Turf War – April 29, 2024 Cambridge City Council meeting
Note: 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
During Mayor Simmons’ remarks at the Jan 1 Inaugural meeting, she made reference to beginning the new City Council term with a clean slate. A lot of people feel the same way – including me. It’s almost guaranteed that some bad behavior will follow – especially if some councillors engage in shallow populism – but hopefully there will be enough fortitude to call BS when that needs to be said, and that goes triply if we continue to see the kind of unchallenged displays like we witnessed during the Inaugural meeting.
As many of you know, the Cambridge City Council generally meets only once each summer, and that meeting is coming up this week. The Midsummer meeting is often known for its very long list of agenda items, and this agenda is no exception. In a municipal election year, we can also generally count of there being a few table-setters from the incumbents looking for ways to draw attention to themselves. This year is unusual in that there appears to be some extraordinary effort being expended to ram through certain measures while a majority or super-majority of votes are still available before voters potentially replace some lame ducks with more rational alternatives.