointed out, several residents of Newtowne Court who would have spoken in support of restoring ShotSpotter felt very disrespected by the statements by the DSA people and consequently chose not to speak.
(d) After dispensing with the various reports, the Council began discussion of the Simmons/Flaherty Order calling for provisional restoration of the ShotSpotter system. It appeared to be the case that the two councillors (Azeem and Zusy) who had previously voted “Present” were now inclined to vote in favor of the Order to restore ShotSpotter. Councillor McGovern’s remarks also gave some indication that he would support the provisional restoration - especially since the Order called for getting feedback from the broader community (as opposed to just misinformed DSA activists). It was unclear how Councillor Nolan was inclined to vote, but it all became moot when drama queen Councillor Al-Zubi went on a rant when it appeared that she was not going to have her way, and she exercised her Charter Right to delay the matter to the August 3 Midsummer City Council meeting.
(e) In response to Al-Zubi’s hissy fit and Charter Right, Councillor Simmons exercised her Charter Right on the rest of the agenda.
It’s fair to assume that the August 3 meeting will attract the same DSA misfits, so I will likely just skip Public Comment as it will again be little more than recitations of the same talking points over and over and over again. Hopefully it won’t again be just another badly scripted melodrama and maybe, just maybe, the actual residents of Cambridge will be heard. - Robert Winters
PS - The City Council really should insist that Councillor Al-Zubi be removed as Chair of the Public Safety Committee.
Last Call - June 22, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
The real action seems to be with the Cambridge License Commission as it considers some policy changes - especially in regard to alcohol consumption. This will also be the last regular meeting prior to the Summer Break. Here are the items that struck me as at least a bit interesting:
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to reappointments to the Biosafety Committee [Cara Conway, Mary Corrigan, Dan Anderson, Eirini Iliaki reappointed]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-34 regarding a report on citywide water use and water supply. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update regarding a Boards and Commissions Ordinance Review and Modernization Initiative. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-38 regarding changes to the resident parking permit price. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-7 regarding restrictions to eligibility for on-street resident parking. [text of report]
Referred to the Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-4 [AR25-51] regarding updates to the Short-Term Rental Ordinance. [text of report]
Referred to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for Hearing and Report 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-33 regarding a housing needs study. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Massachusetts Avenue Active Use Zoning Petition Planning Board report. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Street Active Use Zoning Petition Planning Board report. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments and reappointments of members to the Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee [Teresa Cardosi (AHT rep.) appointed, and Elaine DeRosa (CHA rep.) reappointed]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop a plan for inclusive and robust engagement on any proposed licensing changes, and to ensure that the City’s licensing framework remains as efficient, accessible, and streamlined as the law allows, without imposing unnecessary barriers or burdens on licensees. Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Simmons
Referred to the Economic Development & University Relations Committee as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments to explore the ability of the City to prohibit, restrict, or otherwise regulate the use of algorithmic price fixing in its rental housing market, including the potential drafting of ordinance language that would regulate algorithmic price fixing and report back to the City Council in a timely manner. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Cambridge Police Department to prepare a report for the City Council regarding the causes of the significant decline in traffic enforcement since 2015, current departmental priorities, and recommendations for enforcement. Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to evaluate the impacts of the temporary extended last call and public outdoor drinking district measures during the authorization period, consult with the License Commission, Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant stakeholders on the feasibility and desirability of making these measures permanent, and identify any necessary changes or actions required for implementation beyond the current authorization. Vice Mayor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern
Referred to the Economic Development & University Relations Committee 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Community Safety Department, the Emergency Communications Department, the Department of Human Service Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, and any other relevant City departments and community partners to develop a Neighborhood Safety Additions Plan for the areas of the city previously served by ShotSpotter technology. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 8, 2026]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to use the Federal Stabilization Fund to provide one-time stabilization payments to Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations impacted by FY27 MOVA cuts, report back to the City Council with a proposed funding plan, and work with the Mayor’s Office and other relevant City staff to engage with the broader Cambridge nonprofit community to assess the full scope of federal and state funding reductions and their impact on the City’s safety net services. [Charter Right – Al-Zubi, June 8, 2026]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
On The Table #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [Tabled June 1, 2026]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent); Zero Waste Plan Ordinance Amendment Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Communications & Reports #2. Communication from Councillor Nolan providing a summary of public engagement and ordinance changes under discussion for the Zero Waste Master Plan Update. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Resolution #1. Retirement of Susanne Rasmussen from the City of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Al-Zubi, Vice Mayor Azeem, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy
Resolution Adopted as Amended
8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
Communications & Reports #5. A communication from Councillor Timothy Flaherty relative to City Council Order PO26#115 and Discontinuation of ShotSpotter Technology. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Al-Zubi Absent)
And the judge ain’t gonna look at the twenty-seven 8x10 color glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and the paragraph on the back of each one.…
Tripling Down – June 8, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
I may provide more details in the coming days, but here are the featured agenda items that jumped out at me:
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appointments to the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to appropriations to the Combined Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Management Advisory Committee (CSO Advisory Committee) for a term of five years, effective June 8, 2026. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a five-year progress review of the Affordable Housing Overlay. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern about “housing crisis”, Chris Cotter (Housing) touting the AHO, Zusy says report “impressive” and intent of MFH amendments not to thwart this, Simmons stating how much “hard work” done by councillors and staff, Siddiqui touting AHO; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
The one sure thing about self-reporting and self-evaluation is that you never have to worry about a bad review, or about any negatives whatsoever. Trophies for everyone!
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-30 regarding a report on how the decision to install artificial turf was made. [text of report]
pulled by Al-Zubi; comments by Al-Zubi, Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins on greater cost of maintaining a grass field, claims about micro-plastics, discontinuation of use of crumb rubber; Al-Zubi suggesting that artificial turf raises environmental concerns and risk of injury concerns; Zusy on pros and cons, says putting in a “plastic field” is “so weird”, claims insufficient community process (so what else is new?), says that in ten years we won’t want a turf field, notes East Cambridge Planning Team letter, asks if turf fields are sterilized; Kathy Watkins says fields are tested for “bounce” periodically; Flaherty on joys of baseball, insufficient outreach, cooling; Watkins on scheduling, cooling, outreach; Sobrinho-Wheeler on process, original budget request that he wanted reduced, suggests that City staff conspired to create community advocacy to support the City plans, objects to City Manager having ultimate authority hinting at preference to have a popularly elected strong mayor form of government; Yi-An Huang acknowledges need for improvement in community engagement, notes similar discussion of trade-offs in other cities and towns, notes fact that natural grass cannot sustain the kinds of activities in demand; McGovern says this has been difficult conversation, asks “Is this a done deal?”; Watkins states that decision was made long ago; Huang notes that the trade-offs are real and that if given the choice between grass and turn, people will always choose grass, but the issue is the ability to maintain the fields so that they be used to meet the actual demand and utilization, need to stay the course; Azeem with questions about relative overall costs, sports vs. picnics, says there is strong public interest in maintaining Ahern as a grass field, suggests that City should change their position; Adam Corbeil (Recreation) comments, says conversation will continue; McGovern expresses frustration (curiously concerned about public outcry in this case - even though he is generally dismissive of public outcry on other issues), wants to know what options the Council has, when is this moving forward; Watkins says the design team is actively working on designs for turf field - imminent process; McGovern suggest bringing Office of Sustainability into discussion, Watkins says they have regularly been consulted; Zusy suggests putting turf field at Gold Star Mother’s Park, put a field on top of First Street Garage under a bubble; Watkins debunks these suggestions; Kevin Beutel (DPW) explains why Zusy suggestions infeasible; Zusy says Ahern Field more like a “common” than just a playing field, suggests delaying this for another week; Watkins says that all the alternatives have been explored; Zusy suggests using Volpe site temporarily - debunked by Watkins; Siddiqui suggests that this matter could be Tabled, notes concerns about community process; Al-Zubi moves to Table; Tabled 5-3-1 (AAZ,MM,JSW,CZ,SS - Yes; BA,TF,DS - No; PN - Absent)
At the risk of creating enemies among the free-range crowd, the greater issue is not whether Ahern Field specifically should have artificial turf, but whether that part of Cambridge (and really all parts of Cambridge) has ready access to actual green space where kids can play and cows can graze (well, maybe not that so much). To this point, the report states:
Open Space Context in East Cambridge
Ahern Field is part of a broader network of open spaces in East Cambridge, which contains a variety of nearby open spaces that support recreation, gathering, lawn use, and neighborhood access to green space. Recent additions and improvements including Toomey Park, Triangle Park, Little Binney Street, and publicly accessible open space at the Moderna campus provide a range of passive and active recreation opportunities within walking distance.
Note: A strategically placed shortcut across the infrequently used Grand Junction RR tracks could go a long way toward providing greater access to nearby Donnelly Field from East Cambridge.
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission, the Law Department, the Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services, the Cambridge Public Health Department, Community Preservation Act staff, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the owners of properties abutting the Old Stone Wall, for the purpose of developing a practical plan to stabilize, preserve, and restore this historic resource. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Flaherty
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Azeem, Nolan - Absent)
Old Stone Wall, May 8, 2020
Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Police Department, the Community Safety Department, the Emergency Communications Department, the Department of Human Service Programs, the Department of Public Works, the Law Department, and any other relevant City departments and community partners to develop a Neighborhood Safety Additions Plan for the areas of the City previously served by ShotSpotter technology. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Simmons; comments by Simmons, Flaherty; Al-Zubi proposes amendments (w/Sobrinho-Wheeler), claims to support public safety (?); Sobrinho-Wheeler also claims to support public safety; Azeem says he doesn’t really care about ShotSpotter, not sure what purpose of amendments are; Al-Zubi continues to question effectiveness of ShotSpotter; Zusy says she supports Al-Zubi amendments, says we should work smarter rather than add resources; McGovern proposes amendment to Al-Zubi amendment (OK by voice vote); Simmons expresses Al-Zubi efforts; Charter Right - Simmons
“The discontinuation of any public safety tool should be accompanied by a serious review of what additional resources, strategies, staffing, partnerships, or investments may be needed to ensure that the City is not merely removing an existing tool, but actively and concurrently strengthening its broader approach to neighborhood safety…”
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to use the Federal Stabilization Fund to provide one-time stabilization payments to Cambridge-based and Cambridge-serving organizations impacted by FY27 MOVA cuts, report back to the City Council with a proposed funding plan, and work with the Mayor’s Office and other relevant City staff to engage with the broader Cambridge nonprofit community to assess the full scope of federal and state funding reductions and their impact on the City’s safety net services. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Councillor Flaherty
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Al-Zubi (on $1 million for vouchers for those who were in Transitional Wellness Center); McGovern says those funds have been allocated; Siddiqui offers some details; Yi-An Huang says it’s in FY26 Budget for one, other out of federal stabilization fund ($3.7 million remaining in fund); Azeem asks what would happen if federal funds canceled, Huang says we would partially “backfill” the funding; McGovern comments about federal government and current funding needs; Flaherty asks if we can do the additional $1.6 million, Huang says discussion is about keeping things whole rather than simply backfilling all funding; Flaherty added as sponsor; Charter Right - Al-Zubi
Order #4. That the City Council shall complete the required review and determinations prescribed by Section 2.128.060(c) before taking any future vote regarding the continued use of ShotSpotter or any other surveillance technology. Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Flaherty - “rules matter”, says that in this instance the Surveillance Technology Ordinance requires that certain determinations are required prior to discontinuing any given technology - and this was not done, says this policy order specifically addresses the procedure - “we need to follow the rule of law” - suggests that the prior vote was invalid - cut off by Siddiqui’s clock; JSW/McGovern motion to extend meeting for one hour passes 7-1-1 (DS - No; PN - Absent); JSW says this Order of out-of-order, suggests this is just being a sore loser; JSW calls the question (passes 7-1-1); Order Fails of Adoption 2-6-1 (TF,DS - Yes; Nolan - Absent)
Last week’s action to disallow any discussion or possible amendments to the related Order was deplorable and unprecedented. This new Order appears to be an effort to introduce some of the concerns that might have been expressed last week were it not for the actions of the Fascist Five to shut down all discussion. My guess is that one of them exercises their Charter Right on this Order or again makes a peremptory motion to defeat it without any discussion. Prove me wrong.
Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department, and other relevant City departments, to examine and report back to the City Council with a feasibility analysis with findings, options, and recommendations regarding the following proposed amendments to the multifamily zoning ordinance. Councillor Flaherty, Councillor Zusy
pulled by Flaherty; comments by Flaherty regarding consequences of the Multi-Family Housing Ordinance, tremendous market upheaval, and how middle-class families are being forced out of the city in favor of young professionals and empty-nesters; Azeem moves to suspend rules to bring forward Brown Petition (Appl. & Petitions #1), says there is space for amendments and there is a committee meeting coming up on this matter, suggests referring this Order to the committee meeting, suggests that this Order and Brown Petition will put a range of projects on hold; Siddiqui notes that only option here is to refer the Petition; Zusy complains about not being recognized (as a co-sponsor of this Order), says purpose of this Order is not to rescind to MFH zoning but to make it better, provide greater flexibility, says height is a real issue - OK with height but only on major thoroughfares, wants green space to be actual green space at ground level [Note: many of these suggestions reflect what Tim Love stated at a prior NLTP Committee meeting]; Zusy also notes need to greater regulate AirBnB’s and for universities to produce more graduate student housing; Sobrinho-Wheeler defends minimal setbacks as a good thing, noting that he can reach out his window and touch the next building, notes that one sponsor (Flaherty) accepts thousands of dollars from real estate developers, says that last election was primarily a referendum on the Multi-Family Housing ordinance (not true), brings up capitalism, says there should be even more height; McGovern says he is open to amendments to ordinance as long as they don’t stall housing development, questions where the numbers quoted are coming from, suggests that these amendments will make housing less affordable, disagrees with having any parking, suggests that allowing six-stories is how we get inclusionary units in the neighborhoods (except that it’s not actually working out that way), acknowledges that a lot of people are upset - but that’s because the ordinance is working; McGovern suggests that the ordinance is producing multi-family housing in neighborhoods where there are none (but this is false - it’s really about much larger buildings typically next to existing smaller multi-family buildings); Al-Zubi comments that she wants an “authentic dialogue”, we should be “centering housing as a human right” and “something we should build so that we are not dependent on market forces” (i.e. government housing); Siddiqui comments; Azeem says that no inclusionary housing has been built that is not more than four stories; Zusy suggests referral to joint meeting of Housing Committee and NLTP Committee; Flaherty notes that 9 Wyman St. is an example of why this ordinance does not work - 56 units, but only one 3-BR unit and the rest very small units, notes that this is a regional problem; Referred to Housing, NLTP 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)
I’m sure the message will go out from the ABC brass to again urge their sheep-like adherents to oppose any and all amendments or new proposals that might in any way modify last year’s Multi-Family Housing Zoning Ordinance because, as they seem to believe, the City Council is infallible and every action their dutiful majority takes is pure perfection with absolutely zero unintended consequences.
Charter Right #1. Zero Waste Master Plan Ordinance changes. [Charter Right – Simmons, June 1, 2026]
Taken up by Siddiqui after Manager’s Agenda; Tabled 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
On The Table #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [Tabled June 1, 2026] [text of report]
Besides renaming the Recycling Advisory Committee (on which I served for 22 years) as the more updated Waste Reduction Committee (as opposed to Waist Reduction Committee), it seems (to me at least) that the primary changes here are that (a) all larger residential properties and all commercial properties (including restaurants) will now be required to participate in food waste diversion and recycling with appropriate containers, (b) retailers will no longer be able to offer reusable bags and may only offer paper bags or compostable plastic bags, and (c) food-service retailers will be required to allow customers to opt-in to single-use products (e.g. straws, condiments, napkins, etc.) rather than opting out, and to require recycling collection for front-of-house operations.
Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Doug Brown to amend the current Article(s) and/or section(s) numbered and entitled Articles 2, 5, 6, 11 and 19 height, setback, parking, open space and design review requirements. [text of petition]
taken up w/Order #5 (see above); Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
Most or all of the proposed changes seem completely sensible, so my guess is that the petition will effectively be Dead On Arrival as it violates the ABC orthodoxy. I will be delighted if it proves otherwise.
Resolution #1. City Council thanks and warmest congratulations to S&S owners Gary Mitchell, Aimee Baum, and the entire Mitchell-Wheeler family on 107 extraordinary years of service to Cambridge and the Inman Square community, and in expressing its profound admiration for their dedication to preserving a beloved neighborhood institution across six generations. Councillor Simmons, Councillor Flaherty, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted
8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
We had a great meal at the S&S this past Thursday. It has been a neighborhood institution for more than a century, and the loss of a real delicatessen is an especially great loss. I really hope that whatever follows in that space (or in a portion of that space) also becomes a neighborhood institution. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I was once upon a time a frequent patron at the old Inman Square Men’s Bar (Ladies Invited!) that also occupied a space in that block. There was once an article in the old Cambridge TAB that referred to Inman Square at that time as “Real Square”. It used to have the delightful feel of a place that was at least a bit lost in time - in a good way.
Committee Report #1. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Apr 8, 2026 to review and discuss the final research report on Rise Up Cambridge. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Thurs, Apr 9, 2026 to continue the discussion from Feb 25, 2026, on establishing future Budget Priorities. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Nolan - Absent)
Doubling Down – June 1, 2026 Cambridge City Council meeting
After the lunacy of the previous meeting, one might think this would be a good week for reflection and adjustment. We’ll see…
Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Budget Adoption and related money matters
Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to amendments to the FY27 Submitted General Fund Budget. [text of report]
Recommendations Adopted, Referred to Committee Reports #3 and #3A; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
General Fund Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Al-Zubi - Present)
Water Fund Adopted 9-0
Public Investment Fund Adopted 9-0
“These increases will bring the total FY27 Operating Budget for the City to $1,033,209,502 (up from the $1,032,959,502 originally submitted FY27 Operating Budget) and an increase of $41,028,182 or 4.1% from the FY26 Adopted Budget. The projected tax levy to support the FY27 Budget is $725,608,519, an increase of $46,756,048 or 6.9% from the FY26 tax levy. The actual tax levy will be determined in the fall as part of the property tax and classification process.”
Unfinished Business #2-14. Loan Authorizations totaling $109,980,000.
All Loan Orders Adopted 9-0 except UB#5 Adopted 8-1 (Al-Zubi - No)
Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, May 5, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons - Absent)
Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, May 6, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons - Absent)
Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, May 12, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons - Absent)
Communications & Reports #4. Communication from Finance Co-Chairs: Process for Identifying Future Budget Priorities, Part 3. [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Councillors Nolan and Al-Zubi do hereby declare that the future Cambridge budget priorities are public housing, shelters, and childcare. I was kinda hoping that fiscal restraint and infrastructure resilience might make the Top Three, but apparently not with this Group of Nine.
Board Appointments
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Board of Directors of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years. [text of report]
Appointment Confirmed 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to reappointments to the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) [Chandra Harrington, Mary Flynn, Kevin Foster, Ellen Schacter]. [text of report]
Appointments Confirmed 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Tweeting or Bleating
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to AR26-25 regarding a review of the City’s social media platform usage policies. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Public Safety and Tinfoil Hats
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports (STIRs) in calendar year 2025. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Simmons-Absent)
Order #7. That the City Council approve of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Open Architects student data platform as discussed in the May 20, 2026, hearing. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #8. That the City Council disapprove further use of SoundThinking’s Acoustic Gunshot Detection Technology (ShotSpotter) by the City pursuant to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance 2.128.060 (C). Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 5-2-0-2 (Al-Zubi, McGovern, Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui - Yes; Flaherty, Simmons - No; Azeem, Zusy - Present)
Regardless of any pushback received as a result of the May 18 vote, the same subgroup of councillors is doubling down this week with a prohibition of ShotSpotter via ordinance - regardless of what the Cambridge Police Department or the City Manager may advise.
I went for a while to last night’s meeting - just in time for one of the most obnoxious displays of non-collegiality I have ever witnessed. The Order declaring the City Council’s authority to ban ShotSpotter under the Surveillance Ordinance was the agenda item. Ms. Al-Zubi was recognized by our problematic mayor and Al-Zubi immediately “called the question” forcing a vote - even though Councillor Flaherty had proposed some amendments that had been circulated to the councillors and to the public prior to the vote. The same five councillors who had voted to ban ShotSpotter on May 18 voted in favor of calling the question and preventing the Flaherty amendments as well as any discussion on the matter. The Al-Zubi Order was then passed in the same 5-2-0-2 vote as May 18 with only Flaherty and Simmons voting “No”, and Zusy and Azeem again voting “Present”.
I have been Council-watching for nearly four decades, and this ranks way up there in my list of obnoxious actions by city councillors. The five councillors who disdained democracy so much that they would not even allow their colleagues to speak are Al-Zubi, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Nolan, and McGovern. If ever you hear people chant “This is what democracy looks like” at a rally, these five councillors should not even enter the picture.
Committee Report #5. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Apr 7, 2026 on the Cambridge Police Department’s federal immigration enforcement tracker, CM26#32. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)
Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department and Law Department to develop and implement a policy requiring the posting of “Know Your Rights” informational and educational materials in all police department facilities. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0
Health & Environment
Order #3. Zero Waste Master Plan Ordinance changes. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zusy
Charter Right - Simmons
Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to proposed changes to the City’s Zero Waste Master Plan. [text of report]
Tabled 9-0
Order #4. That the City Manager, in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Division, DPW, CDD and Inspectional Services, is requested to develop recommendations for updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance that will provide further protection to the City’s significant public and private trees for the greater good of the City. Councillor Zusy, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Flaherty
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0
Committee Report #4. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 31, 2026 to review and discuss the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) Annual Report and the Climate Committee’s review and report. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)
Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and community organizations to provide the City Council with a comprehensive Food Access Report that includes, but is not limited to, an accounting of existing programs, expenditures, outcomes, and unmet needs to inform a public hearing on food insecurity and related City policies, programs, and expenditures. Councillor Al-Zubi, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Housekeeping
On The Table #2. A communication from City Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler transmitting the proposed 2026-2027 Rules of the Cambridge City Council. [Charter Right – Flaherty, May 11, 2026; Tabled May 18, 2026]
Rules Adopted as Amended 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)
Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding updates to the 2026-2027 City Council Committee Appointments. [text of report]
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Azeem - Absent)
Councillors Simmons and McGovern will swap committee appointments with Simmons moving from Housing to Economic Development and McGovern doing the reverse.
Barney
Resolution #2. Condolences to the family of Barney Frank. Councillor Simmons
Charter Right - Simmons
Rules? We don’t have to follow no stinkin’ rules!
Updated Mar 8, 2026 - In the 2024-25 City Council Rules, there are two items that have been often ignored in recent City Council terms:
Rule 27. Every committee of the City Council to which any subject may be referred shall report on the subject within a reasonable time from the time of referral. Any committee report that has not been signed by the Chair of the committee within seven days after submission of the committee report by the City Clerk will be placed on the City Council agenda unsigned. In the case that the Chair of any committee shall fail for thirty (30) days from the time any subject has been referred to it to call a hearing of the committee, a quorum of the committee may call a hearing of said committee. Notice of all committee hearings must be given at least forty-eight (48) hours before the time of the hearing.
Rule 28. Minutes shall be kept of all committee proceedings. All minutes, reports, and papers shall be submitted to the City Council by the City Clerk or their designee. Recommendations of each committee shall be made to the City Council for consideration and adoption.
As if communication through the Tunnel of Zoom wasn’t bad enough, some committee Chairs apparently have not seen fit to keep either their colleagues or the public informed unless they were present at the meeting or chose to view a recording of the meeting. There are reasons why minutes of a meeting are taken. Not everyone wants to suffer through a recording of a long and possibly boring meeting, and a voluminous transcript is not a substitute for good (succinct) minutes.
Here is the current record of deliquency [Chair]:
Ordinance Committee (8 missing reports) Finance Committee (0 missing reports) Gov’t Operations, Rules & Claims (1 missing report) Health & Environment Committee (2 missing reports) Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, etc. (1 missing report) Public Safety (0 missing reports) |
Econ. Development & University Relations (4 missing reports) Human Services & Veterans (1 missing report) Housing Committee (0 missing reports) Transportation & Public Utilities (0 missing reports) Civic Unity (0 missing reports) Most Delinquent: Number of Missing Reports: |
City Council Committee Assignments: 2026-2027
Jan 8, 2025 – This is going to take some time to digest – especially the decision to appoint as Chair of the Public Safety Committee someone who has repeatedly called Cambridge Police murderers. Then again, this same Mayor Siddiqui appointed Mr. Zondervan to that position in both 2020 and 2022. - RW
| City Council subcommittees for 2026-2027 (McGovern and Simmons swapped Housing and Econ. Dev. Committees June 1, 2026) |
|
| Committee | Members |
| Ordinance | McGovern (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan, Simmons, Zusy, Siddiqui (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Finance | Al-Zubi (Co-Chair), Nolan (Co-Chair), Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy, Siddiqui (committee of the whole - mayor ex-officio) |
| Government Operations, Rules, and Claims | Sobrinho-Wheeler (Chair), Azeem, Simmons, McGovern, Nolan |
| Housing | Azeem (Co-Chair), Sobrinho-Wheeler (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, |
| Economic Development and University Relations | Flaherty (Co-Chair), Zusy (Co-Chair), Al-Zubi, |
| Human Services & Veterans | Al-Zubi (Co-Chair), McGovern (Co-Chair), Flaherty, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler |
| Health & Environment | Nolan (Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, McGovern, Zusy |
| Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Art, and Celebrations | Zusy (Chair), Al-Zubi, Azeem, Flaherty, Nolan |
| Transportation & Public Utilities | Azeem (Co-Chair), Flaherty (Co-Chair), Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zusy |
| Civic Unity | Simmons (Chair), Azeem, Flaherty, McGovern, Zusy |
| Public Safety | Al-Zubi (Chair), McGovern, Nolan, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler |
FYI - Current Rules and Goals: Cambridge City Council & Cambridge School CommitteeCity Council Rules 2026-2027 (provisionally adopted Jan 5, 2026; amended June 1, 2026) City Council Values Statement and Priority Areas (adopted Feb 9, 2026) City Council Committees (for the current term) Rules of the School Committee 2020-2021 - Adopted January 6, 2020 (document says 2019-2020) Rules of the School Committee 2018-2019 - Adopted January 1, 2018 School Committee Rules (adopted January 7, 2008) School Committee Goals (adopted October 7, 2008) |
Research Assistants? I don’t think so...
May 2, 2006 – The Cambridge City Council voted 8-1 on May 1 in favor of giving themselves personal “research assistants.” Only Councillor Craig Kelley had the fortitude to raise any questions about the proposal. So it appears the proposal will sail through the Budget Hearings with barely a raised eyebrow. While I have raised the issue of the genesis of this proposal, the question of its merits and its implementation have not been addressed here. So, here are some observations, questions, and suggestions for our elected officials, City administration, and residents to consider:
1. There was a time when our elected officials enlisted citizens to assist them in research matters relating to public policy. Cambridge is perhaps the best city in the United States in which to find experts in almost any matter that the City Council (or School Committee) may need to better understand. There is a wealth of evidence over the last 65 years showing how citizens have worked with elected officials in the development of public policy. If the City Council feels burdened by the research needs of its committees, there is an enormous pool of talent available at no cost. Currently, the City Council makes very little use of this very available resource.
2. There was a time when councillors collaborated much more than they currently do in committee work and in the development of policies. A well-functioning City Council committee should delegate responsibilities so that each member masters certain facets of the tasks at hand and shares this knowledge with the rest of the committee. In effect, councillors serve as staff to each other. I would argue that it is better that elected officials educate themselves.
3. Are these jobs going to be publicly posted with a job description? Who will be doing the actual hiring? If Councillor Smith wants to hire Mr. Jones as personal staff, will the mayor have veto power over the hire? Does the Personnel Department have a role to play here or are these to be political hires? None of these details have been discussed publicly and they are important.
4. If these “research assistants” are to be hired, there should be policies and safeguards to ensure that they are not working on behalf of any councillor’s political campaign. Otherwise, this proposal will have the effect of using taxpayer dollars to support the political campaigns of incumbent councillors. In fact, maybe it’s time to consider a similar disqualification for staff in the Mayor’s Office. A founding principle of Plan E government is the elimination of political patronage in favor of responsible, professional government. Some of us still believe in this ideal. At the very least, strong guidelines should be established for what is and is not permissible.
5. The existence of this proposal within the budget of the Mayor’s Office is very strange indeed since it involves personnel for councillors, not the mayor. Should we not infer from this that the consensus of the councillors is that the City Council staff is not up to the task? If the job of councillor has changed so much, should there not be some discussion of revamping the Office of the City Council to better match the needs of the councillors? Why are these tasks being outsourced?
6. Some councillors have recently stated that the filing of City Council orders requesting information through the City Manager is not enough and that councillors would be better served by having their own staff to get this information. This strikes me as contrary to the intent of the Plan E Charter which dictates that all matters involving City personnel be directed through the Manager. One can easily imagine a scenario where each councillor has his or her personal staff contact City department heads for information rather than filing an Order as a body to get a common response. If the consensus is that the City Manager is being obstructive or extraordinarily slow in responding, shouldn’t the City Council take more forceful action in holding the Manager accountable?
7. If the term “research assistant” is meant to be factual, then perhaps these RAs should be topic-specific so that we can have people who have some background or aptitude for the tasks at hand. If, for example, research in energy-related matters is what is needed, then someone with that knowledge would be ideal. Is any such protocol being discussed to ensure that the councillors and the taxpayers will get the best quality research for their tax dollars? I would hope that matters like scheduling and event planning will be handled by the City Council Office rather than by “research assistants.”
8. Several councillors have complained that e-mail has had a dramatic effect on the responsibilities of a city councillor due to the time consumption associated with responding to these messages. I don’t doubt this. However, there are efficiencies that can make such tasks much easier. For example, if each councillor receives 100 e-mail messages on a particular topic, then rather than making 100 shallow replies, I would advise responding to ALL of the issues of substance raised by residents in a single, comprehensive message sent (using blind-carbon-copy) to all of the people who sent messages. Those of us in academics have been doing this for years. It’s much more effective to craft comprehensive messages sent to the whole class rather than many nearly identical messages sent to individual students. There are MANY ways to be more effective in e-mail communication. Then again, if individual responses are seen as more valuable in securing potential votes in the next election, that’s a choice each councillor must make on his or her own - independent of taxpayer-supported staff.
In summary, I am not questioning whether or not some changes in staffing are warranted. I am, however, asking that any such changes be done in the best interest of taxpayers and that City funds are never used to either directly or indirectly support the reelection efforts of elected officials. - RW, May 3, 2006
Punching Out Your Cake and Having it Too – a chronology of the proposal for personal Council staff
(posted April 28, 2006)
Jan 1998 - The vote for who was to be mayor went on for several weeks as Ken Reeves held out until there were 4 other votes for Katherine Triantafillou, an outcome sincerely supported by at most two councillors (Reeves and Triantafillou). The would-be mayor rounded up her supporters for the coronation. A congratulatory cake was ordered. As the vote occurred and there were momentarily 5 votes on the table for Triantafillou (Born, Davis, Duehay, Reeves, Triantafillou), Councillors Galluccio and Russell changed their votes to Duehay. Councillors Born, Davis, and Duehay then changed their votes to Duehay and Mayor Duehay was elected. Councillor Galluccio was then elected vice-mayor. Meanwhile, in the room next to the Council chamber, Alice Wolf aide and Triantafillou supporter Marjorie Decker exploded in anger and punched out the cake, police were called, and a grudge began that remains to this day.
Feb 1998 - Mayor Duehay made good on the deal by hiring Galluccio campaign worker Terry Smith to work in the Mayor’s Office “to assist the mayor and vice mayor”. This marked the first time (to my knowledge) that any councillor other than the mayor received personal staff (except for a brief experiment with interns some years earlier). Resentment grew among other councillors about the special treatment one councillor received in exchange for delivering the mayor’s job.
1999 - Frank Duehay and Sheila Russell announced they would not seek reelection. Jim Braude, David Maher, and Marjorie Decker were subsequently elected to the City Council as incumbent Katherine Triantafillou was defeated, principally as a result of Marjorie Decker winning her seat.
2000 - After 1½ months without electing a mayor, Anthony Galluccio was able to secure 6 votes to become mayor (Braude, Davis, Galluccio, Maher, Sullivan, Toomey). David Maher was elected vice-mayor. Terry Smith became chief of staff of the Mayor’s Office. David Maher did not request any personal staff. Kathy Born suggested during the Budget hearings that the idea of personal staff for councillors be referred to the Government Operations Committee. Ken Reeves said at this time, “I don’t believe the vice-mayor needs the extra staffing and not us.” Note that this was a reference to the previous administration (Duehay-Galluccio).
Around this time, the Government Operations Committee met to discuss the proposal for personal staff. The estimates given for City Council staff were: (1) $390,250 for a low-level, bare bones proposal; (2) $157,450 for 8 part-time staff with no benefits; (3) $72,300 for one legislative research assistant. Deputy City Manager Rich Rossi said personal staff was tried briefly about 10 years earlier with interns. Michael Sullivan voiced concern about keeping in touch personally with his constituents and wondered how he would find enough things for this person to do. Most of the councillors spoke in support of giving themselves personal staff. Kathy Born said that if she found her job to be too much, she could hire her own staff person, only she would have to pay for it out of after-tax money, unlike an employee of a business. She suggested higher Council pay with the option of paying for a staff person out of this additional pay. The option would remain for a councillor to act as a “full-time councillor” without staff. Jim Braude said that a councillor could lend his or her campaign the money for the staff person.
One week later, the City Manager proposed a 23% pay raise for city councillors and a change in the ordinance to allow for automatic increases so that they would never again have to vote to raise their own pay. The pay raise was approved and the question of personal staff disappeared for the rest of the Council term.
2001 - Kathy Born and Jim Braude chose not to seek reelection. Brian Murphy and Denise Simmons were elected to the City Council.
2002 - Michael Sullivan was elected mayor on Inauguration Day. Henrietta Davis was elected vice-mayor. Unlike the previous term, Henrietta Davis did request and receive personal staff as vice-mayor when Garrett Simonsen, Davis’ election campaign manager, was hired to the Mayor’s Office staff as her assistant. Indications are that he served more than just the vice-mayor.
2004 - Michael Sullivan was again elected mayor, only this time Marjorie Decker was elected vice-mayor. Garrett Simonsen became chief of staff of the Mayor’s Office. Sullivan hired Kristin Franks (who had been Decker’s campaign manager) as “assistant to the mayor and vice-mayor” but the indications were that she was working almost exclusively for Decker. By summer, Franks was gone and Nicole Bukowski, another Decker campaign worker, was hired as exclusive staff to Decker. For the remainder of the Council term, Bukowski waited hand and foot on Decker - and resentment among other councillors grew for the remainder of the Council term.
Late 2005 - Craig Kelley was elected to the City Council and incumbent David Maher was defeated. Speculation immediately began about who would be the next mayor. Some councillors reported that a plan was being discussed to give certain councillors personal staff as part of the vote-trading for electing the mayor.
Early 2006 - Ken Reeves was elected mayor and Tim Toomey vice-mayor. In a surprising turn of events, Bukowski continued to serve out of the Mayor’s Office as personal staff to Councillor Decker - clearly a part of the deal to make Reeves mayor. Rumors circulated that there was a plan to assign some councillors additional committee chairs as justification for getting personal staff. When the committee chairs were announced, Councillor Decker (who, along with Councillor Galluccio, has maintained the worst record of committee attendance during her time on the Council) was surprisingly given four committees to chair. In contrast, Henrietta Davis (who has always been at or near the top in committee attendance) was given only one. This was seen by some as a way to justify Decker keeping her personal aide in exchange for her vote for mayor.
April 2006 - Ken Reeves submitted a budget for the Mayor’s Office that is 54.3% higher than the previous year. The cause for the increase is a proposal for personal staff for all the remaining councillors at a recurring annual cost of about a quarter-million dollars. There was no public indication of any kind that such an extravagant plan was in the works. An order is on the May 1 City Council agenda (after the budget was already submitted on April 24 including the increase) formally calling for the major staff increase. The order is co-sponsored by Reeves, Toomey, Decker, Galluccio, Sullivan, and Davis. It is expected that, like every person hired to date as staff for the vice-mayor (and most of those on the mayor’s staff), all of the new “research assistants” will be affiliated with the election campaigns of the officials they will serve. Curiously, these patronage hires will be occurring at a time when there are fewer major issues before the Council and when an unprecedented number of councillors are either serving in other elected positions or seeking election to other positions now or in the near future. - RW, April 28, 2006
Ref: April 27, 2006 Cambridge Chronicle story on the Council staff proposal
April 27, 2006 Cambridge Chronicle story on the submitted FY07 Budget
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Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky, One Ring to rule them all, |
The nine Nazgûl arose as Sauron’s most powerful servants in the Second Age of Middle-earth. It is said that three of the Nine were originally “Great Lords” of Númenor. They were all powerful mortal Men to whom Sauron each gave nine Rings of Power. These proved to be their undoing: “Those who used the Nine Rings became mighty in their day, kings, sorcerers, and warriors of old. They obtained glory and great wealth, yet it turned to their undoing. They had, as it seemed, unending life, yet life became unendurable to them. They could walk, if they would, unseen by all eyes in this world beneath the sun, and they could see things in worlds invisible to mortal men; but too often they beheld only the phantoms and delusions of Sauron. And one by one, sooner or later, according to their native strength and to the good or evil of their wills in the beginning, they fell under the thralldom of the ring that they bore and of the domination of the One which was Sauron’s. And they became forever invisible save to him that wore the Ruling Ring, and they entered into the realm of shadows. The Nazgûl were they, the Ringwraiths, the Enemy’s most terrible servants; darkness went with them, and they cried with the voices of death” (The Silmarillion: “Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age”, 289). |
The corrupting effect of the rings caused their bodily forms to fade over time until they had become wraiths entirely. Given visible form only through their attire, their original form was completely invisible to mortal eyes. The red reflection in their eyes could be plainly distinguished even in daylight, and in a rage they appeared in a hellish fire. They had many weapons, which included long swords of steel and flame, daggers with magical venomous properties and black maces of great strength. |
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