Cambridge Civic Journal Forum

March 4, 2023

The Gathering Storm – March 6, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Charter,City Council,Deaths — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 2:24 pm

The Gathering Storm – March 6, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Municipal Election Year dynamics are gradually emerging in the form of policy orders, social media chatter, and topics being emphasized or scrupulously avoided. There’s even a chance to chime in on where you stand on the endless state of war that is Rent Control (always an opportunity to turn friends into enemies and enemies into friends). Here are a few agenda items that may prove interesting (possibly in Zoom if the egocentrists of PSL continue to stamp their feet and display their ignorance):City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order 2022 #181, regarding convening a North Mass Avenue Corridor District Zoning Proposal Working Group.
pulled by Toner; remarks by Toner, Iram Farooq, Carlone on urban design, Nolan, Simmons on outreach and who will Chair committee – Farooq says City staff; Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #4. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $150,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Community Development Department Extraordinary Expenditures account to be used for professional services for a planning study for Massachusetts Avenue from Cambridge Common to Alewife Brook Parkway. Funds will be combined with existing balances from prior related projects.
pulled by Carlone; Farooq says $400,000 estimated total cost; Order Adopted 7-0-2 (Azeem, McGovern – Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-78, regarding safety concerns at the LBJ Apartment building.
pulled by Simmons; Commissioner Elow responds; Zondervan objects to deploying Police rather than a security service at public housing; Huang notes that private security don’t play as engaged a role as Police and commends Cambridge Police; McGovern notes that tenants often let people in building who should not be there; Simmons notes that residents (correctly) equate Police with safety and security; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a transfer of $40,000 from the General Fund Reserves Other Ordinary Maintenance account to the General Fund City Council Other Ordinary Maintenance account to cover current and anticipated costs related to the work of the Charter Review Committee.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the City of Cambridge retaining its AAA rating from the nation’s three major credit rating agencies. [S&P] [Moodys] [Fitch]
pulled by Carlone; David Kale (Finance) explain about savings of $1.4 to $2 million interest; McGovern asks about ability to issues bonds, Kale says you can bond anything but the market decides the rates (recently 3.06%); Nolan notes ESG ratings in each of the reports; Toner notes value of stability in staff with change in City Manager, asks about effect of commercial vacancies and possible effects, Kale notes range of revenues and healthy reserves and notes what may happen with office space as leases expire and uses possibly change, $1 billion in new growth last year in lab space, uncertainty in office space (Gayle Willett – Assessing); Azeem about limitations on spending that might occur w/o AAA ratings, Kale explains value of strong and consistent management, long-term capital plan, ongoing leadership and bench strength in financial team, strength of local economy; Huang relates City budget to personal budgets, what might happen if City simply spent a lot more money – financial stewardship and optimization; Azeem notes about trade-off of pay-as-you-go vs. borrowing; Simmons remarks on potential downturn, Kale notes that revenues support expenditures, stable tax rates, managing debt, scheduled to pay off pension liabilities by 2026, more to do with long-term pension liabilities, history of bond ratings from Prop 2½ (early 1980s) until today; Zondervan dismissive of AAA ratings and focuses on the negatives of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) and equity; Kale thanks Manager and Finance team, CDD, and other department heads and staff – echoed by City Manager Huang; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Annual Surveillance Report concerning City Departments’ use of Surveillance Technology or Surveillance Data.
pulled by Zondervan (who has issues with Shot Spotter); Reports Approved and Placed on File 9-0

My question is simply this: “How much staff time is occupied assembling these reports?”

Charter Right #2. That the joint Economic Development and University Relations and Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committees forward the amended proposed Policy Order regarding Labs and Neighborhood Planning to the full City Council. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 27, 2023]
Siddiqui again says this was “charterwritten”; Zondervan amendments Approved 9-0; Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Charter Right #3. That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City Departments to work with Eversource to include in their annual reporting, updates on their work to move forward with providing the infrastructure required to move Cambridge toward electrifying the city. [Charter Right – Nolan, Feb 27, 2023]
Siddiqui again says this was “charterwritten”; Nolan added as sponsor and McGovern amendments Adopted 9-0; Carlone comments on monopolies like Eversource; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Unfinished Business #4. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition (Ordinance #2022-20) [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 9, 2023; Expires Mar 6, 2023; Ordinance Amended Feb 27, 2023]
Comments by (Abundant Housing Treasurer) Azeem on embedded emissions accounting such as materials used in construction, proposes amendments exempting some housing; Zondervan prefers version w/o amendments saying it has been fully vetted and that Planning Board wants this accounting for all projects w/o special exemptions for housing; Toner supports Azeem amendments; (Sky is Falling) Carlone says software already out there for embodied emissions accounting and that this is all just common sense and wants version w/o amendments; Nolan now trying to appear as a “moderate” and will support amendments; Siddiqui aligns with Zondervan, Carlone; Azeem amendments Adopted 5-4 (BA,MM,PN,DS,PT – Yes; DC,AM,QZ,SS – No); Ordained as Amended 9-0

Resolution #1. Congratulations to Robert Steck on his retirement from the City of Cambridge.   Councillor Toner, Councillor Carlone
pulled by Carlone who lauds Rob Steck as a playground designer and more

Resolution #3. Congratulations to Sam Corda on his retirement from the Cambridge Water Department.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons

Resolution #4. Resolution on the death of David Leslie.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon

Order #3. That the City Manager be and is hereby requested to direct CDD to provide language that would amend the Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition to include the amendments proposed by the petitioner and report back to the City Council by Mar 13, 2023.   Councillor Zondervan, Vice Mayor Mallon
Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee, chaired by Councillor Zondervan, met on Feb 28, 2023 to continue the discussion of Citizens Zoning Petition from Patrick Barrett et al. North Mass Ave BZ-5 Zoning District Petition – AP22#52. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0; Passed to 2nd Reading 6-3 (BA,AM,MM,PN,DS,PT – Yes; DC,QZ,SS – No)

Order #4. That the City Council go on record in support of the Tenant Protection Act HD.3922/SD.2368.   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Toner; Zondervan notes that this is about rent stabilization and “just cause” evictions; Siddiqui says this is similar to one Council previously supported; Toner will vote NO because he does not want to bring back divisiveness of rent control and observes that this will cause preemptive rent increases and thwart housing production; Nolan wants local control and says that (20 years ago) Cambridge voted overwhelmingly against rent control; McGovern will also support this with double-talk about how this is not actually rent control (which it obviously is); Mallon also double-talks and stresses “local control” rather than what this is really about, lauds Rep. Connolly; Siddiqui adds to the double-talk about “options; Order Adopted 8-1 (Toner NO)

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the City Manager’s Housing Liaison, Community Development Department, and the Cambridge Housing Authority [and the City Solicitor] on the feasibility of municipally-funded housing vouchers.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan (PO23#47)
pulled by Simmons; remarks by Siddiqui, Simmons, Mallon about how Somerville is doing this (with ARPA funds) but without any estimate of how costly this would be; Toner asks about legal issues and wants opinion of City Solicitor; Carlone (aggressively) suggests this should be made unanimous; McGovern says this would eliminate homelessness of veterans; Adopted as Amended 9-0

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to fund the HEART initiative and negotiate a contract for services with HEART, to include but not limited to HEART responding to certain 911 calls.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan
pulled by Nolan; remarks by Zondervan, Nolan; Charter Right – Nolan

Order #8. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate City departments to ensure multi-family properties on the market are reviewed as quickly as possible as potential affordable housing acquisitions.   Councillor Nolan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Nolan; Amendments proposed to add MM,DC; Charter Right – Simmons

Committee Report #1. The Finance Committee conducted a public meeting to discuss the FY24 Capital Budget, and future investment priorities in Cambridge’s physical infrastructure ahead of the FY24 budget cycle. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Committee Report #3. The Housing Committee met on Wed, Feb 8, 2023 from 12:30-2:30pm to discuss potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. [text of report]
pulled by Simmons; remarks by Simmons (meeting recessed, not adjourned, so no public comment), Carlone (NLTP meeting on Mar 22), Azeem says time needed for robust discussion; Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

Wed, Mar 8
3:00pm   The Housing Committee will hold a public meeting to continue the recessed meeting from Feb 8, 2023 to continue discussing potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay district as outlined in the Nov 21, 2022 policy order adopted by the City Council. No Public Comment.

Tues, Mar 22
5:30pm   The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee will hold a public meeting to discuss potential amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay.

February 11, 2023

Business as Usual – Or Not: February 13, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,Harvard Square — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 8:52 am

Business as Usual – Or Not: February 13, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

We’ll have to see if the Cambridge City Council and its Chair (a.k.a. Mayor) will continue to allow a small group of wannabe socialists to hijack their meetings. As the saying goes, “That’s so Cambridge.” Needless to say, our political processes are hijacked by small groups of acronymed activists routinely. Anyways, whether live or Zoom, here are a few items of interest on this week’s agenda.

Update: The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) has announced yet another rally at City Hall this Monday. They and some Harvard students will meet at 5:45pm and march to City Hall where they will likely once again shut down the regular meeting and cause the Council to recess and reconvene in Zoom. [Note: They had their rally on the steps of City Hall and then continued their march down to the Police Station.]City Hall

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Maria Baldwin-Alvaro Blodgett Houses.
pulled by Simmons; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Final Landmark Designation Report for the Cambridge Gas-Light Company Building.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

We are blessed with the Cambridge Historical Commission who never disappoints when producing interesting and thorough reports for properties being consider for Landmark Designation.

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order 2023 #7, regarding Information on Blier, et al., Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 8-0-1 (PN-Absent); Reconsideration Fails 0-8-1

Manager’s Agenda #11. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Accelerating Climate Resilience Grant in the amount of $100,000 received from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations (Arts and Culture) Other Ordinary Maintenance account, which will be used to commission artists to design temporary shade pavilions for city parks or other public facilities.
Order Adopted 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as a members of the Foundry Advisory Committee for a term of three years: Connie Chin; Barbara Thomas; and Rubén Mancha.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (PN-Absent)

This communication also includes an update on the Foundry from Thomas Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority.

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #22-84, regarding report on working with the residents at 931 Massachusetts Avenue to identify and provide a short-term parking spot in front of 931 Massachusetts Avenue.
pulled by Toner; comments by Toner, Carlone, Zondervan (who advocates closing main travel lane for moving activities across bike lane!), Simmons, McGovern; Placed on File 9-0

And the judge wasn’t going to look at the twenty seven eight-by-ten color glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one. And people who need to stop for pickups and deliveries along this stretch of Mass. Ave. will simply continue to exercise the only reasonable option available to them – violating the overly restrictive and inflexible regulations.

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document (From the Apr 20, 2022 Ordinance Committee).
pulled by Toner; comments by Zondervan, Nolan; Mallon notes that CDD has been operating all along as though deadline is 2035; intentions now within Ordinance Committee is to keep 2050 deadline for nonresidential buildings; McGovern comments that there were only 5 members at the meeting that proposed moving deadline to 2035, that Eversource information made clear that ambitious goal was not feasible, wants condos excluded from earlier deadline, wants this referred to Ordinance Committee; Carlone notes that there were 5 votes to move deadline to 2035, calls this an aspirational goal but wants to keep it for all buildings (including condos), notes that incurable diseases will come to us unless 2035 goal is mandated, says “we’re listening to the wrong developers”; Zondervan claims that Eversource is not required to fully electrify city by 2035 (but does not acknowledge the fact that any alternatives would be a tax which the City cannot legally impose); comments by Zondervan, Mallon, Nolan, Simmons, McGovern, Carlone, City Clerk, and City Solicitor on procedures; Mallon motion to call the question prevails 9-0; Glowa notes that referring back to Ordinance Committee is proper; Zondervan amendment adopted 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No); Order Adopted as Amended 5-4 (BA,DC,PN,QZ,SS-Yes; AM,MM,DS,PT-No)

Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition (Ordinance #2022-20). [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 9, 2023; Expires Mar 6, 2023]

Unfinished Business #7. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 20, 2022, to continue the public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (Ordinance #2021-26). …
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

There comes a time when discretion is the better part of valor and to conclude that the best course of action is to listen to the concerns of residents and Eversource representatives and ask the zealots on the City Council and within CDD to take a step back and reconsider the feasibility and cost implications of their demands.

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager is requested to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement. [Charter Right – Toner, Feb 6, 2023]
pulled by Toner who offers substitute Order (that was not available to public); comments by Azeem, Nolan, Zondervan, McGovern, Carlone, Toner; Azeem proposes tabling Order; Tabled 9-0

Order #2. That the entire City Council go on record in support of HD.3530 and SD.1263.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted as Amended 9-0

Late Order #6. Policy Order Regarding Police Details.   Toner
Charter Right – Zondervan

HD.3530/SD.1263 is titled “An Act Relative To Automated Enforcement”. Its principal features are: (1) “A city or town that accepts this chapter may install an automated road safety camera system as a means of promoting traffic safety;” (2) no more than one automated road safety camera system per 2500 residents – so up to about 50 such camera systems for Cambridge; (3) a maximum fine for a camera enforceable violation of $25 per violation; and (4) camera enforceable violations would not be made part of the operating record of the violator and conviction of a moving violation would not yield a surcharge on a motor vehicle insurance premiums

Charter Right #3. That City Council rescind the vote to refer the Brown Petition to the Ordinance Committee and Planning Board for hearing because the petition is defective as a matter of law. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Feb 6, 2023]
pulled by Mallon; Zondervan wants to table this; Mallon opposes tabling so that petition can be re-filed; McGovern notes that Solicitor acknowledged error and time to move on; Zondervan wants “the public” to have time to opine while matter is On The Table – there is a late communication (today) from Solicitor on this matter; Nolan “is torn on this”, favors tabling, and is dissatisfied with Solicitor’s responses; Glowa notes that she gave her opinion orally last week and the late communication is merely supplemental; Toner moves to rescind previous vote; Carlone wants to move forward, says this petition has merit; Siddiqui wants to rescind; Zondervan calls his vote a principled vote; Rescind Vote 7-2 (PN,QZ-No)

Manager’s Late Agenda #20. A Late Communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number PO 2023 #28, regarding a legal opinion on the Doug Brown petition.
Placed on File 9-0

I’m not really sure why this was delayed from the previous meeting, and I expect that a non-defective re-filing of this petition will appear soon.

Lotsa Communications (143) – mainly from the previous meeting and primarily on the topics of BEUDO and the AHO Behemoth Proposal (AHOBP).

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department and all other relevant departments to engage the U.S. Department of Transportation Volpe Center to partner on the next steps of the City of Cambridge Clean Fleet goals.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan
Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That the entire City Council go on record in support of HD.766 and SD.1013.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

HD.766/SD.1013 is titled “An Act Relative to Universal School Meals”. The Act would require all schools providing lunch under the National School Lunch Act or breakfast under the National Child Nutrition Act to make breakfast and lunch available at no charge to each attending student.

Order #4. Free School Meals For All Students.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

This is essentially “Plan B” that calls on the City of Cambridge to foot the bill for free meals should the State Legislature not pass the above Act or not fully fund the mandate.

Order #5. That the City Manager is requested to confer with the appropriate departments and agencies to ensure the continuation of Riverbend Park closures on Saturdays and Sundays.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor Nolan, Vice Mayor Mallon
Charter Right – Simmons
Note: There was also a proposed substitute order from Councillor Simmons that was not voted.

This Order actually has 5 sponsors, including Mayor Siddiqui, even though this was reduced to the maximum of 4 in the summary. If anything, this highlights the absurdity of some formal provisions of the Open Meeting Law – it’s often the case that more than 4 councillors (and their aides) are involved in drafting Orders, and reducing the number of “sponsors” to 4 is done to keep up appearances. The substance of the Order calls for ensuring that Riverbend Park along Memorial Drive from Gerry’s Landing to Western Avenue on Saturdays and Sundays remain open during the spring, summer, and fall months. In the “We don’t need no stinkin’ physics” department, the sponsors then go on to seek changes in traffic signals and lane markings along Western Avenue at Putnam Ave, Memorial Drive, and Soldier’s Field Road to cause as much of the diverted traffic as possible to simply disappear. – Robert Winters

Late Order #7. HOME-ARP Public Process [$2.3 million in additional ARPA funds].   Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
Order Adopted 9-0

February 7, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 577-578: February 7, 2023

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,Deaths,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 11:19 pm

Episode 577 – Cambridge InsideOut: Feb 7, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Feb 7, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: Black History Stroll; Alice Wolf 1933-2023; Council meetings disrupted by Socialists; bodycams, PRAB reports, police alternatives; electricity alternatives – mandate or choice; repetitive petitions; Brown Petition; Council lust for control. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 578 – Cambridge InsideOut: Feb 7, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Feb 7, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: BEUDO conflict; abuse of the word “crisis”; volunteer opportunities – Planning Board and the changing face of “activism”; Charter Review and options under consideration; redress of grievances; PR election fixes; the AHO Behemoth Proposal and the coming election. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

February 6, 2023

Play Resumes – February 6, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council,Deaths — Tags: , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:23 pm

Play Resumes – February 6, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

I hope this meeting proceeds as scheduled without the stamping of young socialist feet. If so, here are a few things under consideration this week:

[Note: The idiots from the Party for Socialism and Liberation once again disrupted the Cambridge City Council meeting – forcing them to run and hide and conduct the rest of the meeting in Zoom.]City Hall

Whose Choice?

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #22-81, related to improving marketing and communication efforts and outreach for the Cambridge Community Electricity (CCE) program.
pulled by Nolan, Order Adopted 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Order #11. That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department and all other relevant departments to engage with community groups and the City’s existing multi-member bodies to design the next iteration of the Cambridge Community Electricity Aggregation program.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon
pulled by Nolan; Adopted as Amended 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Picking Weed Winners

Manager’s Agenda #3. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Calendar Item No. 10 of 3/21/22 requesting that the City Manager amend all existing Host Community Agreements (“HCA”) previously issued by the City by reducing the Impact Fee to 0.05% of Gross Revenue and to refrain from placing this burden upon any future HCAs that may yet be issued, unless supporting evidence is provided by the City showing a finding that it incurred additional expenses and impacts upon its road system, law enforcement, inspectional services, permitting services, administrative services, educational services and public health services greater than the .05% of Gross Revenue collected from all the Economic Empowerment applicant and Social Equity applicant dispensaries annually.
pulled by Toner, Placed on File 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Charter Right #2. That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to have the appropriate City staff establish the framework that will allow for the immediate elimination of the bicycle parking fees imposed upon Economic Empowerment and Social Equity applicants and cannabis dispensary operators in the City of Cambridge. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Jan 23, 2023]
Zondervan amendment to reimburse any such fees that have already been paid – Adopted 7-0-2; Order Adopted as Amended 7-2-0 (BA,DC Absent); Reconsideration moved by Simmons – Reconsideration Fails 0-7-2

In the Zone (including The Twilight Zone)

Manager’s Agenda #4. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Council Order No. O-8 of 1/23/2023, regarding (1) whether there is a two year bar on considering repetitive zoning petitions that have been unfavorably acted upon by the Council, (2) if so, whether that bar on repetitive petitions would prohibit the Council from moving forward with a Council initiated lab use zoning petition if there is unfavorable action on the pending Callender, et al. Petition, and (3) if so, what types of changes to zoning petition would be necessary for it to no longer be considered a repetitive petition.
pulled by Toner, Referred to the Petition to be discussed at Feb 7 committee meeting; Toner moves Reconsideration “hoping the same will not prevail”; Reconsideration Fails 0-7-2

Unfinished Business #5. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Ordinance #2022-23 Removing the Limit on BZA Compensation. [Passed to 2nd Reading Jan 9, 2023; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 30, 2023; Expires Mar 14, 2023]
Ordained 7-0-2

Committee Reports #7. The Ordinance Committee met on Jan 26, 2023, to continue the discussion on proposed Ordinance #2022-9, Climate Resilience Zoning. The Committee Voted favorably to send the Petition to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; remarks by Nolan; Passed to 2nd Reading; Report Acceepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Communications & Reports #3. A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, regarding the Douglas Brown Petition. (COF23#27)
pulled by Nolan (early) – asks why defective; City Solicitor Glowa says petition affects entire city and not just the property of the petitioner; Nolan and Mallon seem peeved at City Solicitor for apparently contradicting what she said at the previous meeting; Mallon moves to Rescind Previous Vote, but Zondervan exercises Charter Right first; Charter Right – Zondervan
Zondervan makes additional (new) motion asking for legal clarification; Motion Adopted 7-0-2; Communication Placed on File 7-0-2

Envision Danehy

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to relative to a request for approval to seek authorization from the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General (the “IG”) for the City to use the Construction Manager at Risk (“CMaR”) procurement and construction method (the “CMaR Method”) in connection with the Danehy Park Gateway Pavilion project. (CM23#25) [Attachment A] [Attachment B]
Order Adopted 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Well Appointed – and other tales

Manager’s Agenda #6. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment and reappointment of members of the Recycling Advisory Committee.
Appointments Confirmed 7-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Committee Reports #6. The Government, Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee held a public meeting on Jan 11, 2023 for the purpose of reviewing recent report of Boards and Commissions from the City Manager which are subject to City Council approval, and to discuss the City Clerks request for a dedicated email address for City Council communications. [text of report] [EXTRA – Full Info Sheets from Oct 24, 2022 City Manager Communication]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Note: The report suggests that several city councillors would like to further change the City Charter in order to transfer even more executive authority into their entirely inappropriate legislative hands – specifically to get control of any remaining boards for which they do not currently have confirmation authority. A few lessons in history illustrate that while proportional representation may be a good model for legislative representation, it has a terrible record in terms of actual governance. This is why it’s important that PR be coupled with a strong city manager and why city councillors need to be prohibited from directing City staff or having appointing authority.

Police and Police-Related (with the hope that none of these be referred to the Public Safety Committee unless the Mayor replaces its Chair)

Manager’s Agenda #7. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Police Review and Advisory Board quarterly reports.
pulled by Zondervan, QZ noved suspension to take with #8 and #9; Zondervan moves to refer to Public Safety Committee; Referred to Public Safety Committee 7-0-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #8. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on an itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned by the Cambridge Police Department. (CM23#28) [Cover Letter] [Materials, Tools, and Property as of 6/30/21] [Photographs of Inventory as of 6/30/21]
pulled by Zondervan, Referred to Public Safety Committee 7-0-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a report on an itemized statement of all materials, tools, and property owned by the Cambridge Police Department. (CM23#29) [Cover Letter] [Materials, Tools, and Property as of 6/30/22] [Photographs of Inventory as of 6/30/22]
pulled by Zondervan, Referred to Public Safety Committee 7-0-2 (Azeem, Carlone ABSENT)

Order #2. That the City Manager is requested to take immediate steps to begin the process of obtaining police body worn cameras for the Cambridge Police Department, and to work with all appropriate Departments to produce policy recommendations that would allow body worn camera usage while also not violating civil liberties in compliance with the City’s Surveillance Ordinance.   Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons
pulled by McGovern; additional remarks by Nolan, Mallon, Toner, Simmons, Siddiqui; Zondervan opposed to body cameras and anything that adds to Police budget; Order Adopted as Amended 6-1-2 (QZ – No; BA,DC – Absent)

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to direct Police Commissioner Elow to work on providing publicly-accessible traffic stop, arrest and citation police data on a new Procedural Justice Dashboard as soon as possible.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Mallon; additional remarks by McGovern; Order Adopted 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Order #5. That the Finance Committee convene a meeting on Police Budget including body camera discussion.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Carlone
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Order #6. That the City Manager is requested to look into the feasibility of automated traffic enforcement in Cambridge as well as using unarmed CPD traffic details for future discussion Automated/Unarmed Traffic Enforcement.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Carlone
pulled by McGovern; Charter Right – Toner (McGovern was going to do it as well)

Order #7. That the City Manager is requested to direct the Police Commissioner to explore additional less-than-lethal alternatives that pose the smallest risk of injury when deployed for standard issue in the Cambridge Police Department.   Councillor Azeem, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Order #10. That the City Manager is requested to engage a third party, independent firm/consultant or university partner to review and examine the Cambridge Police Department’s policies and practices regarding de-escalation methods, mental health calls for service, training, and more.   Mayor Siddiqui, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem
pulled by Siddiqui; additional remarks by Mallon, McGovern, Toner, Nolan, Simmons, Zondervan; Order Adopted 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Order #12. That the City Manager is requested to work with staff in the Cambridge Public Health Department to review the current state of mental health resources, particularly for underserved communities, within the Cambridge Health Alliance.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Azeem, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toner, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Siddiqui; additional remarks by McGovern (Human Services Committee meeting to follow), Zondervan (add all as sponsors); Adopted 7-0-2 as Amended (BA,DC – Absent)

The Ongoing BEUDO Saga

Order #1. That the City Manager is requested to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document (From the Apr 20, 2022 Ordinance Committee).   Councillor Zondervan
Rules Suspended 7-0-2 to take up early; Toner asks Iram Farooq if this Order is helpful at this time; Farooq says they have initiated some conversations with affected property owners, “trying to build trust” as she emphasizes the “climate crisis” as justification for just about anything; Charter Right – Toner

Committee Reports #5. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 20, 2022, to continue the public hearing on proposed amendments to the Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (Ordinance #2021-26). The Committee voted favorably to ask the City Manager to instruct the Community Development Department to draft amendments to the proposed BEUDO language to change the net zero deadline from 2050 to 2035 and to propose language to meet that deadline throughout the document. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File; Minutes Amended to correct attendance 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent); Mallon attempts to exercise Charter Right; Clerk suggests this is proper – but THIS IS NOT NEW BUSINESS; Mallon says “the Order that we charterwrote” – which is not an actual word, nor is the make-believe word "charterwritten". Siddiqui also rules that committee reports are subject to the Charter Right; Zondervan suggests referring report to the Order contained therein. Clerk suggests taking no action on the report which will move it to Unfinished Business.

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles (actually just Cars & Bikes)

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager continue our current policy of towing cars on street cleaning days and come back to the Council with a plan to create an annual fund to reimburse economically disadvantaged residents who are unable to pay the towing fee before the beginning of towing season. [Charter Right – Zondervan, Jan 23, 2023]
Zondervan notes many communications on this topic, claims that he speaks for low-income residents; Toner calls this a “solution without a problem” – wants to create a fund to reimburse fees and expresses concern for tow companies; McGovern bristles at Zondervan’s characterizations, says City should do more outreach about towing days (as if the announcements somehow aren’t heard); Nolan likes pilots – even though they are often actually not just pilots; Siddiqui aligns with Nolan; Order Fails of Adoption 3-4-2 (MM,DS,PT – Yes; AM,PN,QZ,SS – No; BA,DC – Absent)

Order #3. That the City Manager is requested to determine the best ways to promote bike safety with a particular focus on expanding the distribution of bike lights throughout the City.   Councillor McGovern, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Zondervan
pulled by McGovern; additional remarks by Toner (about penalties for not having a light), Nolan (on safe distance); Order Adopted 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Remembering Alice

Resolution #13. Resolution on the death of Alice Wolf.   Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Nolan
pulled by McGovern; remarks by McGovern, Simmons, Nolan, Siddiqui, Zondervan, Toner, Mallon; Resolution Adopted 7-0-2

Late Resolution #15. Resolution on the death of Jane Richards who died on Jan 31, 2023 at the age of 86.   Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toner, Councillor Simmons
Resolution Adopted 7-0-2

Next Steps toward Universal Pre-K

Order #9. That the City Council and the School Committee will hold a joint roundtable on Tues, Feb 14, 2023, at 5:00pm to receive an update from the City Manager, Superintendent, and the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood on the next steps towards the implementation of universal Pre-K in Cambridge.   Mayor Siddiqui
Order Adopted 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Looking Back In Time

Committee Reports #1. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Sept 26, 2019 to discuss the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of Cambridgeside Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District and to amend the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge by adding the new PUD-8 District, which District would include the property located at 100 Cambridgeside Place (currently zoned in the Business A and PUD-4 Districts). [text of report] [Note: This meeting was already reported Nov 25, 2019]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Committee Reports #2. The Ordinance Committee met on Nov 14, 2019 to continue discussions on the petition by Stephen R. Karp, Trustee of CambridgeSide Galleria Associates Trust, to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge by adding a Section 13.100 that creates a new PUD-8 District. [text of report not yet available] [Note: This meeting was already reported Nov 25, 2019]
Referred to Unfinished Business due to lack of report

Committee Reports #3. The Ordinance Committee met on Mar 30, 2022 to conduct a public hearing on, Ordinance #2022-3, the Wage Theft Ordinance. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

Committee Reports #4. The Ordinance Committee met on Apr 13, 2022, to hold a public hearing on proposed ordinance number 2022-2, Charter Change Municipal Code Amendments. The Committee voted favorable to send the following language to the Full Council with a recommendation to pass to a second reading. [text of report]
pulled by Zondervan; Report Accepted, Placed on File; Ordinance Amendments Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (BA,DC – Absent)

January 6, 2023

Challenges of a New Year – January 9, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

Filed under: Cambridge,City Council — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:24 pm

Challenges of a New Year – January 9, 2023 Cambridge City Council meeting

The first meeting of the new year promises to be a difficult one. Here are some featured agenda items:

Updates

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the fatal officer-involved shooting in Cambridgeport.
Excellent, balanced statements by City Manager and Police Commissioner Elow; community meeting and Special City Council meeting scheduled; comments by SS, AM, BA, MM (body cameras, procedures, independent investigation), QZ moves to bring forward Committee Report #4 on “HEART”: 8-0-1 (DS Absent); Zondervan calls for funding of HEART program suggesting that they would have prevented this incident, calls for demilitarizing police, investment in more mental health services, objects to defense of our “supposedly progressive police force”, calls for Cambridge Police Department “to disarm or disband”, will schedule a Public Safety Committee meeting; remarks by PN, PT, DC, DS (resist the urge to think we have all the facts); Placed on File 9-0

Tragedy, controversy, and crisis can bring out the best and the worst in people, and can provide opportunity for leadership or opportunism. It’s best that everyone withhold judgment until all the details and circumstances of this incident are better understood.

An organized protest is scheduled to take place starting at 3:00pm in front of City Hall prior to the City Council meeting. The City will conduct a Community Meeting on Thurs, Jan 12 at the MLK School (102 Putnam Ave.) from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with District Attorney Marian Ryan, Police Commissioner Christine Elow, and City Manager Yi-An Huang to answer questions; and a Special City Council Meeting is scheduled for Wed, Jan 18 at 3:00pm to discuss protocols, processes, and training in the Cambridge Police Department.

Manager’s Agenda #2. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a public health update.
Derrick Neal notes that hospitalizations are now at a high level – stressed but managing; indoor masks recommended; wastewater peaked but declining; Placed on File 7-0-2 (DS,QZ – Absent)

Zoning MattersCity Hall

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report recommending that the City Council not adopt the Patrick Barrett, et al., Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Order #2. That the City Manager direct the Law Department to research whether the Barrett et al. petition would need to be refiled should there be a Letter of Commitment attached to the rezoning.   Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report recommending that the City Council not adopt the Duane Callender, et al., Zoning Petition.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Committee Report #2. Joint meeting of the Economic Development and University Relations Committee and the Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee on Dec 7, 2022, at 1:00pm to review and discuss the attached zoning petition regarding lab use. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

Unfinished Business #3. An Ordinance has been received from Diane P. LeBlanc City Clerk, relative to Emissions Accounting Zoning Petition. [Passed to 2nd Reading Dec 19, 2022; To Be Ordained on or after Jan 9, 2023; Expires Mar 6, 2023]

Applications & Petitions #3. A Zoning Petition Has been received from Douglas Brown regarding Amending Article 4, 5 and 8 incrementally modernizing residential zoning.
pulled by Mallon; question about why only one signature on petition, Clerk reads ruling of City Solicitor explaining why this is permissible; Zondervan acknowledges the legality; Toner had same questions about single signature; McGovern also surprised but then barks ABC party line about housing crisis and his desire to not do anything incremental but instead only at a grand scale; Azeem, Simmons also comment; Referred to Ordinance Committee and Planning Board 8-0-1 (Carlone ABSENT)

Order #7. That the City Manager is hereby requested to direct the CDD and the Law Department to examine the Citizen’s Petition submitted by Suzanne P. Blier, et. al on the Harvard Square Zoning Petition Modification regarding Frontage of Financial Institutions and make recommendations for any amendments that are needed.   Councillor Zondervan
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Dec 14, 2022, at 1:30pm regarding the Citizen’s Petition submitted by Suzanne P. Blier, et. al regarding the Harvard Square Zoning Petition Modification regarding Frontage of Financial Institutions. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0 (Carlone ABSENT)

Committee Report #4. The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on Dec 14, 2022 at 12:30pm on Zoning Petition Recommendation – Removing Limit on BZA Compensation (Attachment F of CM22#207 in Council on Oct 24, 2022). The Ordinance Committee voted to send proposed Ordinance #2022-23 regarding removing the limit on BZA compensation to the full Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a Second Reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 9-0

Energy, Climate, and all that

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan 5-Year Review and Update. [text of report]
pulled by Toner; comments by Nolan and Zondervan; Placed on File 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #13. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the Stretch Energy Code and Specialized Energy Code. [text of report]
pulled by Toner w/Order #4; Placed on File 9-0

Order #4. That the City Council adopt the Specialized Stretch Code, as outlined in 225 CMR 22.00 and 225 CMR 23.00, with an effective date of July 1, 2023.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui
pulled by Toner w/Mgr’s Agenda #13; series of forums and other outreach proposed for Feb-March (Farooq); comments by Zondervan (wants to adopt w/o outreach), Nolan (says City has been waiting for this – including the ban of natural gas supply to new buildings and more); Carlone tells of sustainable buildings he’s designed and says Stretch Code doesn’t go far enough – calls it “old guard”; Siddiqui notes that it only applies to new buildings and substantial renovation; Simmons asks about what outreach has been done – Farooq acknowledges that no special outreach has taken place; Charter Right – Toner

In short, this Order calls for the immediate adoption of the new “Specialized Stretch Code” without any further discussion or committee meetings even though the new standards may involve considerable new requirements and expense for Cambridge residents. While it may be true that meetings have been held in the past, I will wager that very, very few residents were aware of such meetings or what adoption of the new code might mean in terms of renovation projects in their homes. This is reminiscent of the adoption of amendments in 2020 to the Bicycle Safety Ordinance where residents only found out much later what was in store for Cambridge roadways.

25 Years Waiting

Manager’s Agenda #14. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Vivek Sikri, Kimberly Kaufman, and Kathryn Carlson to the Cambridge Traffic Board pursuant to Chapter 455 of the Acts of 1961 (the “Special Act”).
Placed on File 9-0

I first made the case at City Council about 20 years ago that the City was in violation of the law in its discontinuation of the Traffic Board. Without it, regulatory decisions of the Traffic Director are absolute with no mechanism for redress. We’ll have to see whether or not the City Manager has “stacked the deck” with advocates for specific policies or if the Traffic Board will prove to be objective in matters brought before them by residents or in their role advising the Department of Traffic, Transportation and Parking.

… and the rest

Order #6. That the Assistant City Manager for Community Development be and hereby is requested to inform the Ordinance Committee on whether or not it is the case that the rate of rents being charged in the buildings located in the City squares is primarily driven by those who can pay the highest rent amounts.   Councillor Simmons
pulled by Zondervan; rules suspended to also take up Order #7 and Committee Report #5; Order Adopted 9-0
[Note: Zondervan and Nolan question why these Orders from Committee Reports are listed here, but this is the way it had always been done until relatively recently.]

Other than during the rent control years, was this ever not the case for either residential or commercial buildings?

Committee Report #6. The Public Safety Committee held a public meeting on Dec 14, 2022 at 3:00pm to discuss the implementation of the new Community Safety Department and integration with HEART. [text of report]
Taken up with Mgr #1, Report Accepted, Placed on File 9-0

The report notes that “Robert Winters… shared concerns on discussions that were presented at the meeting.” That’s quite the understatement. The points I actually made were that: (a) most people, including Cambridge Police, support the idea of having appropriate alternatives in crisis response; (b) the proponents of the HEART proposal have a clear history of hostility toward police; (c) if the City chooses to contract with the HEART proponents in providing alternatives to police, it is inevitable that conflicts and possible litigation will result; (d) all of the rhetoric from the HEART proponents to date has been dismissive of the City’s newly created Community Safety Department which would be the department contracting with HEART; (e) there is no actual evidence of training or expertise among the people associated with HEART; and (f) good management calls for a proper RFP and bidding for the proposed services. – Robert Winters

January 3, 2023

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 573-574: January 3, 2023

Filed under: 2023 election,Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Charter,City Council,covid — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:38 pm

Episode 573 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 3, 2023 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Jan 3, 2023 at 6:00pm. Topics: Sheila Doyle Russell – fond memories and good friends, Senior Center, modernization of elections; 2022 highlights; chronology of actions, reactions, and inactions of City and City Council – especially bike lanes, golf course controversy. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 574 – Cambridge InsideOut: Jan 3, 2023 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Jan 3, 2023 at 6:30pm. Topics: 2022 chronology of actions, reactions, and inactions of City and City Council; choosing Auditor, Clerk, and City Manager; FY2023 Budget; charter review; expectations for the coming municipal election year. Host: Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

December 16, 2022

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle… Dec 19, 2022 Cambridge City Council meeting

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

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle… Dec 19, 2022 Cambridge City Council meeting

It’s that time of year for the pre-holiday gathering. Here are a few items of interest on this week’s agenda:down of a thistle: the fluffy part of a sharp plant that you can blow away

Manager’s Agenda #1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a public health update.
Placed on File 9-0

Awaiting Report #22-85. Report on organizing a vaccine clinic in December which will provide gift cards to residents who receive a COVID19 vaccination or booster.  Vice Mayor Mallon, Mayor Siddiqui (O-2) from 12/5/2022
[Note: This event took place on Thurs, Dec 15, 2022.]

Manager’s Agenda #5. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to approval requested for appointments of new members and reappointments to the Cambridge Library Board of Trustees.
Appointments Approved 9-0

I propose that City Council review of Board appointments work like jury selection where each councillor gets one peremptory challenge per Council term. That would be more honest than what I expect we’ll otherwise soon be seeing.

Manager’s Agenda #6. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,709,473 from the Water Fund Balance, Retained Earnings ($2,354,737) and from Free Cash ($2,354,736), to the Water Fund Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($3,392,903) and to Water Public Investment Extraordinary Expenditures account ($1,316,570) to fund the purchase of water from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA).
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #7. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $700,000 from Water Fund Balance (Retained Earnings) account to the Water Public Investment Extraordinary Expenditures account, to fund the purchase of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) testing equipment.
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #8. Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation in the amount of $9,812,215.88 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Capital Projects Control Account ($7,036,323.82); to the Grant Fund Historical Control Account ($29,909.04); to the Grant Fund Public Celebrations Control Account ($78,836.02) and to the Grant Fund Police Control Account ($92,457), as well ($2,574,690) to the Capital Receivables account. This is an accounting transaction adjustment requested by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR), Division of Local Service) based on a change in their position and will eliminate negative balances which have been included in our annual Free Cash calculation for several years.
Order Adopted 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #9. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to changing the name of the City’s Climate Protection Action Committee’s (“CPAC”) to the “Cambridge Climate Committee.”
pulled by Nolan; Placed on File 9-0

Not to be confused with Conservative Political Action Coalition (CPAC), I’m sure.

Manager’s Agenda #10. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommending adoption of the BZA Stipends Zoning Petition, with additional comments.
pulled by Carlone; Referred to Petition 9-0

Why not just pass around $75 debit cards to everyone who shows up?

Manager’s Agenda #11. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board report recommending adoption of the Suzanne Blier, et al., Zoning Petition, with additional considerations.
Referred to Petition 9-0

Manager’s Agenda #12. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 22-79, which requested that the Traffic, Parking, and Transportation Department and Department of Public Works meet with and receive input from residents living on the streets in the impacted area [around Garden St.] to discuss strategies to mitigate and reduce overflow and cut through traffic, including the proposal mentioned in the order, or other traffic calming or traffic diversion methods, and report back to the Council on any short-term recommendations no later than December 19. [TPP memorandum]
pulled by Toner; Placed on File 9-0

…and the Judge wasn’t going to look at the twenty seven eight-by-ten colour glossy pictures with the circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one explaining what each one was to be used as evidence against us.

Charter Right #1. That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate departments to conduct street cleaning without towing starting with the 2023 season. [Charter Right – Simmons. Dec 5, 2022]
Order Adopted as Amended 6-1-1-1 (Toner – NO, McGovern – ABSENT, Simmons – PRESENT)

[From the previous meeting…] I have mixed feelings about this – especially as a resident who has been voluntarily clearing the storm drains in my neighborhood for decades. I have always appreciated a good curb-to-curb cleaning during the warmer months and plowing snow as close to the curb as possible during winter. Having even one vehicle to go around negates much of this benefit. I would be happier if a new policy had some discretion, i.e., if the crews and police feel that little is gained by towing in a specific occasion then a pricey ticket may be sufficient. Unfortunately, there are many people now living in Cambridge who might just write that off as the “cost of doing business” as they wallow in their negligence.

18 Communications, including 5 from Young Kim and 4 from the inevitable Bob LaTrémouille.

Is cooking a Christmas goose still a tradition?

Resolution #5. Resolution on the death of Sheila Doyle Russell.   Councillor Toner, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan

I have known many city councillors since the time I began paying attention to things, but Sheila Russell tops my ticket as the councillor and Mayor I most enjoyed being around. Nobody else even comes close to her mix of wit, wisdom, and willingness to pull a friendly prank on colleagues. The Sullivan Chamber has never been the same since she retired from the Council in 1999.

Order #1. That City Manager be requested to direct Legal Department and CDD to review the final language of the emissions accounting zoning petition, and make any recommended adjustments, including to the effective date, to the city council prior to ordination.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #2. That City Manager be requested to direct CDD to work with relevant stakeholders to provide a preliminary estimate of the cost and time burden of compliance with the emissions accounting provision, prior to ordination.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

Order #3. That City Manager be requested to direct CDD to work with relevant stakeholders to inform the design of future regulations associated with accounting for embodied emissions.   Councillor Zondervan, Councillor McGovern
pulled by Zondervan; Order Adopted 9-0

It’s almost as though our “progressive” councillors have discovered the concept of “unintended consequences.” Keep dreaming.

Order #4. That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to provide an updated tree canopy projection and provide up-to-date tree data to reflect the effect of the 2022 drought and plans to remedy tree loss as soon as possible.   Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zondervan, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toner
Order Adopted 9-0

Committee Report #1. The Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Committee met on Wed, Oct 19, 2022 to conduct a public meeting to discuss the Cambridge Street Study: Findings and Recommendations Update. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern – ABSENT)Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern – ABSENT)

Committee Report #2. The Economic Development and University Relations Committee met on Tues, Nov 22, 2022 to conduct a public meeting to receive an update on the BEUDO amendments from the Community Development Department and a discussion of the environmental and economic impact of BEUDO on residential, business and academic properties/communities. Meeting was recessed and not adjourned. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (McGovern, Simmons – ABSENT)

Committee Report #3. The Human Services and Veterans Committee met on Tues, Nov 29, 2022 to conduct a public meeting to discuss the unhoused population in Cambridge and uptick in substance use in Central Square. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 7-0-2 (McGovern, Simmons – ABSENT)

Committee Report #4. The Neighborhood & Long-Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts & Celebrations Committee held a public meeting on Wed, Nov 30, 2022 to receive and update on the latest recommendations from the Alewife Zoning Working. Meeting was recessed and not adjourned. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern – ABSENT)

Committee Report #5. The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting on Tues, Dec 6, 2022, at 1:00pm to discuss proposed Ordinance #2022-20, Emissions Accounting Zoning. The Committee voted favorably to send three policy orders to the City Council that appear on this agenda in the Policy Order section. Further, the Committee voted to send proposed Ordinance #2022-20, Emissions Accounting Zoning as amended, to the Full Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 7-0-2 (McGovern, Simmons – ABSENT)

Committee Report #6. The Ordinance Committee held a public meeting to continue the discussion of Pregnancy Centers, proposed Ordinance #2022-16 on Dec 6, 2022 @3pm. The Committee voted to send proposed Ordinance #2022-16 as amended, Crisis Pregnancy Centers, to the full Council with a favorable recommendation to Pass to a 2nd Reading. [text of report]
Report Accepted, Placed on File, Passed to 2nd Reading 8-0-1 (McGovern – ABSENT)

Communications & Reports #2. A communication was received from Councillor Nolan and Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a Charter Review Committee Status Update.
Placed on File 8-0-1 (McGovern – ABSENT)

The authors state: “As of this communication, the CRC has met almost a dozen times.” — Actually, the CRC has met exactly 7 times. The first meeting of any substance was the most recent Meeting #7 on Dec 6. I have no idea how the authors decided that “the CRC has met almost a dozen times.” All of the meetings have been in Zoom with very limited public attendance or public comment – the opposite of what a process of this significance should be.

The authors state: “The vote to draft a new charter was done with the understanding and knowledge that a new charter could, if desired, maintain every element of the current charter. Starting fresh with a new charter means that the charter would no longer use Plan E, a form of charter no longer allowed in the Commonwealth. Current municipal government charters are usually based on a model charter with each element of the charter decided by the municipality based on needs and circumstances.” — This statement is contradictory. The Plan E Charter is still an option under Chapter 43 of the Massachusetts General Laws with the formal exception that the use of proportional representation (PR) as an election method was subsequently repealed. However, under the provisions of Chapter 43B (Home Rule Procedures Act) and Chapter 43C (Optional Forms of Municipal Administration Act), a city may propose various election methods, including proportional representation (PR) as currently used in Cambridge or (hopefully) a modified version that no longer has the awkward dependence of the order in which ballots are counted. In other words, and as stated in the authors’ first sentence, “a new charter could, if desired, maintain every element of the current charter.” I will add that on May 18, 2022 the Northampton City Council unanimously approved a home rule petition to implement Ranked Choice Voting and PR using the Modified Inclusive Gregory Method. The proposal is essentially the same as the Home Rule Petition from Amherst that proposd to use the Weighted Inclusive Gregory Method (WIGM). The point is that Massachusetts cities have again begun to consider proportional representation methods using improved versions of what Cambridge has used for the last 80+ years, and this is permissible under Massachusetts laws relating to elections. Whether any of these Home Rule Petitions survive the legislature remains an open question. In the case of Cambridge, our current PR system is “grandfathered” and may continue to be used without state legislative approval.

The authors state: “If we are to consider changes to be put on the ballot for 2023, the CRC work must be completed in a timely fashion and the City Council would need to work expeditiously to decide on what proposal to put before the voters. A home rule would have to be filed and passed in order for the ballot question to be put forth.” — Translation: Regardless what this CRC recommends, the current city councillors, subject to state legislative approval, would be the sole deciders on what would go before the voters – unlike an elected Charter Commission which would be able to propose changes independent of what the current councillors may feel is in either their best interests or that of the city. In other words, I wouldn’t expect to see any proposals survive to November 2023 that don’t either maintain or enhance either the power or electablity of the incumbents.

There are several significant themes that really should be considered in the ongoing charter discussions. For example: (1) the loss of neighborhood representation when the role of wards in representation was effectively eliminated in 1940; and (2) the mechanisms for “redress of grievances” with which a reasonable number of citizens can force a hearing and possibly a vote on a specific matter. Previous charters all had such a mechanism, but under the Plan E Charter the barrier is extremely high and any such petition is seen merely as a request that can be simply “Placed on File” with neither a hearing, a vote, or any other consideration.

By the way, in Meeting #7 of the CRC, members were given a review of the current modified Plan E Charter. The document was pretty familiar – it’s the very same document I produced from the original printed text some years ago complete with my choice of formatting and fonts – and even the links to documents on the Cambridge Civic Journal site on proportional representation and chapter fifty-four A. Prior to that, even though Cambridge has been operating under the Plan E Charter since the 1941 election there had been no reference anywhere on the City website to what actually constituted the Plan E Charter. You’re welcome. – Robert Winters

December 6, 2022

Cambridge InsideOut Episodes 571-572: December 6, 2022

Filed under: Cambridge,Cambridge InsideOut,Central Square,Charter,City Council,covid,history — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Robert Winters @ 10:16 pm

Episode 571 – Cambridge InsideOut: Dec 6, 2022 (Part 1)

This episode was recorded on Dec 6, 2022 at 6:00pm. Topics: Charter Review Ups & Downs; Caroline Hunter elected to School Committee in Vacancy Recount – and memories from 1994; Covid update; and a good word for the Manager’s 90-day update. Hosts: Patrick Barrett, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

Episode 572 – Cambridge InsideOut: Dec 6, 2022 (Part 2)

This episode was recorded on Nov 15, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: This episode was recorded on Dec 6, 2022 at 6:30pm. Topics: Truth-Telling; the Inconvenient truths about proposed lab bans; Pride in the good things; the value of nuance vs. broad proposals; the problem with movements and binary thinking. Hosts: Patrick Barrett, Robert Winters [On YouTube] [audio]

[Materials used in these episodes]

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