It's Mayor Siddiqui

Jan 6, 2020 - The newly inaugurated 2020-21 Cambridge City Council today unanimously elected Sumbul Siddiqui as Mayor for the 2020-21 City Council term. They also elected Alanna Mallon as Vice Chair of the City Council (traditionally referred to as Vice Mayor).

The Mayors of Cambridge

PS - For what it's worth, the short-staffed School Committee later in the day chose Manikka Bowman as its Vice Chair whose primary responsibility will be to appoint any subcommittees and their respective Chairs.

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The Eve of Inauguration

Sun, Jan 5 - It's the Eve of Inauguration of the 2020-21 City Council (10:00am start, City Hall) and School Committee (6:00pm start, Cambridge Public Library, Lecture Hall, 449 Broadway). Upon inauguration of the City Council, they will proceed directly to the Election of the Mayor (and then the Vice Chair should a Mayor actually be elected). There has been the usual chatter among residents (as well as some posturing of incumbents meant to suggest who might have disproportionate influence in the process) but other than the logic of those with high vote totals deserving an advantage in the selection, I have no specific information on how the vote will go. Often the person who is seen as delivering the decisive vote is rewarded by being elected Vice Mayor or getting choice committee assignments. I have attended these inaugurations every two years for a very long time and have generally found the mayoral maneuvering to be interesting, especially in trying to decipher which favors are granted to whom in exchange for votes. It would so much more interesting if there were actual horses being traded.

Whoever does end up with the five votes to become Mayor will then have the distinct privilege of becoming the 7th voting member and Chair of the School Committee. If the tone and focus of the upcoming School Committee is even remotely similar to the outgoing one, a prison sentence might be preferable to being Mayor. Perhaps with mostly new members things will be different. A Mayor who is capable of resolving differences rather than exacerbating them will help. Time will tell.

One City Council Committee appointment (by whomever ends up as Mayor) will be Chair of the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee. We are now entering the final year of the contract with City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. The process of deciding whether to extend that contract or to seek a new City Manager has traditionally been shepherded by the Chair of Government Operations, though any route to five votes would be completely consistent with the Plan E Charter under which the Manager "shall hold office during the pleasure of the city council". As to the timing, the current contract states: "If the City intends to continue Mr. DePasquale's employment beyond January 8, 2021, it shall give written notice to Mr. DePasquale on or before September 14, 2020, and initiate negotiations for a successor employment contract, which contract, if agreed to, shall become effective January 9, 2021. Absent agreement on a successor employment contract, this Agreement shall terminate on January 8, 2021." - Robert Winters

PS - At this time it appears to still be the case that Emily Dexter may not accept her election to the School Committee. If this does prove to be the case, her replacement will be officially determined later this month. I sincerely hope that this situation is somehow reversed, that the will of the voters is respected, and that a "teachable moment" is somehow recovered. There is an opportunity here for a new Mayor to actually show real leadership. Or not. - RW

City Councillors-Elect: Dennis Carlone, Alanna Mallon, Marc McGovern, Patty Nolan, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Tim Toomey, Quinton Zondervan

School Committee Members-Elect: Mannika Bowman, Emily Dexter, Alfred Fantini, Jose Luis Rojas Villarreal, Rachel Weinstein, Ayesha Wilson

One more look at the 2019 ballots.......

Who would replace each of the elected city councillors and School Committee members should a vacancy occur? Replacements are determined from the ballots used to elect each councillor or School Committee member. I ran the tabulation software with the 2019 ballot data and here's what I found:

City Council Member     Replacement Carlone Kelley Mallon Musgrave McGovern Musgrave Nolan Kelley Siddiqui Musgrave Simmons Kelley Sobrinho-Wheeler Azeem Toomey Kelley Zondervan Williams

School Committee Member     Replacement Bowman Dawson Dexter D. Weinstein Fantini Allen Rojas Villarreal Kadete R. Weinstein D. Weinstein Wilson Dawson

Instant Runoff Mayor
As a purely academic exercise I also like to see how things would play out if the actual ballots were used to determine the Mayor via an Instant Runoff election (excluding all other candidates not elected to the City Council). The winner would be Sumbul Siddiqui with Patty Nolan as the runner-up. Here's the transfer report.

Instant Runoff School Committee Vice-Chair
As a purely academic exercise I worked out how things would play out if the actual ballots were used to determine the Vice-Chair of the School Committee via an Instant Runoff election (excluding all other candidates not elected to the School Committee). The winner would be Emily Dexter with Manikka Bowman as the runner-up. Here's the transfer report.

Thinking about the Alewife Triangle, Quadrangle and surrounding area

View of Little River wetland area

Cabot, Cabot, Forbes proposal - Northwest Alewife Triangle

Cabot, Cabot, Forbes proposal - Northwest Alewife Triangle

DCR Master Plan - Alewife Reservation

Envision Cambridge - Alewife

Envision Cambridge - Alewife

Members Sought for Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal

Jan 6, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA). Board of Zoning Appeal members must be residents of the City of Cambridge; and women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Made up of five members and up to seven associate members, the Board of Zoning Appeal reviews applications for special permits and applications for variances from the terms of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, in accordance with G.L. c.40A and the Zoning Ordinance. The BZA also hears and decides appeals of orders and determinations made by the Commissioner of the Inspectional Services Department pursuant to G.L. c.40A, §8 and the Zoning Ordinance. Additionally, the BZA reviews applications for comprehensive permits, pursuant to G.L. c.40B. In evaluating applications and petitions, the Board conducts public hearings and votes on the application or petition’s conformance with the provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.

The Board of Zoning Appeal meets twice each month on Thursday evenings for approximately 3-4 hours. The Board of Zoning Appeal is subject to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.30A, §§18-25, and all deliberations of the Board occur at public meetings. The meetings are also audio recorded and may be video recorded. As part of their time commitment, Board members are expected to review application and petition materials prior to each meeting. Materials may include development plans, impact studies, narrative descriptions, provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, information from city departments, written comments from the public, and other documents.

Ideal candidates would possess the ability to participate in a collaborative process, work with other Board members to consider diverse ideas, apply the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance to the facts presented in applications and petitions, and reach a decision. Members should also have strong attentiveness and listening skills. While there is no requirement for a technical background, interest and understanding of development, architecture, urban design, and zoning is desirable.

Individuals interested in being considered should apply by using the city’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply and finding “Board of Zoning Appeal” in the list of Current Vacancies. A cover letter and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. The deadline for submitting applications is Jan 31, 2020.

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Members Sought for Temporary Net Zero Action Plan Task Force

Jan 6, 2020 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking members to serve on a temporary Net Zero Action Plan Task Force that will contribute to the comprehensive review of the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan to phase out greenhouse gas emissions from buildings throughout the community. The Net Zero Action Plan, CambridgeMA.gov/net zero, was adopted by the Cambridge City Council in June 2015.

The review process for the new Task Force, which will meet once a month from February through June 2020, will include evaluation of the program impact to data; consideration of options to adjust the Net Zero Action Plan Framework; and adoption of an updated framework that reflects current climate science, policy, technology, and equity considerations. The Task Force will provide feedback and input to each of the project elements and represent essential stakeholder interests in the implementation of the updated Net Zero Action Plan.

Applicants with subject-matter experience in a field that would help to inform a robust and equitable Net Zero Action Plan update are encouraged to apply. This includes applicants with technical expertise in building design, construction, and operation, and energy efficiency and renewable energy technology and policy as it applies to buildings. It also includes applicants who represent community interests related to buildings and greenhouse gas emissions, underserved communities, health and safety, and local climate change advocacy groups. Representatives from city departments, neighboring municipalities, and state agencies are expected to serve on the committee in an advisory capacity.

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience should be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. The application deadline is Jan 24, 2020.

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Cambridge Human Services Commission Vacancies

Dec 12, 2019 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in volunteering to serve on the nine-member Human Services Commission.

The Commission advises the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on human services policy issues, needs assessment, and funding allocations. With the Department of Human Service Programs, the Commission also promotes activities that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Over the years, the Commission has responded to local needs by recommending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a wide range of programs offered by the City and community agencies.

The Commission usually meets with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on the second Thursday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm, at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. Commission members serve without compensation. For more information, contact Mike Payack at 617-349-6208 or mpayack@cambridgema.gov.

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience must be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. The application deadline is Fri, Jan 17, 2020.

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CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)

Tues, Jan 7

6:00pm   School Committee meeting  (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
Note: There will be a Presentation on the Budget Process and Key Dates.

Wed, Jan 8

8:00-9:30am   Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

5:30pm   Cambridge Election Commission meeting  (1st Floor Meeting Room, 51 Inman St.)

I. MINUTES II. REPORTS 1. Executive Director's Report 2. Assistant Director's Report 3. Commissioners' Reports III. PUBLIC COMMENT

IV. ACTION AGENDA New Business 1. Presidential Primary, March 3, 2020 Old Business 1. 2020 Annual City Census 2. Presidential Primary, March 3, 2020 - Early Voting Period, Feb 24 - Feb 28

5:30-7:30pm   Bicycle Committee meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

5:30-7:30pm   Transit Advisory Committee  (Senior Center)

5:30pm   Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting  (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)

Thurs, Jan 9

6:00-8:00pm   Climate Protection Action Committee (CPAC) Meeting  (City Hall Annex, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

6:00pm   Human Rights Commission meeting  (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

7:00-11:30pm   Board of Zoning Appeal meeting  (Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.)
Meeting agenda includes (8:00pm) 544 Mass. Ave. variance to build a 29-unit micro-studio apartment building [Teddy Shoe building, Central Square].

Fri, Jan 10

8:00-10:00am   Foundry Advisory Committee Meeting  (99 Bishop Allen Drive, First Floor Meeting Room)

Design and Construction Update Foundry Consortium; Nonprofit Update. For more information contact: Erica Schwarz: eschwarz@cambridgeredevelopment.org.

Mon, Jan 13

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Tues, Jan 14

6:30pm   Planning Board meeting  (2nd Floor Meeting Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Thurs, Jan 16

6:30pm   Tobin School Community Meeting  (Tobin Montessori School, 197 Vassal Ln.)

Mon, Jan 20

6:30pm   East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee  (East End House, 105 Spring Street)
[Note: This is the MLK Holiday, so this scheduled meeting will likely be cancelled or rescheduled.]

Wed, Jan 22

5:30pm   Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting  (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)

Thurs, Jan 23

6:00pm   Pedestrian Committee Meeting  (City Hall Annex, 4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

6:00pm   Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship meeting  (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

Mon, Jan 27

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Wed, Jan 29

6:00pm   Central Square Advisory Committee meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Feb 3

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

6:30pm   East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee  (East End House, 105 Spring Street)

Wed, Feb 5

5:30-7:30pm   Transit Advisory Committee  (Senior Center)

Thurs, Feb 6

6:00pm   Human Rights Commission meeting  (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)

Mon, Feb 10

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Wed, Feb 12

8:00-9:30am   Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall)

5:30-7:30pm   Bicycle Committee meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

5:30pm   Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board Meeting  (Police Station, First Floor Conference Room, 125 Sixth St.)

Mon, Feb 17

6:30pm   East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study Committee  (East End House, 105 Spring Street)
[Note: This is the Presidents Day Holiday, so this scheduled meeting will likely be cancelled or rescheduled.]

Wed, Feb 19

6:00pm   Central Square Advisory Committee meeting  (4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway)

Mon, Feb 24

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)

Thurs, Feb 27

6:00pm   Pedestrian Committee Meeting  (City Hall Annex, 4th Floor Conference Room, 344 Broadway)

6:00pm   Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship meeting  (2nd Floor Conference Room, 51 Inman St.)