Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

June 2, 2024

Blessing of the Big Budget – June 3, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Central Square,City Council,planning — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:36 pm

Blessing of the Big Budget – June 3, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Unless the government is overthrown before Monday night, this week’s City Council meeting will have as its central feature the series of votes for approving the FY2025 Budget as well as the major loan authorizations that accompany it. Here are the agenda items I thought significant this week:Fat City Hall

The FY2025 Budget and Loan Authorizations

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee conducted a public hearing on May 7, 2024, regarding the City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. [text of report ]
Nolan notes ignorance of some people re: when Budget comes to a vote, anticipation of more difficult financial decisions in future; Pickett notes that Budget vote will be better advertised in future, concerns about coming tax rates and need to curtail spending, desire to take closer look at capital spending; Wilson has procedural questions and possibility of delaying vote (due to uninformed public comment by one individual); Yi-An Huang expresses concerns about re-opening these matters so late in process; Taha Jennings notes that state law requires budget votes within 45 days of budget submission; Comments by Nolan, Pickett on Public Investment budget; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0
General Fund Budget of $939,336,875 Adopted 9-0
Water Fund Budget of $16,247,475 Adopted 9-0
Public Investment Budget of $38,432,720 Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Finance Committee conducted a public hearing on May 8, 2024, regarding the School Department budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Finance Committee conducted a public hearing on May 14, 2024, regarding the City budget covering the fiscal period July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Unfinished Business #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the appropriation and authorization to borrow $11,500,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. [Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee, Apr 29, 2024]
Comments by Nolan; Loan Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,350,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support significant building improvements and deferred maintenance projects. Proposed projects include but are not limited to upgrades of Public Works facilities, municipal offices, youth centers, branch libraries and fire stations, renovations to 105 Windsor Street and upgrades of HVAC and electrical systems. [Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee, Apr 29, 2024]
Loan Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open spaces at the Peabody School Playground, Corcoran (Raymond Street) Park, Rafferty Park, Wilder-Lee Park, and 359 Broadway. [Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee, Apr 29, 2024]
Comments by Nolan, Pickett; Loan Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,560,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. [Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee, Apr 29, 2024]
Comments by Pickett, Simmons; Loan Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of and authorization to borrow $6,550,000 to provide funds for the Ozone Generator Replacement; Water Treatment Plant equipment and systems upgrades and water works construction projects in coordination with DPW street restoration projects, which include Massachusetts Ave 4, Chestnut, Dana, Sciarappa and Winter Streets. [Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee, Apr 29, 2024]
Loan Order Adopted 9-0

Unfinished Business #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Capital Repairs Program and projects related to climate change preparedness efforts. [Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee, Apr 29, 2024]
Loan Order Adopted 9-0

GENERAL GOVERNMENT FY2024 adopted FY2025 proposed 1 yr % change
City Clerk $1,818,560 $2,162,335 18.9%
City Council $2,649,690 $2,817,000 6.3%
Election Commission $2,408,620 $2,447,755 1.6%
Employee Benefits $28,241,740 $27,111,425 -4.0%
Equity and Inclusion   $2,270,380 new
Executive (*) $8,467,495 $6,845,075 -19.2%
Finance $24,714,165 $26,479,690 7.1%
Human Resources (Personnel) $4,160,630 $5,513,370 32.5%
Law $4,152,645 $4,356,320 4.9%
Mayor $973,255 $1,306,905 34.3%
Public Celebrations $1,621,360 $1,793,575 10.6%
Reserve $40,000 $40,000 0.0%
TOTAL $79,248,160 $83,143,830 4.9%
     
PUBLIC SAFETY FY24 adopted FY25 proposed 1 yr % change
Animal Commission $673,010 $706,165 4.9%
Community Safety $3,036,620 $3,090,825 1.8%
Emergency Communications $10,346,540 $10,930,090 5.6%
Fire $70,461,720 $74,755,005 6.1%
Inspectional Services $5,228,140 $5,544,615 6.1%
License Commission $1,706,185 $2,009,740 17.8%
Police $78,367,440 $80,945,830 3.3%
Police Review & Advisory Board $9,900 $9,900 0.0%
Traffic, Parking & Transportation $16,998,910 $18,077,040 6.3%
TOTAL $186,828,465 $196,069,210 4.9%
     
COMMUNITY MAINT/DEVEL. FY24 adopted FY25 proposed 1 yr % change
Cable T.V. $1,813,725 $1,880,965 3.7%
Capital Building Projects $1,574,415 $1,872,660 18.9%
Community Development (**) $40,890,300 $11,257,750 -72.5%
Conservation Commission – – –
Debt Service $89,585,875 $101,890,280 13.7%
Historical Commission $1,040,215 $1,096,310 5.4%
Housing   $27,834,470 new
Office of Sustainability   $3,143,675 new
Peace Commission $228,225 $237,210 3.9%
Public Works $69,094,590 $73,911,430 7.0%
TOTAL $204,227,345 $223,124,750 9.3%
     
HUMAN RESOURCE/DEVEL. FY24 adopted FY25 proposed 1 yr % change
Commission on Women $345,945 $493,220 42.6%
Human Rights Commission $874,840 $878,550 0.4%
Human Services $59,224,695 $73,251,275 23.7%
Library $18,950,730 $19,391,415 2.3%
Veterans $1,067,600 $1,360,950 27.5%
TOTAL $80,463,810 $95,375,410 18.5%
     
CITY TOTAL $550,767,780 $597,713,200 8.5%
     
EDUCATION FY24 adopted FY25 proposed 1 yr % change
Schools Operating (TOTAL) $245,000,000 $268,250,000 9.5%
     
INTERGOVERNMENTAL FY24 adopted FY25 proposed 1 yr % change
Cambridge Health Alliance $8,316,000 $8,671,170 4.3%
Cherry Sheet Assessments $33,586,010 $33,101,520 -1.4%
MWRA $30,601,130 $31,600,985 3.3%
TOTAL $72,503,140 $73,373,675 1.2%
     
GRAND TOTALS $868,270,920 $939,336,875 8.2%
     
FY24 adopted FY25 proposed 1 yr % change
WATER $15,502,965 $16,247,475 4.8%
PUBLIC INVESTMENT $18,056,905 $38,432,720 112.8%
FY24 adopted FY25 proposed  
Loan Authorizations for Capital Budget $50,000,000 $11,500,000  
  $35,350,000 $4,350,000  
$2,500,000 $3,000,000  
$1,800,000 $2,560,000  
$51,500,000 $6,550,000  
$26,000,000 $8,500,000  
Total Loan Authorizations $167,150,000 $36,460,000  

* 7.7% combined increase for Executive/Equity-Inclusion
** 3.3% combined increase for CDD/Housing/Sustainability

All this should breeze through on either unanimous votes or the typical protest vote from any DSA-affiliates who want to continue beating that old “defund the police” horse. I am far more concerned about the residential tax bills we’ll be seeing in late October when all this has to be funded. Single-, two-, and three-family homeowners may be in for quite a shock based on indications so far.

Unfinished Business #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization of $15,000,000 to provide additional funds for the construction of improvements at the Fire Station Headquarters Building located at 491 Broadway. [Passed to 2nd Reading May 20, 2024; Eligible for Adoption June 3, 2024]
Appropriation Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Adam Westbrook and Diego Macias as members and Daniel Anderson and Joy Jackson as associate members of the Planning Board for a term of five-years.
pulled by Nolan (on representativeness of appointees); comments by Yi-An Huang, Iram Farooq; Nolan wants balance on approach to development; Siddiqui wants to know rubric used to select appointees, wants Boston Society of Architects to be involved; Azeem notes charter change, importance of ideology, wants Planning Board to be aligned with City Council; Sobrinho-Wheeler wants data on number of applicants over time and if stipends have affected this, wants to have City Council confirmation process or opportunity to interview applicants prior to appointment; Toner OK with prior process but would prefer to be consulted on applicants prior to appointment; Wilson concerned about diversity of candidates, also wants to be consulted prior to appointments, wants to know how many of the applicants were “persons of color”, when next appointments will occur (three in Aug, Nov 2026); responses by Swathi Joseph re: vetting by Diversity & Inclusion Office; Simmons also wants to know how many of the applicants were “persons of color”; Wilson wants this information in writing; Yi-An Huang describes and defends process, expresses concerns about possible effect of City Council inquisition on willingness of residents to apply; Farooq says 5 of 11 interviewed were “persons of color”; Simmons questions what “persons of color” entails, wants further discussion of Council role in appointments; Appointments Approved 9-0

Making Cambridge More Like Flushing – Or Not

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Planning Board Report regarding the Ronayne, et al., Zoning Petition. (CM24#115) [text of report]
Referred to Petition 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on May 8, 2024, to discuss allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the city. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #6. The Housing Committee held a public hearing on May 22, 2024, to continue the May 8, 2024, discussion on allowing multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the city. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

I attended a recent Ordinance Committee meeting on this petition. It’s actually a pretty good zoning petition, but apparently Mr. Azeem and the ABC crowd will have none of it because it doesn’t go nearly far enough toward making all of Cambridge more like Flushing, NY. I am a graduate of Flushing High School, by the way, and I watched how entire blocks of mixed-scale housing were wiped clean and uniformly replaced by 6-story boxes with near-zero setbacks. This has not stabilized rents there, and it’s a far more hostile place than what I remember. I almost feel as though Flushing has finally followed me to Cambridge – even though it took a while.

Other than the fact that both the Ronayne Petition and the nascent “Azeem-Siddiqui-Cotter-Farooq” petition both call for legalizing multi-family housing in all residential zones, these are two radically different proposals and visions. The former still maintains good neighborhood-scale heights and densities in many residential areas, but the latter would drop all residential zones into a blender and permit the same significantly greater heights and densities across all residential areas of the city. Say what you will but I actually appreciate the current diversity of residential densities and housing types that can currently be found in Cambridge.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request – if necessary – to move to Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation known as Dalkia Energy Services v. Cambridge, Kendall Green Energy Holdings LLC v. Cambridge, and Southern Energy Kendall v. Cambridge, (Appellate Tax Board Dockets F325664, F325663, F325665, F328941, and all related Appellate Tax Board Docket Numbers for these cases), which are appeals before the Appellate Tax Board.
pulled by Nolan; relates to prior Mgr #7; Solicitor Megan Bayer explains; Executive Session not needed; Placed on File 9-0

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to clarify why the Wage Theft Enforcement Committee has not yet been appointed and to swiftly appoint the committee as called for in the Wage Theft Ordinance.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to explore the feasibility of delaying the Mass Avenue reconstruction project to minimize its impact upon the busy season for restaurants and other affected businesses, and, should this not be found feasible, a method of providing financial assistance to the impacted businesses to cover the costs of removing their outdoor dining structures, designed to mitigate some of the financial impacts upon them, should be established.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Nolan; Wilson add as sponsor 9-0; Charter Right – Simmons

Central Square Table-Setting

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to provide a list of current zoning initiatives along with CDD’s recommendations for a timeline for completing each of the zoning initiatives in order for the Council to confirm zoning priorities.   Councillor Pickett, Councillor Toner, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Pickett; comments by Pickett, Toner; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to work with CDD to provide a written outreach plan for engaging the community related to the processes underway in Central Square.   Councillor Pickett, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Pickett; comments by Pickett, Nolan, Simmons; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #7. That the City Manager is hereby requested to provide the draft Request for Information for the 84 & 96 Bishop Allen Drive to the City Council for review and comment.   Councillor Pickett, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Simmons
pulled by Pickett; comments by Pickett; Order Adopted 9-0

I have been closely following the current discussions about possible Central Square rezoning and the Central Square Lots Study. Perhaps more than anything, I find the whole paradigm of Central Square advocacy to be rather wrong-headed. Too many people think of Central Square as though it’s a utility meant to provide for much of what the rest of the city would never dream of hosting, e.g. low-income housing and social services. Even the “outreach plans” so far adhere to this flawed paradigm. Historically, Central Square was a major draw for all of Cambridge and greater Boston for shopping and recreation. There are now many people who purposely avoid “Central Scare” due to either real or perceived safety concerns. Nowhere on the list of “target groups” for outreach about Central Square planning did I see any mention of the thousands of people who now avoid Central Square because of these concerns or because Central Square simply doesn’t currently have a whole lot to offer them or their families. My vision of the future Central Square would have a lot of families with children, people of all ages, and ample recreation for everybody.

Order #9. That the City Manager is requested to provide to the City Council a detailed justification for the increased fees for Youth Centers for the 2024-2025 school year.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Nolan (PO24#75)
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Toner, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, Simmons, Azeem, Ellen Semonoff, Yi-An Huang; add Wilson, Nolan as sponsors 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #1. City Council support of the Act Establishing Protections and Accountability for TNC and DNC Workers (S.627/H1158), which would allow TNCs to sustain worker benefits and protections that maintain a level playing field across transportation industries. [Charter Right – Toner, May 20, 2024]

I have been seeing advertisements on the TV that make it difficult to take a side on this issue. I have no love for the Uber and Lyft companies and I think they should have to play by rules comparable to taxi companies, but I can really sympathize with drivers who like having some independence and choice and who would rather not see themselves as traditional employees of these companies. When was the last time we heard the phrase “gig economy”?

49 Communications – quite tame in comparison to recent weeks. Based on some of the current zoning proposals, Central Square discussions, and more, I suspect the template emails to pick up again soon. – Robert Winters

May 21, 2024

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 617-618: May 21, 2024

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,Charter,City Council,cycling,planning,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:05 pm

Episode 617 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 21, 2024 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on May 21, 2024 at 6:00pm. Topics: End of semester; Outstanding City Employees; Historical Commission Preservation Awards – recognition for John Pitkin, Robert Winters; Harvard and MIT encampments resolved; Salman Rushdie quote; Budget Hearings, the “fiscal crisis” that’s really more of a warning of sticker shock in Fall tax bills for single-, two-, and three-family homeowners; PTDM Ordinance modified, Cycling Safety Ordinance delayed – and the sky did not fall, but there were theatrics and record numbers of communications; nothing but public housing and bike lanes; Order trying to keep Cambridge Police from being involved in campus interventions, perfect response from City Manager re: mutual aid agreements; petition and other proposal to allow multi-family housing in all residential zones – plus A LOT MORE, a defense of maintaining diversity in housing stock, falsehoods promoted by advocates; questions raised by affordable housing advocates, possibility of AHO 3.0. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 618 – Cambridge InsideOut: May 21, 2024 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on May 21, 2024 at 6:30pm. Topics: Ronayne Petition vs. Azeem/Farooq/Cotter Petition-To-Be; Tripling the Resident Permit Parking Fee from $25 to $75; $77 million Fire Headquarters, the costs associated with meeting BEUDO standards, cost/benefit considerations – more exorbitant costs likely for future projects, Is it really worth it?; Porchfest for Cambridge? Riverfest, Dance Party coming in June; Central Square Rezoning and Central Square Lots Study – NLTP meeting, curious beliefs about outreach to select community groups, social balkanization – “first and foremost a housing production plan”, Totten wrongheadedness; treating Central Square as a utility rather than a place or destination; not just about nightlife; Charter revision process pending – June 5 Gov’t Operations meeting, unanswered questions, what needs to change and what should not change, the Manager vs. Strong Mayor question, things overlooked by the Charter Review Committee, proper ways of facilitating “redress of grievances” and citizen assemblies. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

May 19, 2024

Featured Items on the May 20, 2024 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 4:37 pm

Featured Items on the May 20, 2024 Cambridge City Council Agenda

May flowersHere’s my first pass at the interesting stuff.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-15, regarding recommendations for adjusting parking permit fees to better align with associated costs.
pulled by Toner; comments by Brooke “we have the authority” McKenna (TPT), McGovern, Nolan (who wants fees increased immediately), Stephanie McAuliffe (TPT), Simmons, Pickett (do we get to vote on such an increase?), JSW, Wilson (do all public housing tenants get the cheap rate?), Toner; Referred to Transportation Committee on voice vote

“Based on an analysis of the costs associated with the administration of the Resident Permit Parking Program, we recommend that the fee for a Resident Parking Permit be increased from $25 to $75. In addition to raising the standard cost for a Resident Parking Permit, we will implement a system for income-eligible Resident Parking Permits where the cost will remain at $25. Both standard and income-eligible Resident Parking Permit costs will continue to include a Visitor Parking Permit. The cost for a Visitor Parking Permit without a Resident Parking Permit will remain at $25.”

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report submitted by the Planning Board regarding the Family Definition Zoning Petition. [text of report]
pulled by McGovern; Referred to May 22 Ordinance Committee meeting 8-0-1 (BA Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report submitted by the Planning Board regarding the Khalida Griffin-Sheperd, et al. Zoning Petition. [text of report]
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (BA Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization of $15,000,000 to provide additional funds for the construction of improvements at the Fire Station Headquarters Building located at 491 Broadway.
pulled by Pickett; comments by Pickett, Owen O’Riordan, Fire Chief Cahill, Siddiqui, Nolan, Wilson, Simmons, Toner; Order Adopted 7-0-1-1 (BA Absent; SS Present)

Order #1. City Council support of the Act Establishing Protections and Accountability for TNC and DNC Workers (S.627/H1158), which would allow TNCs to sustain worker benefits and protections that maintain a level playing field across transportation industries.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; Charter Right – Toner (and Wilson to be added as sponsor)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments and the Cambridge Arts Council to consider whether Cambridge could facilitate a porchfest event.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Nolan, comments by Nolan, Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted on Voice Vote

May 13, 2024

Betwixt & Between the Budget Hearings – May 13, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Central Square,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:03 am

Betwixt & Between the Budget Hearings – May 13, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

May is the month for money meetings. Last week featured the budget hearings for the departments under the categories of General Government & Public Safety (May 7) as well as the School Department Budget (May 8). This Tuesday (May 14) will cover the departments under the categories of Community Maintenance and Development; Human Resources Development; Intergovernmental; & Public Investment.

General Government & Public Safety: (May 7)

City Clerk
City Council
Election Commission
Employee Benefits
Equity and Inclusion
Equity and Inclusion – Diversity    
Equity and Inclusion – DGVPI
Executive – Leadership ✓
Executive – Communications ✓		 Executive – Housing Liaison ✓
Executive – Tourism ✓
Finance – Administration ✓
Finance – Auditing
Finance – Assessing ✓
Finance – Budget
Finance – General Services
Finance – Information Technology ✓    		 Finance – Purchasing
Finance – Treasury/Revenue    
Human Resources ✓
Law
Mayor’s Office*
Public Celebrations ✓
Reserve
Animal Commission		 Community Safety ✓
Emergency Communications
Fire Department ✓
Inspectional Services ✓
License Commission
Police Department ✓
PRAB / Peace Commission ✓
Traffic, Parking & Transportation ✓
Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. *to appear at May 14 hearing
Community Maintenance and Development; Human Resources Development; Intergovernmental; & Public Investment: (May 14)

Mayor’s Office* ✓
Cambridge Health Alliance ✓    
Cable TV
Capital Building Projects ✓
Community Development ✓
Debt Service		 Historical Commission
Housing ✓
Office of Sustainability ✓    
Public Works ✓
Water ✓
Women’s Commission		 Human Rights Commission    
Human Services ✓
Library
Veterans’ Services
Cherry Sheet		 MWRA
City Overview Section
Financial Summaries Section
Revenue Section
Public Investment Section ✓
Those marked in bold are the ones pulled for discussion. *postponed from May 7 hearing

Monday night’s featured attractions include these:Money

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of the following persons as members of the Danehy Park Improvement Plan Working Group: Ty Bellitti, Sarina Canelake, Katia Crowley, Anthony Galluccio, Chala Hadimi, Emily Hoffman, Tsion Kebede, Frederico Muchnik, Mike Nakagawa, Natasa Ristivojevic, Antonieta Salguero, Kathleen Riesing, Michael Siegall, Jason Targoff, and David Weylan.
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, McGovern, Toner, Wilson, DPW Commissioner Kathy Watkins, City Manager Yi-An Huang; Placed on File 8-1 (Siddiqui Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of Raffi Freeman and Krissandra Robinson as well as the reappointments of Susan Schlesinger, James G. Stockard Jr., and Elaine Thorne as members of the Affordable Housing Trust for a term of three years.
Appointments Approved 8-1 (Siddiqui Absent)

Our Affordable Housing Trust reminds me of New York’s Robert Moses. From Wikipedia: “He created and led numerous semi-autonomous public authorities, through which he controlled millions of dollars in revenue and directly issued bonds to fund new ventures with little outside input or oversight.”

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-16, regarding a report on developing ways to fund support of decarbonization and clean energy projects and technical assistance for property owners of all types especially those with limited resources, with an initial focus on work associated with BEUDO emissions reduction requirements.
pulled by Nolan; comments by Nolan, Pickett, Sustainability Czarina Susanne Rasmussen; Placed on File 8-1 (Siddiqui Absent)

One of my greatest concerns about BEUDO (which should really be referred to as BEUDERO (Building Energy Use Disclosure and Emissions Reductions Ordinance) since it’s no longer just about “energy use disclosure”) is the unfunded mandate nature of the whole thing. Even my smaller residential building (triple-decker) will eventually be in the cross-hairs of City officials who would require me to tear out my heating system and gas appliances whether I want to or not. It’s one thing to provide incentives for people to make such changes at the time of eventual building renovations, but I will never warm up to the idea that I shouldn’t have any choice in the matter. This communication at least hints at the possibility of funding and other incentives.

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation known as City of Cambridge et al., v. Lexington Planning Board et al. (Docket No. 2381CV01683), which is an appeal before the Land Court. Additionally, to consider the purchase of real property, O Cambridge/Concord Turnpike in Lexington, Massachusetts, adjacent to the Hobbs Brook Reservoir. Discussing this matter in an open session may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the City.
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; Executive Session (52 minutes); Placed on File 8-1 (Siddiqui Absent)

I believe this concerns this decision of the Lexington Planning Board.

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department to work with the Co-Chairs of the Housing Committee to turn their vision of multifamily housing citywide into zoning language.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by McGovern; comments by Azeem, McGovern, Pickett, Toner, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Nolan (w/amendment), Wilson, Simmons; Order Adopted as Amended on Voice Vote (Siddiqui Absent)

Note: There has not yet been a report from this committee on this topic (though you can watch a recording of the hearing here). Also, in all my years of watching and reporting on City Council meetings have I ever seen an order phrased as “to turn their vision…into…”. There is some pretty serious hubris in having the sponsors of a City Council order refer to their own “vision”. Check your egos at the door please.

By the way, this “vision” is filled with half-truths, falsehoods, and basically comes down to making the standards of height and density associated with the densest parts of eastern Cambridge the standard across all residential districts of the city. This is NOT simply a matter of permitting multi-family housing citywide.

Order #2. That the City Council calls upon the City Manager to take steps to bring support to efforts supporting Overdose Prevention Center legislation currently under consideration in the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
pulled by McGovern; comments by McGovern (w/amendment), Nolan, Azeem, Pickett, Wilson, Simmons (in defense of Central Square); Amendments Adopted on Voice Vote; Order Adopted as Amended on Voice Vote (Siddiqui Absent)

It’s one thing to take steps to prevent overdose deaths, but what Mr. McGovern is advocating here will likely help to further define Central Square as a prime destination for substance abusers, and with comes all the additional burdens associated with that degradation (shoplifting, aggressive panhandling, street robberies, drug dealers, people shopping and socializing elsewhere). We should aspire to better things for Central Square and all of Cambridge. – Robert Winters

May 6, 2024

Budget Season – and another Monday – May 6, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge government,Charter,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:16 pm

Budget Season – and another Monday – May 6, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

MIT encampmentThe number of Communications this week dropped from 744 to 452, but almost all of the current ones were submitted for the previous meeting. Perhaps some of the bicycle lane furor will cool down now – except, of course, for the political vengeance. It’s actually kind of funny that people lost their minds so completely over a brief delay in order to do things better. My guess is that police involvement in protests and, of course, Budget Season will now take center stage.

Here are some of this week’s more notable agenda items:

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2024 Goals and Metrics for the Annual City Manager Performance Review. (CM24#96) [text of report]
pulled by Nolan; PN objects to lack of “metrics” and “smart goals”; Placed on File 9-0

Order #1. Designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month.   Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Wilson (to add Wilson and McGovern as sponsors); Adopted as Amended 9-0

Here’s a good example from Public Comment of the pressing need for better mental health with a rather problematic individual calling Paul Toner and Patty Nolan “white supremacists.”

Order #2. Opposition to the expansion of private jet facilities at Hanscom Field or anywhere in the region.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by JSW, PN, PT, JP; Order Adopted 8-1 (PT-Present)

It’s not clear whether the concern here is greenhouse gas emissions or the existence of “the ultra-wealthy.” During Public Comment, political aspirant Evan Mackay made it clear that he sees it as the latter.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide a summary of city efforts related to PFAS concerns, an update on educational information that can be shared with the community that outline actions individuals can take to reduce their exposure to PFAS, and provide an overview of the federal and state regulatory environment for PFAS in the wastewater stream.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Nolan who wants a full PFAS audit; Order Adopted 9-0

Charter Right #1. On the use of Cambridge officers to police political demonstrations at institutions of higher learning. [Charter Right – Toner, Apr 29, 2024]
Substitute Order introduced by Wilson (who quotes Ayanna Pressley); Sobrinho-Wheeler says point is to prevent violence; Azeem prefers that police not be called unless there is violence, suggests that war is a week away from ending; Siddiqui says students protected by 1st Amendment, notes City Manager’s statement re: police obligations; McGovern calls 1st Amendment and free speech “messy”, also acknowledges police mutual aid obligations; Toner has concerns about substitute, notes Dan Totten’s slanderous comments during Public Comment calling Toner and Pickett “white supremacists”, asks if his substitute amendment could be taken up first; Mayor Simmons explains procedure; Toner moves to remove “WHEREAS: Universities elsewhere, including Columbia, NYU, Yale, USC, Emory, Northeastern, Emerson and UT-Austin, have seen local law enforcement called upon to arrest and remove students and faculty; and”; Azeem asks if Toner would support substitute if that clause was removed; Toner also expresses concerns about “atrocities” being used in the RESOLVED clause; McGovern says he likes the WHEREAS clause that Toner prefers to delete – calls it “factual”, downplays use of the word “atrocities”; Simmons says it isn’t necessary to include the clause and would prefer to see it deleted, would like to replace “peaceful” by “largely peaceful” and replace “believed complicity” with “what they see as complicity”; Nolan prefers substitute from Toner, Nolan, Simmons noting rhetoric at protests calling for “death to Zionists” and destruction of Israel, prefers replacing “peaceful” by “largely peaceful”, also notes mutual aid agreement of police, threatening language of some protesters; Pickett prefers simplest substitute from Toner, Nolan, Simmons; Nolan amendment to replace “peaceful” by “largely peaceful” in 1st and 2nd “Whereas” clauses Adopted 9-0; Toner/Nolan amendment to delete “3rd Whereas” clause Fails 4-5 [PN,JP,PT,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW,AW-No]; Nolan amendment to add at end of 4th “Whereas” the phrase “Cambridge police have a mutual aid obligation to help Harvard and MIT police when called to uphold public safety” – Adopted 9-0; Simmons motion to replace “atrocities being endured by” with “the tremendous suffering being inflicted upon”, comments by Simmons on moderating conflicts and fact that not all free speech is protected; Simmons motion Fails 4-5 [PN,JP,PT,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW,AW-No]; Substitute Order as Amended Adopted 7-1-0-1 [Toner – No; Simmons – Present]

City Manager Yi-An Huang provided a very clear and detailed statement on this topic at the previous meeting.

452 Communications – virtually all from the previous meeting and about bike lanes.

Committee Report #1. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Apr 24, 2024, to review and discuss the Net Zero Action Plan annual report, including review of yearly action items, progress made, and next steps to reach annual goals. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Apr 24, 2024, to discuss the Digital Navigator Pilot Program (DNP), a collaborative effort between the City of Cambridge Information Technology Department, Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Public Schools Department, Just A Start, and Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) to discuss how this initiative is designed to support residents’ digital needs. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Communications & Reports #2. A communication from Mayor Simmons re City Council Goals.
pulled by Pickett (reads “Values statement”), comments by Mayor Simmons; Placed on File 9-0

Here they are:

Values Statement
The Cambridge City Council is committed to developing policies that are reflective of the shared values of our community, recognizing the diversity of our city – including but not limited to race, sexual orientation, language, nationality, income, age, and ability. We will conduct our deliberations with transparency, community engagement, and consideration of the financial and social implications on our residents, visitors, nonprofits, and businesses.

City Council Goals

1. Housing and Zoning: Address the housing crisis by making it easier to build more housing of all types with a focus on affordability and protections for low, middle-income, elderly, and disabled residents.

2. Economic Opportunity and Equity: Ensure the City of Cambridge offers economic opportunities to all residents and businesses and is taking steps toward greater economic equity, especially among our marginalized communities.

3. Transportation: Improve the safety, efficiency, access, and sustainability of transportation options for all, and advocate for key transit priorities with the MBTA and other state and regional partners.

4. Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Deepen the City of Cambridge’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis through the use of sustainable energy and strengthening climate resilience and supporting our residents and businesses through this transition.

5. Government and Council Performance: The City Council is committed to effective decision making through close collaboration with each other and the City administration, to communicate transparently and to deepen accountability and engagement with the community.

Communications & Reports #3. A communication from Councillor Toner, transmitting Communication from Chair of Government Operations and Planning Committee regarding Charter Review with questions for Clerk, Election Commissioner, City Solicitor regarding Charter Review Recommendations and Process.
pulled by Nolan (who bemoans delay, expresses hope for a special election on this early next year, also notes that Attorney General would also have to review and proposed charter change, governor could veto); Toner notes June 5 meeting on procedures is scheduled, notes questions submitted by councillors, notes that review by Attorney General may not be necessary, notes question of whether Council will take up any recommendations that failed to achieve a 2/3 majority of Charter Review Committee; Placed on File 9-0

This is one of the most significant matters before this City Council, and it’s not yet clear where this is headed. There is a Government Operations Committee meeting on this scheduled for June 5 at 3:00pm. I will have a lot more to say at that time. I may also write about it in the meantime. – Robert Winters

Resolution #7. Resolution on the death of Janet Murray.   Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor Simmons
Comments by McGovern, Simmons; Adopted as Amended 9-0

April 27, 2024

Turf War – April 29, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,MBTA — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:10 pm

Turf War – April 29, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

City Hall renovationNote: Due to extensive public comment, this meeting was recessed after the controversial matter of the bike lanes was addressed – to be resumed at 10:00am on Tuesday, April 30.

The turf war of competing mailing lists continues this week with the number of email communications generated by mailing lists blowing past all previous records. Sure, they’re all just variations on the dual themes of “Don’t touch any aspect of the divinely inspired Cycling Safety Ordinance or the Charles River will turn to blood” or “Consider compromise.” Unfortunately, there are many people who think that representative democracy should be governed by how many virtual pounds of vox populi arrive as a result of email blasts to lists of disciples. Ideas don’t matter. Practicality doesn’t matter. Effectiveness doesn’t matter. Truth doesn’t matter. It’s all about preaching to your respective choirs asking them to drown out the other.

Meanwhile, there’s still a City to run and bills to pay. The FY2025 Budget and the annual parade of loan authorizations have arrived.

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY2025 submitted budget and appropriation orders. [text of report]
[Tuesday] pulled by Nolan; Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

The overall FY25 Proposed Budget shows an 8.2% increase over the FY24 Adopted Budget. It also shows the previously announced rearrangement of some departments – most noticeably the Community Development. The FY25 Budget shows a 72% decrease in the CDD Budget, but this is due to two separate new departments being hatched out of CDD – the new “Housing Department” and the new “Office of Sustainability”. The combined budgets of these three departments is rising from $40,890,300 to $42,235,895 – an overall increase of 3.3%.

The other spinoff is within the Executive Department (Office of the City Manager). The FY25 Budget shows a 19.2% decrease, but this is due to the new “Equity and Inclusion Department” being spun off as a separate department. The combined budgets of these two departments is rising from $8,467,495 to $9,115,455 – an overall increase of 7.7%.

The proposed Public Investment budget is going up from $18,056,905 to $38,432,720. The total amount of proposed Loan Authorizations (see below) is $36,460,000 which is a considerable drop from last year’s $167,150,000.

The Budget Hearings begin May 7. I hope that this year’s Budget Message from the City Manager will include projections of what the Residential and Commercial Tax Rates might be based on the FY25 Proposed Budget and, more importantly what that might translate into in actual dollar increases for the four primary residential categories – condos, single-family, two-family, and three family homes. We usually only learn about this in October/November – long after the FY25 Budget has been adopted. Though condo owners will likely continue to get the sweetest deal in town, the sticker shock for other homeowners could be significant.

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the appropriation and authorization to borrow $11,500,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks.
[Tuesday] pulled by Nolan; City Manager Huang defers remarks to Finance Committee; additional remarks by Assistant City Manager for Fiscal Affairs Claire Spinner and Budget Director Taha Jennings; remarks by Councillor Nolan expressing some reservations about proposed Loan Authorizations and whether they should be modified based on City Council priorities; remarks by Councillor Pickett on capital investments; Owen O’Riordan notes that in FY24 Budget the anticipated Loan Order amounts was ~$100 million and this has been reduced in the FY25 Budget to ~$36 million; Councillor Toner asks if some of these capital projects are already underway (yes, this is for add’l contingency funds); Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #3. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of appropriation and authorization to borrow $4,350,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support significant building improvements and deferred maintenance projects. Proposed projects include but are not limited to upgrades of Public Works facilities, municipal offices, youth centers, branch libraries and fire stations, renovations to 105 Windsor Street and upgrades of HVAC and electrical systems.
[Tuesday] pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open spaces at the Peabody School Playground, Corcoran (Raymond Street) Park, Rafferty Park, Wilder-Lee Park, and 359 Broadway.
[Tuesday] pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,560,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades.
[Tuesday] pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of and authorization to borrow $6,550,000 to provide funds for the Ozone Generator Replacement; Water Treatment Plant equipment and systems upgrades and water works construction projects in coordination with DPW street restoration projects, which include Massachusetts Ave 4, Chestnut, Dana, Sciarappa and Winter Streets.
[Tuesday] pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Capital Repairs Program and projects related to climate change preparedness efforts.
[Tuesday] pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading and Referred to Finance Committee 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation received from City Engineer James Wilcox to name four new private ways: Jackson Place, Clifton Place, Clifton Circle and Graham Place. [text of report]
[Tuesday] Order Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #15. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $249,900, received from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to the Grant Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will be used to coordinate the design of an off-road, multi-use path connection between the Grand Junction Path in Cambridge and the Community Path Extension in Somerville, including traffic analysis, topographical and geotechnical surveys, community engagement sessions and final design phasing.
[Tuesday] Order Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #16. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #2024-13, regarding fare free Bus Program and Planning for Red Line Shutdown.
[Tuesday] Placed on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #17. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Numbers 24-49 & 24-50, regarding additional information on amendments to the Parking and Transportation Demand Management (PTDM) Ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance to allow flexibility for property owners to share off-site parking with nearby uses, as well as information on potential changes to the timeline of the quick build elements of the Cycling Safety Ordinance. (CM24#89) [text of report]
Taken w/Charter Right #1; Placed on File 9-0

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department, and the Law Department to draft proposed amendments to the Cycling Safety Ordinance to extend the deadline associated with the completion of those sections of the ordinance that are required to be completed by May 1, 2026. [Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler, Apr 8, 2024]
Taken w/Mgr’s Agenda #17; Substitute Order offered by McGovern, Siddiqui, Azeem, Sobrino-Wheeler; comments by McGovern, Azeem, Siddiqui who characterize their substitute as “compromise”; Toner opposed to substitute order since original provides all necessary flexibility, notes that language came from City staff; Pickett affirms that City staff provided the language, notes that Cambridge Street better suited to take advantage of zoning changes, fewer opportunities for residents of Broadway for off-street parking, notes that original CSO allowed for a one-year extension under specific circumstances; Wilson echoes these concerns and states that she will not support the substitution; Simmons appreciates the desire for compromise but will not support the substitute; SUBSTITUTION FAILS 4-5 (BA,MM,SS,JSW-Yes; PN,JP,PT,AW,DS-No); Toner speaks in support of original order noting the many messages received on both sides of the issue; Nolan makes long statement generally supportive of CSO and including acknowledgement that even small changes can causes some businesses to fail; Wilson notes need to listen to all stakeholders; vote to extend meeting to 12:30am passes 9-0; Pickett states that it’s better to anticipate and mitigate problems up front rather than to undertake damage control and fix the problems after the fact, notes that zoning changes relating to parking may help affected residents and businesses, also notes that construction of separated bike lanes is well ahead of schedule; Sobrinho-Wheeler notes that he damaged teeth in a bike crash, calls biking on Cambridge Street terrifying, claims injury and death will happen if this order passes; Azeem supports changes to PTDM ordinance, dismisses concerns about loss of parking; [RW Note – It is absolutely the case that crash hazards are overwhelmingly at intersections, and not one single councillor has addressed that reality. Making intersections more safe is what’s most important.] McGovern states that failure to be killed is purely a matter of luck; expresses distress that his substitute order did not pass; Simmons states that she supports bicycle safety, but notes the absence of senior citizens in public comment and generally in this matter – “who is not in the room.” Order Adopted 5-4 (PN,JP,PT,AW,DS-Yes; BA,MM,SS,JSW-No); Reconsideration Fails 1-8 (MM-Yes); Meeting recessed until Tuesday, April 30 at 10:00am

Committee Report #4. The Transportation and Public Utilities Committee held a public hearing on Apr 10, 2024 to discuss how the City factors potential street congestion into street re-design, monitors and adjusts for street congestion (especially in newly reconfigured areas such as North Mass Ave., Garden Street, and Inman Square/Cambridge Street) and understand its impacts on residents, businesses, and public safety. In addition, the Committee will review and learn how the City is planning for potential impacts on Cambridge streets of DCR’s plan to reduce Memorial Drive from four lanes to two lanes between JFK Street and the Eliot Bridge. [text of report]
[Tuesday] Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

744 Communications which include a petition with 22 pages of signatures of people supporting some delay in the Cycling Safety Ordinance and another 549 emails “in support of building separated bike lanes with no delay.”

Order #3. Request that the Foundation for Civic Leadership reconsider their plans for the Democracy Center meetinghouse and meet with the affected organizations and organizers to reach a suitable resolution.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Wilson
[Tuesday] pulled by Toner; remarks by Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, and Wilson; Toner, Nolan, Pickett remarks; Nolan amendment to add “to continue” Adopted 9-0; JSW motion to add “Whereas” clause adopted 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

The moral of the story is that renting to Leftists or providing them with free space (even if you’re as progressive or liberal as the day is long) comes with the risk that they will one day either try to take your building or prevent you from doing anything that might offend them – including necessary renovation of the building.

Late Order #4. On the use of Cambridge officers to police political demonstrations at institutions of higher learning.   Councillor Wilson, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler
[Tuesday] Comments by Wilson, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Siddiqui, Azeem, City Manager Huang; Charter Right – Toner

Charter Right #2. City Council support of H.2963, An Act relative to payments in lieu of taxation by organizations exempt from the property tax, to ensure municipalities are fairly compensated and their long-term budgetary needs are preserved. [Charter Right – Toner, Apr 8, 2024]
[Tuesday] Comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Toner (notes that some churches have assets well in excess of proposed threshold, including endowments invested in real estate; Just-A-Start as well); Acting City Solicitor Megan Bayer notes what is currently exempt – does not apply broadly to all assets; Yi-An Huang reports that Assessing Department that the bill appears to be based on version in Boston’s ordinance which involves voluntary payments and tax reductions, concerns about how property is valued based on classification at the municipal level, concerns about how this might affect existing PILOT agreements; Asst. City Assessor Andrew Johnson states that housing owned by Just-A-Start is taxable but at severely limited valuation due to deed restrictions; Toner asks if any particular non-profit(s) may be targeted; Bayer suggests this may be possible via ordinance, but this is not certain; Nolan had concerns about Just-A-Start, HRI, etc. but glad to hear they would be taxable but only at severely limited valuations, concerns about this might affect existing PILOT agreements; Johnson responds that this would be a tax and not just a negotiated agreement in-lieu-of-tax (suggesting this would eclipse PILOT agreements); Bayer unsure whether this would preempt existing PILOT agreements; Pickett expresses concerns for how this might affect struggling nonprofits; JSW notes that this is enabling legislation and that City Council would have to accept it. Order Adopted 7-2 (JP,PT-No)

Charter Right #3. That the Amendments to the Tenants’ Rights Ordinance recommended by the Law Department, in CM24#68, be forwarded to the Ordinance Committee for hearing and report. [Charter Right – Toner, Apr 8, 2024]
[Tuesday] Sobrinho-Wheeler clarifies that he wishes to refer this to Ordinance Committee; Megan Bayer says Ordinance Committee is an option and consistent with best practice; Toner concurs; Siddiqui suggests that additional amendments may be proposed (including mandatory mailings to tenants); Referred to Ordinance Committee 9-0

Resolution #6. Congratulations to the Blue Bottle Independent Union.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Mayor Simmons

Let’s hope this doesn’t win a Darwin’s Award.

Resolution #9. Resolution in memory of Corporal Manuel John Pimentel.   Mayor Simmons

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Mar 26, 2024 to receive a status update on ARPA funding in Cambridge, as well as to review and discuss the Police Department budget for FY25 before it is submitted to the City Manager, as required under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.74.040. [text of report]
[Tuesday] Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #2. The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Mar 27, 2024 to discuss regional coastal flood resilience interventions required to address increased vulnerability due to climate change risk. [text of report]
[Tuesday] Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

This was one of the more interesting committee meetings in a very long time. It included regional assessments and plans for addressing potential coastal flooding and over-topping of dams with particular focus on exactly where the greatest points of vulnerability are located.

Committee Report #3. The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Apr 2, 2024 regarding the State of Policing in Cambridge, and safety in the community with an update from the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) report. [text of report]
[Tuesday] Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public hearing on Apr 12, 2024 to discuss the 2024 City Manager’s Annual Goals and Review Process. [text of report]
[Tuesday] Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

April 16, 2024

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 615-616: April 16, 2024

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,campaign finance,Central Square,Charter,City Council,cycling — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:46 pm

Episode 615 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 16, 2024 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Apr 16, 2024 at 6:00pm. Topics: Tax Day, StuffSwap, compost giveaway, community meetings, C-Port Neighbors Assn. meeting w/CARE and the Cent. Sq. BID; CSBID background, actions, reauthorization, coming attractions, World’s Fair, Dance Party, resident survey; Eclipse; Multivariable Calculus at CRLS; mathematics in Cambridge schools; the $6100 April Fool; Crimson article on Supt. Greer being asked to resign – true? violation of Executive Session?; the importance of not violating confidence; Graham & Parks principal controversy; ward committees and notion of wards as a better alternative to proposed “citizen assemblies” in charter reform. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 614 – Cambridge InsideOut: Mar 19, 2024 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Apr 16, 2024 at 6:30pm. Topics: Repairing the Cycling Safety Ordinance – original and 2020 revised, problematic implementations, impact of local businesses, political third rail, PTDM and alternate parking arrangements; Cambridge political and civic life should not be dominated by bike lanes; upcoming Budget Hearings in era of fiscal limitations; paradox of tenant protections – need not be warfare; payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) legislation; Ronayne Petition, simplifying ADUs, allowing multi-family buildings in all zones, reasonably adjusting FAR; crossing the RR tracks and then some; supervoters down to 77. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 5, 2024

Riding the Third Rail – April 8, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 9:05 am

Riding the Third Rail – April 8, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting

The relative quiet of the last few weeks will likely end this week with the introduction of a policy order that challenges the status quo of the Cycling Safety Ordinance. There’s also a new zoning petition. Here are the agenda items of note this week:Penny Farthing

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 2024 #6, regarding micromobility rules and regulations. [text of report]
pulled by Pickett; comments by Acting City Solicitor Megan Bayer, Pickett, Toner, Traffic Commissioner Brooke McKenna, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Deputy City Manager Owen O’Riordan, Iram Farooq (CDD), Nolan, Police Commissioner Christine Elow, Phil McDavitt (CPD); Placed on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 2024 #12, regarding tenant protections resources. [text of report]
pulled by Siddiqui; comments by Siddiqui, Maura Pensak (Housing Liaison), Maria ?, Sobrinho-Wheeler, McGovern, Megan Bayer, Simmons, Toner exercises Charter Right on JSW motion to refer to Ordinance Committee; Placed on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $20,000,000 from Free Cash to the Debt Stabilization Fund. This appropriation will be used to mitigate anticipated debt service costs in future years for the City’s major capital projections.
pulled by Pickett; comments by Pickett, Finance Director Claire Spinner explains rationale, Simmons asks for clarification, City Manager Yi-An Huang notes anticipated increases in debt load, Taha Jennings provides additional information re: role of Covid; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of a Planning Board Meeting on the 2023 Town-Gown Reports and Presentations. [text of report]
Place on File 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Law Department to draft proposed near-term amendments to the PTDM Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Iram Farooq, Pickett, McGovern, Yi-An Huang; McGovern motion to require report back no later than October 2024; Siddiqui asks if City would be involved in negotiating private parking arrangements; Owen O’Riordan says these would be primarily private arrangements; Brooke McKenna notes that City would be involved if parking is commercial parking requiring a permit; McGovern asks if City would be involved in renting spaces for metered parking (no); Nolan asks if October 2024 sufficient time, Huang notes that timeline could be reported much sooner, Farooq says timing is reasonable; McGovern amendment Adopted 8-0-1 (BA-Absent); Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department, the Department of Public Works, the Community Development Department, and the Law Department to draft proposed amendments to the Cycling Safety Ordinance to extend the deadline associated with the completion of those sections of the ordinance that are required to be completed by May 1, 2026.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; Toner notes that there is no intention to jeopardize safety, disputes public comment interpretation of impact report, need for more mitigation before any implementation, notes that City staff wrote the text of the “Ordered” sections of the Order, need to do no harm; comments by Pickett on lessons learned from implementations so far; Wilson notes that “it’s important that when we know better, we do better”; Yi-An Huang notes work of Toner, Pickett, and Wilson with City staff leading to this Order, emphasizes that City ready to meet original timelines (seems as though City only interested in parking mitigation and nothing more); McGovern emphasizes that this is only a proposed delay for mitigation and that no other changes are expected; Simmons acknowledges importance of cycling safety but also businesses affected, houses of worship affected by loss of parking; Siddiqui emphasizes City Manager statement about meeting current deadlines; O’Riordan prefers to provide more details when matter returns after Charter Right; Toner asks for clarity on timelines; McKenna says a delay will allow for Cambridge Street to be split into two projects; Huang promises more granular data and timelines; Sobrinho-Wheeler asks if language actually came from staff, O’Riordan concurs that staff provided the language but that City is not advocating a particular outcome; JSW and Pickett want more data, notes that most accidents occur at intersections and those hazards are made worse by quick-build bike lanes; Charter Right – Sobrinho-Wheeler

28 Communications – all but two of which are in response to the potential touching of that sacred cow that is the Cycling Safety Ordinance.

There could be hundreds opining during Public Comment on this – largely due to the activists lighting up their mailing lists with alarm calls. Much of the commentary will be variants of the statement that “if you don’t do exactly as I say and implement every aspect of the latest Bicycle Plan, then countless people will die and civilization itself will be threatened.” Personally, I would just like to understand how Broadway got snuck into the latest plan without anyone asking the residents of Mid-Cambridge. To wit:

The 2015 Bicycle Plan (note that Broadway is not included):
2015 Bicycle Plan

The 2020 Plan (eastern half) in which Broadway is added:
2020 Bicycle Plan

For what it’s worth, I really wish the City would, at the very least, take Broadway out of the plan. It’s not a primary route for cyclists and it duplicates other routes. It is also a primary route for emergency vehicles and, based on experience from elsewhere in the city, those emergency vehicles will likely have a much more difficult time doing their jobs with a combination of white posts, concrete barriers, and greatly narrowed road width. Needless to say, the loss of parking will also greatly impact residents on and off Broadway – many of whom do not have driveways.

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department to hold a community meeting with residents of Appleton and surrounding streets in the Huron and Brattle Street neighborhoods to review their findings and discuss options for addressing the traffic concerns on Appleton Street.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Pickett, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Brooke McKenna, McGovern added as sponsor; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (BA-Absent)

Order #4. City Council support of H.2963, An Act relative to payments in lieu of taxation by organizations exempt from the property tax, to ensure municipalities are fairly compensated and their long-term budgetary needs are preserved.   Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson
pulled by Toner; uptalked comments by Sobrinho-Wheeler; comments by Wilson, Siddiqui, Toner on whether Catholic Church and others would be affected, Yi-An Huang response; Charter Right – Toner

Applications & Petitions #1. A Citizens Zoning Petition has been received from Joseph S. Ronayne, regarding amending the current Articles 4, 5 and 8. [text of petition]
Referred to Planning Board and Ordinance Committee 6-0-3 (BA, PN,JSW-Absent)

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress