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Regular City Council Meeting

June 1, 2026 ·05:30 PM Final
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Agenda — 75 items

  1. 1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases.
  2. 2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to amendments to the FY27 Submitted General Fund Budget.
  3. 3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Conrad Crawford to the Board of Directors of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority for a term of five years.
  4. 4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transfer in the amount of $200,000.00 from the General Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account to the General Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account.
  5. 5 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $500,000.00 from the General Fund Employee Benefits Salaries and Wages Account to the General Fund Fire Department Travel and Training Account.
  6. 6 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to reappointments to the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC).
  7. 7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 26-25 regarding a review of the City’s social media platform usage policies.
  8. 8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a summary of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports (STIRs) in calendar year 2025.
  9. 9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of a grant in the amount of $65,000 received from the Harvard Business School Leadership Fellows Program to the Grant Fund Executive Salaries and Wages account.
  10. 1 That the Cambridge City Council go on record expressing support for UNITE HERE Local 26 in the boycott of the Hyatt Regency Cambridge.
  11. 2 That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City departments to ensure that the LGBTQ+ Pride-themed crosswalks in front of Cambridge City Hall are refreshed in advance of the City’s annual Pride Celebration in June and lighting City Hall For Pride 2026
  12. 3 Zero Waste Master Plan Ordinance changes.
  13. 4 That the City Manager, in collaboration with the Urban Forestry Division, DPW, CDD and Inspectional Services, is requested to develop recommendations for updates to the Tree Protection Ordinance that will provide further protection to the City’s significant public and private trees for the greater good of the City.
  14. 5 That the City Council hold a joint Roundtable/Working Meeting with the Cambridge School Committee on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM, to discuss the Cambridge Preschool Program.
  15. 6 That the regular City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026, be and hereby is canceled.
  16. 7 That the City Council approve of the Surveillance Technology Impact Report for Open Architects student data platform as discussed in the May 20, 2026, hearing.
  17. 8 That the City Council disapprove further use of SoundThinking’s Acoustic Gunshot Detection Technology (ShotSpotter) by the City pursuant to the Surveillance Technology Ordinance 2.128.060 (C).
  18. 9 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and community organizations to provide the City Council with a comprehensive Food Access Report that includes, but is not limited to, an accounting of existing programs, expenditures, outcomes, and unmet needs to inform a public hearing on food insecurity and related City policies, programs, and expenditures.
  19. 10 That the City Council go on record recognizing June 19, 2026 as Juneteenth in the City of Cambridge, and in urging all Cambridge residents to reflect upon the meaning of this important day.
  20. 11 That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department and Law Department to develop and implement a policy requiring the posting of “Know Your Rights” informational and educational materials in all police department facilities.
  21. 2 A communication from City Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler transmitting the proposed 2026-2027 Rules of the Cambridge City Council.
  22. 3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $10,000,000.00 to provide funds for the design and construction of improvements along Massachusetts Avenue and vicinity between Bigelow Street and Sindey Street.
  23. 4 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $13,000,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks.
  24. 5 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,000,000 to provide funds to replace and modernize the City’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
  25. 6 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $14,000,000 to provide funds for remediation and improvements at Gold Star Mothers Park.
  26. 7 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $28,500,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan.
  27. 8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $12,795,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades.
  28. 9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $8,375,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in the Baldwin neighborhood.
  29. 10 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $500,000 to provide funds for the City’s Climate Change Program to improve protection against flooding and extreme heat.
  30. 11 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program.
  31. 12 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,000,000 to provide funds for design and construction of the Harvard Square sewer separation and stormwater management program.
  32. 13 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $310,000 to provide funds for the replacement of Ozone generators at the Water Department.
  33. 14 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $2,000,000 to provide funds for water works construction projects for repairs and replacement of water distribution infrastructure.
  34. 1 An application was received from Justin Kelly representing Urban Hearth, requesting permission for one (1) projecting sign at the premises numbered 1281 Cambridge Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing has been provided.
  35. 2 An application was received from Thomas Ferte representing Michette, requesting permission for one (1) projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 305 Webster Avenue approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing has been provided.
  36. 1 Vote Certification Document -
  37. 1 Resolution in Memory of Ann Whitford Lewis Austin. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JUNE 1, 2026
  38. 2 Condolences to the family of Barney Frank. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JUNE 1, 2026
  39. 3 That the City Council go on record congratulating the 2026 retirees of Cambridge Public Schools, thanking them for their many years of dedicated service, and extending best wishes to each of them for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling retirement. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JUNE 1, 2026
  40. 4 That the City Council go on record celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Cambridge Community Chorus and recognizing the Chorus for its extraordinary artistic achievements, community service, and commitment to making choral music accessible to all. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JUNE 1, 2026
  41. 5 Resolution on the retirement of Michael Rowell. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JUNE 1, 2026
  42. 6 Congratulations to the CRLS Boys Baseball team on winning the Dual County League Championship. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR SIMMONS IN COUNCIL JUNE 1, 2026
  43. 1 The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
  44. 2 The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
  45. 3 The Finance Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 on the City and School budgets covering the fiscal period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
  46. 4 The Health and Environment Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 to review and discuss the Cambridge Net Zero Action Plan (NZAP) Annual Report and the Climate Committee’s review and report.
  47. 5 The Public Safety Committee held a public hearing on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 on the Cambridge Police Department’s federal immigration enforcement tracker, CMA 2026-32.
  48. 1 A communication was received from Interim City Clerk Paula Crane, regarding an update regarding legislative activity.
  49. 2 A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding information from the School Committee.
  50. 3 A communication from Mayor Siddiqui transmitting a memorandum regarding updates to the 2026-2027 City Council Committee Appointments.
  51. 4 Vote Certification Document -
  52. 1 Awaiting Report Status Update 6.1.26
  53. 1 That the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to ensure that all city owned parking lots, with a focus on school complexes, including the still under construction parking at Tobin/Darby Vassal school complex, could be made available for after-hours use by residents. Original Awaiting Report Item AR-25-29
  54. 2 The City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments to seek input from the community as well as direct outreach to condo owners and short-term rental operators and develop additional recommendations based on the discussion in the Ordinance Committee. Original Awaiting Report Item AR-25-51
  55. 3 Restricting Eligibility for On-Street Resident Parking Permits in New Transit-Oriented Developments.Original Awaiting Report 31839
  56. 4 That the City Manager conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety and security measures at Cambridge City Hall, including an assessment of physical access controls, visitor screening practices, on-site security staffing and training, emergency response and evacuation protocols, and the use of security technologies such as surveillance systems and alarm monitoring.
  57. 5 The City Manager is requested to direct the relevant City staff and departments to examine if and how the City may prevent the hiring by the Cambridge Police Department of any sworn officer who was hired by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, or Customs and Border Patrol, and report back to the City Council in a timely manner.
  58. 6 The City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department (CDD) to examine the feasibility, legal considerations, and administrative requirements of permitting qualified third-party guarantors or co-signers for applicants to Inclusionary Housing units and provide recommendations as to whether such a policy could responsibly expand access to these units.
  59. 7 That the City Manager is requested to assess opportunities to improve the consistency of how meeting information is posted and accessed on the City’s website.
  60. 8 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments as well as the Election Commissioners to review guidance from the IRS and consult with other municipalities in order to simplify our processes for paying election workers.
  61. 9 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to instruct all City departments, boards, commissions, and offices to discontinue all official posting and engagement on X within 60 days; and to include an explanation of why the City will no longer use X.
  62. 10 That the City Manager is requested to direct the Community Development Department and the Transportation Department to meet with Harvard's Office of Community Relations and the Longwood Collective (MASCO) to harmonize institutional bus protocols with public-facing commitments.
  63. 11 That the City Manager is requested to direct relevant City departments and staff to examine and report back on whether the city can require single-stall public bathrooms to be gender-neutral.
  64. 12 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to review the current legal landscape and provide recommendations for how to regulate construction of large data centers in Cambridge.
  65. 13 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to raise the fee of the parking permit program for all residents to $75, consider how to include a self-identified check off option so as not to increase administrative costs for a subsidized fee of $25 for residents who live in affordable housing, are enrolled in a program such as SNAP or are low income, remove the senior exemption for the residential parking permit program and lower the number of cars that individual residents are allowed to get a residential parking permit for from four to two.
  66. 14 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested work with relevant City departments to provide a report on how the decision to install artificial turf was made, the rationale for artificial turf, and what process was taken to ensure community concerns and public health considerations were fully addressed, and to ensure that construction will not move forward until a report is delivered.
  67. 15 That the City Manager is requested to update the City’s “Succession Planning and Employee Ownership Workbook” and any comparable written or online guidance so that worker buyouts and worker cooperatives are clearly presented as standard succession options for retiring business owners.
  68. 16 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with relevant City staff to review City ordinances regulating the operation of food vendors in City parks.
  69. 17 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant staff to explore options for commissioning a comparable housing needs study through a qualified research institution.
  70. 18 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant City departments to do extensive outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the current water level status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.
  71. 19 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to review the state bills referenced as well as the previously filed Home Rule Petition and prepare a new Home Rule Petition that would allow Cambridge to install and operate cameras to enforce red light, speeding, or other moving violations as outlined in H.3754 and S.2344 and the prior home rule.
  72. 20 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments stop using ShotSpotter, including turning off and physically removing the surveillance tools no later than 90 days.
  73. 21 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the Mayor’s Office, Law Department, Election Commission, and other relevant City Departments to engage the Collins Center in assisting the City in reviewing policy options for allowing Cambridge voters to directly elect the City’s Mayor.
  74. 22 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with relevant departments to keep unchanged the current fee treatment for senior citizens, as for persons with handicap permits, by maintaining the existing exemption for seniors with respect to the proposed new charges.
  75. 23 That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to direct the Cambridge Department of Transportation (CDOT) and any other relevant departments to halt any further design, engineering, procurement, or construction activities related to implementing a reconfiguration of Garden Street to restore two-way motor-vehicle traffic or relocate the existing Bluebikes station and provide the City Council with a written update within six months of passage of this Order describing an alternative set of safety improvements that do not restore two-way motor vehicle traffic on Garden Street.