Cambridge InsideOut - June 15, 2021

Robert and JudyPossible Topics:

1) Covid-19 Status

2) Reopenings

3) Craven Attention - June 14, 2021 Cambridge City Council Agenda

4) Solicited and Unsolicited Advice - June 7, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

5) Charter Review or What?

6) Civic Opportunities - Planning Board

7) Municipal election on the horizon        2021 Cambridge Candidate Pages (preliminary)
Municipal Finance observations

8) "Movement Politics"

9) Elections elsewhere:
New York City Mayoral (RCV - Jun 22);
Boston Mayoral (Top Two - Sept 14);
Somerville Mayoral (Free For All)

10) Civic Calendar


Covid19 cases - June 15, 2021
6052 tested positive - This is an increase of 0 testing positive from the previous day.
123 confirmed deaths (76 in long-term care facilities, 47 in general community)
Click on graph above for latest Cambridge data.

Cases
June 15, 2021 Breakdown of Cases (58 known active cases) - a decrease of 0 active cases from the previous day.
There have been 4110 recoveries - an increase of 0 from the previous day.

“On June 9, 2021, all suspect (antibody positive) cases were removed from the Cambridge case totals,
reducing the City’s case total by 228 cases. Suspect cases are no longer included in the city’s case total.”

7 Day Average - New Cases
Things are improving thanks to vaccinations, and the 7-day averages of new cases are now consistently low.

Harvard University COVID-19 data     MIT COVID-19 data

7-day averages


City of Cambridge Reopening Details and Timeline for City Buildings

June 8, 2021 – With the Commonwealth's State of Emergency ending on June 15, 2021, the City will begin welcoming residents back in administrative buildings without appointments on Tuesday, June 15th.City Seal

Timeline
The City of Cambridge anticipates the following reopening timeline over the coming weeks to welcome residents back to City buildings:

The Cambridge Public Library also announced its reopening plans, and will begin to reopen library branches to patrons beginning the week of June 14th. More details can be found here.

Face Masks & City Building Practices
Effective May 29, the City of Cambridge is following the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's new face-covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) updated guidance. However, the City is requiring the wearing of face masks or coverings in City buildings through June 15. This requirement will be in place for both employees and the public visiting City buildings.

Beginning Wednesday, June 16, residents and staff will be strongly encouraged to continue wearing masks and to follow the Massachusetts and CDC recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated people, but they will no longer be required in City buildings.

The City of Cambridge and Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) will continue to offer free COVID-19 testing for Cambridge residents 4 days per week with modified hours on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in June. Appointments and additional information about the testing program are available at www.cambridgema.gov/testing.

All residents are encouraged to get vaccinated. The City’s COVID-19 testing sites will also offer COVID-19 vaccinations for the month of June, while supplies last. These sites will only be using the Johnson & Johnson single dose vaccine, so you will not need to return for a second shot. You do not need an appointment for a vaccination.

For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, visit www.cambridgema.gov/covid19 to sign up for daily City email updates.


Cambridge Public Library Announces Further Reopening Plans for all Locations

June 8, 2021 – The Cambridge Public Library today announced its plans for further reopening locations to the public. On June 2, 2021, the Main Library reopened with limited in-person services. In the coming weeks, those services will increase, and all branch libraries will reopen to the public as well. No appointments will be required.

Cambridge Public LibraryThe Library is again offering seating in the Main Library Reading Room so patrons have an indoor space to read, work, study and use the Wi-Fi. The outdoor patio is also open for patrons.

The week of June 14, the Library will begin to reopen branch libraries to patrons. Five branch locations (Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Neill, and Valente) will transition to in-person services during the hours that they are currently open for contactless pickup. At the Main Library, the Children’s Room will additionally be open for browsing during select hours: June 15, 1-5pm; June 16, 1-5pm; and June 17, 12-4pm. All libraries will be closed on June 18 and June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

Library hours effective as of June 14

  Mon 6/14 Tue 6/15 Wed 6/16 Thu 6/17 Fri 6/18 Sat 6/19
Main Library closed 12-7pm 12-7pm 9am-4pm Holiday closed
Boudreau 11am-5:30pm closed 11am-5:30pm closed Holiday closed
Central Square 11am-5:30pm 11am-5:30pm 11am-5:30pm 1-7pm Holiday closed
Collins 11am-5:30pm closed closed closed Holiday closed
O’Connell closed closed closed closed Holiday closed
O’Neill closed closed 1-7pm 11am-5:30pm Holiday closed
Valente 11am-5:30pm 11am-5:30pm closed closed Holiday closed

The week of June 21, the Library will significantly increase hours and services at the six open library locations. At the Main Library, all remaining floors will be open to patrons—including the Children’s Room, Teen Room, Tech Bar, and seating and work areas. The main public areas of Boudreau Branch, Collins Branch, O’Neill Branch and Valente Branch will be open and the ground floor and the children’s floor at the Central Square Branch will be open. The Tech Center and Lewis Room at the Central Square branch are temporarily closed for renovations.

O’Connell Branch will reopen the week of June 28, and the Main Library’s new makerspace, The Hive, will open to patrons in July.

Library hours effective as of June 21 (*Note O’Connell hours go in effect as of June 28)

  Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Main Library 9am-5pm 9am-9pm 9am-9pm 9am-5pm 9am-5pm 9am-5pm
Boudreau 10am-6pm Closed 10am-6pm Closed 10am-6pm Closed
Central Square 10am-6pm 10am-9pm 10am-6pm 10am-9pm 10am-6pm Closed
Collins 10am-6pm 10am-6pm Closed Closed 10am-6pm Closed
O’Connell* 10am-6pm Closed Closed 10am-8pm 10am-6pm Closed
O’Neill 10am-8pm Closed 10am-8pm 10am-6pm 10am-6pm Closed
Valente 10am-8pm 10am-6pm 10am-8pm 10am-6pm Closed Closed

Through June 15, all library visitors over age 5 must wear a mask inside library buildings, regardless of vaccination status. Children ages 2-5 are encouraged to wear masks as well. Free masks are available at library service desks, and hand sanitizer is available throughout the building.

New service schedules will be updated on the Library website as they go into effect. Additional reopening updates will be posted on the Library’s website as details are finalized.


Craven Attention - June 14, 2021 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here's my first pass at this week's effort:City Hall

Manager's Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Library Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund a comprehensive Library Building Program Study and Feasibility Study for the Central Square Branch Library.
Order Adopted 9-0

Many of us who spend a lot of time in Central Square and think about Central Square will likely agree that even though the proposed improvements are appreciated there should really be a Grand Vision for the library and the Green Street parking garage in the context of the whole district. For example, unless you believe that all cars and all parking should be abolished (in which case you should really take up farming or ascetic religion), proposals to build on surface parking lots (or continue Starlight Square) might want to consider where those vehicles might park (at least until the Rule of Robots). A couple more parking levels on Green Street might make sense even if only as a place for the robots to live.

Manager's Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-18, regarding a report on the City's annual stationery expenditures and percentage spent at local retailers.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager's Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to first Progress Report due under the Cycling Safety Ordinance (Chapter 12.22 of the Cambridge Municipal Code), which is required to detail “…progress towards meeting the requirements set forth in Subsections C, D, E, F, G, and H. Such report shall include details on the Separated Bicycle Facilities planned for the coming twelve months.”
Referred to Transportation and Public Utilities Committee 9-0

No comment.


On the Table #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to further proposed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance and draft regulations. [TABLED IN COUNCIL MAY 17, 2021] [May 17 memo] [changes] [regulations]
Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 7-0-0-2 (DS,TT - PRESENT)

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 28, 2021 to discuss the Tree Protection Ordinance. [proposed amendments to the Tree Protection Ordinance]
Reports Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Ordinance Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-0-2 (DS,TT - PRESENT)

Committee Report #1B. The Health & Environment Committee met on Oct 13, 2020 to discuss amending the Tree Protection Ordinance based on the findings of the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force.

Committee Report #1C. The Health and Environment Committee met on Nov 10, 2020 to continue discussing amending the Tree Protection Ordinance based on the findings of the Urban Forest Master Plan Task Force.

The updated ordinance should be approved this month - probably next week. The final draft regulations are not as onerous for homeowners as they could have been, but the onward march of government control over your property continues.


Blue Heron Bridge

Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department, the Assessing Department, the Finance Department, and other relevant City departments to explore the feasibility of purchasing properties for sale in the Alewife area to address City goals.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone
Adopted 8-0-1 as Amended (TT - ABSENT)

Order #2. That the Mayor be and hereby is requested to schedule a Roundtable meeting to discuss how the American Rescue Plan funds may best be utilized in Cambridge.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted 9-0

Order #10. That the Co-Chairs of the Finance Committee schedule a hearing to discuss the $65 million Cambridge is eligible to receive from the American Rescue Plan, and to begin the discussion on how the money can best be spent to advance racial, economic, and environmental justice in our community.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Adopted 9-0

Note: “General infrastructure spending is not covered as an eligible use outside of water, sewer, and broadband investments or above the amount allocated under the revenue loss provision.” I really wish we could take some of that money and build a couple of bridges connecting the Alewife Triangle and Quadrangle and maybe build a pedestrian bridge over the Little River connecting to the Science Park area.


Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Health Department, the Inspectional Services Department, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and other relevant City departments to determine if the City has the discretion to waive this rule (state sanitary code re: heating & cooling), and the circumstances in which the City could administer this waiver, and report back to the City Council.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted 9-0

This Order grew out of the recent heat wave and the strange fact/claim that the change from heating to cooling in CHA buildings couldn't happen until June 15 regardless of conditions. The world might be a better place if we just put the administrators out to pasture and put the supers and custodians in charge.

Order #6. Amending City Council Rules for Remote Participation.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Adopted 9-0 as Amended

The State Legislature seems to be on the verge of extending the right of elected officials to continue “phoning it in” (we'll see tomorrow), but I hope they don't. I really hope we return to in-person meetings. The matter of public comment is a somewhat separate matter that can be adjusted simply by amending the City Council Rules - hence this Order. I wish they would at least restrict remote public comment to Cambridge residents and invited guests. Elected officials and City staff should simply show up in person unless they are physically unable to attend.

Order #7. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to adopt certain policies related to Open Space.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Adopted 9-0 as Amended

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Traffic & Parking Department to make these immediate improvements to the safety of this intersection (Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Binney Street, and Bristol Street) and to all intersections in the city that are similarly malfunctioning, and to implement longer term changes as soon as possible.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan
Adopted 9-0

Order #9. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with City staff to provide an update on the cost of each license and permit required by businesses in Cambridge.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Adopted 9-0

The would be useful information to see in one place, and I think most of use will readily agree that fees should be reasonable and bear at least some connection with the costs associated with the regulations. As far as continuing to waive or significantly reduce fees, unless you waive the enforcement and reduce the personnel, all you're doing is moving the cost over to the property tax.

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on May 12, 2021 to conduct a hearing on the Cannabis Delivery Zoning Amendments and Municipal Code Amendments.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Perhaps I should make a short list of the highest priorities of this Council term and the previous term. Cannabis promotion would high on that list.

Committee Report #3. The Public Safety Committee met on Jan 6, 2021 to conduct a public hearing on the Cambridge Police Department inventory list.
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

The Zondervan/Sobrinho-Wheeler war on law enforcement continues. - Robert Winters

Comments?


Solicited and Unsolicited Advice - June 7, 2021 Cambridge City Council meeting

There are a number of interesting items on this week's agenda - especially the legal analysis of City Solicitor Nancy Glowa on a number of topics.City Hall

Manager's Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager's Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-39, regarding the status of the Gold Star Mothers Pool opening plans for the June through September summer season of 2021.
Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting questions for the COVID-19 Update.
Placed on File 9-0

Resolution #9. Thank You Claude A. Jacob.   Mayor Siddiqui
Tabled 9-0

Manager's Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-23, regarding a report on permanently extending remote participation in City Council and board and commission meetings.
Placed on File 9-0

I'm really looking forward to the day when Covid updates are relegated to history rather than daily updates. I'm also eagerly looking forward to the day when City Hall, the City Hall Annex, the libraries, and all other City buildings are fully reopened. The justification for keeping them closed is rapidly fading, and when the Governor's emergency declaration expires on June 15 (or another date if the state legislature approves an extension) there will be no legal basis for denying public access.

As for the matter of the continuation of remote access to public meetings, please read the opinion of the City Solicitor in Mgr's Agenda #11. In my opinion, we should return forthwith to in-person meetings with the option of remote access for Cambridge residents and invited guests. Elected officials and City staff should no longer be "phoning it in" unless they are physically unable to attend in person.


Manager's Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2020 Town-Gown Reports and Presentations.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager's Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to new appointments and reappointment of members of the Harvard Square Advisory Committee.
Placed on File 9-0


Manager's Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Missing Middle Housing (Fuller, et al.) Zoning Petition.
Refer to Petition 9-0

Order #6. That City Manager be and is hereby requested work with the Law Department to provide an analysis of what impact the recently enacted state Housing Choices law has on the Missing Middle Housing Zoning petition.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon
Refer to Petition 9-0

I stand by my well-considered opinion that this is a terrible petition that has only grown worse as amendments to the proposal have been introduced in order to garner political support. At this point its passage has more to do with the fealty of some elected officials to the “A Better Cambridge” group than in doing what is best for the city and its residents. There is certainly a reasonable case to be made for allowing multi-family housing to be built in all residential zones and relaxing some parking requirements (especially near transit), but that is not what this zoning proposal is primarily about. It also has nothing to do with addressing any historical remnants having to do with race - in spite of the purposefully misleading rhetoric of the proponents. This is a proposal for dramatically increasing residential density - and not just in areas that currently have lower densities.

Many of us feel that Cambridge is already a relatively dense city - in fact, one of the most dense in the country - and that this proposal has more to do with creating development opportunities than it has to do with either housing affordability or good urban planning. There is also an element of hubris implicit in this petition, i.e. the notion that Cambridge can unilaterally address housing supply issues that properly must be addressed at a regional level and with modifications to the regional transportation system. There are opportunities for transit-oriented residential development that can and should be considered, but that is not part of this proposal. Perhaps the most telling comment was stated by one of the letter-writing proponents on a personal web page, “I am creating a better strategy for investments. I own multiple units in upstate NY, Rhode Island and Ohio. I currently reside in Massachusetts and am trying to find a few deals here.” Enough said.

It is interesting that Councillors Sobrinho-Wheeler, Simmons, and Mallon are so concerned about how many votes will be minimally required to ram this travesty through. Perhaps the time has come to consider how many votes may be needed to elect or replace some councillors this November.


Manager's Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-2, regarding the possibility of implementing a Sheltered Market Program, and Awaiting Report Item Number 21-4, regarding conducting a Spending Disparity Study on City Purchasing.
Placed on File 9-0

This is a very interesting legal analysis in spite of the somewhat cryptic "Sheltered Market Program." At issue is the degree to which City purchasing may give advantages to "historically disadvantaged groups" without running afoul of current laws and judicial decisions. It's not always clear where "doing the right thing" ends and where political patronage begins. The City Solicitor recommends “that the City, in order to determine whether a sheltered market program under G.L. c. 30B, § 18 can be implemented in Cambridge, first conduct a disparity study to review and analyze whether there are present effects of past discrimination for which such a program would be intended to address. If it is determined that a basis exists for the City to implement a sheltered market program following a disparity study, the next step to implement such a program would be for the City to authorize the Purchasing Agent to establish such a program by: (1) a vote of a majority of the City Council; and (2) the approval of the City Manager.”

Manager's Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for support for the City of Cambridge to join in the formation of a Boston Cambridge Tourism Destination Marketing District.
Placed on File; Order Adopted 7-0-0-2 (JSW,QZ - PRESENT)

Manager's Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response regarding the City Council having its own budget for outside legal research.
Placed on File 9-0

The saga continues. I sometimes get the impression that the “bold, progressive change” councillors will simply never accept the notion that whatever they want to do still has to conform to existing laws, and that any opinion to the contrary is met with open hostility. The City's Law Department has created a mechanism through which most or all of their needs can be met, but perhaps that's not the real point. The combination of calls for charter change in conjunction with pursuits such as this is really about gathering more power and authority to the local legislative body. In my opinion, this is a wrongheaded quest – and the fact that this is taking place behind the veil of Covid-related limitations to transparency makes it all the worse.


Cambridge PoliceCharter Right #1. Cambridge HEART Proposal. [Charter Right exercised by Councillor Zondervan In Council May 25, 2021]
Approved 8-0-0-1 (Toomey - PRESENT)

Communications #9. A communication was received from Judith Nathans, regarding H.E.A.R.T Proposal and Public Safety Task Force Recommendations.
Placed on File 9-0

The bottom line is that whether ideas and recommendations come from a City-appointed Task Force or as suggestions from a small group of activists, any implementation will still lie with the Police Commissioner and the City Manager – presumably guided by need and best practices and informed by some of the programs that have been successful elsewhere. There is simply no value in casting this matter in terms of a political quest to “Defund the Police” or the absurd notion of “Abolish the Police” either in whole or in specific locations in Cambridge. There is also no value in casting this as a choice between “H.E.A.R.T. proposal vs. Task Force Recommendations.” If there are good ideas that make sense in the context of Cambridge, I would rather put my trust in those who understand public safety and who have proven themselves to be open to creative solutions, e.g. Police Commissioner Branville Bard.


Adopting the Budget

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor E. Denise Simmons, Chair and Councillor Dennis J. Carlone Chair of the Finance Committee, for public hearings held on May 11, 2021 commencing at 9:00am and May 18, 2021 commencing at 10:00am and on May 19, 2021 commencing at 6:00pm to discuss Fiscal Year 2022 budget.
General Fund Budget of $707,104,105 Approved 7-0-0-2 (JSW,QZ - NO)
Note: Zondervan motion to reduce Police Dept. Budget to $65,000,000 failed 2-7 (JSW,QZ - YES)
Water Fund Budget of $13,016,825 Approved 9-0
Public Investment Fund Budget of $38,610,865 Approved 9-0Coins

Unfinished Business #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $5,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,000,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. … [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for various Schools for projects that include: asbestos abatement in various schools, replace the front plaza and failing masonry wing walls and recaulking the building at the Haggerty School, replace emergency generator and extend exhaust at Cambridgeport, recaulking precast panels at CRLS Field House, unit vents engineering at the Fletcher Maynard Academy and Longfellow building and replace the gym floor at the Amigos School. [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an order requesting the appropriation and authorization to borrow $28,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within River Street and Harvard Square areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts. [Passed to a Second Reading In Council May 10, 2021; to be Adopted on or after May 24, 2021]
Order Adopted 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting information on the FY22 police budget.

In most years the Budget Adoption and approval of Loan Orders for major capital projects tends to be rather pro forma with most councillors lavishing praise on all those involved (often well-deserved) and some councillors choosing to take a stand either on principal or simply to gain some political advantage. On the School Department budget, I have to side with Councillor Nolan, in particular, who may have seemed contrarian but was simply pointing out that we often don't maintain very high standards for our schools and we achieve even less. Expressing disapproval may seem cruel in light of all the Covid-related difficulties of the past year, but even that should not let the School Committee or the School Department off the hook. Personally, I have for a long time felt that the focus of Cambridge schools has been far more about social engineering and indoctrination than about academic excellence. It's particularly grating to listen to School Committee members who have developed their own dialect of "edu-speak" that allows them to "talk around" just about any matter of substance.

As for the rest of the City budget, I fully expect there to be plenty of grandstanding from the “bold progressive change” crowd on either the Police budget or the IT budget (because of the municipal broadband saga) and maybe a few other items before the Bottom Line comes to a final (presumably successful) vote.


Unfinished Business #9. Zoning Amendments related to Retail and Consumer Service Establishments as amended on May 17, 2021 (Ordinance # 2021-3) [Passed to a Second Reading on May 17, 2021; to be Ordained on or after June 7, 2021]
Ordained 9-0

Unfinished Business #10. Zoning Amendments related to Home Occupations (ORDINANCE #2021-4) [Passed to a Second Reading on May 17, 2021; to be Ordained on or after June 7, 2021]
Ordained 9-0

These could be ordained at this meeting, but I would be lying if I told you that I understood much about the proposed changes or the potential intended or unintended consequences.


Order #5. Live Acoustic Entertainment Ordinance.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone
Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

This might be OK, but the fact that percussion is considered acoustic and requires no amplification causes me some concern. Then again, the proposal does suggest that any performances must still conform to existing laws, including the Noise Ordinance. That said, I would be happier if the License Commission still had a role in at least reviewing these things and effecting compromises when appropriate. There is also a level of ambiguity in the proposal when it says “within the perimeter of their business.” Does this include outdoor patios? What about the case of relatively loud acoustic performance in a location abutting a residence - possibly where someone is working from home like so many of us are doing these days?

Order #7. That the City Manager and staff be requested to examine car storage policies and discuss potential updates with the City Council at a meeting of the Transportation Committee.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Regardless of any other merits this proposal may have, let's at least be aware of the fact that it proposes to eliminate residential and commercial parking minimums citywide and (though it doesn't explicitly say so) significantly jacking up residential parking permit fees. So if you do choose to own a motor vehicle there will be greater competition for on-street parking and significantly greater expense for the “privilege” of doing so.

Committee Report #2. Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee – Committee Meeting - May 26, 2021 at 10:00am.
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Order Adopted 9-0

The purpose of the meeting was to consider the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board (slam dunk) and to discuss the pilot of street closures in Harvard Square. Street closure discussions in Cambridge are often a witch's brew of "ban cars" sentiments and creative ideas for improving street life and local retail. The bottom line is that emergency vehicles still need to get through, and it is often the case that when you ban vehicles from one street it becomes just a game of "Whack-A-Mole" when the vehicles simply shift to alternate routes. The Great Exceptions to this are those streets that have been designated (or should be designated) as "woonerfs" - a Dutch term for what is essentially a shared, low volume street. In Cambridge, think Winthrop Street (by Grendel's Den), Palmer Street (Club Passim), and the yet-to-be made spectacular Blanche Street at the edge of Central Square (which is still just a delivery alley at best). There are some other streets that could be operated as shared streets or ban all but emergency vehicles without creating a cascading vehicular hellscape. Making Palmer Street an interesting street (and not just artsy fartsy) would be a good place to start. Even a hot dog vendor would be a great improvement.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about Homelessness Working Group.
Placed on File 9-0

There is no doubt that more is needed in this arena, but these investigations can end up as reports on shelves – and the simple truth is that these are regional problems and when one well-meaning city like Cambridge does things to address these problems it often ends up paradoxically increasing the problems in that city as individuals migrate to where the enhanced services are to be found. For example, when Boston cracks down on Methadone Mile, some of that just relocates to Central Square. - Robert Winters

Comments?


June 2, 2021 Special Meeting on Charter Review

COMMUNICATIONSCity Hall
1. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting charter assessment: review and reform.

To: Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
From: Sumbul Siddiqui, Mayor
Subject: Charter Assessment: Review + Reform
Date: 4.29.2021
Cc: Cambridge City Council

A communication from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting an update on the Charter Assessment Review.

CHARTER REVIEW AND REFORM
As outlined in the communication on March 18, 2021, The Collins Center has prepared the second memo regarding the proposed formal review of the City of Cambridge Plan E. Charter. The attached memo contains an overview of the individual discussions with each Council member, recommendations and alternatives for the Council to consider, and potential next steps for this process. The Collins Center will be available at our request for a special meeting to discuss both memos.
The Collins Center will be available at our request for a special meeting to discuss both memos.

Cambridge Charter Review Project Memo #2 – April 28, 2021

2. A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, transmitting an update on the Charter Assessment Review (March 18, 2021 City Council meeting).

CHARTER REVIEW AND REFORM
Pursuant to the unanimously adopted policy order of July 27, 2020, the City Council has begun the formal review process of the city’s Plan E. charter. On September 23, 2020, the Council held a special meeting to discuss the proposed review with a presentation by The Collins Center for Public Management, who outlined the process for a formal charter review.
On January 29, 2021, the City executed a professional services agreement with The Collins Center, with deliverables including 2 memoranda presenting the major options of Forms of Government available to Cambridge, the key differences between these options, and a second memo summarizing the Council’s feedback regarding the current Charter and Form of Government, providing options for pathways the Council might consider moving forward, respectively.

As of March 11, 2021, the Collins Center delivered the draft first memo, which includes background on forms of government in Massachusetts, history of Cambridge’s Charter and potential options for change. During the week of March 15, 2021, the Collins Center team met with each Councillor individually (individual meetings to conclude on 3/19/2021) to discuss the draft first memo, and to hear Councillor’s perspectives and feedback regarding the proposed options.

The next steps for the project will be to draft the second memo, based on the information drawn from the individual discussions and any recommendations that resulted from these conversations. The two drafts will then be provided to the Mayor and City Manager for review. All feedback from the Mayor and City Manager will then be complied into the final versions of the memoranda. The Collins Center (at the request of the City Manager or Council) will present the final memoranda, as well as answer any questions at a regular meeting of the City Council.

Cambridge Charter Review Project Memo #1 – Mar 11, 2021

Memo 1 Appendices

HOW TO BREAK A POLITICAL MACHINE – Collier’s Magazine, Jan 31, 1948

3. A communication was received from Michael Ward of the University of Massachusetts, regarding Second Presentation to the Cambridge City Council on Charters and Charter Processes.

City Council Presentation – June 2, 2021


Comments may follow


License Commission Extends Covid-19 Recovery Measures

May 27, 2021 – In light of the lingering effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Board of License Commissioners (the “Board”) adopted the following to ensure we continue to support our licensed businesses through the recovery period.City Seal

2022 Renewal Fees.
The following is a one-time, non-precedent setting reduction in renewal fees for licenses for the year 2022 (inclusive of those that renew in the Spring of 2022), set as a recovery measure.

(1) 40% reduction on the total license renewal fees for all license types except: Pole & Conduit, Waste Haulers, Leaf Blowers, and Flammables Only. This means there would be a 40% reduction of the renewal fee for all of the following license types: alcohol (restaurant, club, hotel, general on premises/bar, any series pouring permit), common victualler (restaurant), entertainment, innholder, lodging houses/dormitories, letting of motor vehicles, used car dealers, garages, open air parking lots, second hand good stores (antiques and junk), hawker/peddler (food trucks), jitneys, and liveries. Waiver of all fees for the renewal of taxi driver licenses and medallions as done in years prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

(2) To continue promoting safe practices and based on expert advice that being outside is better than inside, annual patio renewal fees for 2022 will be $25.00 for private patios and $75.00 for public patios. 

(3) The renewal fees will be due by the date set in the usual manner. None of the renewal fees will be pro-rated or collected in installments except for the alcohol renewal fee which can be collected bi-annually as a 50/50 split (the first half due in November 2021, the second half due in May 2022).

Temporary Extensions of the Licensed Premises to an Outdoor Area Due to COVID-19 (“Temporary Extensions”).
Per COVID-19 Orders Nos. 35 and 50, these Temporary Extensions will expire on August 15, 2021. Provided that the Governor’s new bill is signed, these will be extended through November 29, 2021. The Board voted to adopt the new expiration date if approved by the legislature. In the alternative, the Board will adopt any legal mechanism possible to extend the temporary patios through the end of the year or whatever date provided by the adopted legislature. The Chair has been designated as the person to create and implement the process with the Board’s ratification to follow.


Members Sought for City of Cambridge Planning Board

May 24, 2021 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Planning Board. Board members are volunteers who serve five-year terms.City Seal

The Planning Board reviews proposals for urban development under the special permit provisions of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, makes recommendations to the City Council on proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, and engages in general planning related to land use and development in the city.

A goal of the city is to expand and deepen community engagement with a focus to strengthen the diversity and inclusion of its various boards and commissions, and to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Serving on the Planning Board is a meaningful way to participate in important decision making that shapes the future of the City of Cambridge.

Planning Board members’ responsibilities include:

The Board has seven full members and two associate members, who participate in general business discussions and may be appointed to act on special permit cases in place of full board members.

The following qualities are desired for Planning Board members:

For more information, visit: www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard.

The application deadline is Friday, June 25, 2021. Applications can be submitted at www.Cambridgema.gov/apply. A letter of interest and a resume or other description of applicable experience can also be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. Please note that appointments are currently required due to COVID-19 safety protocols. To make an appointment to pick up an application, please contact the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or email fgaines@Cambridgema.gov.


Down the road a bit - Growing rumblings of the 2021 municipal election year

Dec 14, 2020, updated May 24, 2021 – I really hate to get started on this topic so early in the game, but there are already rumors of possible candidates for 2021 and several potential candidates have already filed the paperwork with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) so that they can start raising campaign donations. At least 7 incumbent city councillors have already sent word to supporters about seeking reelection, and others may follow. Here's a list of what we know so far:

Name Address Filed w/OCPF Notes
Challengers (11) who have declared intention to seek reelection or are actively fundraising (there may be others)
Frantz Pierre 22 Water Street #808, 02141 Nov 10, 2020 not listed as registered voter as of Nov 2020 at given address, case worker at Margaret Fuller House
Tonia Hicks 337 Pearl Street, 02139 Nov 13, 2020
declared
campaign Chair lives in Colorado, Treasurer lives in North Carolina
Dana Bullister 155 5th Street #1, 02141 Nov 23, 2020
declared
listed as own campaign Chair and Treasurer, was rumored as candidate in 2019
Joe McGuirk
(new website!)
314 Columbia St. #1, 02141 Dec 7, 2020
declared
bartender at Highland Kitchen in Somerville, and the Lexington at Cambridge Crossing
Santos Carrasquillo 188 Harvard St. #3B, 02139 Jan 11, 2021 occupation unknown
Theodora Skeadas 988 Memorial Drive #185, 02138 Feb 19, 2021
declared
Executive Director of Cambridge Local First; previously filed w/OCPF in Dec 2016 as a candidate but did not pursue at that time
Nicola Williams 8 Brewer St. #5, 02138 declared, actively fundraising, ran in 2019 business owner, community activist, organizer of the Cambridge Carribean Carnival, serves on the board of several Cambridge non-profit and neighborhood organizations
Paul Toner 24 Newman St., 02140 declared, initial campaign deposit 4/18/21 Senior Director of National Policy, Partnerships and Northeast Region for Teach Plus; former VP and president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association (2006-2014), and of the Cambridge Teachers Association (2001-2006); middle school social studies teacher, lawyer, and former teacher union leader. He previously ran for City Council in 2017.
Roy Ribitzky 163 Webster Ave. #3, 02141 4/26/21 Guest Experience Professional in the Food and Beverage Industry; currently Bar Lead & Shift Supervisor at The Smoke Shop BBQ, Somerville.
Burhan Azeem 35 Speridakis Terr., 02139 5/2/21 announced via email (ran in 2019) Works at startup that does at-home COVID & post-op care for patients in India.
Eckstut, Robert 251 Western Ave. #1, 02139 5/12/21 Poker Player, author, activist (from LinkedIn page); Chair/Treasurer lives in California
Rumored possible City Council candidates - either new or returning
Jeffery McNary 116 Norfolk St. #201, 02139 expressed interest ran in 2019 w/o accepting donations
Sam Gebru 812 Memorial Dr. #614A, 02139 recently made $200 candidate loan to acct. ran in 2017 and has kept campaign account active
Incumbents (7) who have declared intention to seek reelection or are actively fundraising (there may be others)
Dennis Carlone 9 Washington Ave. #6, 02140 declared first elected 2013, 4 terms on City Council
Marc McGovern 17 Pleasant St., 02139 declared first elected in 2013, 4 terms on City Council
Quinton Zondervan 235 Cardinal Madeiros Ave., 02141 raising money first elected in 2017, 2 terms on City Council
Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler 187 Brookline St. #3, 02139 actively fundraising first elected in 2019, 1 term on City Council
Denise Simmons 188 Harvard St. #4B, 02139 actively fundraising first elected in 2001, 10 terms on City Council
Alanna Mallon 3 Maple Ave., 02139 declared first elected in 2017, 2 terms on City Council
Sumbul Siddiqui 283 Sidney St. #3, 02139 declared on her website first elected in 2017, 2 terms on City Council
New School Committee candidates (presumably all incumbents will be seeking reelection)
none

Please send me any additions, corrections or credible rumors at Robert@rwinters.com.

If you know of any great potential candidates for either Cambridge City Council or School Committee, please encourage them to consider being a candidate in the 2021 municipal election.

2021 Cambridge Candidate Pages (preliminary)

Cambridge City Council Campaign Receipts 2021

Note: The "A Better Cambridge" PAC filed its Dissolution Report on April 14 - apparently in favor of operating all of its political campaign financing via its Independent Expenditure PAC. The significance of this change is that an ordinary political action committee (PAC) is required to file monthly bank reports (twice/month during the active campaign season). An Independent Expenditure PAC has no such reporting requirements, i.e. there is very little transparency.


"Movement" Politics

Cambridge Housing Justice is organized by: The Black Response, Project Right to Housing, The Material Aid and Advocacy Program, Our Revolution Cambridge, Cambridge Residents Alliance, Cambridge DSA, and Cambridge NAACP.

SAY "NO" TO #UNAFFORDABLECAMBRIDGE

Cambridge City Council has been considering whether to support the so-called “Missing Middle” housing petition. This plan will allow for-profit developers to create more luxury housing with NO provision for affordable housing. It will NOT help remedy racial disparities in Cambridge. It WILL push out low and middle income community members, including many people of color, from Cambridge.

JOIN US! THURSDAY JUNE 17 5PM, CAMBRIDGE CITY HALL LAWN
This rally is for you if:

Radical 2   Radical 1   Radical 3


The Port Organizing Group - a group convened by Port residents working to rebuild the Area 4/Port Neighborhood Coalition. It will:
  • Inform residents about neighborhood issues
  • Share information about Port-related happenings and projects
  • Be a respected voice and advocate for neighborhood concerns

There is a lot going on in Cambridge that affects Port/Area 4 residents. Let’s get together to discuss our ideas and concerns to see how we can take action together as neighbors.

The Port Organizing Group - Santos Carrasquillo, Marian Darlington-Hope, Lee Farris, Charles Franklin, Corey Godfrey, Richard Goldberg, Gregory O'Bannon, Nancy Ryan, Dan Totten, Alex Wang, Susan Yanow, and others.


CIVIC CALENDAR (abridged)

Tues, June 15

6:00pm   School Committee Virtual Meeting  (webcast from Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)

The next Regular Meeting of the School Committee will be held on Tues, June 15 at 6:00pm held in and broadcast from the Attles Meeting Room, CRLS for the purpose of discussing any and all business that may properly come before the Committee.

Individuals must sign up in advance to provide public comments for the Regular Meeting. The sign-up window is Thurs, June 10 through Tues, June 15 at 12 Noon (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).

- To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.

- To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device: visit www.cpsd.us/school_committee/virtual.

Until further notice, the Cambridge School Committee will hold its meetings and hear public comment virtually. Meetings will be livestreamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 98/99, as usual.

There will be a Special Meeting of the School Committee immediately following the Regular Meeting on June 15, 2021 in the Attles Meeting Room, CRLS, for the purpose of entertaining a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing strategy for contract negotiations for Interim Superintendent, as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the strategy and negotiation positions of the School Committee.

6:30pm   Planning Board meeting  (Sullivan Chamber, City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave.)

General Business

1. Update from the Community Development Department

2. Adoption of Planning Board meeting transcripts (5/4/2021; 5/11/2021)

3. Discussion and possible amendment of certain Planning Board Rules regarding remote participation

Public Hearings

6:30pm   PB# 361 (continued from 12/15/2020)
711-727 Massachusetts Avenue – Special Permit application by Gas Light Building, LLC to renovate and rehab the existing building and construct an addition for a hotel pursuant to Section 20.304.3.4 to allow total Floor Area Ratio of 4.0 for non-residential and residential uses combined, Section 20.304.2.2.a additional height of 80 feet, Section 20.304.5.3.b relief from restriction of bank frontage on Mass Avenue, Section 20.304.5.4 relief from Formula Business restriction, Section 20.304.6.3 waiver of parking and loading requirements, and Section 2.000 Definitions exemption of Gross Floor Area for basement uses. (Materials)

7:30pm   PB# 379
95 First Street – Special Permit application by Ivy League Technologies, LLC to convert an existing space to a Cannabis Retail Store pursuant to Section 11.800 Adult Use Marijuana Retail Establishment. (Materials)

Wed, June 16

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

5:30-7:30pm   Joint Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committee Meeting  (Zoom)

5:30pm   Cambridge Election Commission meeting  (51 Inman Street, 1st Floor Meeting Room)
The meeting will take place IN PERSON!

Agenda includes:
Old Business

1. Coordination/Communication with City Council Regarding Proposed Legislative Changes for the 2021 Municipal Election

2. 2021 Municipal Election - Polling Locations

3. 2021 Re-Precincting Update

Mon, June 21

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 22

3:00pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee will meet to discuss various items related to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance, including CMA 2021 #41 regarding data on Shotspotter, BRIC and COPLINK.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, June 23

5:00pm   The City Council's Transportation and Public Utilities, NLTP, and Public Safety Committees will meet to conduct a public hearing on a communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the first Cycling Safety Ordinance report which analyzes the block-by-block impacts of installing quick-build separated bike lanes on four specific segments of Massachusetts Avenue, as identified in Section 12.22.040 (E) of the ordinance.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, June 28

5:30pm   City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)

Tues, June 29

11:00am   The City Council's Government Operations Committee will meet to discuss the hiring of the next City Manager.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Wed, July 21

2:00pm   The City Council's Public Safety Committee and the Economic Development & University Relations Committee will meet jointly to hear from Saskia VannJames, President of the Massachusetts Recreational Consumer Council, on the importance of cannabis cooperatives and their potential role in the equitable development of Cambridge’s emerging recreational cannabis industry.  (Sullivan Chamber)

Mon, Aug 2

5:30pm   Special (Midsummer) City Council meeting  (Sullivan Chamber)