Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

April 7, 2023

Ladies and Gentlemen – The April 10 Cambridge City Council Meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Charter,City Council — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:51 pm

Ladies and Gentlemen – The April 10 Cambridge City Council Meeting

Please excuse the perceived microaggressions. Here’s what I found most interesting this week (other than the Red Sox, the history of the Cambridge City Charters, springtime, and partying for socializing and libations):

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-71, regarding placing a cricket field in one of the Cambridge parks.
pulled by Siddiqui; Toner asks about public process in determining uses for City-owned property; Mallon says site would be perfect for an affordable housing development; Zondervan proposes that tall affordable housing towers be built on this site on Larch Road; Carlone prefers mixed use w/o towers and proposes stormwater storage under buildings with zero parking; Placed on File 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

Yellow
Pink

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a communication from DCR to the City regarding Memorial Drive closures.
pulled by Nolan; Nolan and Azeem Late Order appealing DCR decision – Charter Right – Simmons; Zondervan and Nolan attempt to define “environmental justice”; Simmons notes that even with motor vehicles on Memorial Drive there are ample opportunities to “walk, bike, and crawl”; Mallon addresses “the elephant in the room” noting that incoming DCR Commissioner may provide opportunities to call in political favors to restore Saturday closures, suggests that Covid measures like outdoor patios, eviction protections, and Saturday road closures should all be continued; Carlone debunks suggestions by QZ,PN that Memorial Drive users are primarily suburban upper crust [the truth is that the Harvard Square area is like a mid-city blockage that pushes traffic to the periphery and that it’s largely local traffic that uses the Riverbend Park section of Memorial Drive]; Placed on File 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

Late Order #5. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments and state agencies to mitigate traffic impacts and to formally request DCR to reconsider its decision to not close Memorial Drive on Saturdays.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
Charter Right – Simmons

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a 2023 Quarter One update.
pulled by Zondervan who uses opportunity to call for disarming of Cambridge Police and diverting 911 calls to HEART; Nolan wants more City Council control of City Budget before City Manager proposes it to City Council [I expect she will want to change the City Charter to gain more “executive” control over City Budget]; City Manager Huang recommends using summer months to work out a plan for deciding Goals & Objectives prior to developing the next Budget; Placed on File 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

146 Communications covering topics on this and and mainly on the previous agenda.

Resolution #17. Resolution on the death of Ned Handy.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Toner

Resolution #22. Thanks to Nancy Woods for her service to the Cambridge Public Library.   Mayor Siddiqui

Order #1. City Manager Performance Review Ad Hoc Committee.   Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Siddiqui; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to provide the City Council with a legal opinion on the earliest possible date that potential changes to the charter could be voted on by the electorate, assuming the Charter Review Committee submits proposed changes to the City Council by the new Dec 31, 2023 deadline.   Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee conducted a public hearing on June 7, 2022 to discuss the adverse impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers and recent bans on their use in other jurisdictions. [text of report]
Report Accepted; Placed on File 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee held a public meeting Mar 22, 2023 to discuss potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay. [text of report]
Report Accepted; Placed on File 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee held a public meeting Mar 23, 2023 to review the FY24 Police Department’s budget before it is submitted to the City Manager, and to review any budget proposal items related to body cameras. [text of report]
Report Accepted; Placed on File 8-0-1 (MM – Absent)

Note: The meeting opened (after Public Comment) with remarks by Fire Chief Thomas Cahill, City Manager Yi-An Huang, and Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan about the Faith Lutheran Church fire the previous day, and that although the steeple will have to be removed on Tuesday, most of the church building can likely be saved even though there was extensive damage. – Robert Winters

April 4, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 585-586: April 4, 2023

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,elections,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:30 pm

Episode 585 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 4, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Apr 4, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: Development standards and costs; cumulative effect of ordinances, regulations, and other requirements; Inclusionary housing, Linkage and nexus studies; economies of scale benefitting major players; memories of rent control driving properties from small-scale to large-scale owners; more diverse ownership preferable. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 586 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 4, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Apr 4, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: Charter Review; ideas of charter changes; proportional representation; elected office as service and not as a career; redress of grievances in previous charters; charter provisions as guardrails; history of revised ordinances after charter change. Hosts: Robert Winters, Patrick Barrett [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 3, 2023

No Foolin’ – April 3, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Charter,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:34 pm

No Foolin’ – April 3, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

The Cambridge City Council continues to be held hostage by those braying brats of socialism, so The Nine will again gather in their respective Zoom Caves this Monday to stumble through the motions of another futile exercise in shaky democracy. Here are a few items worth noting:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Revised Response to Proposed Amendments to Ch. 2.78, Art. III (Neighborhood Conservation District and Landmarks Ordinance).
pulled by Zondervan; remarks by Zondervan, Carlone, Toner, McGovern; Refer to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Committee Report #8. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Tues, Mar 7, 2023, on potential changes to Chapter 2.78 Historical Buildings and Landmarks, Proposed Ordinance #2022-11. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

These particular proposed amendments seem quite reasonable – as opposed to the Robert Moses (not our Bob Moses) tear-it-all-down perspective on “urban renewal” espoused by some current activists. One of the many great things about living in Cambridge is its remarkable history and the coexistence of many different types of architecture in every corner of the city.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-79, regarding Garden Street Safety Improvement Project local traffic analysis.
pulled by Zondervan; Toner moves to take up with Charter Right #1; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. Policy Order for Garden Street Accommodations. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 20, 2023]
Zondervan proposed amendments to implement recommendations proposed by staff; Toner opposed to QZ amendments; Carlone notes that there were NO pedestrian improvements in project; Nolan disagrees with QZ amendments that eviscerate original recommendations and notes that Cycling Safety Ordinance was meant to override any concerns of Traffic Department; McGovern also disagrees with first and last QZ amendments; Mallon notes that report calls original proposed changes infeasible and supports QZ amendments; Azeem says he was open to proposed amendments but now supports QZ amendments; responses by Brooke McKenna (TPT) – back-and-forth with Nolan; Zondervan says Council should not be second-guessing the Traffic Department and suggests that any criticism is sexist; McKenna notes that proposed changes would complicate the Huron/Garden intersection with an exclusive bicycle signal phase and cause gridlock; Siddiqui remarks; additional Toner remarks supporting original proposal and on role of councillors; McKenna says “charterwritten” (cringe); McGovern notes that one can support both the Order and the Traffic Department report, notes that he was the lead sponsor of the Cycling Safety Ordinance; Carlone notes that there are two women on this policy order and objects to Zondervan’s use of word “sexist” as ridiculous (Zondervan objects); QZ amendment #1 passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT – No); QZ amendment #2 passes 7-2 (DS,PT – No); QZ amendment #3 passes 6-3 (DC,DS,PT – No); QZ amendment #4 fails 3-5-0-1 (BA,AM,QZ – Yes; MM,PN,DS,PT,SS – No; DC – Present); Siddiqui attempts to explain function of policy orders; Toner notes that it is proper role of City Council to submit policy orders; Zondervan will vote against the Order; Toner wants assurances that TPP will actually look at proposals; Zondervan says TPP has already done their analysis; Mallon would support “explore the feasibility” rather than “implement”; McGovern moves to replace “implement” with “consider” [passes 6-3 (PN,DS,PT – No); Order Adopted as Amended 5-3-1 (DC,MM,PN,PT,SS – Yes; AM,QZ,DS – No; BA – Present)

139 Communications on a range of topics, especially (a) the Garden Street road configuration a.k.a. Policy Order #3 from Mar 20 and Charter Right #1, (b) the HEART patronage proposal, (c) the AHO Behemoth Proposal, and (d) Starlight Square and the proposed Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District.

The only two observations I’ll make on this hot topic are (a) it’s never OK to begin a traffic study with predetermined conclusions followed by “cherry-picked” data to support those conclusions; and (b) elected officials are not necessarily the best people to be evaluating traffic studies.

Charter Right #2. That the City Council authorize an extension of time for the Special Committee/Charter Review Committee to file its report on suggested Charter changes with the City Council until Dec 31, 2023. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 22, 2023]
Zondervan would prefer interim changes on the ballot this year rather than waiting until 2025 (not at all clear that this would be when changes would be on ballot); Nolan would have preferred faster action and notes that any changes to elections could not be proposed for this year, says that a Special Election could be held in 2024 specifically on the Charter; Simmons supports additional time for committee to do its work; Zondervan wants clarification about procedure for changing how elections conducted, suggests they could not take effect until 2025; Glowa disagrees – notes that proposals would go to City Council, then Attorney General, then voters (should also include State Legislature if substantial changes); Zondervan thinks a Special Election would be burdensome; McGovern asks what would be the alternative; Order Adopted 8-1 (QZ – No)

A six-month extension of the Charter Review Committee will almost certainly be approved. After that, it’s a crapshoot since the end product will only be recommendations, and the incumbents can pick and choose whatever suits their fancy to present to the Legislature and ultimately to Cambridge voters. The long history of Cambridge city charters from 1846 to the present has been of modifications made in the public interest, and certainly not in the self-interest of incumbents. Keep that in mind when you hear calls for more power and/or longer terms. There are some good and important modifications to the charter that can and should be made in the public interest, but let’s save that discussion for later.

Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to a Zoning Petition from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BA-5 Zoning District Petition. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Mar 6, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Mar 20, 2023; Expires Apr 3, 2023]
McGovern notes that several votes required; Zondervan consistently opposed as spot zoning, feels that this subverts AHO and speaks in favor of AHO Behemoth Proposal; Carlone notes that proposal is for a 4.0 FAR yet project under 3.0 FAR with maximum height of 69 feet; objects to absence of documents and call this “a joke” – classic spot zoning with no City benefits; Toner supports proposal – heights not unreasonable – wants further N. Mass. Ave. study, says Planning Board liked the project but wanted the full study first; Nolan says she’s torn, questions why a 4.0 FAR is necessary, proposes amendment to reduce maximum FAR to 3.0 (acceptable to petitioner); Azeem wants to remove dwelling area to lot ratio; Siddiqui want to pass this tonight; Carlone reiterates desire for calculation and drawings for what is proposed, expects this will yield enormous pressure to have this up and down Mass. Ave., concerned about precedent; Toner asks if this requires 5 votes or 6; Zondervan notes that for creation of housing requires only 5 votes, Glowa agrees; Zondervan opposed to amendments – not discussed at Ordinance Committee; Glowa says that because proposal allows office and retail uses, requires 6 votes for any parts not involving housing; Nolan amendments adopted 7-2 (QZ,SS – No); Azeem proposes amendment to reduce ratio of dwelling units to lot area to zero; Glowa affirms that 6 votes required; Carlone notes that developer promised parking for each unit; Azeem amendment passes 5-3-1 (DC,AM,SS – No; PN – Present); Amend by Substitution with CDD modifications (as amended) passes 9-0; Ordained as Amended 6-3 (DC,QZ,SS – No)

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the City Solicitor to provide a legal opinion which clarifies the state law on zoning petition signature requirements to ensure clarity and lawful deliberation in the future.   Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Department of Human Service Programs to develop a three-year plan to expand and improve After School Care for Cambridge children.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by McGovern; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Law Department to review the Citizens Zoning Petition received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning for the Central Square Cultural District for form and content.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan
Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Reports #1-7 from the distant past (2019-2020 Transportation and Public Utilities Committee) w/special thanks to the staff of the City Clerk’s Office. It will take time to make up for the negligence of committee Chairs who apparently prefer darkness over light. [Long Overdue Reports: Carlone (15), Simmons (12), McGovern (11), Nolan (11), Zondervan (10), Devereux (4), Kelley (7), Sobrinho-Wheeler (2), Mallon (2), Toner (2), Azeem (2)]
Reports Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #9. The Housing Committee held a public meeting on Mar 8, 2023 to continue the recessed meeting from Feb 8, 2023 to continue discussing potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I’m not sure where this offensive proposal stands since it ultimately would have to go through the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board before coming to a vote. It may be that the industry lobbyists who wrote it strategically proposed such absurd deviations from existing zoning so that anything less might be viewed as a “compromise”. It’s also a municipal election year, and there may be political risks or benefits to being associated with such a radical upzoning. In any case, let me just say that in Cambridge and elsewhere, use of the word “crisis” is often just another way of saying “do what I say or else”.

Communications & Reports #4. A communication was received from City Solicitor Nancy E. Glowa, transmitting Legal Opinion on Recent Supreme Judicial Court Case Regarding Public Comment. [text of opinion]
pulled by Mallon (early); Mallon proposes Rules Changes – 38.6, 32B, and 12; Late Policy Order Adopted 7-0-0-2; Placed on File 9-0

Late Order #8. That the City Council amend Rules 38.6, 32B, and 12 to align the City Council Rules with the decision made in Barron v. Kolenda.   Vice Mayor Mallon
Comments by Mallon, Zondervan suggests a Gov’t Ops. meeting; Carlone notes that this will make the Council more of a circus; Nolan says no meeting necessary, need for Council to prevent a tone; Mallon asks if Rules changes can be done now without usually required delay; Glowa says that no law requires delay – just City Council Rules, can be changed immediately under suspension of rules; Mallon moves suspension (passes 7-0-0-2; Carlone, Simmons – Present); Azeem says this should have been on City Manager’s Agenda, asks if the ruling applies to City Council; Glowa notes that changes to Rule #12 would make this apply to City Council as well; Simmons notes that in a previous training question raised about what is actually meant by “avoid personalities”, would prefer more discussion in committee of proposed changes; Glowa reticent on interpreting “avoid personalities” in City Council Rules; Simmons wants to be recorded as voting Present (Zondervan objects) – approved 7-1-1 (PT – Absent, QZ – No); Zondervan favors striking all restraints on free speech, wants fuller conversation in Gov’t Ops.; Order Adopted 7-0-0-2 (DC,DS – Present) for immediate Rules changes

It looks like uncivil comments will now be considered permissible during Public Comment, but City Council Rules can still require speakers to stay on point. Shutting down an actual (in-person) meeting is still not protected speech, but that really doesn’t mean much if there’s no will to prevent it. – Robert Winters

March 20, 2023

Spring Backwards – March 20, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Central Square,Charter,City Council,Comcast — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:41 pm

Spring Backwards – March 20, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Spring officially begins Monday, Mar 20, 2023 at 5:24pm. Six minutes later the Cambridge City Council will spring backwards into Zoom isolation. Here are the agenda items that caught my attention:First Sign of Spring

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the new appointments of Maria Guadalupe Arlotto and Brendan Koscher as members of the Police Review and Advisory Board for terms of five years.
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-05, regarding a report on beginning the process of obtaining police body worn cameras (BWC) for the Cambridge Police Department, and to work with all appropriate departments to produce policy recommendations that would allow body worn camera usage while also not violating civil liberties in compliance with the City’s Surveillance Ordinance.
pulled by Toner; comments by PT, DS, MM, PN (critical of previous city managers), QZ (opposed to body cameras); responses by Commissioner Christine Elow, and Superintendent Freddie Cabral; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-09, regarding a report on engaging a third party, independent firm/consultant or university partner to review and examine the Cambridge Police Department’s policies and practices regarding de-escalation methods, mental health calls for service, training, and more.
pulled by Zondervan; questions from Siddiqui; comments by QZ (concerned about bidding process for contract – curious that no such concerns about HEART funding and contract; also challenging use of a police entity doing review), DS (noting that CPD already intentional about deescalation methods), AM, DC, PN, SS; responses by Elow, City Manager Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to fund the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 6, 2023]
Siddiqui again says “charterwritten”; Toner moves to also discuss Comm. & Rpts. #3; Nolan reads prepared statement, says HEART expects to be ready in Fall, proposes amendments; Zondervan supportive of amendments; Toner OK with amendments but questions HEART, prefers to develop a scope of services for others to bid on, questions about liability; McGovern says that Manager believes that contracts with a non-profit entity do not need to go out to bid, floats notion of $8 million funding for HEART, fully supports Community Safety Department but wants HEART to be outside of any City department; Simmons notes her letter with Toner expressing concerns about HEART, notes model for non-police response that grew from Task Force, wants assurance that any entity chosen is actually equipped to do the job; Zondervan expresses support w/o any questions; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Simmons – Present; Toner – No)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Councillor Toner, transmitting Questions regarding Requests to Fund Heart Using City Funds.
Discussed along with Charter Right #1; Placed on File 9-0

It seems all but certain that the reason the City Council meeting is taking place on Mount Zoom this week is because of the multiple police-related agenda items and the inevitability of a PSL invasion (Party for Socialism and Liberation). We may also see further evidence of the current Mayor’s differences of opinion with the City Administration (and perhaps a signal of how she might prefer to change the Charter to gain more authority). [“In Cambridge, our charter grants the City Manager power over the Police Department as well as oversight of personnel matters. There have been repeated demands from the community to release the name of the officer who shot Faisal, and I personally believe this is an important step for the sake of transparency, but a statement released last week made clear the City will not do so.”]. Ms. Siddiqui’s definition of “the community” is not so clear.

Regarding HEART: There’s something disturbing about the fact that city councillors are pressing the City Manager to award a contract to a particular vendor – and especially a vendor with zero track record other than the consistent hostility of its adherents toward the Cambridge Police Department.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2023 and ending Mar 31, 2024. [FY24 water/sewer charts]
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN; responses by Owen O’Riorden, Kathy Watkins (DPW); Placed on File 9-0

The notable increases in the water rate this year actually exceed the increases in the sewer rate, but it has generally been the reverse for some time. It costs far more to lose the water than to supply it.

Water Rates (per CcF) FY05 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF $2.73 $3.02 $3.02 $3.02 $3.02 $3.02 $3.02 $3.02 $3.02 $3.05 $3.11 $3.32
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF $2.94 $3.24 $3.24 $3.24 $3.24 $3.24 $3.24 $3.24 $3.24 $3.27 $3.33 $3.55
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF $3.11 $3.44 $3.44 $3.44 $3.44 $3.44 $3.44 $3.44 $3.44 $3.47 $3.54 $3.77
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF $3.31 $3.65 $3.65 $3.65 $3.65 $3.65 $3.65 $3.65 $3.65 $3.69 $3.76 $4.01
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF $3.58 $3.96 $3.96 $3.96 $3.96 $3.96 $3.96 $3.96 $3.96 $4.00 $4.08 $4.35
Sewer Rates (per CcF) FY05 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF $5.54 $8.19 $8.62 $9.21 $9.50 $10.23 $11.00 $11.77 $12.51 $13.51 $14.59 $15.34
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF $5.87 $8.67 $9.12 $9.74 $10.05 $10.82 $11.63 $12.44 $13.22 $14.28 $15.42 $16.21
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF $6.30 $9.31 $9.79 $10.46 $10.79 $11.62 $12.49 $13.36 $14.20 $15.34 $16.57 $17.42
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF $6.79 $10.02 $10.54 $11.26 $11.62 $12.51 $13.45 $14.39 $15.30 $16.52 $17.84 $18.75
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF $7.22 $10.66 $11.21 $11.97 $12.35 $13.30 $14.30 $15.30 $16.26 $17.56 $18.96 $19.93
Combined Rates (per CcF) FY05 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF $8.27 $11.21 $11.64 $12.23 $12.52 $13.25 $14.02 $14.79 $15.53 $16.56 $17.70 $18.66
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF $8.81 $11.91 $12.36 $12.98 $13.29 $14.06 $14.87 $15.68 $16.46 $17.55 $18.75 $19.76
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF $9.41 $12.75 $13.23 $13.90 $14.23 $15.06 $15.93 $16.80 $17.64 $18.81 $20.11 $21.19
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF $10.10 $13.67 $14.19 $14.91 $15.27 $16.16 $17.10 $18.04 $18.95 $20.21 $21.60 $22.76
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF $10.80 $14.62 $15.17 $15.93 $16.31 $17.26 $18.26 $19.26 $20.22 $21.56 $23.04 $24.28
Percent Increases (Water)   FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 10 Year 19 Year
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 6.8% 9.9% 21.6%
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.9% 1.8% 6.6% 9.6% 20.7%
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.9% 2.0% 6.5% 9.6% 21.2%
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.1% 1.9% 6.6% 9.9% 21.1%
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 2.0% 6.6% 9.8% 21.5%
Percent Increases (Sewer)   FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 10 Year 19 Year
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF 4.2% 5.3% 6.8% 3.1% 7.7% 7.5% 7.0% 6.3% 8.0% 8.0% 5.1% 87.3% 176.9%
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF 4.2% 5.2% 6.8% 3.2% 7.7% 7.5% 7.0% 6.3% 8.0% 8.0% 5.1% 87.0% 176.1%
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF 4.3% 5.2% 6.8% 3.2% 7.7% 7.5% 7.0% 6.3% 8.0% 8.0% 5.1% 87.1% 176.5%
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF 4.2% 5.2% 6.8% 3.2% 7.7% 7.5% 7.0% 6.3% 8.0% 8.0% 5.1% 87.1% 176.1%
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF 4.2% 5.2% 6.8% 3.2% 7.7% 7.5% 7.0% 6.3% 8.0% 8.0% 5.1% 87.0% 176.0%
Percent Increases (Combined)   FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 10 Year 19 Year
Block 1 0 – 40 CcF 3.0% 3.8% 5.1% 2.4% 5.8% 5.8% 5.5% 5.0% 6.6% 6.9% 5.4% 66.5% 125.6%
Block 2 41 – 400 CcF 3.0% 3.8% 5.0% 2.4% 5.8% 5.8% 5.4% 5.0% 6.6% 6.8% 5.4% 65.9% 124.3%
Block 3 401 – 2,000 CcF 3.1% 3.8% 5.1% 2.4% 5.8% 5.8% 5.5% 5.0% 6.6% 6.9% 5.4% 66.2% 125.2%
Block 4 2,001 – 10,000 CcF 3.0% 3.8% 5.1% 2.4% 5.8% 5.8% 5.5% 5.0% 6.6% 6.9% 5.4% 66.5% 125.3%
Block 5 Over 10,000 CcF 3.0% 3.8% 5.0% 2.4% 5.8% 5.8% 5.5% 5.0% 6.6% 6.9% 5.4% 66.1% 124.8%

*All rates are per CcF. CcF is an abbreviation of 100 cubic feet. One CcF is approximately 750 gallons

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of Danielle Jones-McLaughlin, Deepti Nijhawan, Loring Brinckerhoff, Avril dePagter, Mary Devlin , Dan Stubbs as members of the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD).
Appointments Approved 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Salvation Army Shelter and Daytime Program.
pulled by Zondervan; comments by QZ, MM, PT; responses by Yi-An Huang, Ellen Semonoff (annual cost $1,080,000); Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO23#35, related to the Allocation Plan for Cambridge’s HOME-ARP funds.
pulled by Nolan; comments by PN, QZ, MM, DC, SS; responses by Yi-An Huang, Iram Farooq; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2022 Town-Gown Reports and Presentations.
pulled by Carlone; comments by DC (graduate student housing, etc.), PN; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the final report for the City’s comprehensive year-long municipal broadband feasibility study.
Placed on File 9-0

I am eager to be convinced that this is a worthwhile investment that won’t jeopardize the City’s financial standing. The $194 million estimate is almost certainly less that what the actual cost will be. I also have a lot of questions about what this initiative would mean in terms of residents who have their Internet, Cable TV, and phone bundled into a single Comcast package. For example, will a resident still have to contract with Comcast if they want to watch TV? Will the result actually be cost savings or additional cost? Will Cable TV simply dry up and blow away in a few years with everything shifting toward data-intensive streaming options? Even more fundamentally, were any of these questions raised in the supposedly “scientific survey” now being touted by some councillors in their pre-campaign email blasts?

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO23#44, related to the Barrett, et al., Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 9-0

Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to a Zoning Petition from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BA-5 Zoning District Petition (Ordinance #2022-21). [Passed to 2nd Reading, Mar 6, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Mar 20, 2023; Expires Apr 3, 2023]

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure multi-family properties on the market are reviewed as quickly as possible as potential affordable housing acquisitions. [Charter Right – Simmons, Mar 6, 2023]
Remarks by Simmons, Nolan; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I don’t wish to infuriate anyone by saying this, but the notion that multi-family buildings, particularly two- and three-family buildings, should be removed from private ownership flies in the face of the reality that small property owners have been possibly the greatest source of affordable rents in Cambridge for well over a century. A nonprofit corporation is not an improvement over a good landlord or landlady and these properties have long been an essential part of securing a middle class of Cambridge residents.

Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Ordinance # 2022-6 Article III Green Jobs 2.66.100 Definitions. [Passed to 2nd Reading, Feb 27, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Mar 20, 2023]
pulled by Zondervan; Ordained 9-0

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Charles Jessup Franklin et al., regarding allowing new construction that is similar in size and shape as existing buildings for the purpose of promoting housing and first floor retail.
pulled by McGovern; comments by MM, BA (not enthusiastic, wants even higher density); Referred to Planning Board and Ordinance Committee 8-0-0-1 (Carlone – Present)

Perhaps we should call this latest variation the Missing Middle Revisited Petition. Variations on this theme by the densifiers seem endless. The suggested residential densities in this variant are in many ways even greater than those proposed in the previous “Missing Middle” attempt – and continue to be be somewhat oblivious to how housing on Cambridge streets actually functions. [Ref.: “A few observations on density”]

Applications & Petitions #2. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Michael Monestime et al. regarding Outdoor Use Zoning Petition for the Central Square Cultural District.
pulled by McGovern; comments by MM, QZ, PT, PN, DS; Referred to Planning Board and Ordinance Committee 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager work with the Central Square Business Improvement District and provide a license agreement, as well as direct financial and regulatory support for the continued and uninterrupted operation of Starlight Square.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Siddiqui; remarks by Siddiqui, Simmons, McGovern, Nolan, Zondervan, Carlone (consider redevelopment of the edges as well), Azeem, Mallon; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I greatly appreciate that we had Starlight Square during the pandemic, and I absolutely hope that we can have a suitable venue like this in the future. That said, Starlight Square as it is now is something of a relic that would need either a substantial upgrade or a relocation. Many of us view it as an experiment that strongly made the case for comparable and perhaps much better options in the future. Central Square needs options for vendors such as those provided by Popportunity, and we definitely need better gathering spaces for events or a rethinking of existing spaces. Dumping on the BZA (as some councillors are doing) is more of a cheap shot than an actual plan that can be sustained.

Resolution #1. Congratulations to Sara Reese on receiving the 2023 Exemplary School Champion Award for her leadership in workforce development in Cambridge.   Councillor Toner

Resolution #2. Gratitude to Margaret Drury for her many years of tireless service to the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority and to the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Simmons (notes Margaret’s three decades of service to the City); remarks by McGovern, Carlone; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #2. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council is requested to confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request to dedicate a street corner in honor of Ned Handy.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Toner
pulled by Carlone; remarks by Carlone; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #1. That the City Council go on record supporting Enabling Legislation for a Real Estate Transfer Fee.   Councillor Carlone, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Carlone; remarks by Carlone (would generate $23 million more per year for affordable housing); Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. Policy Order for Garden Street Accommodations.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Zondervan; remarks by Toner; notable that there were many nearly identical comments during Public Comment from the “bike lobby” opposing this Order; Charter Right – Zondervan

This is a start – and hopefully not just ass-covering for some city councillors concerned about how West Cambridge residents might vote in November. Ensuring bicycle safety need not be a monolithic enterprise with little room for revision.

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee met on May 7, 2019. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Reported Accepted as Amended, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee met on Feb 16, 2022 to consider the City Council goals in relation to the budget and to gather input and discuss priorities on the FY23 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee met on Feb 23, 2022 to reconvene its Feb 16, 2020 meeting to receive public comment regarding the City Council goals in relation to the budget and to gather input and discuss priorities on the FY23 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Finance Committee met on Apr 20, 2022 to discuss the city’s ARPA application/funding update status. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Finance Committee met on May 10, 2022 to conduct hearing on FY 2023 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Finance Committee met on May 11, 2022 to conduct hearing on FY 2023 school budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #7. The Finance Committee met on May 17, 2022 to conduct hearing on FY 2023 budget. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #8. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on June 14, 2022 to receive an update on ARPA funding. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #9. The Human Services and Veterans Committee held a public meeting on Feb 28, 2023, to discuss the status of after school programming in Cambridge. [text of report]
Reported Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Perhaps Neil Sedaka should provide the soundtrack with “Catching Up Is Hard To Do”. My favorite case is the (March 6) adoption of the ordinance establishing the procedure for appointment of the Charter Review Commission as required by the Charter amendments adopted in 2021. The committee was appointed July 1, 2022 – more than 8 months prior to the adoption of the ordinance. – Robert Winters

March 13, 2023

Municipal Broadband or Municipal Boondoggle

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,City Council,Comcast — Tags: , , — Robert Winters @ 12:37 pm

Municipal Broadband or Municipal Boondoggle

March 13, 2023 – There’s a City Council Roundtable tonight that includes a presentation on “Municipal Broadband Feasibility and Business Model Options”. Advocacy for municipal broadband has gained a lot of traction among city councillors over the last few years – perhaps even unanimous support – but the issue has always been about financial cost and exposure, i.e. the notion that a huge amount of money might be invested in a technology that might become obsolete with the next wave of innovation.City Hall

If surveyed, residents would likely be nearly unanimous in the view that having affordable alternatives for fast Internet access is very desirable – hence a winning position for city councillors to support. What is often not said is that municipal broadband would likely not include Cable TV access (unless you subscribe to one of the new streaming options), and if consumers who now bundle their phone, Internet, and TV access wanted municipal broadband there might not even be a financial benefit in doing so. More significantly, the full capital cost of such an investment is estimated to be $194 million with a City contribution estimated to be $150 million.

KEY STUDY FINDINGS

• The full capital cost is estimated at ~$194 million, incorporating a 30% contingency and inflation over a 5-year construction period, assuming a 40% take-rate.

• A City contribution of ~$150 million is required to establish a sustainable FTTP business from scratch, applying reasonable assumptions under a “base case”. This contribution is the investment the City would need to make for which there would likely be no return. The remaining capex can be supported from net revenues after operating costs.

• Entering into a partnership with one or more entities to lease fiber and run the business would reduce the City’s risks and potentially reduce costs. A partner could potentially leverage existing operations and assets, achieving economies of scale.

March 4, 2023

The Gathering Storm – March 6, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Charter,City Council,Deaths — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:24 pm

The Gathering Storm – March 6, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Municipal Election Year dynamics are gradually emerging in the form of policy orders, social media chatter, and topics being emphasized or scrupulously avoided. There’s even a chance to chime in on where you stand on the endless state of war that is Rent Control (always an opportunity to turn friends into enemies and enemies into friends). Here are a few agenda items that may prove interesting (possibly in Zoom if the egocentrists of PSL continue to stamp their feet and display their ignorance):City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order 2022 #181, regarding convening a North Mass Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group.
pulled by Toner; remarks by Toner, Iram Farooq, Carlone on urban design, Nolan, Simmons on outreach and who will Chair committee – Farooq says City staff; Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to be used for professional services for a planning study for Massachusetts Avenue from Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway. Funds will be combined with existing balances from prior related projects.
pulled by Carlone; Farooq says $400,000 estimated total cost; Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern – Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-78, regarding safety concerns at the LBJ Apartment building.
pulled by Simmons; Commissioner Elow responds; Zondervan objects to deploying Police rather than a security service at public housing; Huang notes that private security don’t play as engaged a role as Police and commends Cambridge Police; McGovern notes that tenants often let people in building who should not be there; Simmons notes that residents (correctly) equate Police with safety and security; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a transfer of $40,000 from the General Fund Reserves Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund City Council Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover current and anticipated costs related to the work of the Charter Review Committee.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its AAA rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. [S&P] [Moodys] [Fitch]
pulled by Carlone; David Kale (Finance) explain about savings of $1.4 to $2 million interest; McGovern asks about ability to issues bonds, Kale says you can bond anything but the market decides the rates (recently 3.06%); Nolan notes ESG ratings in each of the reports; Toner notes value of stability in staff with change in City Manager, asks about effect of commercial vacancies and possible effects, Kale notes range of revenues and healthy reserves and notes what may happen with office space as leases expire and uses possibly change, $1 billion in new growth last year in lab space, uncertainty in office space (Gayle Willett – Assessing); Azeem about limitations on spending that might occur w/o AAA ratings, Kale explains value of strong and consistent management, long-term capital plan, ongoing leadership and bench strength in financial team, strength of local economy; Huang relates City budget to personal budgets, what might happen if City simply spent a lot more money – financial stewardship and optimization; Azeem notes about trade-off of pay-as-you-go vs. borrowing; Simmons remarks on potential downturn, Kale notes that revenues support expenditures, stable tax rates, managing debt, scheduled to pay off pension liabilities by 2026, more to do with long-term pension liabilities, history of bond ratings from Prop 2½ (early 1980s) until today; Zondervan dismissive of AAA ratings and focuses on the negatives of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and equity; Kale thanks Manager and Finance team, CDD, and other department heads and staff – echoed by City Manager Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Annual Surveillance Report concerning City Departments’ use of Surveillance Technology or Surveillance Data.
pulled by Zondervan (who has issues with Shot Spotter); Reports Approved and Placed on File 9-0

My question is simply this: “How much staff time is occupied assembling these reports?”

Charter Right #2. That the joint Economic Development and University Relations and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committees forward the amended proposed Policy Order regarding Labs and Neighborhood Planning to the full City Council. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 27, 2023]
Siddiqui again says this was “charterwritten”; Zondervan amendments Approved 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City Departments to work with Eversource to include in their annual reporting, updates on their work to move forward with providing the infrastructure required to move Cambridge toward electrifying the city. [Charter Right – Nolan, Feb 27, 2023]
Siddiqui again says this was “charterwritten”; Nolan added as sponsor and McGovern amendments Adopted 9-0; Carlone comments on monopolies like Eversource; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition (Ordinance #2022-20) [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 9, 2023; Expires Mar 6, 2023; Ordinance Amended Feb 27, 2023]
Comments by (Abundant Housing Treasurer) Azeem on embedded emissions accounting such as materials used in construction, proposes amendments exempting some housing; Zondervan prefers version w/o amendments saying it has been fully vetted and that Planning Board wants this accounting for all projects w/o special exemptions for housing; Toner supports Azeem amendments; (Sky is Falling) Carlone says software already out there for embodied emissions accounting and that this is all just common sense and wants version w/o amendments; Nolan now trying to appear as a “moderate” and will support amendments; Siddiqui aligns with Zondervan, Carlone; Azeem amendments Adopted 5-4 (BA,MM,PN,DS,PT – Yes; DC,AM,QZ,SS – No); Ordained as Amended 9-0

Resolution #1. Congratulations to Robert Steck on his retirement from the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Carlone who lauds Rob Steck as a playground designer and more

Resolution #3. Congratulations to Sam Corda on his retirement from the Cambridge Water Department.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons

Resolution #4. Resolution on the death of David Leslie.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon

Order #3. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct CDD to provide language that would amend the Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition to include the amendments proposed by the petitioner and report back to the City Council by Mar 13, 2023.   Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee, chaired by Councillor Zondervan, met on Feb 28, 2023 to continue the discussion of Citizens Zoning Petition from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition – AP22#52. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,PN,DS,PT – Yes; DC,QZ,SS – No)

Order #4. That the City Council go on record in support of the Tenant Protection Act HD.3922/SD.2368.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Toner; Zondervan notes that this is about rent stabilization and “just cause” evictions; Siddiqui says this is similar to one Council previously supported; Toner will vote NO because he does not want to bring back divisiveness of rent control and observes that this will cause preemptive rent increases and thwart housing production; Nolan wants local control and says that (20 years ago) Cambridge voted overwhelmingly against rent control; McGovern will also support this with double-talk about how this is not actually rent control (which it obviously is); Mallon also double-talks and stresses “local control” rather than what this is really about, lauds Rep. Connolly; Siddiqui adds to the double-talk about “options; Order Adopted 8-1 (Toner NO)

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Manager’s Housing Liaison, Community Development Department, and the Cambridge Housing Authority [and the City Solicitor] on the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#47)
pulled by Simmons; remarks by Siddiqui, Simmons, Mallon about how Somerville is doing this (with ARPA funds) but without any estimate of how costly this would be; Toner asks about legal issues and wants opinion of City Solicitor; Carlone (aggressively) suggests this should be made unanimous; McGovern says this would eliminate homelessness of veterans; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to fund the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; remarks by Zondervan, Nolan; Charter Right – Nolan

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure multi-family properties on the market are reviewed as quickly as possible as potential affordable housing acquisitions.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Nolan; Amendments proposed to add MM,DC; Charter Right – Simmons

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee conducted a public meeting to discuss the FY24 Capital Budget, and future investment priorities in Cambridge’s physical infrastructure ahead of the FY24 budget cycle. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Housing Committee met on Wed, Feb 8, 2023 from 12:30-2:30pm to discuss potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; remarks by Simmons (meeting recessed, not adjourned, so no public comment), Carlone (NLTP meeting on Mar 22), Azeem says time needed for robust discussion; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Wed, Mar 8
3:00pm   The Housing Committee will hold a public meeting to continue the recessed meeting from Feb 8, 2023 to continue discussing potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. No Public Comment.

Tues, Mar 22
5:30pm   The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay.

February 26, 2023

February Follies – February 27, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,Deaths — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:17 pm

February Follies – February 27, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

The shortest month will end with possibly the longest snowfall so far this season as the home nine take the field in Sullivan Stadium. Here are the agenda items that drew my interest:

Note: The PSL virus again hit the Cambridge City Council. They are now all in Quarantine, a.k.a. Zoom.
[For those unschooled in Marxism, PSL is the Party for Socialism and Liberation.]
City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a public health update.
pulled by Siddiqui; remarks by Derrick Neal, Anna Kaplan; PN,DC(has Covid),QZ,Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Note: This is the 14th day running that the City has failed to provide Covid data. Six messages to those responsible have gone unanswered. I continue to update the figures and charts as best as I can from cumulative totals and I will adjust things if and when the City gets its act together. There have been two new deaths recorded recently but no details are available. This is not the only instance where City staff are falling down lately.

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-60, regarding streamlining the City’s block party and Play Streets permit requirements.
pulled by Mallon; remarks by Brooke McKenna (TPTD), Iram Farooq (CDD),PN,QZ,DS, Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation in the amount of $1,800,000, from Free Cash to the Public Works Public Investment Fund Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund accessibility improvements to City Hall including the reconstruction of Dorothy “Dottie” Doyle Way.
pulled by Carlone; James Wilcox (DPW) addresses mud and erosion along street, plans for EV charging; Simmons notes history of City Hall, need for landscaping; Nolan (02138) thinks Trowbridge Street borders City Hall; Owen O’Riordan says rear entrance will be modified; Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as members of the Black, Indigenous, People of Color-Owned Business Advisory Committee for a term of two years, effective March 1, 2023: Margaret Pimental, Sukia Akiba, and Keisha Graves.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report from CDD and the Law Department containing clarifying edits to the Climate Resilience Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Rules suspended to bring forward Unfinished Business #7; Farooq explains recommended edits and implementation dates; Zondervan asks about dates; Solicitor Nancy Glowa; Jeff Roberts public review period for all those impacted by new standards and regulations; Zondervan moves to add Jan 1, 2024 alternate deadline; Nolan wants a date to be Sept 1, 2023; Amendments Adopted 9-0; Ordained as Amended 9-0; Communication Placed on File 9-0

Unfinished Business #7. An Ordinance 2022 #9 has been received from Diane LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to create a new Section 22.80 Flood Resilience Standards. [Passed to 2nd Reading Feb 6, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Feb 27, 2023; Expires Apr 26, 2023]
pulled by Zondervan, Rules Suspended; Ordained as Amended 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to PO22#314, PO22#315, and PO22#316 from the meeting of 12/19/2022, regarding the Emissions Accounting Petition. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Rules suspended to bring forward Unfinished Business #5; Zondervan motion to adopt recommended amendments, Amendments Adopted 8-0-1 (DS Absent); Azeem raises issues of cost impacts; Suzanne Rasmussen (CDD) says she has no estimate for costs; Azeem requests more clarity on financial impacts; Farooq suggests costs would be modest; Rasmussen suggests more regulations to come; Azeem frustrated by these responses – and skeptical, wants more comprehensive view of total cost or layered regulations; McGovern concurs, notes disparate impact on smaller developers; Regulatin’ Rasmussen remains stone-faced, cares only about reporting format and not about cost; Toner echoes concerns about cumulative cost impacts, prefers to wait until costs better known; Zondervan dismissive of cost concerns, suggesting possible cost savings; Carlone says not to worry – not a dramatic thing, says problems and costs likely reduced, reiterates his dislike for glass, says “time is running out folks”; Nolan says pass it now and worry about the details later, suggests builders could tap into federal funding; Siddiqui suggests waiting a week; Simmons calls out Nolan on assertions that she has “talked to developers”; Azeem asks how many votes needed (answer = 6), suggests waiting until next week; Zondervan agreeable to waiting; Referred to Petition 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 23-1, regarding a legal Opinion on whether the Barrett, et al. petition would need to be refiled should there be a Letter of Commitment attached to the rezoning, and whether the Barrett, et al. petition constitutes “spot zoning.” [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Solicitor explains vulnerability to challenge due to lack of a recent planning study, if adopted; Referred to Petition 9-0; Zondervan moves Reconsideration on all votes so far (hoping the same will not prevail), Reconsideration Fails 0-9

Manager’s Agenda #15. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2023 Goals and Metrics for the Annual City Manager Performance Review. [text of report]
pulled by Mallon; Mallon proposes amendments from AM+PN who want annual performance review for all City employees; McGovern wants to claify that this should not include School Department employees; City Manager wants to cover only non-union City employees; Simmons concurs that this should not include School Department employees; one proposed amendment dropped; 2nd amendment adopted 8-0-1 (PT Absent); Amended Goals Adopted 8-0-1 (PT Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property as discussion in an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the public body.
pulled by Siddiqui; Executive Session held; Communication Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and agencies to ensure the continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays. [Charter Right – Simmons, Feb 13, 2023]
Azeem amendments; Simmons appreciates but will vote against Order; Nolan claims “overwhelming” support (based on what?) and claims that “the community has spoken loud and clear” and suggests that only a tiny minority objects – she fails to understand the bias of “voluntary response” when a petition is circulated by one faction; Toner regrets that a full compromise not reached; Amendments adopted 9-0; Order Adopted 7-2 (Simmons, Toner – NO)

Charter Right #2. Policy Order Regarding Police Details. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 13, 2023]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

On The Table #3. That the City Manager is requested to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement. [Charter Right – Toner, Feb 6, 2023; Tabled – Azeem, Feb 13, 2023]
Remove from Table (Toner) 9-0; Amendments (Toner) to remove all references to police details to make Substitute Order; Azeem prefers original Order; Zondervan says three issues – road construction details, traffic stops, and automated enforcement – wants to retain references to traffic stops; Nolan objects to amendments – says “data is very clear” about unconscious bias and racial profiling; Carlone feels two issues need to be separated – traffic cameras and traffic stops, will vote for amendments; McGovern agrees – all for traffic cameras, skeptical about taking traffic enforcement away from police, wonders how it would work otherwise, will support Toner’s amendments; On Toner’s Substitute Order – Fails 4-5 (DC,MM,DS,PT-Yes; BA,AM,PN,QZ,SS-No); Add Nolan as sponsor 6-0-0-3 (MM,DS,PT-Present); On Original Order – Adopted 5-1-0-3 (BA,AM,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; PT-No; DC,MM,DS-Present)

Unfinished Business #6. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Ordinance 2022-2 Chapter 2.02 entitled “City Council”. [Passed to 2nd Reading Feb 6, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Feb 27, 2023]
Ordained 9-0

Unfinished Business #4. That the Ordinance Committee refer Categories M (Shared Vehicle) and N (Publicly-accessible, Privately-owned Electric Vehicle Charging System) of the Cambridge Transportation Decarbonization and Congestion Mitigation Bill, along with definitions, to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation. Ordinance #2022-13 as Amended. [Expired Sept 27, 2022]
pulled by Zondervan, Placed on File 9-0

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Craig Kelley regarding Cambridge Transportation Emissions and Car Sharing Act.
Referred to Planning Board & Ordinance Committee 9-0

Lotsa (103) Communications – including 14 protests from Harvard Square property owners opposed to the Blier, et al. Zoning Petition. Other significant topics are Memorial Drive weekend closures and BEUDO.

Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Marion A. (Colarusso) Sullivan.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Toner, Simmons; remarks by Councillor Simmons

Order #1. In support of HD. 3252 and SD. 2006, An Act to Promote Yes In My Backyard.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Nolan; remarks by Nolan with concerns that it may affect Cambridge’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DC Absent)

Order #2. That the Petition from Suzanne P. Blier, et.al Harvard Square Zoning Petition as amended be sent to the full City Council with no recommendation.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Zondervan; McGovern notes his opposition to petition; expires March 14, but McGovern wants to kill it now; QZ suggests moving it to 2nd Reading hoping it will be voted down; Toner notes that it has a positive recommendation from Planning Board, hopes a compromise can be reachjed with HSBA, will vote it down; Nolan wants to look at this issue citywide; Order Adopted 7-1-1 (DS-No; DC-Absent); Mallon moves Petition to 2nd Reading (hoping it will fail) – Fails 2-6-1 (PN,QZ-Yes, BA,AM,MM,DS,PT,SS-No, DC-Absent); Reconsideration Fails 0-8-1 (DC-Absent)

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 14, 2023, and voted favorably to send the Suzanne P. Blier, et.al Harvard Square Zoning Petition as amended to the Full City Council with no recommendation. [text or report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone Absent)

Order #3. That the joint Economic Development and University Relations and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committees forward the Callender Petition and PO22#161 to the full City Council with a negative recommendation.   Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Toner; Zondervan hopes that petition will not be voted down as it may prevent any action on any laboratory ban for two years, prefers to let it expire, says a negative recommendation will be a “rebuke” to low-income tenants; McGovern notes that link between a lab ban and affordable housing production is a fallacy; Azeem sympathetic to petitioners, but will vote for negative recommendation; Zondervan says there is a direct connection between allowing labs and precluding housing in Squares; Order Adopted 7-1-1 (QZ-No; DC-Absent); Toner moves to pass to 2nd reading – Fails 1-7-1 (QZ-Yes; BA,AM,MM,PN,DS,PT,SS-No; DC-Absent)

Order #4. That the joint Economic Development and University Relations and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committees forward the amended proposed Policy Order regarding Labs and Neighborhood Planning to the full City Council.   Councillor Toner
pulled by Toner; Charter Right – Zondervan

Committee Report #3. The Economic Development and University Relations & Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebration Committee conducted a public meeting on Feb 7, 2023 at 3:00pm to continue its Dec 7, 2022 discussion of the attached zoning amendments and the Callender citizen petition proposing a technical definition of lab use and a restriction on new instances of the lab use in fragile districts including Central Square, Harvard Square, and Cambridge Street and possible alternative recommendations to address neighborhood concerns. [text or report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone Absent)

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City Departments to work with Eversource to include in their annual reporting, updates on their work to move forward with providing the infrastructure required to move Cambridge toward electrifying the city.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by McGovern; remarks by Nolan, Zondervan, McGovern; Proposed amendment by McGovern; Charter Right – Nolan

Order #6. That a Roundtable be held on Mon, Mar 13, 2023, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm in the Sullivan Chamber in place of the Regular City Council Meeting, for the purpose of receiving an update on the Municipal Broadband Feasibility Study.   Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (DC Absent)

Committee Report #2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee conducted a public meeting on Jan 24, 2023, at 3:00pm to continue its Nov 22, 2022 discussion of the environmental and economic impact of BEUDO on residential, business, and academic properties/communities. This will be a roundtable discussion with the Community Development Department, representatives from Eversource, the business community, universities, and large commercial/residential property owners. [text or report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone Absent)

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 15, 2023, and voted favorably to send the proposed Ordinance #2022-6, Green Jobs, as amended to the Full City Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. (Ordinance #2022-6, Green Jobs) [text or report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Carlone Absent)

February 21, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 579-580: February 21, 2023

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:04 pm

Episode 579 – Cambridge InsideOut: Feb 21, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Feb 21, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: Charter Review, previous charters based on need and not political fortune, proportional representation and the Plan E Charter, 1972 PR repeal chronology, Belin decision; Cambridge Chronicle as paper of record; Cambridge Candidate Pages as successor to League of Women Voters; informed citizenry. Hosts: Robert Winters, Judy Nathans [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 580 – Cambridge InsideOut: Feb 21, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Feb 21, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: Landmarking studies; atlascope.org; Memorial Drive closures and traffic impacts in Riverside; the promise of DCR plans and Mass Pike realignment; BEUDO revisions, Eversource realities, engineering by wishful thinking; lost initiatives; Cambridge Police alternatives – bodycams, less-than-lethal options; Planning Board and other appointments pending – proving ground for city manager. Hosts: Robert Winters, Judy Nathans [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

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