Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

November 1, 2020

National High Anxiety – The Eve of Decision – Highlights from the Nov 2, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: 2020 Election,Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:33 pm

National High Anxiety – The Eve of Decision – Highlights from the Nov 2, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

I can’t imagine that there are too many people focusing right now of what’s happening in the Sullivan Chamber. For the handful who are, here are a few things of some possible interest:Safety Last - Harold Lloyd

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Executive Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account to support the City’s Patio Heater Reimbursement Program.
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #7. That a Joint Roundtable for members of the City Council and School Committee be held on Tues, Nov 10, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm for the purpose of discussing the impact of COVID-19 on Cambridge Public Schools.   Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Life in The Age of Covid continues. Though the numbers have been relatively contained here in Cambridge, the number of new infections has been going up a bit lately even though there have been no Trump rallies here. Mask up and take care.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative draft alternative language to the Green Energy Analysis Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

On the Table #3. Green Energy Analysis Zoning Amendment. [TABLED ON MOTION OF COUNCILLOR CARLONE IN COUNCIL OCT 5, 2020]
Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 9-0

I expect this will move forward this Monday.

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request for approval to increase of the fee for a Resident Parking Permit/Pass, which is currently $25, to $40, by amending the provisions of Chapter 10, Section 10.17.070 of the Municipal Code.
Failed of Adoption 4-5 (DC,DS,JSW,QZ – YES; AM,MM,PN,TT,SS – NO)

The extra $15 won’t break anyone, but there are probably three or four councillors who would gladly increase it ten-fold or more if they had the votes to do it (I’m glad they don’t). If the City Manager is coming forward with this now based on his concern for more revenue, my guess is that next year’s budget and property taxes will probably also jump.

Charter Right #1. That the City Council adopt a municipal ordinance to reduce or limit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL OCT 26, 2020] [Text of Order #4 of Oct 26, 2020]
Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Late Order #9. The Cambridge City Council direct the City Manager to work with the City Solicitor’s Office to draft a Home Rule Petition that would cap campaign contributions to any City Council candidate to $200 per person, per year, per candidate and limit candidate loans to $3,000 per election cycle.
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-1 (Carlone – NO)

The Charter Right delayed the rhetorical doublespeak exercises last week. Now that there’s been a week to practice their speeches, let the games begin! Personally, I think many people who make political contribution have conflicts of interest and not just "evil developers."

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Solicitor to draft Ordinance language to prohibit the use of tear gas in Cambridge. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL OCT 26, 2020] [Text of Order #5 of Oct 26, 2020]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Tear gas is not used in Cambridge, so why the need for an ordinance?

On the Table #4. An application was received from Charles Doty, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 810 Main Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. [TABLED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL OCT 26, 2020]
Order Adopted 8-0-0-1 (Simmons – PRESENT)

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Councillor Simmons, transmitting a memorandum regarding Cambridge Brands Curb Cut.
Placed on File 9-0

It’s the Great Candy Kerfuffle of 2020. Cambridge Brands is simply trying to do a significant electrical upgrade and along with that some modest changes to their loading operations and waste management. They’ll also be doing everything in a way that respects the existing architecture. I read some of the "evidence" from Councillor Simmons about this and found it to be insignificant and petty. Candy manufacturing at this site has been a fixture in Central Square for over a century, and Cambridge Brands has maintained that tradition and been a good neighbor for the last quarter century.

Businesses should not have to kiss the asses of either city councillors or anyone else every time they ask for approval for a completely reasonable purpose. Cambridge Brands is not planning a gigantic expansion or anything else that might trigger the usual shakedown process for "community benefits." There should be no controversy here.

Communications #1. A communication was received from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Micheal K. Owu, MIT Volpe PUD-7 Special Permit Pre-Application Conference with the City Council.
Placed on File 9-0

I’m glad to see some movement on the plans for the Volpe site. I still feel that miniature golf has a important role to play in the site plans. And maybe a batting cage.

Resolution #2. Resolution on the death of Rick Jarvis.   Councillor Simmons
Resolution Adopted 9-0

Resolution #3. Resolution on the death of Richard McKinnon.   Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Resolution Adopted as Amended 9-0

Both of these deaths caused me to shudder. I have known and respected Rich McKinnon for as long as I have been going up to City Hall – and that’s been nearly 35 years. I knew Rick Jarvis when he worked for ComElectric. I planned a whole infrastructure display at an Earth Day event nearly 30 years ago featuring water, sewer, electric, and waste management, and Rick was kind enough to put together a lot of great information on the region’s electrical infrastructure and be there for the event. We stayed in touch after that but not for a while. His death comes as quite a shock.

Resolution #4. Congratulations to Fred Fantini.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Resolution Adopted 9-0

As the Resolution says, "Fred Fantini is the longest serving elected School Committee member in the history of Cambridge." He shall henceforth be known and "The Award-Winning Dean of the Cambridge School Committee." (It doesn’t say that in the Resolution.)

Order #4. That the Executive Assistant to the City Council confer with the Dedication Committee to consider the request for a suitable dedication in the vicinity of CCTV’s office located at 438 Massachusetts Avenue in honor of retiring CCTV Executive Director Susan Fleischmann.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Accolades aside, Susan Fleischmann has been perhaps the most staunch supporter of free speech I have known in Cambridge, and CCTV has benefited greatly from Susan’s leadership for many years.

Order #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department to commence the public process with the Port neighborhood and surrounding communities to determine the future use of the 35 Cherry Street parcel for affordable housing, and in conjunction with the community, determine the type of housing that would meet the most pressing needs in the area.   Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Zondervan

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Public Information Office, the Housing Liaison, the Multi-Service Center, the School Department, and other relevant City departments to create a comprehensive digital, postal, and traditional media outreach campaign educating residents on the Cambridge eviction moratorium, tenants’ rights, and resources available to at-risk tenants.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Community Development Department about analyzing eviction data from 2018 through 2021 and come back with a plan on how to use this data to inform our next action steps.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the relevant departments about the feasibility of posting all applications for building permits online as soon as available.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

There have been lots of suggestions along these lines for some time and lots of promises unfulfilled. A related proposal a few years back called for indexing all building permits, special permits, variances, and covenants associated with any given property in a manner that’s easy to access. It’s remarkable to me how many times good ideas have been proposed (sometimes by me) that cause many a head to nod in agreement and which are then completely forgotten or not acted upon. For example, don’t you think every City Council committee should have its own web page where anyone can track the work of the committee and make comments and suggestions? I made that suggestion more than once at Government Operations Committee meetings. Nothing but the sound of crickets. – Robert Winters

October 25, 2020

Money & Politics – Featured Items on the October 26, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: 2019 election,Cambridge,campaign finance,City Council,elections — Tags: , , , , — Robert Winters @ 8:44 pm

Money & Politics – Featured Items on the October 26, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here are my picks for this week:City Hall

Order #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and other relevant City personnel to establish a plan that will allow for greater outreach to women-and-minority-owned businesses, technical assistance to these businesses in applying for financial relief, and a clear plan to ensure that those small businesses that have not yet received financial assistance be granted every opportunity to access any future City funding should it be made available, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.   Councillor Simmons
Approved 9-0 without discussion

There should be no argument about the ideal of broad outreach and, if necessary, even targeted outreach to ensure that available resources are equitably provided. There does come a point, however, when this crosses the line into political patronage and favoritism. During the cannabis brouhaha last year over how City ordinances could be crafted to provide advantages to social equity and economic empowerment applicants one couldn’t help but notice how many former elected officials were lining up to cash in on these advantages. Inequities in financial assistance necessitated by closures due to the pandemic are likely due to some potential recipients being less savvy about how to access benefits, but suggesting that outreach should be targeted only to women-and-minority-owned businesses seems more like favoritism than anything else. Shouldn’t outreach be to any and all businesses who may be unfamiliar with how to access benefits?

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to raise this issue with the appropriate representatives of the Cambridge Crossing buildings, and with the appropriate representatives of the Governor’s Office, to ensure that these businesses are not in violation of any current statewide Covid-19 protocols.   Councillor Simmons
Approved 9-0 without discussion

Apparently there have been “party buses” full of unmasked party animals seen driving in and out of the emerging Cambridge Crossing area, a.k.a. North Point. Perhaps the party animals could be quarantined in the buses for a couple of weeks rather than release them into the general population. Party on, Wayne. Party on, Garth.

Order #4. That the City Council adopt a municipal ordinance to reduce or prohibit campaign donations from donors seeking to enter into a contract, seeking approval for a special permit or up-zoning, seeking to acquire real estate from the city, or seeking financial assistance from the city.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Charter Right – Simmons

This is really the centerpiece of this week’s agenda. It’s not the first time such a proposal has been floated in the City Council, and it always provides a wonderful opportunity for councillor doublespeak. While my personal preference is to simply require fully transparent disclosure of political donations from anyone, including those with potential business before the City, the simple truth is that it’s ethically questionable to receive such donations. If you dig into the contributions made during the 2019 municipal election season there was a lot of money coming from people affiliated with real estate development (including labor unions whose members would stand to get additional work) and cannabis. There were also significant contributions from those in the nonprofit housing world who wanted the City to amend zoning to deliver more projects to them.

Some incumbents and challengers have outright refused donations from anyone involved in real estate. I personally think that’s excessive and maybe even a bit snobby. Some people who deal in real estate are friends and neighbors who are very charitable with their time and talent (and money) in civic affairs. On the other hand, there are some councillors who take in tons of money from those with business before the City, and their votes generally do align with those interests. We all know that correlation does not imply causation, but it certainly does raise an eyebrow or two – and it should. The fact that some councillors wait until just after the election to receive such large donations seems even more problematic – at least to me – because it evades any disclosure that might have influenced voters.

The 2019 election featured a new twist – questioning the propriety of residents who own homes making political donations. The suggestion was that their favored councillors might vote in such a way that might cause their property to rise in value. Earth to Cambridge – those values have been rising primarily due to factors that have little to do with City Council actions. That fact, of course, will never stand in the way of political rhetoric by those who like to point fingers. Let’s also acknowledge that during the rent control era nobody suggested a conflict of interest in councillors receiving financial and political support from those whose primary motivation was keeping their rent controlled. Is there anyone who doesn’t have at least some sort of financial interest in election outcomes and political actions?

Order #5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Solicitor to draft Ordinance language to prohibit the use of tear gas in Cambridge.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Simmons

I believe the Police Department has said they don’t use tear gas, and I can’t imagine that policy changing. So what exactly is the reason for making this an ordinance other than just political showmanship?

Order #6. That the City must work with all major housing providers to eliminate or reduce the filing of evictions during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

Unlike the alarmist rhetoric coming from my State Misrepresentative (Connolly), this order is all about negotiation and facilitation for better outcomes. Who can argue with that? – Robert Winters

October 20, 2020

Superstition – October 19, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:14 pm

Superstition – October 19, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda

There are 13 Communications, 13 Resolutions, and 13 Orders on this week’s agenda. Good thing there were 14 items on the City Manager’s Agenda or I would have on the Last Train to Clarksville. Here’s the pick of the litter:
[Note: This is the first time I’m writing these comments post-meeting. Given the choice between civic/political commentary and finishing grading a large stack of mathematics exams, the grading won out.]Red City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-32, regarding the feasibility of identifying one evening or day per week that the Fresh Pond Golf Course can be open to the public for general use.

The very predictable rhetoric centered on "equity" and the unspeakable horror that not every square foot of land is open to anyone at any hour of any day for any reason. The City Manager assured the verklempt councillors that people could frolic on the golf course after the golf season was over.

Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $175,000, from Free Cash to the Public Investment Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to launch a COVID-19 sewer testing program.

City Engineer Kathy Watkins reported that samples will be drawn weekly from three representative sites East Cambridge/Inman Sq., N. Cambridge, and the Port to detect viral load in wastewater, and that results should start pouring in this November.

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 received from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Innovate Energy Efficiency Grant Program, to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used to support the Cambridge Multifamily Energy Retrofit Program, which aims to increase the energy efficiency of multifamily buildings with 5-49 units by offering technical, solar, and financing support.

I’ll again take this opportunity to express how thrilled I am with another program (carried out thanks to a partnership between the City of Cambridgeand the nonprofit All In Energy) that will soon be blowing insulation into all the walls of my triple-decker plus additional energy-saving measures at zero cost to me. Carrots work better than sticks.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-21, regarding a report on developing a Vacant Storefront Registry.

CDD Asst. City Manager Iram Farooq reported that CDD has been keeping such a registry for some time. She also explained to the “fine ’em ’til it hurts” councillors that fines for extended vacancies usually can be shucked off by the big guys and might only hurt the little guys. Better to just work with those property owners for better outcomes – what a concept!

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Executive Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account for the City’s third annual contribution to the MBTA Green Line Extension project.

The councillors didn’t pull this item, but it’s really exciting to see the progress that’s being made on the GLX and the associated bike/ped corridor and RR crossings. Check out some of the pictures.

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-49, regarding a report on the feasibility of closing several blocks of streets in Harvard Square to vehicular traffic, with the exception of deliveries.

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response to Policy Order O-13 of Oct 5, 2020, regarding a draft Truck Safety Ordinance.

DPW Commissioner Owen O’Riordan cautioned that imposing broad requirements on all City contractors could negatively impact necessities such as street paving since these contractors operate throughout the state/region and the City would have limited leverage. It’s also a fact that idealist restrictions on City-funded services and initiatives can significantly increase costs in exchange for limited benefit.

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-50, regarding a report on publicizing and enforcing and publicizing the eviction moratorium.

Order #10. That the City Manager confer with the Legal Department on the feasibility of making Cambridge’s Eviction Moratorium stronger to protect our tenants from displacement.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

It has been interesting watching the alarmist and opportunistic rhetoric propagate on this issue. Suffice to say that the Governor recently approved a $171 million "eviction diversion initiative" to assist both tenants and landlords, the City has an open-ended eviction moratorium still in place, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) still has a national ban on evictions of tenants with verifiable pandemic-related hardships.

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Zoning Recommendations for Retail Uses and Home Occupations.

Committee Report #1. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Mallon, Chair of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee, for a public hearing held on Sept 30, 2020 the purpose of receiving final recommendations from the Community Development Department on updating the commercial land use classification system within the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.

Committee Report #2. A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Vice Mayor Mallon, Chair of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee, for a public hearing held on July 30, 2020 to discuss to receive an update on the Retail Land Use Initiative and Retail Table of Land Use Update.

It’s great to see some progress finally being made on this. I haven’t yet bothered to read all the fine details, so I’ll simply express my view that Cambridge has long been overly prescriptive in its allowed uses, and that’s likely to still be the case even with these proposed changes. It’s one thing to have regulations in place to prevent noxious uses, but it’s another thing to be prescribing things to the point that jelly donuts can be sold but cream-filled donuts cannot. [I’m joking, of course, but I hope you get the idea.] Both of the proposed zoning changes (Retail Uses and Home Occupations) were referred to the Planning Board and Ordinance Committee where we’ll have some time to look at the details. It is perhaps worth mentioning that, because of the pandemic, most Cambridge residences have now become workplaces.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission and other relevant City Departments to ensure that any report or recommendation for a new Neighborhood Conservation District in Cambridge presented to the City Council include an analysis of the potential effects on City housing affordability based on current research, as well as any mitigations that the Cambridge Historical Commission recommends, so that the City Council may holistically evaluate the matter. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR CARLONE IN COUNCIL OCT 5, 2020]

This entire matter has become a case of competing narratives between political partisans – with the ABC crowd identifying anyone who would stand in the way of their Jerome Rappaportization of Cambridge. In their grand vision for East Cambridge and elsewhere, we may soon be seeing signs saying "If you lived here you’d be home now" where the densely-packed homes of immigrants once stood.

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Arvind Srinivasan regarding zoning language relative to the Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay.

This makes the 4th installment of proposed zoning in the NW part of Alewife Quadrangle starting last September.

Order #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the City Solicitor’s Office and other relevant departments to determine what impact the Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping may have on the City of Cambridge and its community partners, what options the City may have to work around this order, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.   Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the City Solicitor on an ordinance requiring the city to only purchase goods that are made in full compliance with USA environmental and labor standards.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui

While I’m sure we can all appreciate the intent, my instincts tell me that the City may soon be exclusively using triple-priced eco-pencils, dirty-grey eco-paper, driving double-priced vehicles (or organically-grown bikes) while feasting on nothing other than organic not-burgers washed down with fair trade coffee.

Order #6. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with staff and Eversource representatives to set up a public meeting with residents.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan

Could someone contact Eversource and tell them that it’s been 6 years since they did a temporary electrical hookup to my building and never returned to finish the job? Believe me, I have tried my best to no avail to get Eversource to finish what they started.

Order #7. That the City of Cambridge stands in solidarity with the Armenian people in Cambridge, throughout the Commonwealth and world, and the Republic of Artsakh.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan

Order #9. That the City of Cambridge call upon Senator Warren and Senator Markey to call for an end to immigration detention in the United States, the immediate reunification of immigrant families and the release of migrant children and parents from detention, and also to afford these families due process by allowing them the full and fair opportunity to seek protection from the United States.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

It’s so nice to see Cambridge returning to normal, especially in the field of international relations. I really miss the days of City Council orders seeking to depose leaders like Muammar Gaddafi. Clearly this is what made all the difference in Libya. By the way, Public Comment on Order #7 primarily was phoned in from New Jersey and led to a more Turk-friendly substitute version of this most important piece of Cambridge Intentional Legislation.

Order #11. That the City Manager is hereby requested to instruct the Commissioner of Public Works to utilize continuous planting strips along bike lanes and at all reduced roadway areas in Harvard Square rather than painted buffer zones in Harvard Square to fully address bike and pedestrian safety in Harvard Square.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Zondervan

Perhaps we should ask the DPW Commissioner about the realities of maintaining "planting strips" in the middle of roadways. Sustainability isn’t just about climate change. How long do trees and plantings in narrow strips in roadways actually survive? How will these structures impact snow removal operations?

Order #12. That the City Manager is hereby requested to instruct the Finance Department to provide a dollar amount and percentage of money used by every department to address racial and economic equity in the 2022 Fiscal Year Budget, highlighting additional areas to be considered and that the City Manager present plans for implementation in the 2022 Fiscal Year Budget.   Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons

Order #13. Policy Order calling for Judge Roanne Sragow to be reinstated to her position and remain in Cambridge.   Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui

I learned last week of the retirement of Judge Sragow who has for some time been convening the very innovative and helpful "Homeless Court" in Central Square and Harvard Square. Apparently this was a mandatory age-based retirement even though other judges continue beyond the mandatory age. There is now an outcry from many quarters requesting that Judge Sragow be called upon to reconvene the "Homeless Court" initiative in Cambridge. That would be a Very Good Thing. – Robert "better late than never" Winters

October 6, 2020

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 473-474: October 6, 2020

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,City Council,cycling,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:51 pm

Episode 473 – Cambridge InsideOut: Oct 6, 2020 (Part 1)

This episode was broadcast on Oct 6, 2020 at 6:10pm. Topics: Topics from Oct 5 City Council meeting; AHO; Cycling Safety Ordinance; Cambridge Bicycle Plan; Bus-Only Lanes; Shared Streets; Blowfish; Coronagendas; bar/restaurant closures. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 474 – Cambridge InsideOut: Oct 6, 2020 (Part 2)

This episode was broadcast on Oct 6, 2020 at 6:30pm. Topics: Topics from Oct 5 City Council meeting; police alternatives; “Defund Police” vs. promote best practices; Charter Review; 80-year track record for Plan E; City Councillor job description. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

October 5, 2020

What’s on the October 5, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda? Taxes! Revolution! Cannabis!

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,East Cambridge,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:00 am

What’s on the October 5, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda? Taxes! Revolution! Cannabis!

Here’s my grab bag of agenda items that will see some action or which seem either interesting or ridiculous or otherwise noteworthy.

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to votes necessary to seek approval from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue of the tax rate for FY2021. [Manager’s Letter]
13 Orders Adopted 9-0

There are so many statistics you could look at when comparing things over the years, but here are a few:

Year Property Tax Levy Annual
Increase		 Residential
Tax Rate
(per $1000)
 Commercial
Tax Rate
(per $1000)		 Ratio
(Comm/Res)		 Median
Tax
(single)		 Median
Tax
(condo)		 Median
Tax
(2-fam)		 Median
Tax
(3-fam)
FY2021 $472,520,148 7.85% $5.85 $11.85 2.03 $5,761 $1,608 $5,471 $6,711
FY2020 $438,128,694 6.91% $5.75 $12.68 2.21 $5,515 $1,605 $5,340 $6,493
FY2019 $409,809,861 5.33% $5.94 $13.71 2.31 $5,066 $1,562 $4,974 $6,124
FY2018 $389,080,359 4.40% $6.29 $14.81 2.35 $4,942 $1,541 $4,682 $5,655
FY2017 $372,674,087 5.15% $6.49 $16.12 2.48 $4,806 $1,465 $4,649 $5,594
FY2016 $354,430,753 3.80% $6.99 $17.71 2.53 $4,482 $1,454 $4,412 $5,258
FY2015 $341,445,455 3.93% $7.82 $19.29 2.47 $4,418 $1,472 $4,310 $5,040
FY2014 $328,544,945 3.66% $8.38 $20.44 2.44 $4,407 $1,457 $3,976 $4,787
FY2013 $316,947,770 5.97% $8.66 $21.50 2.48 $4,298 $1,495 $3,866 $4,586
FY2012 $299,090,641 5.33% $8.48 $20.76 2.45 $4,139 $1,430 $3,786 $4,501
FY2011 $283,961,699 5.69% $8.16 $19.90 2.44 $3,870 $1,370 $3,609 $4,286
FY2010 $268,662,984 5.38% $7.72 $18.75 2.43 $3,564 $1,293 $3,477 $4,132
FY2009 $254,945,578 5.20% $7.56 $17.97 2.38 $3,445 $1,224 $3,430 $4,091

While it’s noteworthy that the 7.85% increase in the property tax levy is very high, it needs to be emphasized that this is only after leaving 125 positions vacant (which allows for an FY21 budget rescission of $5 million), the allocation of $24.5 million from reserve accounts to reduce the levy, and other measures.Real Estate Tax House

It’s also worth emphasizing that property taxes this fiscal year are based on assessed property values as of Jan 1, 2020 – before the pandemic rolled into town. Many commercial properties are now generating considerably less income and that may be reflected in lower assessed property values come Jan 1, 2020. We have for a long time been taking full advantage of the property tax classification and the ability to set different tax rates for commercial vs. residential properties (within legal limits). This has allowed Cambridge to keep residential property taxes in check. If commercial values slip, it is quite likely that a considerable amount of the tax burden will shift to residential properties. The Manager’s message alludes to this: “It is also important to recognize that a healthy balance of development between residential and commercial be continued to ensure homeowner’s real estate taxes remain affordable.”

I strongly recommend that you read the entire Tax Rate letter from the City Manager and think about what next year’s letter may say if the pandemic continues to takes its economic toll.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the Net Zero Action Plan Task Force for a term of nine-months.
Placed on File 9-0

Order #12. That the Council go on record supporting the passage of S.2500 and H.4933 and to support the inclusion of the following in the final bill: 1) The development of a net zero stretch code by DOER (S.2500, § 30-31, 54) 2) The consideration of geographically diverse communities, including low-income communities, in the development of a net zero stretch code (S.2500, § 54) 3) The increase in membership and the establishment of term limits for the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (H.4933, § 15A-F).   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1

Committee Report #1. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on Aug 26, 2020 regarding Green Energy Analysis Zoning Amendments. [minutes have not yet been posted]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Rah, Rah, Rah for environmental initiatives! It’s worth noting, however, that energy efficiency usually translates into cost savings in the long run – and many homeowners and developers will incorporate energy efficiency into their homes and projects regardless of any mandates from state and local government. Carrots work better than sticks.

I’ll be soon taking advantage of a free (or at least reduced cost) insulation program in my house, but not because a few city councillors are twisting my arm to do it. I have some serious concerns about layering one mandate on top of another so that at some point a homeowner may simply delay repairs and renovations because of the added costs and restrictions. But I’m sure the councillors will feel perfectly righteous.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-26, regarding a report on placing four little free libraries.
Placed on File 9-0

“Liberation Libraries” – Perhaps this will start a trend of topic-specific “little free libraries” around the city. I could start a “little free math library” or maybe a “cosmology corner”. It would help me reduce the weight of books in my house. Now that would be another kind of liberation.

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-47, regarding a report on heat lamps and outdoor dining during the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response to City Council request at the Special Meeting relative to COVID-19 Update of Sept 29, 2020, to provide opinions on the question of eviction moratoria applicability.
Placed on File 9-0

Order #5. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to work with the Public Health Department and the Law Department to amend Cambridge’s Moratorium on Eviction Enforcement to make clear that it remains in effect after October 17 and until at least the end of the state of emergency is declared.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 8-0-1

Leave it to the good folks of the Central Square Business Improvement District to lead the charge in arranging for heat lamps to give local restaurants an extra tool to help them survive the Covid assault on businesses further into the colder weather months. Big thanks to some particular heros in the City administration (you know who you are) for helping to ease the bureaucratic burdens.

Regarding the matter of moratoriums on evictions and the relationship between commercial and residential landlords and their tenants, there is so much that has gone on out of the public eye in terms of rent forgiveness, renegotiated leases, and deferred rent that the politicians either fail to see or refuse to recognize. To them, it’s like that Rahm Emanuel quote: “Never allow a good crisis go to waste. It’s an opportunity to do the things you once thought were impossible.” Whether it’s using a shared street to execute mode shifts or fast-track your bicycle plans; or using the threat of a “tsunami of evictions” to attempt to reinstitute rent controls; or perhaps even using economic hardship to pursue your anti-capitalist agenda, there’s nothing like a good crisis to grease your political axles.

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-41, regarding a report on the feasibility of an alternative Public Safety Crisis Response System.
Placed on File 9-0

Given the choice between listening to a bunch of sheeplike “Defund the Police” activists or reading a well-reasoned response from Police Commissioner Bard and other expert City staff, I’ll choose the latter any day of the week.

Unfinished Business #3. That the “2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL SEPT 14, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER OCT 5, 2020] [Final Amended Text of Ordinance]
Ordained as Amended 7-1-0-1 (Toomey – NO, Simmons – PRESENT)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, regarding the Cycling Safety Ordinance.
Placed on File 9-0

I am convinced that the mandatory aspects of this Ordinance are not legally enforceable – though I’m sure that the City administration will carry out most of it nonetheless. It’s one thing to lay out your vision for reconfiguring roads for better safety, but micromanaging the City Manager and City departments is another thing altogether. Then again, I suppose if there were 5 city councillors who wanted to pass a municipal ordinance requiring candy-striped streets, they could pass the ordinance and then screech at the Manager and threaten to not renew his contract for having used less-distracting road materials.

Unfinished Business #4. 100% Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Petition 2020. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL SEPT 14, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER OCT 5, 2020] [Final Text of Ordinance]
Ordained 7-2 (Carlone, Nolan – NO)

This will be ordained, of course, but that doesn’t make it any less of an offensive cross between an eminent-domain taking and an ideological agenda to relentlessly shift residential properties from private ownership toward public and quasi-public ownership that will forevermore rely on taxpayer support for maintaining these properties in perpetuity.

Order #3. That the Council go on record requesting the Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack consider an I-90 lane reduction and at-grade design during the final decision-making process.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 8-0-1

A viaduct or an at-grade multi-lane highway are both barriers. I’m far more interested in the peripheral aspects of this project (like a better-connected road and path network and better) than about the number of lanes or whether a portion remains elevated.

Order #4. That the Cambridge City Council adopt the following amendments to Chapter 5.50 of the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge entitled “CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING”.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Referred to Ordinance Committee 8-0-1

Order #8. Cannabis Delivery-Only Zoning Ordinance.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 8-0-1

Doesn’t it seem like this City Council and the previous City Council care more about cannabis than just about anything else? Perhaps they need an intervention.

Order #9. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Cambridge Historical Commission and other relevant City Departments to ensure that any report or recommendation for a new Neighborhood Conservation District in Cambridge presented to the City Council include an analysis of the potential effects on City housing affordability based on current research, as well as any mitigations that the Cambridge Historical Commission recommends, so that the City Council may holistically evaluate the matter.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui
Charter Right – Carlone

One of the more bizarre aspects of this City Council is their tendency to simply absorb the rhetoric of their activist handlers without questioning the validity of their gripes. The latest talking point among the YIMBY crowd is that historic presevation is fundamentally racist or elitist or profit-driven and that any effort to preserve some of the more endearing qualities of your neighborhood makes you evil incarnate.

The current case involves some East Cambridge residents who would prefer to not see their particular brand of very dense neighborhood wiped clean in favor of large ugly boxes. Given the choice between closely-spaced two-family homes with grape arbors and tomato plants versus a boring box of a building with a concierge, I’ll choose the former. In terms of affordability, those old Italian ladies and gentlemen of East Cambridge have done more to provide housing at affordable rents for generations than any of the vultures now circling.

Order #10. That the City Council go on record supporting the Roe Act and restate its commitment to the protection of abortion rights, reproductive health care rights, and individuals’ rights to make reproductive decisions about their own bodies.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order Adopted 8-0-1

I try to pay as little attention as possible to what goes on in Washington, DC. I do, however, understand that if family planning access becomes no longer guaranteed across the country, it will be very important for individual states to provide such guarantees in whatever manner is consistent with the needs and wishes of its residents.

Order #13. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Transportation Department and Solicitor to provide the City with an update on the progress toward a draft [Truck Safety] Ordinance as soon as possible and with the draft of an Ordinance by Oct 19, 2020.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted 7-0-2

One of the things I remember from decades ago is that federal jurisdiction in interstate commerce is pretty serious business and that regulating truck traffic is not easy. You can put restrictions and make safety improvements on your own vehicles and perhaps those of companies with whom you have contracts, but just about everything else will require endless studies and viable alternatives that won’t be challenged in court. – Robert Winters

September 21, 2020

All Things Reconsidered… at the Sept 21, 2020 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:27 am

All Things Reconsidered… at the Sept 21, 2020 Cambridge City Council meeting

Here are a few items of note up for consideration (or reconsideration) at this week’s meeting:City Hall

Reconsideration #1. That the city council extend the current contract with city manager Louis DePasquale for a period of 18 months.
Reconsideration Failed 3-6 (Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan – YES)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan, transmitting a memorandum on Filing for Reconsideration.
Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Anthony I. Wilson, City Clerk, transmitting a communication from the City Solicitor with a red-lined corrected version and a clean corrected version of the proposed contract that was before the City Council at its meeting of Monday, September 14, 2020.
Contract Approved 6-3 (Nolan, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Zondervan – NO); Reconsideration Fails 9-0

Reconsideration of a hasty vote is entirely proper. However, regarding taking a raise during a pandemic, there’s this (as of July 1, 2020 – during pandemic – according to Open Data Portal):

Councillor salary increased by $2,253 to $85,844 (2.7% increase)
Mayor’s salary increased by $3,365 to $128,194 (2.7% increase)
Council Aide increased by $14,890 to $67,831 (28.1% increase) – partially deferred due to COVID
plus benefits for all.

The rhetoric from Councillor Nolan and some activists suggests that there was great confusion associated with the final contract proposal introduced only very late and approved during last Monday’s meeting. It’s true that those details should have been available long before that – maybe even weeks before – but almost all of the proposed contract is the same as the previous contract, including the annual 2.5% raises on July 1 of each year – the same as other City employees, including city councillors (see above). The only deviations are (a) that there should be a 2.5% increase at the signing of the contract; (b) the end date of the contract is July 5, 2022 (just 5 days after the final 2.5% raise); and (c) the removal of the provision for annual evaluations – which is not surprising given the fact that all indications are that this is a terminal contract extension.

My sense, and I have not spoken with anyone about this, is that the additional increases are more like consolation for an incredibly qualified city manager who is receiving a terminal contract extension for the most superficial of political reasons. There will be another municipal election a year from now and we can only hope that (a) some better candidates emerge who are more than just single-issue revolutionaries; and (b) that Cambridge voters somehow come to realize that City government is about more than just a few predictable hot-button issues. Maybe a big jump in residential property taxes will wake some voters from their slumber, but that likely won’t raise even an eyebrow among other voters not actually writing the check to the City – even if the increases are factored into their rent.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-39 and 20-40, regarding contacting the new owners of Jerry’s Pond and discussing next steps in the potential restoration and improvements to Jerry’s Pond and its surrounding areas. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY MAYOR SIDDIQUI IN COUNCIL SEPT 14, 2020]
Referred to NLTP Committee 9-0

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Economic Development Department, the Harvard Square Business Association, the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association and Harvard University on the implementation of closing several blocks of streets in Harvard Square as soon as possible to vehicular traffic, with the exception of deliveries, using the attached map as one possible vision. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL SEPT 14, 2020]
Adopted as Amended 8-0-0-1 (Toomey – PRESENT)

By the time any such changes might be implemented it will be late Fall or early Winter and any advantages for Harvard Square businesses will be moot. Maybe these might make sense in the Spring, but hopefully things will be better by then on the COVID front. Also, the particular plan proposed leaves a lot to be desired.

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Cambridge Redevelopment Authority regarding a Zoning Ordinance to reflect the proposed changes to the KSURP.
Referred to Ordinance Committee & Planning Board 9-0

The proposed changes are related to the alternate site within the MXD District for the electrical substation that was the subject of much controversy over the last couple of years. In addition to the siting of the substation, the proposal also adjusts the timing for when previously planned housing will be delivered, increases permissible heights to 250 feet throughout the MXD District with the allowance of up to 400 feet for one residential building, plus other changes.

Order #2. Support for Extended Outdoor Dining PO.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

This Order is about easing the permitting process for the use of outdoor heat lamps in order to allow restaurants to maintain their outdoor operations later into the season.

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer, as to the feasibility of creating such a program [antibody testing for COVID-19] and report back to the City Council on this matter by Oct 12, 2020.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

I’m not so sure what the added value of extensive COVID-related antibody testing will be at this point, but I look forward to the response from Claude Jacob. Information is great, but primarily if it can be used for a good purpose.

Order #6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to notify all tenants of abutting properties whenever property owners are notified, addressing them by name if known or as “RESIDENT” if not.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toomey
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

I’m sure my tenants will be absolutely captivated by this information judging from all those copies of glossy City publications that go sight unseen into the recycling bin.

Order #7. That the City Council go on record in support for requiring large sources of stormwater pollution to obtain permits under the Clean Water Act.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

Good idea, but I think the main sources of pollutants that lead to cyanobacteria blooms are most likely upstream from Cambridge.

And then there’s this:

A Special City Council meeting is scheduled for this Wednesday, September 23 at 5:30pm "to discuss a charter review with representatives of the Collins Center." A number of Cambridge listservs are now actively commenting on the notion of possibly changing the city’s Plan E Charter. I have no idea if there are five votes on the City Council to pursue such a thing, but it does strike me as a strange pursuit based primarily on some city councillors simply not getting their way on every little thing.

I have some questions currently about whether our Proportional Representation election system is actually now producing a representative City Council and School Committee, but I lay the blame for that primarily on the laziness of voters rather than on the election system itself. It’s also a big problem that we typically get candidates for City Council and School committee who are more interested in inflammatory single issues or ideology than they are in helping to effectively guide city government or the public schools. This, of course, has become a problem here and elsewhere regardless of the election system.

Regarding the matter of having professionally managed government with the City Council setting general policies versus a "strong mayor" system, I will simply suggest that you should be careful what you wish for. Strong mayor systems, like Boston, inevitably mean even weaker city councils and if a mayor owes his or her election to a slim majority in a popular election it’s not at all uncommon that those who didn’t vote for the mayor may be entirely shut out. It’s also quite common that once elected, a mayor becomes "mayor for life" – in contrast with our tradition of having the Chair of the City Council and the School Committee turn over with some frequency.

In short, I think it’s good to have an occasional review of the pros and cons of our Plan E Charter, but I wouldn’t trust this current City Council, or the advocacy groups to whom some of them seem to be accountable, to decide on what, if anything, might preferably be changed. – Robert Winters

September 15, 2020

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 472: Sept 15, 2020

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,City Council,elections — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:38 pm

Episode 472 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 15, 2020

This episode was broadcast on Sept 15, 2020 at 6:00pm. Topics: Sept 14 Cambridge City Council meeting; Disaster funding for arts organizations?; Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) – passed to 2nd Reading; Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding for FY2021; Charter Review?; Cycling Safety Ordinance amendments; City Manager’s contract extension; Sept 1, 2020 Primary Election Results. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in this episode]

September 14, 2020

What’s Up? – First Look at the Sept 14, 2020 City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 3:27 pm

What’s Up? – First Look at the Sept 14, 2020 City Council Agenda

The Second String Debate Club returns this week from its summer vacation. Here are a few items of note:City Hall

COVID and COVID-related:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on COVID-19.

Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $52,158.29 received from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), Shared Streets and Spaces Program Grant, to the Grant Fund Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used for expenses associated with the Starlight Square temporary place-keeping intervention in Municipal Parking Lot 5 in Central Square.

Charter Right #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a proposed restatement of an amendment to the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Account, entitled “The City of Cambridge Restated and Amended Mayor’s Disaster Relief Account” (“Account”). [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020]

Order #8. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Community Development Department and any other appropriate City personnel to establish a means of providing technical support to marginalized, underrepresented business owners and non-profit arts organizations in applying for and obtaining the critical funds from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund Grant and Loan program, and/or from other similar State and Federal assistance programs, and to report back to the City Council on this matter in a timely manner.   Councillor Simmons

Many of us have heard plaintive cries regarding this matter due to the precarious position many arts organizations are now in due to shutdowns and diminished capacity caused by the pandemic. This fund has already been re-purposed to provide loans/grants to small businesses severely impacted by the pandemic. However, it is a legitimate question to ask just how broadly available a fund initially created to assist residents affected by a major fire or similar disaster should be. It’s not at all clear if Councillor Simmons new Order adds anything to this discussion.

Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Economic Development Department, the Harvard Square Business Association, the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association and Harvard University on the implementation of closing several blocks of streets in Harvard Square as soon as possible to vehicular traffic, with the exception of deliveries, using the attached map as one possible vision.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Carlone

The basic criteria so far regarding street closures/restrictions to help businesses and residents during this pandemic has been feasibility and a reasonable chance of positive impact. The proposal in the attached map doesn’t seem to work for the #1 Bus and may result in traffic woes, and the fact that this is being proposed in September seems a bit late in the game. That said, shared street and slow streets are going to continue to be a topic of discussion and planning in the future. You can count on it.

Order #6. The City Manager is requested to work with Claude Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer of the Cambridge Public Health Department to appoint a Vaccine Task Force to develop a plan that keeps equity at the forefront.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

Frankly, I’m pretty sure that equity is already being discussed as a priority in future vaccine distribution. The greater challenge may be getting people to trust in the safety of the various vaccine candidates – even after extensive clinical trials have been completed.

Order #9. That the City Manager confer with the Department of Public Works, the Cambridge Water Department and other relevant partners to create a pilot program for wastewater testing for evidence of COVID-19.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toomey

This is a pretty good idea. I would be surprised if this is not already being done in at least some limited way in Cambridge considering the wealth of research capacity in our local universities and biotech firms.

The Police:

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-35, regarding an update on the Cambridge Police Patrol Officers’ Association union contract negotiations.

Charter Right #2. The City Manager look into transferring primary traffic enforcement responsibilities from the Cambridge Police Department to unarmed, trained enforcement personnel in the Traffic & Parking Department, Department of Public Works, Health & Human Services, or another suitable department. [CHARTER EXERCISED BY VICE MAYOR MALLON IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020]

My favorite City Manager response is a terse one that states, as this communication does, that we’re doing what we’re supposed to do be doing and we’re doing it well, and it’s not the role of the City Council to intervene in matters such as municipal contract negotiations. There are currently 56 items on Awaiting Report with only 4 of them addressed this week. Most of the remaining items could be dispensed with via a brief paragraph each.

Water:

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-38, regarding a report on lessons learned from 2016 and on plans in place to institute water savings measures and to inform the public as soon as practicable about the possibility of dry and drought conditions.

Housing (not including AHO):

Manager’s Agenda #20. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to additional amendments to the draft amendment to the Municipal Code introducing a new ordinance entitled Chapter 8.71 – Tenants’ Rights and Resources Notification.

Unfinished Business #7. That the Cambridge City Council amend the Municipal Ordinances of the City of Cambridge to insert a new Chapter 8.71, entitled Tenants’ Rights and Resources Notification. [PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL JULY 27, 2020. TO BE ORDAINED ON OR AFTER SEPT 14, 2020.]

Order #12. That the Cambridge City Council go on record in strong support of H.4878, and in urging the legislature to pass it immediately.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler

While having a "Tenants’ Rights and Resources Notification" policy in place as a municipal ordinance seems like a good move, there is something about the possibility of a $300/day fine that seems excessive, and I’d hate to see this applied retroactively in the event that relations between a landlord and tenant break down. Well-intentioned initiatives can sometimes have the perverse effect of creating a chasm between a landlord and tenants that can do more harm than good.

Jerry’s Pond:

Manager’s Agenda #21. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-39 and 20-40, regarding contacting the new owners of Jerry’s Pond and discussing next steps in the potential restoration and improvements to Jerry’s Pond and its surrounding areas.

I’m glad to see that there’s the potential of some cooperation between the new owners, the MBTA, DCR, and the City. The real challenge will come when the new owners come forward with development plans. That’s usually when there’s sufficient leverage available to realize objectives that might not be possible simply by good will.

Fossil Fuel Zoning:

Manager’s Agenda #22. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt, following further study and refinement, the Fossil Fuel Zoning Petition (Amendments to Article 22.000 of the Zoning Ordinance).

On the Table #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor, Community Development, Public Works, Inspectional Services and any other related departments to review the proposed amendments regarding the prohibition of Natural Gas Infrastructure in New Buildings. [TABLED ON JAN 27, 2020]

The proposal is sensible in that it encourages good outcomes recognizing the feasibility and cost of installing systems not dependent on fossil fuels. In light of recent legal opinions regarding proposals for outright bans, this seems like a good path to follow even if the zealots are disappointed. But they’re always disappointed anyway.

Affordable Housing Overlay:

Manager’s Agenda #23. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) Zoning Petition.

Manager’s Agenda #24. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Affordable Housing Overlay Zoning Petition CDD staff follow-up on items requested by the Ordinance Committee at its hearing on Aug 19, 2020. [attached petition text]

Committee Report #3. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on July 8, 2020 regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay.

Committee Report #7. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on Aug 19, 2020 regarding the Affordable Housing Overlay.

Suffice to say that I continue to see this as a dreadful proposal that is based on a philosophy of transferring as much private residential property as possible into the hands of government and/or its taxpayer-funded partners. Inclusionary Zoning is founded on a philosophy of maintaining a balance between market housing and subsidized housing in new construction. This proposal does the opposite. It also establishes greatly different development standards in terms of height, density, and setbacks and, perhaps worst of all, it effectively eliminates the ability of an abutter to object. This is in many ways Eminent Domain Lite.

Because these different rules for different owners are being baked into zoning, once established it will take a two-thirds Council majority to change back to equitable standards, and that’s a virtual political impossibility. The entire zoning proposal was effectively written by those entities that stand to benefit by it.

Community Preservation Act (CPA):

Manager’s Agenda #25. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2021. [FY21 CPA Vote_Chair Letter to City Manager] [FY21 Project Recommendations Book]
[09142020 CPA orders] [CPA appropriation orders]

80-10-10 as always and non-debatable. I stopped going to the hearings (actual and virtual) years ago once it became clear that the fix was in.

Elections and Voting:

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to look into suspending street cleaning on Sept 1, 2020 and Nov 3, 2020; that he work with the Elections Commission to order 8 additional drop boxes and to inquire whether CHA will have additional locations for drop boxes. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TOOMEY IN COUNCIL AUG 3, 2020]

I honestly have no idea why Councillor Toomey exercised his Charter Right on this matter. The feasibility of having additional mail-in voting drop boxes is really dependent on the ability to guarantee security of the ballots and to retrieve them in a timely manner. Hopefully the recent Primary Election provided good lessons on best practices for the November election.

Canal District Zoning Petition:

Applications & Petitions #3. A Zoning Petition has been received from BMR–Third LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L.P. regarding a Zoning Amendment Petition for a new Planned Unit Development PUD District CDK. [Petition w/o images] [images from petition]

Meet the new petition, same as the old petition.

Bicycles:

Committee Report #2. A report of the Ordinance Committee Meeting held on July 7, 2020 regarding Cycling Safety Ordinance.

Same old, same old. Politically motivated lobby wants stuff and the councillors will provide with little or no critical analysis.

City Manager’s Contract Extension:

Committee Report #4. A report of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee Meeting held on July 20, 2020 regarding an extension of the current City Manager’s Contract.

Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from Councillor Simmons the City Manager’s Contract extension.   Councillor Simmons

The latest proposal is for an 18-month contract extension after which the future Council will likely seek a new city manager with no ties to Cambridge or the current administration. Personally, I think Louis DePasquale has done a great job under difficult circumstances. My only criticism has to do with (a) some of his appointments to certain City Boards, and (b) his limited pushback to some City Council requests – even though I am very aware that some residents would prefer that he simply roll over and comply whenever 5 city councillors float a notion.

City Council Rules:

Committee Report #6. A report of the Government Operations, Rules & Claims Committee Meeting held on July 22, 2020 regarding amending the rules of the Cambridge City Council.

A great man – a former City Councillor and former Mayor – once said to me that the most sure sign of a dysfunctional organization is the degree to which its members focus on their by-laws rather than on their mission. – Robert Winters

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