Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

May 2, 2022

On Boiling Frogs and Showdowns Pending – May 2, 2022 at the Cambridge City Council

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 1:18 pm

On Boiling Frogs and Showdowns Pending – May 2, 2022 at the Cambridge City Council

As expected, the FY2023 City of Cambridge Budget has arrived just in time for the Budget Hearings to get underway. As the potholes grow larger and cash falls like manna from heaven, I’m buckling my seat belt for several weeks of emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, climate change, municipal broadband, alternatives to policing, de-funding the police and, of course, bikes lanes. Public Comment will likely bring cries that the City Budget has no HEART (but plenty of CARP), plus outrage from the Left (and especially Councillor Zondervan) about the ~$5 million increase in the Police Dept. budget.Boiling Frog

Though not on this agenda, I can’t help but speculate how things will play out politically ~18 months from now when the funds for the promised $22 million in ARPA funds to be paid in monthly $500 installments directly to eligible residents runs out (just in time for the next municipal election). I’m very curious about who will be making the eligibility decisions. I also fully expect there will be a lot of pressure to extend or even expand the program permanently out of local taxes – though that would require state legislative action.

Here are the items that boiled up from the firmament this week:

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the FY2023 submitted budget and appropriation orders.
pulled by Nolan; Referred to Finance Committee 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Here’s a spreadsheet showing how things have changed from last year, from 2 years ago, and from 18 years ago.

Here’s an alternate version that shows proposed vs. actual and projected budgets.

And the annual raft of Loan Orders:

Manager’s Agenda #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,800,000 to provide funds for the replacement of existing gas boilers at the Morse and Cambridgeport schools.
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $13,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets, sidewalks and bike facilities.
pulled by Carlone; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $78,500,000 to provide funds for the construction of sewer separation, storm water management and combined sewer overflow reduction elimination improvements within the Port, Alewife and Central Square areas as well as the Sewer Capital Repairs Program and climate change preparedness efforts.
pulled by Carlone; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #5. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,000,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of a multi-use paths Danehy/New Street Path, Linear Park and Grand Junction Path, which runs from Henry Street to Gore Street on both City, MIT and MassDOT property.
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,600,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan.
pulled by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $37,000,000 to provide additional funds for the construction of improvements at the Fire Station Headquarters Building located at 491 Broadway.
Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

That’s $159.9 million in loan authorizations on top of $41.2 million in the Public Investment category.

Manager’s Agenda #11. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,500,000 from the Mitigation Revenue Stabilization Fund to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Extraordinary Expenditures account from MIT Development for Volpe Project ($500,000) and Alexandria RE Equities/Design & Construction ($1,000,000) and will be used to support the design and construction of the Grand Junction Multi-use Path.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Together with Manager’s Agenda #5 (above), it looks like we’ll be seeing some movement on the Grand Junction Path real soon – perhaps in time for it to link up with the Somerville Community Path. Ultimately, it would be great if the path can also cross the Charles River on the other half of the RR bridge that runs under the BU Bridge and ultimately will connect with future (pretty damn exciting) amenities in Allston that will come with the realignment of the Mass. Pike.

Manager’s Agenda #13. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $23,100,176 received from the U.S. Department of Treasury through the new Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF) established by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), to the Grant Fund Finance Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account which will be used for a number of projects related to City Council priority areas particularly: homelessness and housing support, COVID testing, mental health services, job training, food insecurity, small business support, and infrastructure including items related to water, and broadband.
pulled by Zondervan; Charter Right – Zondervan

I’m looking forward to a more complete accounting of all of the ARPA appropriations, including the initiative announced at the recent “State of the City” event. I hear echoes of former City Manager Bob Healy saying “one-time non-recurring expenditure” and wonder how much tax-supported permanence may end up being baked into these ARPA allocations.

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to report back on the feasibility of providing all Cambridge high school students with free Charlie Cards throughout the school year. [Charter Right – Simmons, Apr 11, 2022]
Simmons motion to refer to Transportation Committee Fails 3-4-1-1 (DS,PT,QZ – YES; DC,MM,PN,AM – NO; SS – ABSENT; BA – PRESENT)
Tabled 7-1-1 (Nolan – NO; Siddiqui – ABSENT)

On the Table #2. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $39,600 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Emergency Preparedness and Coordination office. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 7, 2022; Tabled – Mar 21, 2022]
Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT); Note: Revised to be a plug-in electric hybrid vehicle

Councillor Nolan continues her audition for Purchasing Agent.

Resolution #4. Congratulations to the Outstanding Employee Award Winners.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Mallon; Resolution Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

I have often attended this award ceremony (May 13, 10am, Sullivan Chamber) which will presumably also include the presentation of the (not yet announced) Brian Murphy Award. Past recipients include Owen O’Riordan (2015), Ellen Semonoff (2016), Jeana Franconi (2017), Richard Rossi (2018), Lisa Peterson (2019), Branville Bard (2020), and Claude Jacob (2021).

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department to look into the feasibility of mailing “Watch for Bikes” stickers to residents who have applied for a residential parking permit for the next application cycle in 2023.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan – ABSENT)

Needless to say, if you’re already checking your side rear-view mirror you are likely already watching for bikes. The issue is whether you are so callous that you don’t care. Perhaps we need a sticker that says something like “Be Thoughtful”.

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the Traffic, Parking & Transportation Department and the Department of Public Works to look into the feasibility of placing a covered bike rack at City Hall using FY23 Capital Budget Funding.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan – ABSENT)

I will simply note that half of the parking spaces along Dorothy “Dottie” Doyle Way behind City Hall are now reserved for city councillors regardless whether or not they are in the building or if they drive a car. Perhaps those spaces should again be made available to all City Hall employees in conjunction with the installation of a covered bike rack.

Order #3. City Council support of H.938 and H.998/S.569, Extended Producer Responsibility for Paint and Mattresses.   Councillor Azeem
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan – ABSENT)

Order #4. City Council support of H.R.2644, the Green New Deals for Cities Act of 2021.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan – ABSENT)

Although there are some worthy priorities floated in this bill, it is for the most part a boondoggle authored by the extreme Left – including the whole “Squad”. A trillion here, a trillion there and at some point you’re talking real money. This being Cambridge, of course, the only question is whether or not this resolution passes unanimously.

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate staff to light up City Hall and painting crosswalks for Pride Month 2022.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Siddiqui, Zondervan – ABSENT)

I have a related question: For how long does a flag or other decoration marking a particular holiday (or sentiment) remain on City Hall after the holiday has passed? Mr. Frederick Hastings Rindge (1857-1905) would like to have a word with you.

Committee Report #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Mar 9, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on a petition to amend Article 20.90 – Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new section entitled Section 20.94.3 – Temporarily prohibited uses (ORDINANCE #2022-1). [Text of Committee Report #1]
Report Accepted, Placed on File; 5 Orders Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Committee Report #2. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 7, 2022 to continue a public hearing on a petition to amend Article 20.90 – Alewife Overlay Districts 1-6 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by inserting a new section entitled Section 20.94.3 – Temporarily prohibited uses (ORDINANCE #2022-1). [Text of Committee Report #2]
Report Accepted, Placed on File; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT), Petition Passed to 2nd Reading as Amended 8-0-1 (Siddiqui – ABSENT)

Though this should have been addressed several years ago when concepts for the Alewife Quadrangle were discussed in some detail, it sure looks like the City Council is on the verge of passing their proposed development moratorium. Needless to say, a moratorium is not an actual plan. – Robert Winters

April 22, 2022

Just Another Manic Monday – April 25, 2022 Cambridge City Council Meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:33 pm

Just Another Manic Monday – April 25, 2022 Cambridge City Council Meeting

Here are the items of significance that jumped out at me this week:

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

Every day is another day of wishin’ and hopin’ that this pandemic will wind the hell down. The case numbers are up substantially, but at least yesterday’s wastewater figures suggested a possible leveling – and that’s usually a good leading indicator of what’s to come. In the meantime, avoid all people between the ages of 20 and 40 (except via Zoom).

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Victoria Harris as an Election Commissioner for a term of four years, effective April 1, 2022.
Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Kathleen Born as a member of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years, effective June 26, 2022.
Referred to NLTP Committee 9-0

Excellent reappointments. As the communications makes clear, appointments to the Election Commission are not subject to Council review, and appointments to the Redevelopment Authority have always been subject to Council review.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-8, regarding eliminating hostile architecture.
pulled by Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0Hostile Bench

The report on “defensive design” or “hostile architecture” from CDD and DPW is refreshingly thoughtful and balanced on a subject that all too often descends into mindless ideology. Thank you.

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update from the Planning Board on discussions of allowing Multifamily Housing citywide.
pulled by Azeem; Referred to Housing Committee 9-0

This report shows wisdom and flexibility, but my concern is that the request for further policy guidance from the City Council will result more in ideology than in the kind of wisdom that anticipates both intended and unintended consequences. Most of us will agree that allowing more flexibility across all residential districts is generally a good thing, but doubling or tripling allowable densities based purely on ideological grounds would be a mistake.

Charter Right #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on MassAve4 and request for approval for the approach and timeline for implementing separated bike lanes on these critical segments of Massachusetts Avenue. [Charter Right – Carlone; Apr 11, 2022]
Order Adopted 8-1 (Simmons – NO)

Order #3. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic and Parking Department to work diligently with the MBTA to remove the catenary wires as soon as possible, and/or investigate the possibility of the City removing the catenary wires itself and commit to moving forward with the design and installation of the proposed “partial construction” bike lanes only when the wires have been removed.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons
pulled early by Toner; Fails 3-6 (Carlone, Simmons, Toner – YES)

Order #6. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Traffic and Parking Department to forego its original plan for “quick build” implementation and ensure that the implementation of bike lane infrastructure in Porter Square is accomplished as part of the whole of the Massachusetts Avenue 4 section, when the catenary wires and median strip are removed so that Porter Square may be included in the plans for ‘partial construction” infrastructure as part of one, cohesive plan stretching from Dudley Street to Waterhouse Street to be completed no later than Apr 30, 2026.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Simmons
pulled early by Toner; Fails 2-7 (Simmons, Toner – YES)

Lotsa communications about bike lanes.

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting a letter sent to the MBTA.
Placed on File 9-0

The Cambridge Bike Safety group has now declared war against Councillor Carlone for daring to break The Pledge by being a cosponsor of these Orders. It’s nice to see that three councillors have spines and are willing to let Reason prevail over Religion. That said, I’m sure both Orders will be amended into irrelevance or simply defeated by Those Who Dare Not Bite The Political Hand That Feeds Them. None of this is about safety – it’s all about turf. There are many ways to deliver safety for road users that deviate from the script of the Bicycle Safety Ordinance.

I used to naively believe that the primary purpose of elected office was to be a custodian of the public interest. I now see it as being primarily about power – gaining it and using it – and this disappoints me to say the least.

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to confer with City departments, including the Community Development Department and the Department of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation to consider the feasibility of implementing a similar program and any other ways to enforce the anti-idling law. [Charter Right – Azeem; Apr 11, 2022] [Order #2 of Apr 11, 2022]
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0; Referred to Traffic & Transportation Committee

Just because you don’t like idling vehicles doesn’t mean you want to empower bounty hunters.

On The Table #5-11. Appointments and Reappointments to City Boards & Commissions on hold while City Council pipes in Muzak to appointees.
Approved 8-0-1 (Carlone – ABSENT)

Order #2. City Manager Report on Boards and Commissions.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone – ABSENT)

It’s hard to say whether the pending appointments/reappointments will now be allowed to go forward or if the councillors will continue to fiddle and diddle. I just wish they would be more honest about the real purpose of all this, i.e. filtering candidates for any Board that might possibly stand in the way of building anything less than the maximum housing density imaginable. Even worse, I expect many of those decisions will be made in the homes of political activists.

On The Table #12. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $39,600.00 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Emergency Preparedness and Coordination office. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 7, 2022; Tabled – Mar 21, 2022]

Councillor Nolan continues her audition for Purchasing Agent.

On the Table #13. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 9, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (2021-26). [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 28, 2022; Tabled Apr 4, 2022 – Zondervan] [Committee Report]
Adopted Amendments (as circulated to councillors but not to public) 9-0; Placed on File 9-0

When we actually get a Committee Report (now rarer than hen’s teeth), it ends being Tabled. Some of us actually like to know what City Council committees are doing without having to run through long and boring videos that often do not provide any accompanying documentation.

Applications & Petitions #1. A Zoning Petition has been received from Craig A. Kelley regarding The Cambridge Transportation De-Carbonization and Congestion-Mitigation Bill. (Ordinance #2022-13)
Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 9-0 (re-filed due to lack of cover letter)

I’m not quite sure why this is being re-introduced at this time. There’s already an Ordinance Committee meeting scheduled for May 4 on this petition. Has the petition been amended?

Resolutions #2-9. Congratulations on the promotions within the Cambridge Police Department.
Adopted 8-1 (Zondervan – NO)

It is noteworthy that the only city councillor voting against these congratulatory resolutions was Councillor Zondervan who (unbelievably) was appointed as Chair of the Public Safety Committee by Mayor Siddiqui.

Resolution #11. Resolution on the death of Mary M. (Sullivan) Carven.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
Adopted as Amended 9-0

Resolution #13. Wishing Artis Spears a Happy 90th Birthday.   Councillor Simmons
Adopted 9-0

If there was ever a family that should be considered the Cambridge Royal Family it would be the Sullivan family. I will also join in with Happy Birthday wishes for Artis Spears, one of the great First Ladies of Cambridge.

Order #1. That the City Manager confer with the Cambridge Heath Alliance, the Department of Public Works, the Inspectional Services Department and other relevant departments regarding the building condition and what repairs are needed at 205 Western Avenue to allow the Cambridge Community Center to house their program.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Mallon; Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Toner – ABSENT)

This seems like an excellent proposed use for this building, and any costs necessary to bring this building into compliance seem to align well with the criteria for the current ARPA funding – much moreso than many of the other ARPA funding requests that are now under consideration. This is not the only City or City-related building that has been allowed to deteriorate which could and should be put to better use.

Speaking of ARPA funding, apparently the Cambridge Housing Authority is the overwhelmingly loudest bird chirping for funds. They are requesting $82.3 million out of an available $55 million that has not yet been allocated. Other Big Requests were $15 million from the “Project Right to Housing” group, a $13 million request for Starlight Square, and $5.5 million for that political patronage program that markets itself as the “HEART proposal.” Many who are requesting ARPA funds like to point to the fact that the money is not subject to the “Anti-Aid Amendment”, but this only makes me wish that they were so that the budgeting process would not be twisted by politically connected interests.

By the way, whatever happened to that idea of building a bridge over the tracks connecting the Alewife Triangle and Quadrangle or the modest pedestrian bridge over the Little River in that area?

Order #4. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Department of Public Works to devise ways to encourage residents to request the smallest size they need and to keep waste output low with the rollout of the new bins in June.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Azeem; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner – ABSENT)

This is a welcome Order. According to the citywide mailing that arrived this week, my triple-decker would get two gigantic 65 gallon toters that not only are too big to manage but far in excess of the rubbish generated by my building even when operating at full capacity. We’ll probably be OK with just a single 45 gallon toter (or less). We ran through the same song and dance when single-stream recycling was introduced. Are Cambridge residents really as wasteful as the proposed allocation suggests. Good grief!

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, transmitting information about the Universal PreK ad-hoc for Universal Pre-K.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner – ABSENT)

Another year, another advisory committee. – Robert Winters

April 19, 2022

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 545-546: April 19, 2022

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,City Council,covid,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:35 pm

Episode 545 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 19, 2022 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Apr 19, 2022 at 6:00pm. Topics: Board appointments; Charter Review details in process – “activist” vs. neutral review?; roles of regulatory boards; power, politics, agendas & who gets to appoint. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 546 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 19, 2022 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Apr 19, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: Mass. Ave. bike lane and roadway alternatives; pushing back against the “Pledge”; bureaucratic simplification; anti-idling bounty hunters; tweeting in your political silo, and the dark side of proportional representation; ageism and ignorance; wandering through history in Concord and Cambridge. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 11, 2022

April Flowers – Select Items from the April 11, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,Fresh Pond — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:23 pm

April Flowers – Select Items from the April 11, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Here are the first things that popped up from the ground this week:

Deep Blue
Yellow
Light Blue
Pink

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-6, which requested a report on expediting the demolition and rebuilding permit process in the event of a natural disaster.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Though the description suggests hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes, this is really more about expediting things after a house fire.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to an update on MassAve4 and request for approval for the approach and timeline for implementing separated bike lanes on these critical segments of Massachusetts Avenue. [Cover Letter] [Report] [Order]
pulled by Carlone; Kathy Watkins says median removal to be considered more generally as part of “partial build” (as opposed to “quick build”), removal of catenary wires; Joseph Barr suggests that some parking could be retained; Zondervan says that if this modified timeline is not approved then Quick Build is the only option under the ordinance; Mallon reads prepared statement, proposes amendment; Toner notes that Ordinance could be changed and that self-imposed deadline is detrimental, cannot support any of the proposals; Simmons notes past promises that bike projects would later be evaluated but never were, notes great impacts on local businesses; McGovern asks about timelines; Nolan expresses shock re: $55 million cost for 2.5 miles of bike project, Kathy Watkins explains; Nolan emphasizes need to reduce number of cars; Toner suggests shifting some sidewalk space; Siddiqui supports Order as a “pre-step”; Mallon amendments approved 9-0; Charter Right – Carlone

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-10, regarding a report on conducting a study to collect relevant economic data relating to business impacts from bike lane installations.
pulled by Toner; concerned expressed about hearing from business owners; Placed on File 9-0

Pardon my cynicism, but all of this just strikes me as political talk with little real desire or plans to deviate from the current ideological path. Please prove me wrong. I would so much rather see trees and flowers rising from the ground than white plastic posts.

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-70, regarding the feasibility of purchasing property from Lesley University to address City goals.
pulled by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

This is more in the nature of an announcement that Lesley University has agreed to sell its property at 1627 Massachusetts Avenue to Homeowners Rehab, Inc., financed by the City’s Affordable Housing Trust. As stated in the report, “The site consists of a historic building on a 14,400 s.f. lot and presents an opportunity for residential development (market or affordable) given the zoning potential of the site.” The only real question is how much more density is added to the site. The current building has 6,499 sq ft of living area and historic value but most of the site now serves as a parking lot. My guess is that the built density will at least double before all is said and done and the future number of parking spaces will likely to be zero (it is on a major transportation corridor).

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Planning Board to adopt with additional considerations, the Alewife Overlay Development Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

The City Council, of course, should have passed interim zoning for this area several years ago and before significant land purchases were made. This temporary development moratorium is really more like a confession of failure to have done so. Other than the predictable political rhetoric it’s not clear that the City Council really knows what it wants in this area. One question posed by the Planning Board seems especially relevant for the case when elected officials fiddle and diddle while investors spend tons of money, i.e. “If this Petition impacts property values, potentially benefiting some property owners over others, does this raise specific concerns over the legal defensibility of the Petition?”

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to MBTA Communities Draft Guidelines presentation. [CDD Memo] [MBTA Communities Draft Guidelines] [MBTA Presentation]
pulled by Carlone; Cambridge likely in compliance when guidelines are finalized; Placed on File 9-0

I’m really not sure what conclusions to draw from the materials provided. It appears that Cambridge now has 53,907 units of residential housing, and according to the state’s Housing Choice Initiative we would be required to have at least 13,477 units in multifamily housing in order to meet the “minimum multifamily district unit capacity requirement”. Cambridge zoning districts covering most of the city appear to meet most or all of the requirements, but the materials provided pose as many questions as answers. Regardless, it seems that the Housing Choice Initiative as well as previous “anti-snob zoning” provisions in state law, e.g. Chapter 40B, are intended to target places other than Cambridge which already has a wealth of multi-family housing. That, of course, has never stopped developers and their enablers from using provisions of these well-intentioned laws to further concentrate density in the core cities while neighboring cities watch from the sidelines.

On the Table #1-7. Appointments and Reappointments to City Boards & Commissions on hold while City Council pipes in Muzak to appointees.

There is a meeting of the Government Operations, Rules and Claims Committee scheduled for tomorrow, April 11 at 10:00am, “to discuss new guidelines for Boards and Commissions appointments.” Whither that goes no one knows, but the prospect of councillors evaluating the “reputation and character of applicants” remains chilling, especially when we all know that this is really about seating only those who support increased housing density regardless of other factors.

On the Table #9. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 9, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (2021-26). [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 28, 2022; Tabled Apr 4, 2022 – Zondervan] [Committee Report]

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to consult with the Department of Public Works and the Animal Commission to look into placing free pet waste bags at other sites around the City.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner
pilled by Mallon; Order Adopted as Amended 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to confer with City departments, including the Community Development Department and the Department of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation to consider the feasibility of implementing a similar program and any other ways to enforce the anti-idling law.   Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner; concerns expressed about “bounty hunter” aspect of proposal; Charter Right – Azeem

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to work with Boston Calling, Harvard, and any other relevant parties to ensure that noise does not exceed the permitted level at the concert.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons
pulled by Toner; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #4. That the City Council hold a virtual Roundtable meeting on Tues, May 24, 2022 at 6:00pm to receive a training on Robert’s Rules from parliamentarian Ann G. MacFarlone.   Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to consult with relevant staff to consider a guaranteed income program that expands on Cambridge RISE and targets families in poverty in Cambridge.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner
pulled by Siddiqui; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to report back on the feasibility of providing all CRLS students free Charlie Cards throughout the school year.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Siddiqui; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Late Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to report back on the feasibility of providing all Cambridge high school students with free Charlie Cards throughout the school year.   Councillor Nolan
Charter Right – Simmons

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to provide the City Council with an analysis of the impact of current curb cut policies.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Simmons ABSENT)

This is actually kinda funny. On February 7 the City Council passed an Order calling for delegating curb cut authority, on March 28 they denied a curb cut, and now on April 11 they’ll likely pass an Order to examine curb cut policies. The current Order asks for “an approximation of the number of residential parking spaces that have been lost to new curb cuts each year over at least the last decade” which seems to contradict their other stated concern regarding “curb cut policies and their impact on encouraging car use and reducing green space.” It should be pretty clear that curb cuts can add parking on premises or take away on-street (shared) parking, and often it’s a wash. I would actually be more interested to know how many on-premises residential parking spaces are being rented out in violation of the ordinance that explicitly prohibits this practice.

Order #10. City Council support of the proposed Fair Share Amendment and in urging the voters of Cambridge to support it at the ballot box in 2022.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

For those unfamiliar with this, the proposed Fair Share Amendment would create an additional 4% tax on annual income above one million dollars and dedicate the funds raised by this tax to public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public transportation. Sounds like a good idea, but I can already hear the scurrying feet of tax lawyers figuring a way to navigate around this. I suppose this also would apply to the sale of a home and maybe added on top of the estate tax, but I’ll leave those questions to the lawyers.

Meanwhile, it’s time to head out to Fresh Pond to give my full attention to the birds and the turtles and the muskrats and the flowers. – Robert Winters

April 5, 2022

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 543-544: April 5, 2022

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,City Council,covid — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:26 pm

Episode 543 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 5, 2022 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Apr 5, 2022 at 6:00pm. Topics: Baseball; Covid status; Zapping Rats (rabbits get a pass); compost do’s and don’ts; community gardens – history and policies, agency, urban agriculture; simplified regulations at small scale. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 544 – Cambridge InsideOut: Apr 5, 2022 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Apr 5, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: Reputation and character (and not qualifications and experience) of applicants…; criteria for review of Board appointees; Budget Hearings coming – and a “Community Safety” category; ignoring citizen petitions; 5 votes to hire a City Manager, a City Clerk, and a City Auditor – regardless of the process; assault in Central Square. Hosts: Judy Nathans, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

April 4, 2022

Featured items on the April 4, 2022 Cambridge City Council agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:38 pm

Featured items on the April 4, 2022 Cambridge City Council agenda

Short agendas are as welcome as the flowers in springtime. There are Net Zero policy orders this week, though I’m sure they’ll be a few agenda-come-latelies before the night is through. Here are the things I found interesting:City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $50,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Inspectional Services Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account to provide funds to implement a pilot of SMART Box and SMART Pipe rodent control technology in the City. This appropriation also is in response to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-12.
pulled by Mallon; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Toner ABSENT)

Zap those rats!

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-69, regarding a report on creating a uniform process for aiding the resettlement of refugees in Cambridge. [Uniform Resettlement Process response] [New Resident Overview]
pulled by Siddiqui; Placed on File 8-0-1 (Toner ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-63, regarding food insecurity. [Food Insecurity response] [ARPA Funds Food Insecurity opinion]
pulled by Siddiqui; Placed on File 9-0

The referenced Order #9 from Sept 13, 2021 provides a lot of reference points such as the fact that “approximately 45% of Cambridge Public Schools students register for the free or reduced lunch programs each year”. It also elevates Boston initiatives such as the “Raised Beds Program” (since re-branded as “Food Justice” which includes “Food Forests” and “Urban Farming”). [It’s funny how many things are being re-branded as “Justice” these days.] These are all wonderful initiatives that provide great outdoor experiences for residents. My concern has more to do with proportionality, i.e. the fact that the cumulative effect of all of these initiatives in terms of actually providing food is so minimal. Indeed, if you use Google Maps to view all of the referenced garden sites in Boston, it seems that in total they cover less ground than The Fenway Victory Gardens that began as actual “victory gardens” during World War II. I also think about the deranged local political climate in Cambridge where the notion that a house lot being used as a garden might be seen as a lost opportunity for high-density residential development. Indeed, it was not so long ago that a relatively large community garden at the intersection of Broadway and Boardman Street was dramatically reduced in size in order to provide a token parklet and parking for the affordable housing re-use of the old Squirrel Brand factory.

The joint communication from CDD, DPW, and the Public Health Department also seems to include a recommendation that in the 14 community gardens in Cambridge, the City should be “more strongly enforcing a 5-year term limit for garden plots.” Ever since that policy was first proposed perhaps 20 years ago I have thought it to be both short-sighted and contrary to the idea of “community” in community gardens. A better policy would be to simply require that a percentage of garden plots turn over each year rather than enforce an eviction of all longer-term gardeners whose well-being may actually depend on their gardens. The City’s approach is both bureaucratic and insensitive. In truth, because people are always moving in and out of Cambridge, there’s already a natural turnover of a percentage of garden plots, so all that’s really necessary is to ensure that there is sufficient turnover. By the way, the City used to play essentially no role in the city’s community gardens. That changed when gardeners requested water supply, and that apparently meant that the City gained some jurisdiction.

Since the referenced Sept 13, 2021 policy order was primarily about using the ARPA windfall for addressing food insecurity, it is perhaps worth emphasizing that access to affordable food won’t significantly be impacted by raised planter beds so much but rather by access to discounted food provided through stores and other food markets that have the means to efficiently deliver those goods in quantity year-round. Expanding the number of garden beds is a welcome gesture, but it can only go so far.

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $915,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to fund the procurement of five pieces of equipment for use in snow and ice operations.
pulled by Nolan; questions why John Deere hybrid vehicles not chosen; DPW Dep’y Comm. John Nardone explains; Nolan questions purchase because fossil fuel vehicles will soon not be permitted, suggests leasing instead; Zondervan suggests using bio-diesel fuel; Nardone says they already do; Order Adopted 9-0

On the Table #9. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $39,600 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Emergency Preparedness and Coordination office. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 7, 2022; Tabled – Mar 21, 2022]

Councillor Nolan continues her audition for Purchasing Agent. I’ll be shocked if there’s not yet another inquisition about why we’re not recommending the purchase of all-electric (or horse-drawn) snow plows, tractors, and salters.

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 21-45, regarding the feasibility of waiving dog license fees. [Dog License Fees] [Dog Fees Order] [Dog License Fees Municipal Code Amendment]

Apparently, the dog-lovin’ State Legislature passed enabling legislation 20 years ago (~140 dog years) to exempt anyone over the age of 70 from paying a dog license fee, so this is just a matter of voting to accept that provision. The City Council also wanted to have the fee waived for low-income residents even if that entails more complicated and time-consuming bureaucracy. There’s also this chilling reminder: “No part of the fee shall be refunded because of the subsequent death, loss, spaying, castration, removal from the Commonwealth or other disposal of the dog. Nor shall any part of the fee paid by mistake be refunded.” Woof, woof.
pulled by McGovern; Order Adopted 9-0 (to accept provisions of the state enabling legislation); Ordinance amendment passed to 2nd Reading 9-0; McGovern says they’ll bring up a low-income fee waiver later

On the Table #2-8. Appointments and Reappointments to City Boards & Commissions on hold while City Council pipes in Muzak to appointees.

The City Council has apparently scheduled a Government Operations meeting on Tues, Apr 12 at 10:00am to discuss new guidelines for Boards and Commissions appointments. That should prove interesting, especially the wealth of intention floating between the lines of all that is said and not said. Perhaps they’ll settle on something similar to the rather chilling call of the meeting for this week’s two scheduled meetings of the City Council’s Ad-Hoc Committee to appoint the Preliminary Screening Committee for the hiring of the City Manager to discuss the reputation and character of applicants for the City Manager Preliminary Screening Committee. [I considered applying, but now I’m glad I didn’t.]

Resolution #6. Congratulations George R. Greenidge, Jr, American Sociological Association’s Community & Urban Publicly Engaged Scholar Award Recipient 2022.   Councillor McGovern

I first met Chip Greenidge as a student in a summer program over 30 years ago. He’s a good guy (my highest compliment, by the way). Perhaps I’ll try to dig out the tattered T-shirt we got that summer with our names on it.

Charter Right #1. The Ordinance Committee met on Feb 9, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (2021-26). [Charter Right – Zondervan, Mar 28, 2022] [Committee Report]
Tabled – Zondervan (voice vote)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor Nolan, transmitting a report from the Climate Crisis Working Group.
Pulled by Nolan; Referred to Health & Environment Committee (voice vote)

For starters, the word “reccomendations” is actually spelled “recommendations”. Sorry about the petty correction, but when it appears at the top of the title page it’s rather off-putting. Regarding the content, there are a lot of interesting suggestions, but the overriding words are “ban” and “mandatory” rather than “encourage” or “incentivize”. Apparently, at least for those who drafted this report, the age of “choice” must give way to the new age of “require” in every which way. – Robert Winters

April 1, 2022

April 1 Cambridge News – Somerville Invades Cambridge!

Filed under: Cambridge — Tags: , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 4:27 pm

April 1 Cambridge News

Somerville Invades Cambridge!

Joe CurtatoneThe trouble has been brewing ever since the breakup of Middlesex County. Militia Commander Joseph Curtatone mustered Somerville’s Democratic Socialist forces on Prospect Hill and led the convoy south into the former Peoples Republic of Cambridge. Somerville Dictator Katjana Ballantyne ordered troops to mass on the East Cambridge border in what most people believed to be just a routine training exercise. However, when Militia Commander (and former Mayor) Joseph Curtatone arrived, things changed quickly. Some East Cambridge residents initially welcomed the visitors from the north – barely noticing the stylized “S” emblazoned on their drab uniforms. Jay Wasserman, in fact, invited some of the Somervillains in for drinks not knowing their true intentions.Louis give The Look

The Somerville plan seems to be centered not on occupying all of Cambridge, but simply on capturing the revenue-producing Kendall Square area. This, however, requires establishing a “land bridge” through most of the East Cambridge neighborhood. When Rep. Michael Connolly (DSA, Cambridge-Somerville) was asked about the invasion and occupation, he remarked, “I was part of the Occupy Movement before it was fashionable. Now that the majority of the Somerville City Council are avowed socialists, it only seems natural that we should bring at least some portion of Cambridge into the fold – even if some level of military force is required to enforce our political philosophy.”

Outgoing City Manager and newly appointed General Louis DePasquale vowed to defend Cambridge’s historical boundaries. “We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!”

Roadway cross-section
The original 2017 plan (above) has since been updated to eliminate all privately owned motor vehicles

Updated plans unveiled eliminates car lanes and adds segregated lanes on major Cambridge thoroughfares
City has long-term plan to install “protected lanes” for bikes, mopeds, pedestrians, seniors, and hoverboards.

After several additional minutes of research, City transportation planners and the newly reappointed Vision Zero and Motor Vehicle Elimination Advisory Committee released updates to the original 2017 plans for fully segregated lanes on several major Cambridge thoroughfares. “This has always been about the greater good – regardless who disagrees, petitions, or otherwise tries to convince us with data,” said City Manager Louis DePasquale. “We will now commit to preserving the tree canopy in accordance with the Tree Protection Ordinance, but this will necessitate the banning of all motor vehicles along the city’s major thoroughfares even though eminent-domain land-takings will enable us to create sufficient (100 ft) road width.”

The only city councillors to raise issues about the plan were Paul Toner and Denise Simmons who seemed to not understand how absolutely essential the elimination of the lanes for motor vehicles was in order to achieve a vanishingly small impact on climate change. City Arborist David Lefcourt was pleased that the tree canopy would be preserved in order to provide shade for the cycle track, the child track, the senior track, and the hoverboard tracks.

One member of Cambridge’s Bicycle Committee reiterated what she said 5 years ago: “The whole concept of ‘sharing’ is an outdated vestige of the pre-millennial age.” A new Gen-Z appointee to the Bicycle Committee added, “For sure. This is like necessary.”

Vision Zero Policy Reauthorized by Cambridge City Council
Original 2017 goal to eliminate all motor vehicles extended from 2020 to 2023

The Cambridge City Council’s 2017 “Vision Zero” policy has proven more difficult to achieve than originally thought. Originally conceived as a plan to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities through better road design, the ever-so-progressive Cambridge City Council decided in 2017 to ban motor vehicles outright, but received pushback from a coalition of soccer moms, grocery shoppers, and other climate change deniers. As a result, the absolute prohibition previously scheduled for March 2020 has been extended to March 2023.

Original April 2017 Report
There are, to be sure, some transitions that must take place before Cambridge can become truly a Vision Zero city and an example to other cities wanting to battle climate change in the worst way. Perhaps the greatest challenges are in rubbish/recycling collection and emergency services like police and fire protection, but these challenges also provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Cambridge Health Alliance CEO Patrick Wardell announced that CHA is already well on its way toward Vision Zero. They have begun training and recruitment for very athletic persons to operate their new fleet of human-powered pedambulances.

It won’t be an all-bicycle future of course. To handle some of the heavier tasks, we’ll be seeing a lot more horses in the streets of Cambridge.

New Fire Apparatus
New Fire Apparatus

The Cambridge Fire Department embraced the initiative. "In addition to the environmental and nostalgia benefits, maintaining the horses will create jobs," said Fire Chief Gerald Reardon. "We have to think of the future even as we embrace the past."

Several new condo developments along New Street and elsewhere to be converted to stables. "We feel that horse-drawn vehicles are a sustainable solution to all delivery needs." Danehy Park will be converted to hayfields.

“The road apples left by horses will be an essential part of the citywide composting program,” said DPW Commissioner Owen O’Riordan.

Meanwhile, the City’s Department of Traffic, Parking, and Transportation has been drafting new specifications for “cycle tracks” to require a minimal 10 foot width. “Our plan all along has been to eventually execute a complete mode shift. At some point motor vehicles will be moved to the cycle tracks while cyclists take over the roadways. This should provide ample accommodation for motor vehicles during the interim years before the banning of all motor vehicles within city limits,” said Traffic Director Joseph Barr.

Flush with ARPA funds and after several years delay, MBTA ready to move forward with Green Line Extension to Porter Square

Meigs Elevated RailwayThe City’s Transit Advisory Committee, working in concert with the MBTA and the Cambridge Historical Commission, have announced updated plans for new kinda-rapid transit service to Porter Square with the option of extending service further west to Alewife and Belmont Center in the future. On the drawing board for more than a century, the Meigs Elevated Railway will add desperately needed capacity to supplement the new Green Line Extension to Union Square. MBTA analysts decided that it was just too difficult to safely move that many people underground and concluded that the time-tested concept of elevated railway service is an old idea that’s about to become new again.

Historical Commission Executive Director Charles Sullivan again conceded, “The Rindge gifts have had their day in the sun. While we remain grateful for the remarkable gifts from Frederick Hastings Rindge to the City of Cambridge, including City Hall, it’s time to make way for grander visions.” Sullivan added, “Sometimes history is simply overrated.”

East Cambridge Traffic Pattern Changes Begin Friday, April 1

Due to recent sewer projects and new lab development, the Cambridge Traffic Department announced several changes in the direction of one-way streets in East Cambridge (see map). “Based on community feedback and data collected over the last several months, we have decided that these changes are essential for public safety,” said Traffic Director Joseph Barr. Crews began posting “Do Not Enter” signs throughout the neighborhood on Thursday. Over the next week or so, City staff will continue to evaluate streets throughout the city to determine if similar changes are warranted. “We appreciate your continued patience and efforts as we manage these erratic changes,” said Barr. “Thankfully, recent rollouts of Quick-Build separated bicycle lanes have acclimated Cambridge residents to the introduction of new and bizarre traffic conditions.” For more information, please visit www.cambridgema.gov. Residents with questions about these traffic changes can contact Public Works at 617-349-4800 or the Traffic Department at 617-349-4700.

East Cambridge One Way Streets

March 25, 2022

Out Like a Lion – March 28, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,cycling,transportation — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 12:18 pm

Out Like a Lion – March 28, 2022 Cambridge City Council Agenda

Lion and the LambSpring is springing and the turf wars continue. This week features a citizens petition to modify the Bicycle Safety Ordinance and with it a golden opportunity for city councillors to double-talk their way to stardom. Here are some of the agenda items that I found interesting this week:

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

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-11, regarding Riverbend Park opening and potential expansion.
pulled by Nolan; likely will leave Mem. Drive closed continuously through weekend starting either Friday evening or Saturday morning; Placed on File

Charter Right #2. An application was received from Mathew Marshall, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 221 Columbia Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association. “ [Charter Right – Simmons, Mar 21, 2022]
Interesting that the loss of one or two parking spaces at this location due to a curb cut gets so much pushback when elsewhere hundreds of parking spaces are being permanently removed for “quick build” bike lanes that impact businesses, health care providers, day care facilities, churches, and more.
Petition Denied (voice vote, but unanimous)

On the Table #3-9. Appointments and Reappointments to City Boards & Commissions on hold while City Council pipes in Muzak to appointees.

On the Table #10. Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in the amount of $39,600 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account which will be used to support the purchase of a new vehicle for the Emergency Preparedness and Coordination office. [Charter Right – Nolan, Mar 7, 2022; Tabled – Mar 21, 2022]

Councillor Nolan continues her audition for Purchasing Agent.

Communications #3. A communication was received from Annette Osgood and Jeanne Oster, regarding a petition signed by over 1,050 names requesting changes to the Cycling Safety Ordinance.
pulled by Nolan; Placed on File (voice vote); Azeem notes that he would consider taking it up in Transportation Committee but makes clear now that nothing will come of it.

The actual number of petioners appears to be approximately 878 when duplicates are purged. There’s also the unhinged cyclist who wrote: “Fuck you disgusting pieces of shit Up yours cagers. I hope you and your cars burn.”

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to direct the City Solicitor to draft language to enable the Cambridge Police Department and Department of Public Works to donate abandoned bicycles to charitable organizations as outlined under MGL 30B Section 15(g).  Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Adopted as Amended

Order #2. City Council support of the MIT Graduate Student Union.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted

Order #3. That City Council remind the residents of Cambridge that regular street cleaning begins again on April 1, 2022 and that all residents can sign up for automatic alerts and reminders from the City of Cambridge for the remainder of the year.   Councillor Toner
Order Adopted

Order #4. City Council support urging the Massachusetts Legislature and the residents of Cambridge to oppose House Bill 1234 and the proposed 2022 state ballot initiative and ensuring that the rights of workers remain solid and strong for generations to come.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted as Amended

My favorite phrase in this Order: “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts enjoys a long and distinguished history in the fight for workers’ rights and protections from exploitation from capitalists and corporate interests…”. Alas, life in The Peoples Republik.

Also, there are these Budget Hearings now scheduled in the Merry Month of May:

Tues, May 10

9:00am   The City Council’s Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Budget Overview
Mayor’s Office
Executive – Leadership
Executive – Housing Liaison    
Executive – Diversity
Executive – DGVPI
Executive – Equity and Inclusion    
Public Information Office
Tourism		 Housing Liasson    
City Council
City Clerk
Law
Finance Admin.
Budget
Personnel
Purchasing
Auditing		 Assessing
Treasury/Revenue
Information Technology    
General Services
Employee Benefits
Election Commission
Public Celebrations
Reserve
Animal Commission		 Community Safety (new)
Fire Department
Police Department
Traffic, Parking & Transportation
Inspectional Services
License Commission
Electrical
Emergency Communications

Wed, May 11

6:00pm   The City Council’s Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 School Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Tues, May 17

10:00am   The City Council’s Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 City Budget.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

Cambridge Health Alliance    
Public Works
Water
Community Development
Historical Commission		 Peace Commission / PRAB    
Cable TV
Debt Service
Library
Human Services		 Women’s Commission
Human Rights Commission    
Veterans’ Services
MWRA
Cherry Sheet		 City Overview Section
Financial Summaries Section
Revenue Section
Public Investment Section

Thurs, May 19

9:00am   The City Council’s Finance Committee will meet to conduct hearing on FY 2023 City Budget (if needed).  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom)

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