Cambridge InsideOut - Jan 2, 2024
Possible Topics:
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2) The Inaugural Protest - and the larger picture
4) Charter Review Committee Status Report
5) ‘Bernard was the very best of Cambridge’: The bond between the Palestinian family behind Brookline Lunch and their Jewish lawyer
6) Age Distribution in the municipal elections
7) Alternate Measures of Popularity
8) Dec 18 City Council meeting
9) Dec 11 City Council meeting
10) Nov 20 City Council meeting
11) Nov 13 City Council Roundtable meeting - Central Square Lots
13) Grading on a Curve: The 2022-2023 Cambridge City Council
Make Mine Mandatory
Playing to the Crowd
AHO, Bikes, BEUDO; Manager-Clerk-Auditor
14) Municipal Election Results
16) Some history of proportional representation elections in the world, the USA, in Massachusetts, and in Cambridge
17) The need for an actual Cambridge Civic Association
18) Civic Calendar
January 1, 2024 - E. Denise Simmons was elected Mayor at today’s Inaugural Meeting of the 2024-2025 Cambridge City Council. The vote was (eventually) unanimous. Marc McGovern was then elected Vice-Chair by an 8-1 majority.
For what it’s worth, control freaks should never be chosen as Mayor, so this was a good outcome.
| Councillor | Vote for Mayor (1st Ballot) | Vote for Mayor (2nd Ballot) | Vote for Vice-Chair |
| Burhan Azeem | McGovern → Azeem (2) | Simmons | Azeem → McGovern (3) |
| Marc McGovern | McGovern → Simmons (1) | Simmons | McGovern |
| Patricia Nolan | Nolan | Nolan → Simmons | Nolan |
| Joan Pickett | Simmons | Simmons | Nolan → McGovern (1) |
| Sumbul Siddiqui | Siddiqui | Simmons | Wilson → McGovern (6) |
| E. Denise Simmons | Simmons | Simmons | McGovern |
| Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler | Siddiqui | Simmons | Wilson → McGovern (4) |
| Paul Toner | Simmons | Simmons | Nolan → McGovern (2) |
| Ayesha Wilson | Siddiqui | Simmons | Wilson → McGovern (5) |
| Result: | Simmons 4, Siddiqui 3, Nolan 1, Azeem 1 | Simmons unanimous | McGovern 8, Nolan 1 |
The meeting was disrupted by the morons from the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and their allies chanting tired refrains such as “Justice for Faisal”, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”, and accusations that most of the Cambridge City Council support genocide. Methinks PSL would be more appropriately named “Petulant Socialist Lunatics”. They also defaced the front stairs of City Hall with their various predictable catchphrases. Unless steps are taken to regulate the “time, place, and manner” of what they feel are their free speech rights, these lunatics will be back again and again and again, and Cambridge will be seen broadly as a sanctuary city for idiots. - Robert Winters
CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
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Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
It is with a heavy heart but a deep love for Harvard that I write to share that I will be stepping down as president. This is not a decision I came to easily. Indeed, it has been difficult beyond words because I have looked forward to working with so many of you to advance the commitment to academic excellence that has propelled this great university across centuries. But, after consultation with members of the Corporation, it has become clear that it is in the best interests of Harvard for me to resign so that our community can navigate this moment of extraordinary challenge with a focus on the institution rather than any individual.
It is a singular honor to be a member of this university, which has been my home and my inspiration for most of my professional career. My deep sense of connection to Harvard and its people has made it all the more painful to witness the tensions and divisions that have riven our community in recent months, weakening the bonds of trust and reciprocity that should be our sources of strength and support in times of crisis. Amidst all of this, it has been distressing to have doubt cast on my commitments to confronting hate and to upholding scholarly rigor—two bedrock values that are fundamental to who I am—and frightening to be subjected to personal attacks and threats fueled by racial animus.
I believe in the people of Harvard because I see in you the possibility and the promise of a better future. These last weeks have helped make clear the work we need to do to build that future—to combat bias and hate in all its forms, to create a learning environment in which we respect each other’s dignity and treat one another with compassion, and to affirm our enduring commitment to open inquiry and free expression in the pursuit of truth. I believe we have within us all that we need to heal from this period of tension and division and to emerge stronger. I had hoped with all my heart to lead us on that journey, in partnership with all of you. As I now return to the faculty, and to the scholarship and teaching that are the lifeblood of what we do, I pledge to continue working alongside you to build the community we all deserve.
When I became president, I considered myself particularly blessed by the opportunity to serve people from around the world who saw in my presidency a vision of Harvard that affirmed their sense of belonging—their sense that Harvard welcomes people of talent and promise, from every background imaginable, to learn from and grow with one another. To all of you, please know that those doors remain open, and Harvard will be stronger and better because they do.
As we welcome a new year and a new semester, I hope we can all look forward to brighter days. Sad as I am to be sending this message, my hopes for Harvard remain undimmed. When my brief presidency is remembered, I hope it will be seen as a moment of reawakening to the importance of striving to find our common humanity—and of not allowing rancor and vituperation to undermine the vital process of education. I trust we will all find ways, in this time of intense challenge and controversy, to recommit ourselves to the excellence, the openness, and the independence that are crucial to what our university stands for—and to our capacity to serve the world.
Sincerely,
Claudine Gay
Dear Members of the Harvard Community,
With great sadness, we write in light of President Claudine Gay’s message announcing her intention to step down from the presidency and resume her faculty position at Harvard.
First and foremost, we thank President Gay for her deep and unwavering commitment to Harvard and to the pursuit of academic excellence. Throughout her long and distinguished leadership as Dean of Social Science then as Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences – where she skillfully led the FAS through the COVID-19 pandemic and pursued ambitious new academic initiatives in areas such as quantum science and inequality – she demonstrated the insight, decisiveness, and empathy that are her hallmark. She believes passionately in Harvard’s mission of education and research, and she cares profoundly about the people whose talents, ideas, and energy drive Harvard. She has devoted her career to an institution whose ideals and priorities she has worked tirelessly to advance, and we are grateful for the extraordinary contributions she has made – and will continue to make – as a leader, a teacher, a scholar, a mentor, and an inspiration to many.
We are also grateful to Alan M. Garber, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, who has served with distinction in that role for the past twelve years – and who has agreed to serve as Interim President until a new leader for Harvard is identified and takes office. An economist and a physician, he is a distinguished and wide-ranging scholar with appointments at Harvard Medical School, Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. We are fortunate to have someone of Alan’s broad and deep experience, incisive judgment, collaborative style, and extraordinary institutional knowledge to carry forward key priorities and to guide the university through this interim period.
These past several months have seen Harvard and higher education face a series of sustained and unprecedented challenges. In the face of escalating controversy and conflict, President Gay and the Fellows have sought to be guided by the best interests of the institution whose future progress and well-being we are together committed to uphold. Her own message conveying her intention to step down eloquently underscores what those who have worked with her have long known – her commitment to the institution and its mission is deep and selfless. It is with that overarching consideration in mind that we have accepted her resignation.
We do so with sorrow. While President Gay has acknowledged missteps and has taken responsibility for them, it is also true that she has shown remarkable resilience in the face of deeply personal and sustained attacks. While some of this has played out in the public domain, much of it has taken the form of repugnant and in some cases racist vitriol directed at her through disgraceful emails and phone calls. We condemn such attacks in the strongest possible terms.
The search for a new president of the university will begin in due course. We will be in further touch about the process, which will include broad engagement and consultation with the Harvard community in the time ahead.
For today, we close by reiterating our gratitude to President Gay for her devoted service to Harvard, as well as to Provost Garber for his willingness to lead the university through the interim period to come. We also extend our thanks to all of you for your continuing commitment to Harvard’s vital educational and research mission – and to core values of excellence, inclusiveness, and free inquiry and expression. At a time when strife and division are so prevalent in our nation and our world, embracing and advancing that mission – in a spirit of common purpose -- has never been more important. We live in difficult and troubling times, and formidable challenges lie ahead. May our community, with its long history of rising through change and through storm, find new ways to meet those challenges together, and to affirm Harvard’s commitment to generating knowledge, pursuing truth, and contributing through scholarship and education to a better world.
The Fellows of Harvard College
Penny Pritzker, Senior Fellow
Timothy R. Barakett, Treasurer
Kenneth I. Chenault
Mariano-Florentino (Tino) Cuéllar
Paul J. Finnegan
Biddy Martin
Karen Gordon Mills
Diana L. Nelson
Tracy P. Palandjian
Shirley M. Tilghman
Theodore V. Wells, Jr.
Charter Review Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes
by Shannon Larson, Boston Globe, Dec 18, 2023
Great tribute to lawyer and former City Councillor Bernard Goldberg and their long friendship with Jamal and Manal Abu-Rubieh, proprietors of Brookline Lunch in Central Square.
“But Bernard never changed. Bernard was the very best of Cambridge, and what made this city feel like home. ... Bonds like that endure no matter how much time has passed,” she said. “You don’t forget the people who treated you with respect and kindness; you only hope you feel as special to them as they do to you.”
I am just now beginning to analyze the voting patterns of the recent municipal election compared to previous years. There’s a lot more analysis to come, but here’s a quick chart showing histograms of the number of people who voted by age (in 3-year groupings):
Number of people voting in the 2021 vs. 2023 municipal elections
Note, in particular, that the number of people voting in the 24-35 age range jumped considerably, the number of people in the 56-67 age range actually dropped, and the number of people in the 74-82 age range increased considerably. The number of people voting increased from 22,097 to 23,478 (based on available data from the registered voter list and the voter history files).
Here’s the sequence of histograms for 2017 through 2023:
Here are the changes in number of people who voted for 2017 to 2019, 2019 to 2021, and 2021 to 2023:
Feel free to interpret these changes as you see fit. Possible causes are changing demographics, who was targeted by candidates, and specific issues such as bike lanes and the AHO. More to come as the spirit moves me. - RW
This is the last meeting of the 2022-23 Cambridge City Council, and I really hope the next group of nine will find the road back to reasonable. I have had my fill of councillors engaging in political patronage, calling cops murderers, enacting mandates without expending effort to convince people, and backroom political machinations held under the guise of “ad-hoc” committees created to evade the primary purposes of the Open Meeting Law. We can do better. Maybe the new City Council can even find that “Third Way” on matters involving bikes, housing, and other matters rather than playing “winner take all” every which way. The Big Elephant in the room next year will be deliberations on revisions to the City Charter, and it’s not yet clear if rationality will prevail over political self-interest in that process. I have refrained from commenting so far on that upcoming pachyderm, but that will end soon and I intend to be brutally honest in my assessment.
The out-of-sight battle for who shall be Mayor is, of course, raging and my understanding is that all six incumbents are seeking the crown. I have a couple of favorites, of course, but as Werner Heisenberg taught us, the act of measurement can only introduce uncertainty into what is being measured, so I’ll shut up for now and hope for the best. I’ll also refrain from comments on the three departing councillors thanks to some sage advice that my mother gave me a very long time ago.
It’s a light agenda for this sunset meeting, but here are a few items of potential interest:
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for Miss Markham’s School at 10 Buckingham Street on the Buckingham, Browne & Nichols (BB&N) Lower School campus. (CM23#303) [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; remarks by MM (dismissive of landmarking of building “I don’t know what we’re preserving.”), Charles Sullivan (who explains the historical and architectural significance), McGovern would prefer a plaque rather than landmarking; PN will not support landmarking - OK with a plaque; DC supports landmarking, would prefer to see original portion of building preserved, possibly moved, and new building built in addition, Sullivan concurs; DS supports landmarking, wants efforts to be expended to preserve, Sullivan notes that other than landmarking no other options; QZ sees no value in preserving this building; Siddiqui also does not support landmarking; Order Fails of Adoption 2-6-1 (DC,DS-Yes; AM,MM,PN,PT,QZ,SS-No; BA-Absent); Placed on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-82, regarding an update on Municipal Broadband and Digital Equity. (CM23#307) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; remarks by PN, wants timeline; Yi-An Huang notes pairing of Digital Equity and Municipal Broadband and fact that some improvements in digital equity can be done at modest cost (not $200 million), City-owned fiber network would have some policy advantages, substantial amount of City subsidy would be required and must be balanced against other priorities, whether or not it should be part of 5-year plan, need to find the money first; Nolan harps on “this is a utility” and apparently believes Harvard, MIT, and “Kendall Square” would provide financial support (really?); QZ tells story of broadband access in Suriname, would raise taxes to pay for this; Placed on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Manager’s Agenda #10. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $68,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund City Council Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the work of the Charter Review Committee. Funds will be used to support the work of the Charter Review Committee which has been meeting since August 2022 and is tasked to review the City’s current charter and to recommend changes. These efforts included contracting with an outside consultant to assist with research and facilitation of committee meetings, as well as public outreach events and materials. The Committee is anticipated to release a final report by Jan 31, 2024. (CM23#308)
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to fundamentally change how it responds to situations that could lead to violence and death. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Dec 11, 2023] (PO23#215)
pulled by Zondervan; QZ asks about killing of Faisal; Christine Elow notes work with PERF, working with police union on body cameras and policies, released dashboard, after-inquest review by PERF, work on less-lethal options and other launchers, training of entire department; QZ asks about what policies are being negotiated with union; QZ asks about arms that police carry, possibility of response without firearms; Elow notes that Comm. Bard agreed with reduction of weaponry, 20% of inventory was destroyed, camouflage eliminated; QZ asks about long guns on roofs at protest last week; Elow explains that at large events best practices requires rooftop observations, knew of Elbit protest in advance and possibility of counterprotest, Special Response Team on roof, concerns about harm and vandalism; preparation for worst-case scenarios; QZ continues to harp on presence of rifles on roof; Siddiqui asks about policy vs. practice re: presence of rifles with Special Response Team; Elow notes what has happened elsewhere in country and need to be prepared; PN notes that Public Safety meeting was not held due to lack of quorum, but originally scheduled for Dec 6, then changed to Dec 13 when members could not attend; PN gives prepared speech on inquest and process; Nolan proposes amendments to Zondervan order; MM notes that officers on roof were not “snipers” (Elow concurs) and that preparedness for worst-case scenarios is necessary; DS notes diversity of opinion and that “you’re entitled to your own opinions but not your own facts”, notes that seniors want public safety and that they don’t want Police Department neutered, not like police departments elsewhere; DS cautions against neutering of CPD possibly leading to tragic outcomes, cannot support original order or amended order; Elow notes that Special Response Team formed under Comm. Robert Haas as an alternative to State Police or other law enforcement agencies, only used for special circumstances; Yi-An Huang notes that this conversation has been ongoing all year, notes that PERF generally only brought in when terrible things have happened elsewhere, notes that Faisal incident was a complicated situation that unfolded fast, notes that our police officers need to be supported; Toner will vote no because we are already making good progress; Carlone notes that we have done this already and that if we must pass an Order it should be the amended version; QZ says we have not dealt with this issue in the current term; Elow notes that CPD looks at every incident differently; Nolan notes that we have done some of this before, does not support disarming the Police, notes that Elbit protests here and elsewhere had escalated; Siddiqui will support substitute order, need for further conversation; Amendment by Substitution Passes 8-1 (QZ-No); Order as Amended Passes 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No); Amended Order forwarded to next City Council (Awaiting Report)
Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance 2023 #12 has been received from City Clerk, relative to BEUDO the Municipal Code of the City of Cambridge be amended in Chapter 8.67.100 entitled “Emission Reduction Requirements”. [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 4, 2023; Eligible to be ordained on or after Dec 18, 2023] (ORD23#12)
pulled by Zondervan; Iram Farooq notes that CDD does not support this further amendment, notes that current ordinance reduces by 90% but exorbitant costs for minimal additional reduction and other problematic aspects of amendment, notes that CDD came up with most stringent ordinance possible and this was already adopted and that further amendment now would be a breach of trust; Zondervan notes that his latest proposed amendments addresses these concerns; Farooq says no fuel now available to meet proposed specifications and that only natural gas would currently suffice and with higher carbon cost - nothing gained with added regulatory structure; McGovern notes Council actions over past few months in this area, not supportive of amendments; Nolan says even if not a good idea to amend so soon this was our expectation under new stretch code, says it’s possible to meet needs on extreme cold days, says we won’t meet state mandated goals on emission reduction; Carlone says this is doable, “I’ll be voting for children”; Ordination Fails 4-5 (DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; BA,AM,MM,PT,DS-No)
Resolution #1. Resolution on the death of Paul Parravano. Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled early by Councillor Simmons; remarks by DS,MM,PT,AM,DC,PN,QZ,SS; Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with MIT to establish a suitable memorial in Cambridge in honor of Paul Parravano. Councillor Simmons (PO23#218)
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0
Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Roderick L. Jackson. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (QZ-Absent)
Resolution #4. Congratulations to Clifford Cook on his retirement from the City of Cambridge. Councillor Toner
Resolution #6. Thanks to Alanna Mallon for her service to the citizens of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
Resolution #7. Thanks to Quinton Zondervan for his service to the citizens of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Resolution #8. Thanks to Dennis Carlone for his service to the citizens of Cambridge. Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner
Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Nov 29, 2023 to discuss a Zoning Petition by Allene R. Pierson et al. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Wed, Dec 6, 2023 to discuss potential changes to the Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 12.22 Cycling Safety Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from Councillor Marc McGovern, relative to discharging the Cycling Safety Ordinance matter from Committee and moving it forward. to the next Council Ordinance Committee. (COF23#239)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #7. The Health and Environment Committee and the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a joint meeting on Dec 6, 2023 to discuss PO23#147 (options for amending parking fees and regulations throughout the City in order to further support the City’s goals of low carbon travel). [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Committee Report #8. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Dec 12, 2023 to receive an update and have discussion on Public Investment Planning. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
Cleaning Out the Closet
Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Councillor Azeem, transmitting an update regarding matters in the Transportation and Public Utilities Committee [Implementing ways to enforce the anti-idling law. (PO22#55 of Apr 25, 2022)]. (COF23#236)
pulled by Azeem; Discharged from Transportation & Public Utilities Committee 9-0; Forward to next Council’s Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Simmons re Motion to Discharge Committee Items Councillor Simmons. (COF23#238) [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; Matters Discharged from Civic Unity and Housing Committees 9-0; Forward to next Council’s Committee 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #5. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting, in accordance with POR 2023 #216, adopted Dec 11, 2023, recommendation that City Council take an affirmative vote to carry over pending Awaiting Reports to the next City Council. (COF23#240) [text of report]
Forward subset of Awaiting Report List to next City Council, including Policy Order of Charter Right #1; Adopted 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
The clock is winding down on the 2022-23 City Council and with Festivus approaching this may be the time for not only clearing out all the stuff beyond their expiration dates but also for the airing of grievances and the taking of a few parting shots.
Of special note is the opinion from the Acting City Solicitor regarding the forwarding of pending matters (and some really moldy ones) to the new City Council term. My fervent hope is that the current City Council votes to forward only significant pending matters and that the other items on “Awaiting Report” be allowed to fade into history or be re-introduced fresh in the new Council term.
Regarding the Festivus tradition of “airing of grievances”, Mr. Zondervan is back with his withdrawn Order from last week in which he tries to “educate” the Cambridge Police Department. This term can’t end soon enough.
There’s also a request from the Charter Review Committee requesting a one-month extension. This reminds me of the old joke we used to say when I worked (for 14 years) at Wellesley College:
Q: How many Wellesley students does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Just one, but she needs an extension.
Anyway, here are the items I found noteworthy in this penultimate City Council agenda:
Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item 23-57, regarding rodent control measures. (CM23#296) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN, Owen O’Riordan, John Nardone, Dave Powers, QZ, AM, SS; Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. (CM23#297) [Cover Letter] [NHMP presentation] [NHMP 2023 Update]
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN, DC, Sam Lipson, Iram Farooq, QZ, Owen O’Riordan, Tom Cahill; Plan Adopted 9-0, Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the City of the Cambridge and Harvard University memorandum of agreement regarding Payment-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (PILOT). (CM23#298)
Placed on File 9-0
Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to fundamentally change how it responds to situations that could lead to violence and death. Councillor Zondervan (PO23#215)
pulled by Zondervan; Charter Right - Zondervan
Order #2. Transferring Items from the 2022-2023 Legislative Session. Mayor Siddiqui (PO23#216)
pulled by Nolan w/Comm. & Reports #2; comments by PN, SS, QZ; Order Adopted 9-0
Communications & Reports #2. A communication from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, transmitting legal opinion regarding Carry Over Procedures for City Council Business. (COF23#228)
pulled early by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0
Communications & Reports #4. A communication from the Cambridge Charter Review Committee Chair, Kathleen Leahy Born, transmitting a memorandum with a request for an extension through Jan 31, 2024. (COF23#230)
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by BA (who seems to think the Charter Review Committee was “nonpolitical”), PN (notes general lack of public involvement until very last meeting), DS (concerns about participation by committee members); one-month extension approved 9-0; Placed on File 9-0
All the world is watching as Cambridge takes on the Middle East. </sarcasm>
Here are the featured menu items for tonight’s meal:
Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Home Rule petition regarding the Fire Chief position.
Charter Right - Toner
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-72 regarding mechanisms to support Cannabis Business in Cambridge. (CM23#274) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #2. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to proposed changes to Cannabis Business Permitting Proposed Ordinance 2023-6. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 16, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained] (ORD23#6)
Ordained 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board’s recommendation on the Hen-keeping Zoning Petition and amended zoning text. (CM23#275) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to a Zoning Petition by the Cambridge City Council to amend Articles 2.000, 4.000, 5.000, and 23.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance for the purpose of allowing hen-keeping as a permitted accessory use to principal residential (excluding transient accommodations as defined in Section 4.31.i), religious, and educational uses; with limitations and subject to regulation and permitting by the Cambridge Public Health Department. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 16, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained; Expires Jan 8, 2024] (ORD23#9)
Ordained as Amended 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study. (CM23#277) [text of report]
Placed on File 7-2 (DC,QZ-No)
The East Cambridge Neighborhood District Study is a great document - the continuation of great work of our peerless Cambridge Historical Commission. What the City Council will do with this or should do with this is a matter of some concern. Normally this would be an easy decision, but the spirit of New York’s Robert Moses continues to permeate current Cambridge politics - an environment where tearing down historic buildings, or any buildings, is apparently welcomed in favor of going higher and denser regardless of all other considerations. The spirit of Jane Jacobs will return at some point, and the only question is the extent of damage carried out in the interim.
Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an Equity Inclusion Fall 2023 Update. (CM23#278) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
This is worth looking at primarily as an illustration of how bureaucracies grow.
Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the American Freedmen Commission Ordinance. (CM23#279) [text of report]
Referred 9-0 to Freedmen's Committee proposed ordinance on Unfinished Business
Committee Report #2. A public meeting of the Cambridge City Council’s Ordinance Committee was held on Thurs, Nov 9, 2023, to consider changes to the Cambridge Municipal Code that would establish the American Freedmen Commission. The Committee approved a motion that the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct the Law Department and any other relevant department to review the proposed ordinance language to create the Freedmen Commission and provide any recommendations in writing to the City Council by Nov 20, 2023. The Committee voted favorably to send the proposed language to the City Council with a favorable recommendation that it be passed to a second reading. (text of report)
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0
It will be interesting to see how this unfolds and whether this will amount to something constructive or just garden-variety political patronage.
Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report 22-40, regarding a Community Engagement Update. (CM23#280) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
This is clueless on so many levels. For example, “Additionally, each department is at a different point on its community engagement journey: the Department of Public Works (DPW) for example, started building its community relations team in the early 2000s …” In fact, our Department of Public Works has been a model of community engagement and personalized service delivery for many decades. Only a bureaucrat would see otherwise. On the other hand, the “community engagement” of some other departments will continue to be mainly performative in the sense that most decisions have already been made by staff or mandated via City ordinance with little room for discussion or change.
Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2023 Cambridge Resident Satisfaction Survey Results. (CM23#281) [text of report]
Placed on File 9-0
Manager’s Agenda #12. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $500,000, from Free Cash, to the Public Investment Fund Executive Extraordinary Expenditures account to support an evaluation of the Rise Up Cambridge Cash Assistance for Families Program. (CM23#282) [text of report]
Order Adopted 9-0
The bottom line is that this program was only made possible because of the federal windfall of ARPA dollars growing out of the Covid disruption. What followed in so many cities was political opportunism - enacting initiatives that otherwise would not have been financially feasible or even legal. We are now in the phase where “studies” are being proposed and funded to extend this new add-on local welfare program.
Unfinished Business #3. ORD23#8A To amend Chapter 2.76 – Human Rights Commission and Chapter 2.119 Domestic Partnerships. [Passed to 2nd Reading Oct 2, 2023; Further Amended Nov 6, 2023; Eligible to be Ordained as Amended]
Ordained 9-0
Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Teresa Solano Neighbor. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons
I attended the November 11 memorial service for Teresa at Bigelow Chapel in Mount Auburn Cemetery and, as is often the case, it served as a reunion of many friends. Teresa was the Executive Director of the Election Commission during the period when we computerized our municipal elections and when I served on the Technical Working Committee for the Computerization of the Cambridge Elections (TWCC). That was a very rewarding experience for many of us who were involved in that project, and Teresa was a great partner in that initiative.
Order #1. Special Meeting on City Manager Review. Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #2. Automated Parking Enforcement. Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 9-0
Order #3. Resolution in support of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s Call for a Ceasefire. Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
After hours of unproductive public comment, Councillor Nolan called the question early in order to provide opportunity for most of the councillors to avoid voting Yea or Nay. Final vote on the Gaza Order was 2-0-0-7 (QZ,SS-Yes; all others “Present”)
This last item, of course, will likely consume most of the evening and accomplish nothing. - RW
Jan 10, 2022:
Order to appoint a 20-25 person Cycling Safety Ordinance (from Dec 21, 2021);
Order to amend Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 to insert a new section entitled Section 20.94.3 - Temporarily prohibited uses;
Chair of GovOps to serve as the City Council’s designee to coordinate with Randi Frank Consulting, LLC;
appointments to the City Council Committees
Jan 24, 2022:
Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan 2021- Update and Executive Summary;
Congratulations to Christine Elow on her appointment as Commissioner of the Cambridge Police Department;
Order opening up possiblility of other uses for golf course - Nolan, Carlone, Zondervan, Azeem;
Councillors Simmons and Toner to lead ad-hoc committee for the City Clerk and City Auditor positions;
Jan 31, 2022:
DePasquale memo on proposed amendments to the Municipal Code relative to recent charter changes;
report on potential modifications or adjustments to the recent improvements made on segment of Mass. Ave. from Dudley Street to Alewife Brook Parkway;
Mgr report on feasibility of creating a Cycling Safety Ordinance Advisory group;
Planning Board recommendations to not adopt the Cushing, et al., Zoning Petition and the Yamin, et al., Zoning Petition;
Ordinance Committee report on Yamin, et al., Zoning Petition;
Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Francis Donovan, et al., Zoning Petition;
Resolution on retirement of David Albert - QZ votes NO;
Reintroduction of proposed Wage Theft Ordinance
Feb 7, 2022:
Zoning Ordinances of the City of Cambridge be amended to insert a new section 10.600, titled “On-Site Fossil Fuel Infrastructure” (killed Feb 28);
provide a legal opinion on whether the City Council can delegate the authority of curb cut approvals;
Order calling for eliminating all parking minimums in all residential zones;
Order calling for spending ARPA money on direct support for households and individuals;
Appoint Denise Simmons and Paul Toner as members of the City Clerk preliminary screening committee;
Municipal Code to add a new section titled “Article III Green Jobs.”
Article 22 of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge entitled “Sustainable Design And Development” to insert a new section
GovOps report on reviewing next steps in the City Manager search process;
Mayor Siddiqui appoints Fare Free Bus Pilot Working Group
Feb 28, 2022:
AAA rating from the nation's three major credit rating agencies;
Climate Resilience Zoning Task Force Report;
Zoning Petition from Craig A. Kelley regarding The Cambridge Transportation De-Carbonization and Congestion-Mitigation Bill;
support of potential Green Line extension to Porter Square;
amend all existing Community Host Agreements previously issued by the City by reducing the Impact Fee to 0.05% of Gross Revenue;
Proposed amendment to Chapter 2.78 of the Cambridge Code of Ordinance, entitled “Historical Buildings and Landmarks.”
Final Report of the Cambridge Advisory Committee on City Art, Monuments, & Markers
Mar 7, 2022:
report on reviewing Cambridge's contracts and purchases to identify vendors, manufacturers whose products used to perpetuate violations of International Human Rights Laws and Cambridge's policy on discrimination;
$730,000 from Free Cash for additional costs associated with the implementation of the Cycling Safety Ordinance;
update on status of planned implementation of cycling safety improvements in Porter Square;
disposition of property located at 35 Cherry Street to the Affordable Housing Trust;
Mallon Late Order to have City Manager explain the City's current policy regarding a remote work policy;
communication from Councillors Toner and Simmons regarding the search for the next City Clerk
Mar 21, 2022:
block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2022 and ending Mar 31, 2023;
Nolan auditioning for Purchasing Agent;
City Manager is requested to amend all existing Community Host Agreements;
direct the Community Development Department to immediately convene an Alewife Overlay District Zoning Proposal Working Group;
City Council supports H.3457/S.2309 in Mass. General Court re: regulation of e-bikes;
Mallon memo regarding updates on the City Manager search
Mar 28, 2022:
Manager/DCR communication re: Riverbend Park opening and potential expansion;
Petition requesting changes to the Cycling Safety Ordinance City Council;
support urging the Massachusetts Legislature and the residents of Cambridge to oppose House Bill 1234 and the proposed 2022 state ballot initiative;
Mallon, Nolan to work with Manager to appoint 3 senior City staff to screening committee for the City Auditor along with 2 other councillors
Apr 4, 2022:
pilot of SMART Box and SMART Pipe rodent control technology;
Amendment waiving dog license fees passed to 2nd Reading;
report from the Climate Crisis Working Group
Apr 11, 2022:
report on expediting the demolition and rebuilding permit process in the event of a natural disaster;
update on MassAve4 and request for approval for the approach and timeline for implementing separated bike lanes;
report on conducting a study to collect relevant economic data relating to business impacts from bike lane installations;
feasibility of purchasing property from Lesley University to address City goals;
recommendation from the Planning Board to adopt with additional considerations the Alewife Overlay Development Zoning Petition;
MBTA Communities Draft Guidelines presentation;
feasibility of implementing a program similar to NYC and any other ways to enforce the anti-idling law (bounty hunters);
consider a guaranteed income program that expands on Cambridge RISE and targets families in poverty in Cambridge ($22 million);
feasibility of providing all CRLS students free Charlie Cards
Apr 25, 2022:
Report regarding eliminating hostile architecture;
update from Planning Board on discussions of allowing Multifamily Housing citywide;
Amendment waiving dog license fees ordained 9-0;
Kelley zoning petition re-filed;
8 resolutions from Toner congratulating police officers - voted NO by Zondervan;
Request Manager Report on Boards and Commissions; 2 orders from Toner, Carlone, Simmons re: bike lanes fail 3-6 and 2-7;
consider smaller trash toters
May 2, 2022:
FY2023 submitted budget and appropriation orders & 7 loan orders;
$23,100,176 ARPA fund appropriation - Charter Right Zondervan;
Two Ordinance Committee reports re: Alewife Development Moratorium
May 9, 2022:
Manager response re: GLX project funding;
Manager response re: trash bin sizes;
Responses re: Alewife Moratorium proposed zoning amendments;
$23,100,176 ARPA fund appropriation;
Two Housing Committee reports re: raising the linkage fee rates
May 16, 2022:
Solicitor response to question raised at the May 9, 2022 Council Meeting concerning the Alewife Overlay Development Zoning Petition; Councillor Carlone notes that Alewife Triangle should not be included;
Order requesting info on progress on the Terminal Road connection (Alewife Quadrangle);
Zondervan, Carlone Order to allocate the remaining ARPA funding across community-serving applicants - Charter Right QZ;
drafting and finalization of the questions for the interviews of the City Clerk finalists;
drafting and finalization of the questions for the interview of the City Auditor finalists
May 23, 2022:
Special Meeting to unanimously appoint Joseph McMann as City Auditor and Diane LeBlanc as City Clerk - both for three-year terms;
appropriation of $11,000,000 from Free Cash to support major capital improvements at the Danehy Park Complex;
QZ, DC Order to allocate the remaining ARPA funding amended to reduce to $10.5 million; referred to Finance Committee mtg 2 days later which was then cancelled;
Linkage fee Petition Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board;
Alewife Moratorium amended 5-4 (DC - NO) to exclude Triangle; Ordained 9-0;
drafting and finalization of the questions for the interview of the City Manager finalists;
Simmons Order to limit the blocking off of Memorial Drive to vehicular traffic to Sundays (Charter Right - Toner);
endorsing the establishment a Massachusetts Public Bank;
confer with City departments and gather community input to draft report on the impacts of the MBTA Bus Network Redesign;
Deputy City Clerk Paula Crane be appointed interim City Clerk as of June 1, 2022;
Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee report on new guidelines for Boards and Commissions appointments;
Health and Environment Committee report on “Article III Green Jobs”
June 6, 2022:
City Council voted 8-1 to select Yi-An Huang as the next City Manager;
Special Meeting to negotiate an interim Acting City Manager contract on behalf of the City Council with Owen O’Riordan;
amendments to the Truck Safety Ordinance limit the blocking off of Memorial Drive to vehicular traffic to Sundays - TABLED;
FY2023 submitted budget and appropriation orders Adopted
Patrick Barrett remarks on BEUDO
Simmons Order to “develop a standardized, transparent, and cohesive community engagement plan for the entire, department-wide municipal government.”;
Creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee (Siddiqui, Mallon, Nolan, Toner) for reviewing and selecting self-nominated residents and stakeholders to be on the Charter Review Commission;
Zondervan motion to amend budget to reduce Police Dept. to $68,731,130 Fails 1-8 (QZ - YES);
Siddiqui communication about the Charter Review Committee
June 13, 2022:
Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on the Craig Kelley, et. al. Zoning Petition;
Planning Board recommendation to adopt, with additional comments, the Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition;
second Progress Report due under the Cycling Safety Ordinance;
$49,000,000 to provide additional funds for the construction of the Tobin Montessori and Vassal Lane Upper Schools;
eminent domain - 689 Massachusetts Avenue: $11,551,208 + $2,212,349 + $2,750,000;
Creation of an Ad-Hoc Committee for the purpose of reviewing and selecting self-nominated residents and stakeholders to be on the Charter Review Committee;
Sundry communications were received, regarding the Bike Lane Lawsuit;
work with DCR and all relevant City departments to expand Memorial Drive closures in the summer and fall of 2022
June 27, 2022:
Louis DePasquale last meeting;
appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,500,000 for design, renovations to 105 Windsor Street (Charter Right - Zondervan);
Modify open space covenants w/Boston Properties in MXD;
$49,000,000 for Vassal Lane School finalized;
Congratulations to Louis A. DePasquale on his retirement;
Congratulations to James P. Maloney on the occasion of his retirement;
Congratulations to Arthur Goldberg on his retirement;
Congratulations to James Monagle on his retirement;
Direct $5 million to Traffic Calming, Traffic Signals and Vision Zero infrastructure;
plan for piloting more Harvard Sq. street closures for pedestrianization;
Two late abortion-related Orders;
ordinance amending Parking minimums and maximums referred to Planning Board and Ordinance Committee
July 5, 2022:
approve a contract with Owen O’Riordan as Acting City Manager
July 20, 2022:
vote on City Manager Huang’s contract;
Discuss Ad Hoc Charter Committee’s recommendation for a chair and appoint Kathleen Born as Chair
Aug 1, 2022:
report on funding received through the housing linkage program;
Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report report on options to update the HomeBridge and Homeownership Programs;
extend authorization for City Manager to grant street obstruction approvals for sidewalk/street until June 30, 2023;
105 Windsor Street $4,500,000 appropriation order Tabled 9-0;
Lotsa retirements: Cheryl DePasquale, Maryellen Carvello, Thomas Riordan (DPW);
Order to ban Sale of Fur Apparel Products;
Order requesting to establish Task Force on Cambridge’s African American/Black Residents; Black Men and Boys Commission;
Incentive Zoning Program Data;
free bus service;
E bike delivery program;
NLTP, Human Services, Ordinance Committee (BEUDO) reports;
Climate Change Working Group report;
Fare Free Working Group report;
communication re: appointments to Charter Review Committee
Sept 12, 2022:
Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2023;
Planning Board report with negative recommendation on the Accessory Parking Requirements Zoning Petition;
Resolution on the death of Peter Valentine;
Health and Environment Committee to hold a public hearing to discuss the issue of PFAS;
refer zoning petition regarding lab use to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board - Charter Right, referred to committee;
Committee reports re: Linkage, parking minimums
Sept 19, 2022:
legal opinion on questions regarding proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business Permitting Ordinance;
death of Elie Yarden;
City Council go on record thanking Chief Gerard Mahoney for his service;
Order requesting to convene a North Massachusetts Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group;
Order to review and revise the Cambridge Street Code
Oct 3, 2022:
communication from Yi-An Huang re: Chief People Officer, Director of Community Engagement, Director of Emergency Management;
Planning Board report with a recommendation not to adopt the Incentive Zoning Rate Increase Petition;
Tax rate Hearing;
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce regarding joint Business/Institutional BEUDO letter;
Revised Cambridge Street Code order (Toner);
Elim. Parking minimums passed to 2nd Reading
Oct 17, 2022:
Linkage fee increased from $20.10 to $33.34/sq ft with exemptions;
Zoning Petition from Suzanne P. Blier, et. al - Harvard Square Zoning Petition, modification regarding frontage of financial institutions;
communication from Joan Pickett re: status of the citizens’ petition signed by 97 registered voters living on or near Brattle Street;
Resolution re: renaming Vassal Lane Upper School;
Simmons Order Seeking Development Analysis;
Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee - potential changes to the City Council Rules
Oct 24, 2022:
report on Boards and Commissions;
3 rules changes proposed, including requirement for a second.
Policy Order Seeking Development Analysis - Tabled;
Removal of Parking Minimums Ordained 8-1 (Carlone NO);
Fur Sales Ban Ordained 9-0
Oct 31, 2022:
Toner motion to Place Kelley Petition on File fails 4-3-1-1;
Zoning Petition received from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BA-5 Zoning District;
Petition Zoning Petition from Duane Callender (really Zondervan/Totten), et al. - Cambridge Lab Regulation Zoning Amendment;
Order asking City Solicitor to research questions re: requiring name/address during public comment;
Order to schedule a Roundtable meeting on Municipal Broadband;
Zoning petition re: quicker nexus study Passed to 2nd Reading
Nov 7, 2022:
Solicitor rejects proposal for fund designed to assist those City employees in same-sex marriages with paying for surrogacy services;
Planning Board report with a recommendation to adopt the Incentive Zoning Rate Study Petition, with clarifying changes;
MANY communications re: Garden Street and Brattle Street bike lanes and traffic changes;
Policy Order Regarding Traffic Flow on Garden Street;
Order to Ban Turns on Red Citywide;
Order to provide free MBTA Pass to all City employees;
Roundtable on Broadband scheduled (Nov 28);
Order asking for Capitol Projects Finance Meeting;
Order endorsing Revised MBTA Bus Redesign
Nov 14, 2022:
Climate Resilience Zoning Draft;
Charter Right item re: traffic flow on Garden Street, 85 out of 87 Communications re: Garden Street;
Order calling for Improved Marketing for Green Plus Cambridge Community Electricity;
Order calling for extending Outdoor Dining Policy;
Gov't Ops. On Rules Changes;
Health & Environment Committee - amend draft Net Zero Action Plan, accelerating timelines
Nov 21, 2022:
Manager response re: continuing the outdoor dining season and considering the extension of the reduced fee schedule;
Cambridge Redevelopment Authority to identify spaces in Central Square that would support the creation and protection of cultural and human services;
Municipal Property Inventory;
$ for Central Square area;
municipal property needs assessment and planning study;
resuming the use of the city-owned water supply on Nov 19, 2022;
review of the proposed language for Ordinance #2022-18, the Incentive Zoning Rate Study Petition;
14 Rules changes;
Amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay - outrage, referred to committees;
Order requesting Workforce Housing Special Tax Assessments Zones;
Charles Sullivan regarding the Proposed Friendly Amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art. III;
Health & Env. Committee Report on water;
NLTP report on Neighborhood Conservation District Citizen’s Petition
Nov 28, 2022:
Roundtable - Municipal Broadband
Dec 5, 2022:
Home Rule Petition for a special act regarding a fire cadet program;
Planning Board report with a recommendation to adopt the Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition (Version 3) with clarifying comments;
Planning Board Zoning Petition to consider adoption of the attached Climate Resilience Zoning;
City Manager’s 90 Day Report;
Manager communication to suspend the Saturday closures of Memorial Drive between Greenough Boulevard and Western Avenue for the remainder of this year;
provide at least one vaccine clinic in December which will provide gift cards to residents who receive a COVID19 vaccination or booster;
work with the appropriate departments to conduct street cleaning without towing starting with the 2023 season;
Gov't Ops report on City Manager’s Annual Evaluation process
Dec 12, 2022:
Roundtable - Open Space Planning and Programming
Dec 19, 2022:
$ for purchase of water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA);
appropriation of $700,000 for purchase of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) testing equipment;
appropriation of $9,812,215.88 from Free Cash to other categories consistent w/DOR protocoals;
changing the name of the City’s Climate Protection Action Committee’s (“CPAC”) to the “Cambridge Climate Committee.”;
Planning Board recommending adoption of the BZA Stipends Zoning Petition;
Planning Board report recommending adoption of the Suzanne Blier, et al., Zoning Petition;
to discuss strategies to mitigate and reduce overflow and cut through traffic (Garden St.);
death of Sheila Doyle Russell;
Information requests re: BEUDO, tree canopy;
Econ Dev report on BEUDO;
Human Services report re: Central Square;
Ordinance Committee report on BEUDO passed to 2nd Reading
Jan 9, 2023:
fatal officer-involved shooting in Cambridgeport (Arif Sayed Faisal);
Planning Board report recommending that City Council not adopt the Patrick Barrett, et al., Zoning Petition;
Planning Board report recommending that the City Council not adopt the Duane Callender, et al., Zoning Petition;
Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan 5-Year Review and Update;
Stretch Energy Code and Specialized Energy Code;
appointment of Vivek Sikri, Kimberly Kaufman, and Kathryn Carlson to the Cambridge Traffic Board;
possible ordination - Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition;
Zoning Petition from Douglas Brown regarding Amending Article 4, 5 and 8 incrementally modernizing residential zoning;
direct the Law Department to research whether the Barrett et al. petition would need to be refiled should there be a Letter of Commitment attached to the rezoning;
Expanding Municipal Employee Benefits Home Rule Petition;
Law Department to examine the Citizen’s Petition submitted by Suzanne P. Blier;
committee reports on Lab Ban #1, BZA Compensation, Citizen’s Petition submitted by Suzanne P. Blier, Community Safety Department and integration with HEART
Jan 18, 2023:
Special Meeting (Part 1) on Faisal shooting, Police Policies, Procedures
Jan 23, 2023:
report on feasibility of banning turns on red signal indications;
report on feasibility of conducting street cleaning without towing;
money for design of a transportation connection between Terminal Road and Wheeler Street;
Planning Board report recommending that the City Council adopt the Climate Resilience Zoning Petition;
Lotsa communications on Brown Zoning Petition and Faisal shooting;
Order asking to determine the feasibility of purchasing the property located at 37 Brookline Street;
Ordinance Committee reports on Barrett Petition and Callendar Petition
Jan 25, 2023:
Special Meeting (Part 2) on Faisal shooting, Police Policies, Procedures
Jan 30, 2023:
Roundtable w/School Committee
Feb 6, 2023:
bar on repetitive petitions;
Police Review and Advisory Board quarterly reports;
itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned by the Cambridge Police Department;
possible ordination of Removing the Limit on BZA Compensation;
Resolution on the death of Alice Wolf;
proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 - Zondervan;
begin process of obtaining police body worn cameras for the Cambridge Police Department;
direct Police Commissioner Elow to work on providing publicly-accessible traffic stop, arrest and citation police data;
convene a meeting on Police Budget including body camera discussion;
look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge;
direct the Police Commissioner to explore additional less-than-lethal alternatives;
engage a third party, independent firm/consultant or university partner to review and examine the Cambridge Police Department’s policies and practices;
Apr 13, 2022 Ordinance Committee report on proposed ordinance number 2022-2, Charter Change Municipal Code Amendments;
Apr 20, 2022 report on continued public hearing on proposed BEUDO amendments;
Government, Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee wants more control over other Boards;
Jan 26, 2023 Ordinance Committee report on proposed Climate Resilience Zoning;
Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, regarding the Douglas Brown Petition
Feb 13, 2023:
Final Landmark Designation Report for the Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses;
Final Landmark Designation Report for the Cambridge Gas-Light Company Building;
Order asking to work with the residents at 931 Massachusetts Avenue to identify and provide a short-term parking spot;
legal opinion on the Doug Brown petition;
Free School Meals For All Students;
ensure the continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays;
Policy Order Regarding Police Details - Toner
HOME-ARP Public Process [$2.3 million in additional ARPA funds]
Feb 14, 2023:
City Council/School Committee Roundtable
Feb 27, 2023:
report from CDD and the Law Department containing clarifying edits to the Climate Resilience Zoning Petition;
legal Opinion on whether the Barrett, et al. petition would need to be refiled;
2023 Goals and Metrics for the Annual City Manager Performance Review;
Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property;
Amendments to Riverbend Park closures Order;
Amended Policy Order Regarding Police Details;
automated traffic enforcement Order adopted as amended;
Ordinance 2022-2 Chapter 2.02 entitled “City Council” ordained;
Flood Resilience Standards Ordained as Amended;
Re-Filed Kelley Petition;
support An Act to Promote Yes In My Backyard;
Harvard Square Zoning Petition as amended be sent to the full City Council with no recommendation;
Callender Petition and Policy Order 2022 #161 to the full City Council with a negative recommendation;
amended proposed Policy Order regarding Labs and Neighborhood Planning to the full City Council
work with Eversource re: infrastructure required to move Cambridge toward electrifying the city
Mar 6, 2023:
convening a North Mass Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group;
extra $40,000 for Charter Review Committee;
AAA ratings;
Annual Surveillance Report;
Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition ordained as Amended;
Retirement of Robert Steck, Sam Corda; Death of David Leslie;
provide language that would amend the Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition;
support of the Tenant Protection Act HD.3922/SD.2368;
feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers;
City Manager requested to fund the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART;
ensure multi-family properties on the market are reviewed as quickly as possible as potential affordable housing acquisitions
Mar 20, 2023:
Police Commissioner Elow memos on bodycams and review;
block rates for water consumption and sewer use;
Allocation Plan for Cambridge’s HOME-ARP funds;
summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2022 Town-Gown Reports and Presentations;
municipal broadband feasibility study;
Ordain Green Jobs 9-0;
Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning Petition for the Central Square Cultural District;
supporting Enabling Legislation for a Real Estate Transfer Fee 9-0;
Policy Order for Garden Street Accommodations
Mar 22, 2023:
Special Meeting w/Presentation from Charter Review Committee Order to give 6-month extension: Charter Right - Zondervan
Apr 3, 2023:
Revised Response to Proposed Amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art. III (Neighborhood Conservation District and Landmarks Ordinance);
Garden Street Safety Improvement Project local traffic analysis;
extension of time for the Special Committee/Charter Review Committee;
Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BA-5 Zoning District Petition Ordained as Amended 6-3;
139 Communications, esp. Garden St., HEART, AHO;
Request legal opinion which clarifies the state law on zoning petition signature requirements;
amend Rules 38.6, 32B, and 12 to align the City Council Rules with the decision made in Barron v. Kolenda;
Ordinance Committee Report on Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, Proposed Ordinance #2022-11;
Housing Committee report on potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay;
Legal Opinion on Recent Supreme Judicial Court Case Regarding Public Comment
Apr 10, 2023:
cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks (Larch Road) and Zondervan Towers;
communication from DCR to the City regarding Memorial Drive closures;
City Manager 2023 Quarter One update;
146 Communications, mainly BEUDO, Garden Street;
Appointment of City Manager Performance Review Ad Hoc Committee;
Request legal opinion on the earliest possible date that potential changes to the charter could be voted on by the electorate;
formally request DCR to reconsider its decision to not close Memorial Drive on Saturdays;
NLTP committee report on potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay;
Finance Committee report on FY24 Police Department’s budget
Apr 24, 2023:
appointment of members of the the Mass. Ave. Partial Construction Working Group;
report regarding exploring additional less-lethal alternatives;
Communication from Joan Pickett - Analysis of Cycling Safety in Cambridge Under the Cycling Safety Ordinance;
working group to conduct outreach in order to discuss and review options for use of the BB&N Field;
develop a policy that would lead to a ban on the use of gas-powered lawn equipment in Cambridge;
Michael Monestime Outdoor Use Zoning in the Central Square Cultural District passed to 2nd Reading
May 1, 2023:
FY2024 submitted budget and appropriation orders (9.9% increase in Budget), $167 million in Loan Orders;
needs assessment of the Danehy Park and recommendations for improvements; and irrigation updates;
Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on the Michael Monestime et. al. Zoning Petition;
Zoning Petition from Ian Ferguson, et al. regarding Pitched Roofs;
Zoning Petition communication from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding Proposed Amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art. III.;
promptly draft a zoning petition to be considered for filing by the City Council, based upon the proposed Affordable Housing Overlay amendments now before the Housing Committee;
produce final draft ordinance language for the BEUDO amendments;
Econ. Dev. Committee report on practical impact of various city policies, regulations and ordinances on commercial and residential development and construction projects
May 8, 2023:
Final Landmark Designation Report for the Charles Hicks Saunders House;
Webster Ave. friendly eminent domain taking - Charter Right;
Proposed Cannabis zoning amendment;
Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation on the Kelley et. al. Zoning Petition;
update on Afterschool care;
update on the development of the City of Cambridge Community Safety Department;
Order requesting information on Kelley et al. Zoning Petition;
Order to determine the feasibility of purchasing available property from Lesley University to address City goals;
Order re: Online Publication of Legal Notices;
BEUDO Ordinance Committee reports
May 15, 2023:
update concerning the property at 333 Webster Avenue;
Webster Ave. eminent domain taking voted;
Order requesting to fund and implement the grant proposal for a community-scale geothermal heating and cooling system in Cambridge;
Order asking to initiate a planning process to determine the use of several parcels of land along Webster Avenue to accomplish Envision goals;
Order asking for petition(s) to lower speed limit as much as possible on all state highways that fall within Cambridge;
Zondervan Order to establish policy of releasing names of officers involved in any use of force incident - QZ Charter Right
May 22, 2023:
third annual Cycling Safety Ordinance (CSO) Progress Report;
Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) Zoning Petition and Design Guidelines;
Toner Substitute Order re: releasing police officer names adopted 5-4 (AM,PT,QZ,SS - No);
QZ Order for Home Rule Petition regarding electing the Police Review and Advisory Board Fails 1-8;
Order requestion Law Department to provide opinion on whether the City could fund affordable housing construction through a bond issue
June 5, 2023:
amendments to the FY24 Submitted General Fund Budget (and corresponding Orders);
CDD memo re: amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance - passed to 2nd Reading;
Loan Authorizations Adopted;
Zondervan motion to reduce the Police budget and defund Shotspotter Fails 2-7 (QZ,SS-Yes);
FY24 Budget Adopted;
Order asking to have Affordable Housing Trust budget to be 10% of the overall City budget - Adopted 6-3 (DC,PN,PT - No);
Order requesting further study on the proposed changes by the Franklin Petition;
Order calling for joint hearing re: effectiveness and recommendations on methods to collect data and establish measurable benchmarks and standards for Cycling Safety Ordinance;
Order for legal opinion on using traffic cameras to inform motorists of traffic violations, dangerous actions without issuing any citations
June 12, 2023:
proposed structure for the Cambridge Community Electricity program (CCE) for the period 2024-2025;
CDD potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO); referred as CC Zoning Petition to Ordinance & Planning Board;
Craig Kelley et al. Zoning Petition ordained;
Charter Review Timeline Legal Opinion, Request answer to several questions related to the timeline on voting a possible charter change;
establishment of a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) Stabilization Fund w/$10,000,000 from Free Cash;
$1,000,000 from Free Cash for technical assistance in assessing and implementing the City’s BEUDO for new and existing City-owned buildings;
$250,000 from Free Cash for conditions assessment and preliminary feasibility study for 119 Windsor Street;
Amended CSO study Order adopted;
Proposed amendment to BEUDO;
Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Pilot;
Golf Course Demographic Information Policy Order;
Automated Enforcement Home Rule Petition adopted
June 26, 2023:
BEUDU (BEUDERO) ordained with Toner amendment to remove residential apartment buildings
Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration pilot - Passed to 2nd Reading, referred to Ordinance Committee
legal opinion for issuing bonds for affordable housing
Planning Board appointments: Mary Lydecker, Ashley Tan, Tom Sieniewicz, Adam Westbrook, and Diego Macias
Planning Board report recommendation to not adopt Franklin, et al., Zoning Petition
Police Commissioner response on Releasing Names of Officers and Use of Force
Congratulations to David J. Kale on his retirement from the City of Cambridge
Death of Saundra Graham
Committee report on Overdose Prevention Sites a.k.a. Safe Consumption Sites
Aug 7, 2023:
appointmentsto Cambridge Health Alliance Board of Trustees
reappointment of Ethridge King as an Election Commissioner
Legal standard used to compel changes or deny projects reviewed by the Historical Commission or Neighborhood Conservation District Commissions
proposed amendments to Cambridge Municipal Code re: Neighborhood Conservation Districts (NCD) and Landmarks Ordinance
appointment of Scott Walker to the Open Data Review Board as a City staff member
appointments to Climate Committee
memorandum regarding Cannabis Amendments Special Permit zoning petition
how Cambridge might participate in PACE Massachusetts pursuant to the PACE Act
project update on the Central Square Municipal Property Needs Assessment and Planning Study
2023 Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report
appointments to Committee on Public Planting
report from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
possibility of acquiring the property at National Guard Armory on Concord Ave.
Fossil Fuel-Free Demonstration Ordained
Thanks and appreciation to Cambridge School Committee Member Fred Fantini
Resolution on the death of Charles Ogletree
Chicken Keeping; De-Paving; Aligning Parking Fees With Climate and Transportation Goals
Request for all outstanding and recent (last 5 fiscal years: FY’23,’22,’21,’20,’19) lawsuits involving the CPD or individual members of CPD
Lots of old committee reports
Sept 11, 2023:
possible projections of build-out of the Alewife Quadrangle under the proposed AOD-Q zoning petition
extending the prior authorization for the City Manager or their designee to grant street obstruction approvals
appointment of Victoria Bergland as a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority
Alewife Overlay District: Quadrangle (AOD-Q) Zoning Petition Ordained
Congratulations to Nancy Glowa on her Retirement
commemorative plaque in honor of Atieno Simmons
Policy Order re: Improving the Quality of Life In and Around Central Square
Cop City Resolution
AHO 2.0 passed to 2nd Reading
Sept 18, 2023:
Cop City Reconsideration
appointment of Lauren Reznick as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority
recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee
Community Safety Department Update
City Manager’s Fall Update
Affordable Housing Overlay language and Planning Board report with no positive or negative recommendation
Congratulations to Karen Francis on her retirement from the City of Cambridge
proposed Home Rule Petition relative to amendments to the Fair Housing Ordinance
Oct 2, 2023:
public hearing related to setting the property tax rate classification
“Historical Buildings and Landmarks.” Ordained
Pierson, regarding Cambridge Lodging House Zoning Change
Oct 16, 2023:
“friendly” eminent domain taking of a parcel located at 41 Bellis Circle
establishment of an Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund
AHO 2.0 Ordained
Resolution on the retirement of Steven A. Cohen from the City of Cambridge Planning Board
Resolution of the retirement of Hugh Adams Russell from the City of Cambridge Planning Board
replacing the existing community notice boards on the front lawn of City Hall with one or two digital signs
direct the appropriate City staff to establish an American Freedmen Commission
work with DPW to restore Linear Park by re-using the existing award-winning design
Henkeeping passed to 2nd Reading
Oct 30, 2023:
appointment of Claire Spinner as Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs
Condolences to the family of Marie DiDomenico
deliver an update on Municipal Broadband and Digital Equity by December 2023
report back to the city council with a list of recommendations to reduce the use of miniature liquor bottles
banning various single-use plastics
prepare a report regarding the efficacy of establishing a dual reporting system for the Director of Public Health
Nov 6, 2023:
regarding the demographic information of dues-paying members of the municipal golf course
phased ban on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Cambridge
more fully explore the Commonwealth’s recommendations from the Separated Bike Lane document, especially for all squares and along small business districts, schools, and key park entries, and with a focus also on the integration of pedestrian and biking infrastructure
Nov 20, 2023:
Home Rule petition regarding the Fire Chief position
Planning Board’s recommendation on the Hen-keeping Zoning Petition
East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District Study - Placed on File
Equity Inclusion Fall 2023 Update
relative to the American Freedmen Commission Ordinance
2023 Cambridge Resident Satisfaction Survey Results
Cannabis Business Permitting Proposed Ordinance
Resolution on the death of Teresa Solano Neighbor
Resolution in support of Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley’s Call for a Ceasefire - voting "Present"
Dec 4, 2023:
evaluation of the 2023 Street Cleaning Pilot Street Cleaning Pilot and recommended language for special legislation to increase fines
improvements at Danehy Park
Affordable Housing Trust for a term of three years; Appointments: Teresa Cardosi, and Alyson Stein. Re-appointment: Elaine DeRosa
Planning Board recommendation not to adopt the Pierson, et al., Zoning Petition
regarding a home rule petition for taking the Fire Chief position out of civil service
Leafblowers ordained
American Freedmen Commission Ordained
387 Communications
Congratulations to Paul Parravano on being named The Reverend E. K. Nichols Founder’s Awardee for 2023
Resolution on the death of Bernard Goldberg
QZ/PN BEUDO amendment passed to 2nd Reading
legal opinion regarding Carry Over Procedures for City Council Business
Charter Review Committee request for one-month extension
Dec 11, 2023:
Zondervan - CPD to fundamentally change how it responds to situations that could lead to violence and death.
Dec 18, 2023:
feasibility of purchasing property from Lesley University
Final Landmark Designation Report for Miss Markham’s School; Order Fails of Adoption 2-6-1
Surveillance Technology Impact Report which describes Body Worn Camera technology
update on Municipal Broadband and Digital Equity
$68000 additional funds for Charter Review Committee
Useful Idiots claiming snipers on rooftops at their Elbit protest; QZ milking Faisal
BEUDO Amendment Ordination Fails 4-5
Resolution on the death of Paul Parravano
Congratulations to Clifford Cook on his retirement from the City of Cambridge
Exit resolutions for Mallon, Carlone, Zondervan
Forward subset of Awaiting Report List to next City Council
Nov 18 - I got the ballot data for the recent municipal election last night, did my usual tests, and everything checks out (as, of course, it should). I also determined who all the replacements would be should any of the newly elected officials vacate their seat. (More on that later.) Later today I will be doing additional analysis and posting some of the more interesting results. The closeness of the final School Committee results (8 vote difference) creates the possibility that a recount may be sought, but there are good reasons for not doing so. Andrew King has until Wed, Nov 22 at 5:00pm to file signatures seeking a recount if he chooses to proceed with that option. [Update - Andrew King has decided to not seek a recount, so the election results are final.] - RW
City Council #1 Votes by Ward/Precinct School Committee #1 Votes by Ward/Precinct
City Council #2 Vote Distribution School Committee #2 Vote Distribution
| City Council Replacements - in the event of a vacancy Burhan Azeem → Adrienne Klein Marc McGovern → Adrienne Klein Patricia Nolan → Cathie Zusy Joan Pickett → Cathie Zusy Sumbul Siddiqui → Ayah Al-Zubi Denise Simmons → Joe McGuirk Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler → Dan Totten Paul Toner → John Hanratty Ayesha Wilson → Joe McGuirk |
School Committee Replacements - in the event of a vacancy Richard Harding → Andrew King Elizabeth Hudson → Eugenia Schraa Huh Caroline Hunter → Eugenia Schraa Huh José Luis Villarreal → Eugenia Schraa Huh David Weinstein → Eugenia Schraa Huh Rachel Weinstein → Andrew King |
Nov 17 - Final Official Election Results. The winners in the City Council election have not changed. However, in the School Committee election, Richard Harding is now the last person elected (by a margin of 8 votes) over Andrew King. - RW
| City Council (in order of election): Sumbul Siddiqui Burhan Azeem Marc C. McGovern Patricia M. Nolan Paul F. Toner Jivan G. Sobrinho-Wheeler E. Denise Simmons Ayesha M. Wilson Joan F. Pickett |
School Committee (in order of election): Rachel B. Weinstein Elizabeth Clark Polner Hudson David J. Weinstein Caroline M. Hunter José Luis Rojas Villarreal Richard Harding |
| Round-by-Round Results (PDF) - official City version | Round-by-Round Results (PDF) - official City version |
| Spreadsheet (PDF) - with transfer details | Spreadsheet (PDF) - with transfer details |
Who has been raising and spending money? [Feb 2, 2022 - present]
(source - Mass. Office of Campaign and Political Finance)
Note: Expenditures last updated Dec 13.
Note: You may have to “Clear Cache” in order to refresh some of the embedded charts/tables for campaign finance.
City Council Campaign Finance - Sorted by Receipts
2023 Cambridge Candidate Pages Calendar of 2023 Election-related events
City Council Campaign Finance - Sorted by Expenditures
Periodic OCPF Bank Reports
Union Contributions to Candidates - Incumbency Protection
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School Committee Campaign Finance
| Cost per #1 Vote - City Council 2023 | Cost per #1 Vote - School Committee 2023 |
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10:00am Inaugural City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber - Televised)
4:00pm Inaugural School Committee meeting (King Open School Auditorium, 850 Cambridge Street)
6:00pm School Committee Meeting (Attles Meeting Room, CRLS)
The next Regular Meeting will be held on Tues, Jan 2 at 6:00pm 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. The sign-up window is Thurs, Dec 28 through Tues, Jan 2 at 12:00pm (by phone) and 5:30pm (online).
To sign up to call in using the ZOOM app on your computer or mobile device visit https://secure1.cpsd.us/school_committee.
To sign up to call-in by phone: contact the School Committee office at 617-349-6620.
Meetings will be live-streamed at www.cpsd.us and broadcast on Cambridge Educational Access TV (CEATV) Channel 06/26, as usual.
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)
5:30pm City Council meeting (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)