Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

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

September 1, 2020

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 471: Sept 1, 2020

Filed under: 2020 Election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:46 pm

Episode 471 – Cambridge InsideOut: Sept 1, 2020

This episode was broadcast on Sept 1, 2020 at 6:00pm. Topics: Virus tales; spending actual money; Primary Day – ballots, MA 4th CD, runoffs and Ranked Choice Voting; Constitutional curiosities; yearning for better politics; Socialism vs. choices of an affluent society; Political conventions and the rhetoric of chaos and violence – perception vs. reality; Shared streets – an appraisal; Revising the Charles; Starlight Square; slow reopening of schools, libraries, senior centers; emergence of “learning pods as a school alternative; good virus news from universities. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in this episode]

August 18, 2020

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 470: August 18, 2020

Filed under: 2020 Election,Cambridge,elections — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:27 pm

Episode 470 – Cambridge InsideOut: Aug 18, 2020

This episode was broadcast on Aug 18, 2020 at 6:15pm. Topics: 19th Amendment, Voting Rights Act; cyclist fatality in Harvard Square; Democratic National Convention; Markey-Kennedy; Ranked Choice Voting & Mass. 4th CD; USPS mailbox controversies, Board of Governors & Postmaster General, local postal delivery; Cambridge voting options; Starlight Square; Future of Central Square; Covid-19 ups and downs and university plans; coming attractions. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in this episode]

Voting in Cambridge – 2020 – September Primary

Filed under: 2020 Election,Cambridge,elections — Tags: , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:25 am

Aug 18, 2020 – You have a number of voting options if you are a registered voter in Cambridge:
Mail-In Voting, Early Voting, Absentee Voting, and Election Day voting

If you applied for a mail-in ballot, you may choose to (a) mail it using the envelope provided; (b) drop it off at the Ballot Drop Box at 51 Inman Street (see below); (c) or drop it off at one of the three Early Voting Sites (Aug 22-Aug 28 – see below).

If you plan to vote in person, please be aware of the necessary safety precautions (see below). Your options are Early Voting (see below) or at your precinct’s polling place on Election Day. Please be aware that 14 polling locations have been changed for this year’s elections (see below).

You may also apply for an absentee ballot (see below).

Vote!

BALLOT DROP BOX HOURS

Every Day from 8:00am – 8:00pm
51 Inman Street

Voters: please note that you must deposit your ballot in the drop box
by Tuesday, September 1 by 8:00pm in order for it to be counted.

You may also deposit your ballot into a drop box at any Early Voting Site
at the following locations during early voting hours:

Moses Youth Center – 243 Harvard Street Main Entrance
Cambridge Water Department 250 Fresh Pond Pkwy.
Valente Library, 826 Cambridge Street Side Entrance (on Berkshire St.)

Early Voting Schedule:
Saturday, August 22: 2:00pm – 8:00pm
Sunday, August 23: 9:00am – 3:00pm
Monday – Friday, August 24 – 28: 9:30am – 5:00pm

For more information please visit the Cambridge Election Commission website at:
www.cambridgema.gov/election
or call 617-349-4361

THANK YOU!

Ballot Drop Box - 51 Inman Street
Ballot Drop Box w/Joyce Gerber

Note: If you submitted an application for a mail-in ballot and have not yet received it, you can check the status at:
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/wheredoivotema/track/trackmyballot.aspx

Cambridge Election Commission Announces Temporary Relocation of 14 Polling Sites in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Aug 13, 2020 – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect the safety of Cambridge residents, voters, and election staff, the Cambridge Election Commission has announced that Cambridge polling sites located in high-risk facilities will be temporarily relocated for the upcoming 2020 State Primary and General Election.Vote

If a voter’s polling site has been relocated, the new polling location will be based in the same ward and precinct or near their regular polling place. Additionally, signage will also be posted at the regular polling site to help direct voters to their temporary polling sites.

In the next few weeks, Cambridge voters will receive an Early Voting Guide and a Voter Notification Card via the U.S. Postal Service. Voters are strongly encouraged to read both documents, as they contain information pertaining to any relocated polling places and other critical election-related information for the 2020 fall elections. This information is also available via an Interactive Polling Place Map and Polling Place PDF on the City’s website.

As a reminder, in order to vote on Election Day, you must be registered. To check voter registration status , and to find information on how to register to vote, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: www.registertovotema.com. If an individual needs to register to vote, they may do so online. A license, or an I.D. issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles is required to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the State Primary on September 1st, residents must register to vote or make any necessary changes to their voter registration by the deadline of Saturday, August 22nd at 8 p.m.

All voters will be asked to wear a face mask or covering and to practice physical distancing in the polling sites on Election Day to help minimize public health risks.

Additional information and updates related to COVID-19 and voting can be found on the City’s website at www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/voting.

Revised List of Cambridge Polling Places

Cambridge Election Commission Announces Mail-in and In-person Voting Options, Temporary Relocation of Polling Sites, and Designated Early Voting Locations, Dates and Hours for the State Primary

Aug 10, 2020 – In order to provide increased voting options in response to COVID-19, House Bill 4820 was passed and signed into law as Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020 “for the immediate preservation of public health and convenience.” Accordingly, early voting is available to all voters for the State Primary, September 1st and the State/Presidential Election, November 3rd. Early voting is available by mail and in person to all registered voters and no excuse is required.

To vote by mail, all you need to do is:Vote

  1. Complete a Vote by Mail Application; you can download an application at www.MailMyBallotMA.com;
  2. Applications can be sent by: email to elections@cambridgema.gov, mail to Election Commission, 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, or fax to 617-349-4366
  3. Vote when your ballot arrives;
  4. Return your ballot to the Cambridge Election Commission by mail or in-person. The Election Commission is open to the public by appointment only.

The deadline to submit a Vote by Mail application for a mailed ballot for the primary is Wednesday, August 26th by 5:00pm.

The deadline to return a Vote by Mail ballot is September 1st by 8:00pm in order to be counted.

To vote in-person, visit any of the three (3) early voting locations offered in Cambridge during the period of Saturday, August 22nd to Friday, August 28th for the State Primary. You must be a registered voter in Cambridge to vote at the early voting locations. Please refer to the city’s designated early voting schedule below.

The deadline to vote early in-person is Friday, August 28th at 5:00pm.

Please be advised that once a voter has cast an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls on Election Day.

City of Cambridge Designated Early Voting Locations, Hours and Days

Moses Youth Center – 243 Harvard Street, Main Entrance

Cambridge Water Department – 250 Fresh Pond Parkway

Valente Library – 826 Cambridge Street, Side Entrance on Berkshire Street

Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
August 22 August 23 August 24 August 25 August 26 August 27 August 28
2pm – 8pm 9am – 3pm 9:30am -5pm 9:30am – 5pm 9:30am – 5pm 9:30am – 5pm 9:30am – 5pm

The Election Commission office located at 51 Inman Street will NOT be an early voting location for the State Primary, September 1st. Voters must go to one of the designated early voting locations listed above.

Additional Voting Options

Voting on Election Day will still be available for those who may want to vote at the polls. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, some polling sites like those in high-risk facilities were temporarily relocated for the upcoming 2020 State Primary, September 1st. Your temporary location will be in the same ward and precinct or near your regular polling place to provide voter convenience and to minimize voter confusion. In the next few weeks, voters will receive an Early Voting Guide and a Voter Notification Card. Both will have information pertaining to any relocated polling places and other important election related information. Signage will also be posted to help voters find their temporary polling sites.

For anyone wanting to vote early in-person, vote by mail or vote on Election Day, the first step is making sure you are registered. To check to see if you are registered to vote, and to find information on how to register to vote, you may visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website: www.registertovotema.com. If you need to register to vote, you may do so online. You a license, or an I.D. issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles to apply online. To be eligible to vote in the State Primary, September 1st, you must register to vote or make any necessary changes to your voter registration by the deadline of Saturday, August 22nd at 8:00pm.

Whenever possible, we ask voters to wear a face mask or covering in the early voting locations and on Election Day at the polling sites and adhere to social distancing requirements to help mitigate public health risks. In addition, hand sanitizer will be available for use by voters upon entering and exiting the voting area. We encourage all our citizens to exercise their right to and take advantage of the voting options available.

August 4, 2020

Cambridge InsideOut Episode 469: Aug 4, 2020

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,City Council,elections — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:36 pm

Episode 469 – Cambridge InsideOut: Aug 4, 2020

This episode was broadcast on Aug 4, 2020 at 6:15pm. Topics: The importance of mail-in voting; Starlight Square; Picture Show – Around Town; Midsummer City Council meeting – traffic enforcement by non-police, police inventory, gas infrastructure ban runs afoul of state law and constitution, zoning petitions. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in this episode]

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