Joan Pickett (1955-2024)

Aug 31, 2024 – City Councillor Joan Pickett passed away last night. I will post information from her family as it becomes available. Joan was a good friend and neighbor and I will miss her greatly. - RW

Mayor Simmons’ Statement on Passing of Councillor Joan Pickett

Aug 31, 2024
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that City Councillor Joan Pickett passed away late last night following a brief illness. The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and well-wishes at this difficult time, and news of a memorial service shall be made available to the public in the days to come.

I have alerted our City Manager, our Deputy City Manager, and the Chair of the Election Commission about Councillor Pickett’s passing. When there is news as to the mechanics of determining who shall fill this vacancy on the Council, and as to a timeline of that process, we shall work to get this information to the public as quickly and as thoughtfully as possible. We thank you for your patience and your grace as we process the loss of our friend and colleague, and as we work to continue onward with the business of governing.

Mayor E. Denise Simmons

Preview of the Vacancy Recount (Cathie Zusy will be elected)

Alternate Method for Filling Vacancy - Re-run election using original ballot data with candidate(s) excluded

Official Count - November 2023 (PDF)

History of City Council and School Committee Vacancies under Plan E Charter

1941 Council
Ed Crane entered armed forces and was succeeded by Francis Scully as “acting member” under Special Act.

1941 School Committee
William Brooks entered armed forces and was succeeded by Frank Duddy as “acting member” under Special Act.
Ralph Robart entered armed forces and was succeeded by Margaret Kelliher as “acting member” under Special Act.

1947 Council
Michael A. Sullivan died in January 1949 and was succeeded by Thomas McNamara.

1947 School Committee
Robert Reardon died in July 1949 and was succeeded by Francis “Cheese” McGreahan.

1951 Council
Francis Sennott died in October 1952 and was succeeded by Thomas McNamara.

1961 Council
Guy D. Belin resigned to work in the Kennedy Administration and was succeeded by Cornelia “Connie” Wheeler.

1965 School Committee
Ed McMahon resigned to join the priesthood and was replaced by John A.P. Good. [monotonicity violation]

1983 Council
Leonard “Lenny” Russell died on June 16, 1985 and was replaced by Alfred LaRosa

1985, 1987 School Committee
Joseph Maynard died Nov 26, 1985 after being reelected. The vacancy was not filled for the remaining month of the term, and Maynard was replaced by Tim Toomey for the 1988-89 term.

1993 Council
William Walsh was sentenced to prison on Nov 15, 1994 which vacated his seat. He was replaced by Anthony Galluccio. [monotonicity violation, vacancy recount unsuccessfully challenged to Supreme Judicial Court by Jim McSweeney]

2005 Council
Michael Sullivan resigned and was replaced by David Maher on Sept 5, 2007.

2007 Council
Brian Murphy resigned to accept job with the Commonwealth and was replaced by Larry Ward on Feb 24, 2009.

2019 School Committee
Emily Dexter was elected but resigned under duress prior to Inauguration. She was replaced by David Weinstein on Jan 16, 2020.

2021 School Committee
Akriti Bhambi resigned to accept a job in New York City. She was replaced by Caroline Hunter on Dec 1, 2022.

2023 Council
Joan Pickett died on Aug 30, 2024. She will be replaced by Cathie Zusy soon when a vacancy recount is scheduled. Zusy will be sworn at the start of the next regular City Council meeting after the vacancy recount.

Elections Updates

List of candidates in Cambridge precincts - Sept 3 Primary

Polling Location Change For Voters in Ward 7 Precinct 3
Please be advised that your polling location, if you choose to vote in-person on Election Day for the upcoming State Primary, September 3, 2024, will be located at:

CAMBRIDGE RINDGE & LATIN SCHOOL, 459 Broadway, Media Cafeteria, Cambridge Street Entrance

Your polling location will NOT be Gund Hall, 48 Quincy Street, Cambridge Street Entrance.

Polling Location Information     Polling Locations - Sept 24 (PDF)     State Primary Voter Guide 2024 (PDF)

On the Sept 3, 2024 ballot:

• Senator in Congress (MA)
• Representative in Congress
  • Fifth District
  • Seventh District
• Councillor (Governor’s Council)
  • Third District
  • Sixth District
• Senator in General Court (State Senate)
  • Second Middlesex District
  • Middlesex & Suffolk District
  • Suffolk & Middlesex District
• Representative in General Court
  • Twenty-Fourth Middlesex District
  • Twenty-Fifth Middlesex District
  • Twenty-Sixth Middlesex District
  • Twenty-Ninth Middlesex District
  • Second Suffolk District
  • Eighteenth Suffolk District
• Clerk of Courts (Middlesex County)
• Register of Deeds (Middlesex Southern District)

Party Primary Ballots (Sept 3)

Sample ballots for all three parties - Enter your voter registration information here

Note: Because there are so many uncontested seats, it’s worth noting that you are under no obligation to vote for every seat.
Also, leaving some choices blank is one way to register your disapproval.

Advance Removal and Depositing of Ballots for the State Primary, September 3, 2024

Under the provisions of “The Votes Act”, early voting ballots may be processed in advance of Election Day. The City of Cambridge Election Commission will conduct advance removal of voted State Primary ballots on Mon, Aug 26; Tues, Aug 27; Wed, Aug 28; and Thurs, Aug 29 beginning at 9:00am at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. The voted ballots will be removed from their sealed envelopes and prepared for advance depositing. The advance depositing of voted State Primary ballots will be conducted on Fri, Aug 30, 2024, beginning at 9:00am at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room. The voted ballots will be placed in a tabulator and counted. Both processes will be open for public observation. If you have any questions, please call (617) 349-4361.

Designated Early Voting Locations, Hours and Days for the State Primary Election, Sept 3, 2024
The following Early Voting In Person locations will be open from Sat, Aug 24, 2024 to Fri, Aug 30, 2024.

Main Library – 449 Broadway

Cambridge Water Department - 250 Fresh Pond Parkway

Valente Library – 826 Cambridge Street, side entrance on Berkshire Street

The Election Commission office located 51 Inman Street will NOT be an early voting location for the State Primary Election.
Voters must go to one of the designated early voting locations listed above.

Official Ballot Drop Box Locations– (Cambridge voters only please)

Main Drop Box Location
The following location will be open from Fri, Aug 9 to Election Day, Tues, Sept 3.
This drop box location will be the ONLY one open on Election Day, September 3, 2024.

Coffon Building - 51 Inman Street, Right-side of the front entrance

Satellite Drop Box Locations
The following locations will be open 7am to 8pm every day from Fri, Aug 9 to Mon, Sept 2.
Satellite locations will NOT be open on Election Day, Sept 3.

1. City Hall - 795 Massachusetts Avenue, near the rear door
2. Morse School - 40 Granite Street, near the front entrance
3. Cambridge Police Headquarters - 125 6th Street, near the front of the building
4. Maria L. Baldwin School - 85 Oxford Street, right-side of the Oxford Street entrance
5. O’Neill Library - 70 Rindge Avenue, adjacent to the entrance stairs

IMPORTANT: Please make sure your voted ballot is sealed inside of the jurat envelope (yellow envelope) and the affirmation on the jurat envelope has been signed prior to inserting the envelope into the drop box.

The deadline to register or make changes to your name, address, or political party is Saturday, August 24th.

Check Your Voter Registration Status RegisterToVoteMA.com or call the Election Commission office at 617-349-4361.

Cambridge Seeking Residents to Host Events for Meet Your Neighbor Day

Aug 22, 2024 – Cambridge residents and community members are once again encouraged to bring their neighbors together for Meet Your Neighbor Day. Residents and community members can organize an event anytime between September 14 and 22, though Sunday, September 15 is the official event day. The deadline to submit a Meet Your Neighbor Event Submission Form is Wednesday, September 4.

Convened by the Cambridge Peace Commission and co-sponsored by the Citizen’s Committee on Civic Unity, this community-based initiative is designed to build connections in our amazing city by bringing together long-time residents, newcomers, and everyone in between. The City will help provide resources and promote the various events taking place around Cambridge.

Did you know that the City of Cambridge offers $300 awards and free Play Streets kits to support neighborhood block parties?

To make this year’s initiative even bigger and better, the Peace Commission and Citizen’s Committee on Civic Unity are seeking additional organizers to plan events (e.g. cookout, block party, service project, etc.) that can bring together neighbors — in a way that works for them!

Following the early September submission form deadline, the City of Cambridge will feature all of the Meet Your Neighbor Day events on the Peace Commission's Meet Your Neighbor webpage.

If community members have questions, please email peace@cambridgema.gov or visit the Meet Your Neighbor Day fact sheet and frequently asked questions for inspiration and ideas.

Volunteer Opportunities - Cambridge Boards & Commissions (click for details)

Cambridge Redevelopment Authority Board (deadline Mon, Sept 9, 2024)

Foundry Advisory Committee (deadline Mon, Sept 9, 2024)

Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (deadline Mon, Sept 9, 2024)

Cambridge Street Working Group (deadline Mon, Sept 9, 2024)

Cambridge Veterans Advisory Committee (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Cambridge Family Policy Council (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Human Rights Commission (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity (deadline Mon, Sept 30, 2024)

Cambridge Preschool Program Application for 2025-2026 School Year Opens October 1
The Cambridge Preschool Program provides access to free, high-quality preschool for all Cambridge 4-year-olds and some 3-year-olds

Aug 22, 2024 – The City of Cambridge and Cambridge Public Schools are delighted to announce that applications for the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP) for the 2025-2026 school year will be accepted Tues, Oct 1 - Thurs, Oct 31, 2024. Overseen by the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood, CPP is a publicly-funded program that provides access to free preschool for every 4-year-old and some 3-year-olds living in Cambridge through a streamlined application and matching process.Cambridge residents who will turn 4 years old or 3 years old by Aug 31, 2025 are eligible to apply to CPP for enrollment in the 2025-2026 school year.

Beginning October 1, the CPP application will be available on earlychildhoodcambridge.org/CPP.

As the City’s universal preschool model, CPP is a mixed-delivery system designed to center equity in access and deliver high-quality education across 25 Cambridge preschool providers, including Cambridge Public Schools, the City’s Department of Human Service Programs, and community-based programs. CPP provides a single application portal where families can compare participating programs, rank 6-10 programs to apply to based on their needs and preferences, and submit their application. Families who apply in October will be notified of their child’s preschool match in January 2025.

The City of Cambridge provides funding to cover the cost of school-day, school-year preschool tuition for every Cambridge 4-year-old and for 3-year-olds who meet priority criteria. Families can choose from programs that operate full-day and year-round for an additional cost.

“As we prepare to welcome the first cohort of children enrolled in the Cambridge Preschool Program to classrooms in September, we are thrilled that nearly 800 preschoolers will begin their educational journeys with a high-quality preschool foundation that is cost-effective for families,” said Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services. “We look forward to building on this newly established program model, led by the Office of Early Childhood, to support families in applying to CPP for the 2025-2026 school year this fall.”

CPP’s inaugural application period launched in January 2024. As of August 2024, CPP has placed all eligible 4-year-olds and all priority 3-year-olds who applied to the program into programs.

• 777 Cambridge children (528 4-year-olds and 249 3-year-olds) are enrolled in programs across 61 Cambridge preschool sites for the 2024-2025 school year.
• 90% of applicants received a preschool match from one of the top 3 choices indicated on their application.
• Approximately 42% of children enrolled across CPP providers meet lower-resourced priority criteria.

“The City of Cambridge has committed $34 million in total funding to the Cambridge Preschool Program for the fiscal year 2025, making this critically important initiative one of the largest financial investments across the City’s budget,” said Yi-An Huang, Cambridge City Manager. “We are so excited for the inaugural class to start in September and apply our early learnings to make the application process for the 2025-2026 preschool year even more efficient for those families most in need.”

“Through our partnership with the City of Cambridge, we are delighted that the years-long vision of universal preschool has come to fruition as we prepare to welcome our youngest learners through our inaugural Cambridge Preschool Program,” said David Murphy, Interim Superintendent of Cambridge Public Schools. “We are extremely grateful to the city for the immense collaboration and thought partnership and look forward to reflecting and making improvements to the application process so that our families have the most positive and seamless experience possible.”

Leading up to the 2025-26 application opening on October 1, the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood will share more information about the CPP application process and participating programs. For the latest information, visit earlychildhoodcambridge.org/CPP.

City of Cambridge to Increase Street Cleaning Violation Fines to $100 Starting September 2024

Aug 20, 2024 – Beginning the week of September 1, 2024, the City of Cambridge will increase the fine for street cleaning violations to $100 per violation. This decision follows the recommendation by the Department of Public Works (DPW) after evaluating the 2023 Pilot Street Cleaning Program, which included a suspension of towing for vehicles that were not moved on street cleaning days.

The 2023 Pilot Program was widely advertised and focused on encouraging residents to continue moving their vehicles despite the suspension of towing. During the 2023 pilot, the number of tickets issued for street cleaning parking violations increased by an average of 93% and so far in 2024, the number of tickets issued has continued to increase. This indicates that vehicles are not being moved as required, despite a $50 fine per violation, which has severely impacted the effectiveness of the street cleaning program.

As the City approaches the fall season, a critical time when debris on the streets is at its heaviest, it is more important than ever to ensure that vehicles are moved to allow for effective street sweeping. When vehicles remain on the street, sweepers are forced to maneuver around them, limiting their ability to collect debris.

The Cambridge Street Sweeping Program, which dates to 1885, is essential for keeping our streets clean, free of leaves, rubbish, and debris, and for improving the water quality of stormwater discharged into the Charles River and Alewife Brook. The residential street sweeping program covers both sides of every residential street once per month from April through December, using mechanical brooms.

Key data and points about Cambridge’s Street Sweeping Program include:

• Debris Removal: Between 1,500 and 2,000 tons of material, including litter, debris, leaves, and sediment, are removed from Cambridge streets annually.
• Curb Access: Access to curbs is critical for effective street sweeping.
• Stormwater Pollution Reduction: Street sweeping decreases stormwater pollution by reducing the amount of suspended sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants that reach the Charles River and Alewife Brook.
• Flood Risk Reduction: Street sweeping helps reduce the risk of localized flooding by keeping storm drains clear of leaves and debris.

In time, the City of Cambridge filed a home rule petition to increase the fines associated with street cleaning, leading to the new $100 violation fee. Residents are urged to move their vehicles on street cleaning days to avoid fines and to contribute to keeping our City clean and safe.

For more information on the street cleaning schedule and where to sign up for reminders, visit CambridgeMA.Gov/StreetCleaning.

ARPA Grant Reimburses Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits for New Energy Efficient Equipment and Operations

Aug 13, 2024 – The City of Cambridge and the Office of Sustainability today announced the Green Equipment for Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits ARPA Program that provides financial assistance to Cambridge businesses and non-profit organizations negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible businesses will receive financial assistance in the form of reimbursement for the purchase of eligible equipment that makes their business operations or building more energy efficient, reduces their use of fossil fuels, or that provides renewable energy to power their operations.

Eligible businesses and non-profits may apply for up to $250,000 in reimbursement for the purchase of eligible equipment such as energy efficient lighting and refrigeration, heat pumps, induction ranges, electric water heating equipment, electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, rooftop solar, electric and solar hot water systems, and more. Funding is only available for equipment costs and is not intended to cover installation or other costs. Equipment that uses fossil fuels is not eligible for reimbursement.

Organizations are eligible to participate in this program if they are based in Cambridge, have fewer than 500 employees, and if they can demonstrate that they have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cambridge businesses that have previously received ARPA funding for other purposes are likely to be eligible and are encouraged to apply.

Applicants will also be required to complete a no-cost Mass Save Small Business Energy Assessment, or to have had one completed within the past 6 months. Organizations are able to take advantage of savings from both the Mass Save Small Business Program and the Green Equipment for Cambridge Businesses and Non-Profits ARPA Program simultaneously.

“We are excited to further support Cambridge businesses and non-profits impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with this unique program,” said Susanne Rasmussen, Director of Climate Initiatives. “The energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades covered by this grant will help local businesses reduce both their energy costs and their climate impact, so everyone benefits.”

To get started, Cambridge businesses and non-profit organizations are encouraged to visit the program website for complete details and to complete an application: www.cambridgema.gov/greenequipmentgrant

Applications will be accepted and funding will be issued on a rolling basis until Sept 30, 2026, or until all program funds – which total $700,000 - have been awarded.

Oldtime Baseball Game – Thurs, Aug 22, starting at 6:00pm

It’s throwback uniforms. It’s period music. It’s local baseball talent. Put it all together and you have the 30th annual Abbot Financial Management Oldtime Baseball Game, which will be played Thursday, August 22 at 6:00pm at St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge.

The Boston Home is incredibly proud and grateful to be the beneficiary of the Abbot Financial Management Oldtime Baseball Game! Last year, the Oldtime Baseball Game raised over $80,000 to support life enhancing programs for The Boston Home's residents and outpatients. This year, we are swinging for the fences with an ambitious goal of raising $100,000 to improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis and other progressive neurological disorders. You can help make it happen!

The Oldtime Baseball Game is FREE to attend with free, nearby parking! Paul Wahlberg will be at the game with his team from Wahlburgers, serving up delicious ballpark fare. Silent and live auctions offer the chance to win exciting prizes including outstanding sports memorabilia! All proceeds benefit The Boston Home.

Seating at the ballpark is limited. Please plan to bring your own chairs or picnic blankets. View a map of the location. For more information, please contact Victoria Stevens, Director of Communications, at 617-326-4310 or vstevens@thebostonhome.org.

About Oldtime Baseball Game

The Oldtime Baseball Game is a celebration of our national pastime, played each year at beautiful St. Peter’s Field on Sherman Street in North Cambridge. From its humble beginnings in 1994, the game has grown considerably over the years, yet has remained loyal to its mission of offering a glimpse of what it was like in the old days, when hundreds of fans would turn out to root for their “town” team in various local semipro leagues.

What makes the Oldtime Baseball Game so special is our dazzling collection of flannel uniforms that represent virtually every era in baseball history. Used just once a year for the Oldtime Baseball Game, and then returned to storage the uniforms include such long ago teams as the Boston Braves, St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Dodgers. Teams from the old Negro Leagues are represented by the Kansas City Monarchs, Homestead Grays and Baltimore Elite Giants. Cuba is represented by the legendary Cienfuegos Elefantes. We even have a uniform from a team that never actually existed: the New York Knights for whom Robert Redford’s Roy Hobbs character played in “The Natural.”

Players from the game are chosen from colleges and universities from throughout New England, with an occasional high school player or retired big-leaguer added to the mix. Hall of Fame pitcher Pedro Martinez came out of retirement in 2017 to work two shutout innings in the Oldtime Baseball Game. The 2018 game featured one of the most interesting pitcher-batter match-ups in our game’s history, as legendary Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield faced Pro Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque. In 2019, seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens pitched pitched two innings, and then played two more innings at first base. Jim Lonborg, Cy Young Award winner for the 1967 Red Sox, pitched a shutout inning in 2015. Other former big-leaguers include Oil Can Boyd, Mike Pagliarulo, and, of course, Lou Merloni, an annual fixture at the Oldtime Baseball Game.

Admission to the Oldtime Baseball Game is free. Fans are asked to bring a beach blanket or chair and camp out along the foul lines, as it is the crowd that makes the game so electric.

Dog Days of Summer – August 5, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting   (Zoom only - Why?)

It’s that special time for that Special Summer Meeting. It may also be time for a visit to the Babson Boulders in Dogtown. Here are the items that caught this dog’s attention:

Reconsideration #1. City Council support of the Massachusetts State Ballot Question to Decriminalize Natural Psychedelics For Therapeutic Use.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Cambridge Preschool Program. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; JSW asks about participating family childcare programs; responses by Ellen Semonoff (DHSP), David Murphy (Interim School Superintendent); Siddiqui, Wilson questions/remarks; Simmons suggests a September Roundtable; McGovern, Nolan questions/remarks; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #17. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 243,689.30, to the Grant Fund Police Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. This grant will support the purchase of some of the hardware necessary for the implementation of the Department’s Body Worn Camera (BWC) Program.
pulled by Toner; Toner asks about status of union negotiations; Christine Elow notes that these are progressing; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #19. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 24-33, 24-34 & 24-38, regarding Vision Zero responses. [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; comments re: truck safety, university and large employees; remarks by Traffic Director Brooke McKenna; Nolan asks about automated traffic enforcement and legislative approval, status of automated parking enforcement, intersection improvements, education; Sobrinho-Wheeler comment on “turn hardening” and greater visibility, truck side guards, voluntary actions; McGovern asks about timeline for more “quick-builds”, data on most dangerous intersections, near misses, enforcement; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #20. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $175,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Traffic Extraordinary Expenditures account. These mitigation funds were received as part of the MIT PUD5 (south of Main Street / Kendall Square) Special Permit (PB #303) and will be used to partially fund the design of the Cambridge Street separated bike lanes and other associated street improvements.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report 24-19, regarding researching incentives and support for residents without cars. [text of report]
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the submission of the 2024 Affordable Housing Overlay Annual Report. [text of report]
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; remarks by JSW, question about status of some projects where offers were rejected or not pursued, replies by Chris Cotter (Housing); McGovern comments, wants to see breakdown by neighborhood; comments by City Manager Huang, Councillor Nolan; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #27. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Request for Information (RFI) for 84 & 96 Bishop Allen Drive. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui in response to public comments, desire for only an AHO project on these sites, wants explanation why it might need to be otherwise; City Manager Huang says its not impossible to do “100% affordable”, but this might result in fewer such housing units, limitations on City funding and fact that City-funded projects will go somewhere even if not at these sites, expenses associated with cultural space and limitations on bonding capacity in light of anticipated school building reconstructions and other priorities, similarities with situation with Alewife garage/station and MBTA; Iram Farooq (CDD) notes that Housing Division are contacting affordable housing developers regarding possibilities at these sites, importance of leveraging other capital; Siddiqui reiterates her desire that these sites be public housing w/cultural component; Sobrinho-Wheeler wants to see some scenarios; McGovern notes that this is just a Request for Information, wants most “affordable” housing even if this involves private developers; Azeem wants to know how many “100% affordable” housing units could be placed under current zoning, Cotter says such an estimate not yet available; Azeem wants to know if there has already been interest expressed, especially by abutting property owners, Farooq says they have hesitated in working with abutters in order to maintain an even playing field; Azeem says number of units and best use of available spaces, interested in long-term land leases; Toner agrees w/McGovern re: partnership w/private developers, supporting of mixed-income housing model; Nolan comments supportive of public/private partnerships; Wilson, Simmons comments; Siddiqui asks about timeline; Melissa Peters (CDD) responds; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to reach out to the Executive Director of the Cambridge Housing Authority to explore the feasibility of utilizing the large screen televisions in the community rooms of CHA buildings to enable seniors living in these buildings to participate in (via public comment) and view City Council meetings as they are held.   Mayor Simmons, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Simmons for comments; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #6. That the City Council will only consider Charter Review Committee recommendations which received a 2/3rds vote as stated in the Charter Review Ordinance.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett
pulled by Toner; Rules suspended to take up Orders 6, 7, and 8; Comm. & Reports #2, and Committee Report #5; Toner explains proposed orders and timeline for possible ballot question in Nov 2025; Azeem proposes amendment to allow other proposals after consideration of CRC proposals with 2/3 vote; Nolan wants to consider other charter amendments; Azeem amendment adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #7. Requiring a 2/3rds vote for approving changes to be forwarded to the legislature and the voters on a future ballot.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett
pulled by Toner; Sobrinho-Wheeler opposed to 2/3 vote requirement, wants only simple majority for proposed charter changes; Toner notes that some or all proposed changes may have to go to the State Legislature and that 2/3 vote appropriate - not just a simple policy order; Nolan says simple majority should rule, notes that it’s not Legislature’s role to object to anything unless it violates State Constitution, purpose of 2/3 is to endure likelihood of legislative approval; Order initially Adopted 5-2-1-1 (MM,PN,PT,AW,DS - Yes; SS,JSW - No; JP - Absent; BA - Present); At end of meeting, Councillor Wilson asked for unanimous consent to change her vote from Yes to No. This changed to vote to 4-3-1-1 (MM,PN,PT,DS - Yes; SS,JSW,AW - No; JP - Absent; BA - Present) and Order Failed of Adoption.
[Note: Councillor Pickett was Absent at this meeting and was expected to vote Yes which would have caused this Order to be adopted, so I would expect that at least one city councillor will file for Reconsideration so that this will be voted again in September.]

Order #8. That the Mayor is requested to form a Special Committee of the Whole or hold a special City Council meeting to discuss the Charter Review Committee recommendations and plan the process moving forward.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #5. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on June 25, 2024 to continue the June 5, 2024 discussion on Charter Review recommendations and develop draft recommendations to the full City Council for reviewing, deliberating, adopting, and processing possible changes to the Cambridge City Charter for future vote by Cambridge voters. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Councillor Toner, transmitting an update from the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee regarding Charter Review. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to urge the necessary departments to reconsider the initial plans for the Upstream Bridge/Draw One Bridge to include the construction of the pedestrian/bicycle pathway as has always been planned for the Draw One Bridge for train renovation and Upstream Bridge for pedestrian/bike crossing.   Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff and departments to conduct outreach to Cambridge colleges and universities about the pilot University Pass Program and coordinate with the MBTA and report back to the City Council on these outreach efforts.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant staff and departments to create a listserv for residents to sign up for that automatically emails an alert to subscribers when a board or commission vacancy occurs.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #13. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Law Department to provide a legal opinion on whether Cambridge can enact a local ordinance or regulation similar to H.3685, which would prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system, or whether the City should submit a Home Rule Petition to ensure access to solar energy for residents.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #14. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review climate leading heating and cooling regulations and direct the appropriate departments to develop and implement a policy that aligns with Cambridge’s climate leadership to ensure that City operated buildings have default temperatures that align with health and sustainability best practices, including differing guidelines for workplace occupancy hours and outside of business hours.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Order #15. That the City Manager is requested to work directly with the MBTA regarding the redevelopment of the Alewife garage and advocate for City priorities.   Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Siddiqui; Yi-An Huang notes that City will be very involved in community engagement process, adding community benefits, leveraging private capital (MBTA does not have sufficient capital otherwise); Nolan comments/questions re: commuter rail stop, bridge, whether City zoning would apply to this redevelopment; City Solicitor Megan Bayer notes that there are some immunities for government and essential uses; Nolan suggests that MBTA is anticipating a possible commuter real stop, maybe light rail and electrified trains; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

On The Table #2. That the City Manager is requested to support local news production as a public good by conducting a $100,000 per year City-backed news fund pilot for up to three years to be administered through an independent intermediary that will decide on funding criteria and selection of local newspapers that provide material coverage of Cambridge news. [Charter Right – Azeem, June 10, 2024; Tabled June 17, 2024]
No Vote was taken to Remove from Table, yet Azeem, Nolan both spoke to this Order; Nolan speaks to need for public information and nonsustainability of existing local news outlets, surprised that there was no support for this Order, wants idea revisited in the future; Azeem motion to Withdraw accepted without objection.

Resolution #1. Congratulations to George Hinds on 25 Years of dedication to the youth of the Cambridge.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; Simmon, Wilson added sponsors; Adopted as Amended

Resolution #12. Thanks to Flagg Street Studio and the Central Square BID for their commitment to the cultural and public life of the City.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Siddiqui

Resolution #15. Congratulations to Cara Seiderman on her retirement from the Community Development Department.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Simmons

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on May 23, 2024 to discuss the ongoing partnership with Neville Manor. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #2. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations Committee held a public hearing on June 12, 2024 to discuss municipal broadband. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #3. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on June 18, 2024 to review and discuss the first annual Green Jobs report, as required by the Green Jobs Ordinance, Article III Ch. 2.66.100. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on June 20, 2024 to discuss amendments to the Tenant’s Rights Ordinance recommended by the Law Department. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Rules Suspended to take up Comm. & Reports #3; Motion to Amend using language from City Solicitor Bayer Adopted 7-0-2 (Pickett, Siddiqui ABSENT); Ordinance Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT); Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Acting City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting Tenant’s Rights and Resources Notification Ordinance. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #6. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing with Harvard, MIT, and Lesley Universities on June 26, 2024 to receive their “Town Gown” reports and to discuss current and potential programs and partnerships with the City. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #7. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on June 27, 2024 to further discuss multi-family housing and hear updates from the Community Development Department. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #8. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public hearing on July 16, 2024 to receive an update from the City’s Opioid Task Force and local providers regarding the opioid crisis in Cambridge and current and future interventions. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

Committee Report #9. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on July 17, 2024 to continue the discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the city. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Pickett ABSENT)

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