Checking In Virtually – Select Items from the March 23, 2020 Cambridge City Council Agenda
As I said last week, the only things they should be focusing on now are matters relating to the current emergency and basic maintenance of the city. For the most part this seems to be the case. This is not the time for separate policy agendas.
Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to recommendations for the block rates for water consumption and sewer use for the period beginning Apr 1, 2020 and ending Mar 31, 2021. [Manager’s Letter]
Same basic story as last year: 0% increase in the water consumption block rate and an 6.3% increase in the sewer use block rate, resulting in a 4.8% increase in the combined rate for the period beginning April 1, 2020 and ending March 31 , 2021. Last year it was 0%, 7.0%, and 5.2%, respectively.
Charter Right #1. That the “2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance” be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for discussion and recommendation. [CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SOBRINHO-WHEELER ON MAR 16, 2020.]
This is not the time for separate agendas. This matter should be tabled for the time being. Besides, if you read the details of the proposal it’s the single worst example of micromanagement by councillors I’ve seen in 35 years.
Resolution #1. That a suitable resolution be prepared on the death of Sal DiDomenico Sr. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons
Resolution #4. Resolution on the death of Jimmy Albert Smith. Councillor Toomey, Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Two very large trees have fallen in our Cambridge forest. My heart goes out especially to my friend and State Senator Sal DiDomenico whose dad has been a fixture in his East Cambridge neighborhood for many decades. I look forward to the day when a celebration of his life can be held during better times.
Order #1. City Council support of Senator Ron Wyden’s forthcoming legislation calling for the delay of federal REAL ID requirements until September 2021. Councillor Simmons, Mayor Siddiqui
Order #2. That the Cambridge City Council requests that brokers, landlords, and real estate agents not to show housing units with current occupants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Simmons
Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of using vacant properties and hotels as emergency shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zondervan
Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to present emergency appropriations to the City Council in order to provide appropriate financial relief to businesses and organizations in the city, especially those which are not receiving sufficient state or federal assistance. Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel to develop and implement an online portal designed to allow senior citizens who are house-bound due to the coronavirus outbreak to sign up and notify the City that they require assistance with receiving grocery deliveries, other services delivered, and/or wellness checks throughout this crisis. Councillor Simmons
It’s good to see that this week all of the City Council orders are responsive to the current emergency.
Communications & Reports #1. A communication was received from City Clerk Anthony I. Wilson, transmitting a letter from New England Development regarding a Pre-Application Conference with the City Council for a CambridgeSide 2.0 PUD-8 Special Permit.
Some planning does have to carry on in spite of the current difficulties. I continue to appreciate initiatives like this one that have the possibility of making our streets and neighborhoods more interesting and inviting even as they deliver greater financial stability to the property owners carrying out these developments.
Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Zondervan, transmitting COVID-19 Ideas and Suggestions.
Good suggestions all. – Robert Winters