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City Council - Regular Meeting

March 17, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final
Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 112 items

  1. 1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the 2025 Annual Surveillance Report concerning City Departments’ use of Surveillance Technology or Surveillance Data.
  2. 2 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update regarding Federal funding.
  3. 3 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Michael P. Gardner as a member of the Cambridge Retirement Board for a term of three years, effective March 1, 2025.
  4. 4 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $140,000 from the General Fund Department of Transportation Salary and Wages account to the General Fund Department of Transportation Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages) account to cover current and anticipated medical services and/or prescription reimbursement costs for the remainder of the fiscal year, and a lump sum settlement for Traffic and Parking personnel injured in the performance of their duties.
  5. 5 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of 5,000.00 received from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to the Grant Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures account to purchase a new Universal Waste Shed for the DPW Recycle Center. The grant will enable the City to support the Recycle Center and protect the environment by providing a larger space for collecting batteries and fluorescent light bulbs before a contractor hauls them away for safe processing.
  6. 6 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $97,500, to the Grant Fund Public Works Other Ordinary Maintenance Account. These funds will be used to support the implementation of the Zero Waste Master Plan 2.0 through outreach, education, and technical assistance to residents; improving the Recycle Center; and conducting a waste characterization study.
  7. 7 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $570,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of replacement firearms for the Police Department. These funds would support the purchase of replacement firearms for the Department. Police Department firearms are typically replaced on approximately a ten-year cycle. The manufacturer has ceased production of the model currently used and replacements are almost impossible to source. It is important that department personnel are all traine
  8. 8 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $160,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Police Extraordinary Expenditures account for the procurement of a new fully electric accessible transport wagon. This funding will allow the purchase of a fully electric, American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant transport wagon to replace one of the aging F350s. The new vehicle will ensure the safe and comfortable transport of community members to court, shelters, and other service providers.
  9. 9 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $30,000,000 from Free Cash to the Debt Stabilization Fund. This appropriation will be used to mitigate anticipated debt service costs in future years for the City’s major capital projects.
  10. 10 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transfer of $75,000 from the General Fund Human Resources Salaries and Wages account to the General Fund Human Resources Other Ordinary Maintenance (Professional and Technical) account to obtain a Benefits Broker that can provide comprehensive consulting and advisory services to support the city’s employee and retiree benefits programs, including health, vision, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.
  11. 11 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $468,750 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account ($438,750) and to the Grant Fund Fire Travel and Training account ($30,000).
  12. 12 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of$50,000, to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account. Funds will be used to purchase additional nozzles/tips, gauges, and adaptors for high-rise hose kits which were purchased with previous grant monies to be deployed for battling high-rise incidents. The rescue equipment (harnesses) will be used for industrial and rope rescue incidents.
  13. 13 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $39,600.00 to the Grant Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account. The funds will be used for the purchase boots for tech rescue companies, rescue gloves for members of the department, and uniforms and training for the bicycle team.
  14. 14 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $250,000, from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account. The funds will be used to cover unanticipated increases in costs, as well as future expenses through the end of the fiscal year, relating to legal matters handled by outside counsel legal services, stenographers and court reporters, constable services, consultants and experts, as well as filing fees and related costs in matters pending in courts and/or administrative bodies.
  15. 15 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of members to the Climate Committee.
  16. 16 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #24-62, regarding an update on recommendations and planned next steps from the City’s study of resident experiences of inclusion and bias in Inclusionary Housing in Cambridge.
  17. 17 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Item Number 2024-162, regarding proposed amendments to the Cannabis Business Ordinance to add select HCA requirements so the city can waive the HCA requirement and zoning amendment to remove repackaging prohibition.
  18. 18 An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Chapter 5.50 CANNABIS BUSINESS PERMITTING
  19. 19 An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to Zoning Petition to remove the repackaging prohibition as a City Council Zoning Petition. PASSED TO SECOND READING IN COUNCIL MAY 19, 2025. ELIGIBLE TO BE ORDAINED JUNE 9, 2025.
  20. 20 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments of members to the Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee.
  21. 21 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number PO #2025-16, regarding permissible height increases under the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) in the Zoning Ordinance.
  22. 22 An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to amend certain subsections of the Affordable Housing Overlay, Section 11.207 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL MAY 5, 2025 ELIGIBLE TO BE ORDAINED MAY 26, 2025
  23. 23 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #24-58, regarding the feasibility of a successor program to Rise Up Cambridge.
  24. 1 That the City Manager is requested to appoint the members of a working committee tasked with integrating the objectives of both the Task Force to Examine the Status and Wellbeing of the City’s African American/Black Population and the Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys into a unified, actionable framework.
  25. 2 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City departments to draft language to create an Ordinance to insure that vacant store fronts and commercial properties keep their properties in safe and clean conditions.
  26. 3 Designating the Fourth Thursday of March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.
  27. 4 That the City Manager provide the Council with a report before May 31, 2025, that includes a summary of all requests for approval of Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received by the city council during the prior year pursuant to Section 2.128.030 or Section 2.128.040 of the Surveillance Ordinance, including whether the City Council approved, disapproved, or required modifications to the Surveillance Technology Impact Reports received, for the Council to review and adopt
  28. 5 That the City Council approve the motions that passed favorably in the Special Committee of the Whole/Charter Review. Committee Report is attached.
  29. 1 1. An application was received from Brinn Sanders, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 177 Hancock Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. Response has been received from the neighborhood association.
  30. 3 An Ordinance has been received from the City Clerk, relative to Chapter 2.24 - City Clerk Department, Section 2.24.050 entitled "Fee Schedule".
  31. 1 A Zoning Amendment Petition Has been received from Mushla Marasao in regards to Article 5.28.21, 8.22.1, 8.22.2, Tbl 5.1, et al. REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD FOR HEARING AND REPORT IN COUNCIL MARCH 17, 2025
  32. 2 An application was received from Donger Lei representing FUPO CAFE, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 359 Huron Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters.
  33. 3 An application was received from Elizabeth Yanez representing Spanish Immersion School infant Toddler Preschool Pre-K, requesting permission for an awning at the premises numbered 171 Huron Avenue. Approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing has been provided.
  34. 4 A Zoning Amendment Petition Has been received from BMR-320 Charles LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L. P., regarding a Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Cambridge, which, upon adoption would create a new East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay District, or the "ECCE Overlay District,"REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD FOR HEARING AND REPORT IN COUNCIL MARCH 17, 2025
  35. 1 A communication was received from Ann Fleck-Henderson, regarding Policy order #2 - Sanctuary City.
  36. 2 A communication was received from Anne Leslie, regarding Upzoning for Corridors and Squares.
  37. 3 A communication was received from Arti Pandey, regarding Our squares and corridors.
  38. 4 A communication was received from Barbara Anthony, regarding This Isn't About Bike Lanes.
  39. 5 A communication was received from Beverly Seidenberg, regarding Following up on my email advocating for The SPOT.
  40. 6 A communication was received from Bill McAvinney, regarding Please support PO#s 9 10 8 5.
  41. 7 A communication was received from Brendan Hickey, regarding Half Crown-Marsh NCD should not be renewed_.
  42. 8 A communication was received from Brendan Hickey, regarding POR 2025 #25_ Maximum unit size.
  43. 9 A communication was received from Brinn Sanders, regarding Public Comment for City Council Meeting 3_3 (agenda item 27766).
  44. 10 A communication was received from Carolyn Magid, regarding CHJC support for Policy Orders 8_ 9_ and 10 on Monday's Council Agenda.
  45. 11 A communication was received from Carolyn Shipley, regarding Citywide Upzoning.
  46. 12 A communication was received from Cathy Hoffman, regarding Policy Orders 8 9 and sanctuary.
  47. 13 A communication was received from Christine Tessier, regarding Our squares and corridors (15).
  48. 14 A communication was received from Claire Stauffer, regarding Policy Order #2.
  49. 15 A communication was received from Dan Totten, regarding Sanctuary Cities Don't Close Homeless Shelters During the Rise of Facism.
  50. 16 A communication was received from Daniel Hidalgo, regarding Support for Affordable Rent Incentive Program_ broker fees ban_ and maximum unit size.
  51. 17 A communication was received from David E. Sullivan, regarding Support for Affordable Rent Incentive Program_ broker fees ban_ and maximum unit size (16).
  52. 18 A communication was received from Esther Hanig, regarding Support for four policy orders.
  53. 19 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Broker fees_ affordable rents_ and more.
  54. 20 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Supporting Squares & Corridors.
  55. 21 A communication was received from Eunice Williams, regarding Our squares and corridors.
  56. 22 A communication was received from Franziska Amacher, regarding Our squares and corridors (11).
  57. 23 A communication was received from Galina Tan, regarding Support for Policy Order #2 to protect our transgender community.
  58. 24 A communication was received from Zack Goldberg, regarding Our squares and corridors.
  59. 25 A communication was received from Yann Dardonville, regarding I support reaffirming Cambridge’s status as a Sanctuary City. (YES on POR #18 on 3/3 agenda).
  60. 26 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding Final Multifamily Zoning Petitions.
  61. 27 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding P.O. 1 & 9 The Horse is Out of the Barn & Please Avoid Critical Mistakes Going Forward.
  62. 28 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding On Upzoning the Corridors & Squares: MAPC says we need apartments (not lux condos) & Economics Quote of the week: People are very bad at macroeconomics.
  63. 29 A communication was received from John Whisnant, regarding Our squares and corridors (1).
  64. 30 A communication was received from Julia Randall, regarding policy order #2 - transgender sanctuary city.
  65. 31 A communication was received from Julia Schlozman, regarding Support for Policy Orders 5_ 8_ 9_ and 10.
  66. 32 A communication was received from Justin Saif, regarding Support for Housing Policy Orders 5_ 8_ 9_ and 10.
  67. 33 A communication was received from Karen Klein, regarding Our squares and corridors (12).
  68. 34 A communication was received from Karene-Sean Hines, regarding Questions regarding drones.
  69. 35 A communication was received from Larry Cetrulo Lynn Cetrulo, Kate Bjornlund, Kyle Bjornlund, regarding, Our squares and corridors (7).
  70. 36 A communication was received from Lawrence G. Cetrulo and Lynn T. Cetrulo, regarding Final Multifamily Zoning Petitions.
  71. 37 Lee Farris Residents Alliance support for PO 2 including trans and non-binary people in sanctuary city
  72. 38 A communication was received from Lucia Mudd, regarding Our squares and corridors.
  73. 39 A communication was received from Susan Ringler, regarding Hard Fiscal Choices NOW.
  74. 40 A communication was received from Lynne Reiss, regarding Proposed 8-9 story tax-payer funded AHO on Wendell St_ project.
  75. 41 A communication was received from Susan Pharr, regarding The Council's work has just begun: Now please work to minimize the harm that Upzoning is on course to cause for many residents.
  76. 42 A communication was received from Margaret Ann Brady, regarding Central Square planning .
  77. 43 A communication was received from Susan, regarding Our squares and corridors.
  78. 44 A communication was received from Margaret Compher, regarding Our squares and corridors (3).
  79. 45 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding #9-regulation of unit size.
  80. 46 A communication was received from Susan Lapides, regarding Please vote NO on citywide upzoning petition.
  81. 47 A communication was received from Mark Kon, regarding strong concerns about mis-direction of Cambridge.
  82. 48 A communication was received from Marlene Brown, regarding Our squares and corridors (1).
  83. 49 A communication was received from Susan Carter, regarding Surveillance Technology CMA 2025 #11.
  84. 50 Nonie Valentine Our squares and corridors
  85. 51 A communication was received from Susan Carter, regarding Our squares and corridors.
  86. 52 A communication was received from Steve Wineman, regarding Please vote YES on Policy Order #18.
  87. 53 A communication was received from Peter Norris, regarding Our squares and corridors (10).
  88. 54 A communication was received from Phillip Sego, regarding Our squares and corridors (6).
  89. 55 A communication was received from Quinton Zondervan, regarding There is no question whatsoever that the Council has the power to discontinue use of surveillance tecnology.
  90. 56 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni, regarding Support for Prohibition of Tenant-Paid Broker Fees Sanctuary for Vulnerable Renters.
  91. 57 A communication was received from Rika Welsh, regarding Thanks a lot for not listening to residents who are about this City.
  92. 58 A communication was received from Steve Wineman, regarding Please restore funding for the TWC.
  93. 59 A communication was received from Ruthann Rudel, regarding Support POR 2025 #25 AND limit # bathrooms also!.
  94. 60 A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding support for tenants.
  95. 61 A communication was received from Sarah Swettberg, regarding Policy Order #2.
  96. 62 A communication was received from Sam Polzin, regarding Support for Action of Housing Affordability.
  97. 63 A communication was received from Eoin Power, regarding Opposition to Half Crown Marsh NCD.
  98. 64 A communication was received from Steven E. Miller, regarding Please Support Policy Order POR 2025 #21.
  99. 65 A communication was received from Gordon Moore, regarding Planning Board mis-function.
  100. 66 A communication was received from Dari V., regarding Parking.
  101. 67 A communication was received from Andrew M. Solomon, regarding Build density.
  102. 1 Happy 93rd Birthday wishes to Moses Moore.
  103. 2 Congratulations to Deborah Mason on her 50th Anniversary of dedication to the arts and dance education in Cambridge
  104. 3 Congratulations to Ronit Barkai on her retirement from Transition House.
  105. 4 Congratulations to Officer Oswaldo Ortiz on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.
  106. 5 Congratulations to Fire Lieutenant Adam Shuman on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department.
  107. 6 Congratulations to Heli Medeiros on retiring from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
  108. 7 Congratulations to the 3rd Annual "Public Vs. Prep" Tournament.
  109. 1 A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
  110. 2 A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting City Charter - Update Regarding Alternative Mayoral Selection Proposals and Other Updates. REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/CHARTER REVIEW IN COUNCIL MARCH 17, 2025
  111. 1 Awaiting Report Status Update
  112. 2 1. Provide an update to the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan (MFIP) including revised cost estimates to help inform the FY26 and ongoing capital budget priorities in a timely manner.

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