Sept 24, 2007 - Tonight at the City Council

Call me a civic nerd, but I have to confess that the most interesting nights for me at the City Council are when they're doing the important stuff like passing the annual budget and voting on the tax classification (which ultimately determines the residential and commercial property tax rates). The main item for tonight is the property tax classification - complete with a 6:30pm hearing. On the other hand, all of these votes are routine - the same thing every year - and several city councillors will ask the City Manager the same questions they ask every year. My belief is that they ask not because there's anything new to be learned, but rather to project an image of fiscal knowledge. I've been witnessing these meetings for over 20 years and, believe me, most of what the councillors will ask about is pure showmanship.

That said, there are some interesting facts that you can learn from the proceedings. In particular, residential property assessed values are down and commercial property values and rents are up. That's a very good thing for residential taxpayers because, together with some new taxable property, 79.1% of residential taxpayers will see either a decrease or no change in their property taxes this year despite a 4.55% increase in the FY08 budget. [Read the City Manager's letter.]

The median assessed value of single-family homes went up slightly in North Cambridge (+1.3%) and Cambridgeport (+0.4%) but dropped everywhere else. Two-families went up slightly in Neighborhood 9, North Cambridge, and in the Larches/Coolidge Hill neighborhood. Three-families went up only in Harvard Square and west along Mt. Auburn St. Condominiums went down slightly except for big jumps in East Cambridge (+11.6%) and Shady Hill (+35%).

Just as during the budget hearings, you can expect several councillors to glorify the Manager (largely well-deserved) and to claim that they are the ones responsible for holding the line on taxes, especially in these days leading up to the municipal election. In reality, you can thank rebounding commercial property values and new construction for keeping the lid on residential taxes.

Here are some other agenda items for tonight that jumped out at me (with comments):

Order #4. That the Cambridge City Council oppose casino building in Massachusetts because of its negative impacts on host communities and the most vulnerable members of our population   Councillor Kelley

No big deal, but it may be interesting to see which councillors will back up Governor Patrick's revenue-raising proposals no matter what. Coming out in support of the Municipal Partnership Act's new taxes is politically easier than jumping on board the casino bandwagon.

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council on the number of liquor license expansion requests and number of expansion granted in 2005, 2006 and 2007, to include expanded hours, expanded seating or the granting of new licenses in a capped area.   Councillor Kelley

This one's interesting only because of the ongoing “debate” about loosening the liquor license cap and extending hours all in the name of making Cambridge a “world class city.” Funny - I thought we already were a world-class city with or without the late-night drinks.

Order #6. [WHEREAS Some bicyclers have been forced to illegally chain their bicycles to telephone poles, bus stop signs, and other poles near City Hall because there are not enough bicycle racks in the area; now therefore be it ORDERED] That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments to discuss the feasibility of installing a bicycle rack behind City Hall so that bikers will have more options on where to lock their bikes in Central Square.   Councillor Decker

Could this have something to do with the fact that Councillor Kelley locks up his campaign-sign-festooned bike in front of City Hall? In any case, if anyone starts cracking down on those of us who lock our bikes “illegally” to poles and other fixtures, I will personally blow a piston. Why must Ms. Decker emphasize the illegality of this totally harmless practice? If anything, the City of Cambridge should be encouraging cycling in every way possible. Any attempt to prohibit locking bikes up to parking meters, lamp posts, stop signs, and any other available fixed object that does not lead to obstruction of the public way should be encouraged. Instructing cyclists to use only officially designated bike racks is a ridiculous idea.

Order #11. That the Election Commission post the official candidates for City Council and School Committee on the City website.   Councillor Davis

Seriously, does it require a City Council Order to get this to happen? In any case, I still recommend the Cambridge Candidate Pages. -- Robert Winters