City Council - Regular Meeting

April 28, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 91 items

1 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000 from the School Department Salary and Wages account to the School Department Other Ordinary Maintenance Account ($600,000) and the School Department Travel and Training Account ($400,000). The transfer will be used to fund the costs of medical services and bills for staff receiving worker's compensation and settlement costs related to School Department personnel and/or students, as well as for increased costs for transportation for students experiencing homelessness, eligible through the McKi
2 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the FY 2026 submitted budget and appropriation orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund. PLACED ON UNFINISHED BUSINESS AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN COUNCIL APRIL 28, 2025
3 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Ahern Field and surrounding amenities. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
4 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $16,500,000 to provide funds for the reconstruction of various City streets and sidewalks. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
5 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $11,100,000 to provide funds for the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan. Funds will support significant building improvements and deferred maintenance projects. Proposed projects include but are not limited to upgrades of Public Works facilities, municipal offices, youth centers, branch libraries, fire stations, and deferred maintenance. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
6 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $19,986,000 to provide funds for financing school building upgrades. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
7 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $27,500,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of surface enhancements and sewer and drainage infrastructure improvements in Central Square. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
8 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $3,000,000 to provide funds for the sewer Combined Sewer Overflow Program and for planning and design of a floodwater storage tank. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
9 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $7,500,000 to provide funds for the sewer Capital Repairs Program and projects related to climate change preparedness efforts. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
10 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $15,250,000 to provide funds for Ozone Generator replacement; Lead Service Line replacement; and water works construction projects in coordination with DPW street restoration projects, which include repair and or replacement of water infrastructure at Dana Street, Sciarappa Street, Massachusetts Ave 4, Haskell Street and Hillside Avenue. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
11 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation and authorization to borrow $1,600,000 to provide funds for the design and construction of open space at Wilder Lee Playground and play areas at 359 Broadway. PASSED TO A SECOND READING AND REFERRED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
12 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on Summer 2025 Programs.
13 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on the Community Safety Department.
14 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-09, regarding protection of Cambridge students and other bus riders.
15 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-8, regarding a request to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years.
16 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $15,000, to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($11,000) and the Grant Fund Police Department Salaries and Wages Account ($4,000). This is the third year of this multi-year grant. Grant funds will be used for costs related to providing aftercare support and supplies for individuals as part of detox including clothing; supplies (including Narcan) and personal hygiene products; transportation to treatment or clinical care services; assistance with vital documents to aid re
17 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report #25-21, regarding implementing an outreach and assistance campaign to assist with eviction records.
18 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager regarding the Transition Wellness Center (TWC).
1 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to illuminate City Hall in green for Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2025, in coordination with the Cambridge Public Health Department’s awareness efforts.
2 That the City Manager is requested to establish a Lost and Found program at Cambridge City Hall.
3 That the City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate departments to review the city’s digital equity work to date, assessing whether residents’ digital needs are or could be better provided for and to propose how we can better meet their needs.
4 City Council requesting that the Chair of the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee initiate the process of re-appointing the City Auditor.
5 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to assemble a list of public and private spaces available to the public, indoors and outdoors, noting contact information and any associated requirements, ensuring that there are public meeting places identified in each neighborhood.
1 An application was received from Metro Sign & Awning Brian representing BAKEY, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 238 Main Street approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing has been provided.
1 A communication was received from Alexandra Irving, regarding Affordable housing replaced with multimillion single family homes.
2 A communication was received from Daniel Vlock, regarding Garden Street Outcome.
3 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Cambridge Access and Mobility Plan.
4 A communication was received from Franklin Reece, regarding Garden Street Outcome (1).
5 A communication was received from Fred Fantini, regarding BioMed project-.
6 A communication was received from Helen Walker, regarding Qualified Support for AHO Heights Zoning Petition (ORD_ 2025 #7).
7 A communication was received from John Leo, regarding Support for Eliminating Renter-Paid Broker Fees in Cambridge.
8 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding support museums and cultural institutions from defunding_.
9 A communication was received from Nonie Valentine, regarding Thank you for Harvard demonstration.
10 A communication was received from Timothy O'Donnell, regarding Shelter @ Spaulding.
11 A communication was received from Norman Daoust, regarding POR 2025 #50 Transitional Wellness Center.
12 A communication was received from John Trever, regarding I continue to support Paul Toner.
13 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, regarding Urgent Need for Tenant Right to Counsel in Light of Federal Fair Housing Enforcement Cuts re_ Federal Update CMA 2025 #80.
14 A communication was received from Nolan Surma, regarding Keep Spaulding Shelter Open.
15 A communication was received from Jane Park, regarding POR 2025 #50 Continued funding of the transitional wellness center.
16 A communication was received from Ellen Mei, regarding Keep the Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding open!.
17 A communication was received from Deb Nicholson, regarding Keep Spaulding Open.
18 A communication was received from Jane Park, regarding POR 2025 #50 Continued funding of the transitional wellness center.
19 A communication was received from Nolan Surma, regarding Keep Spaulding Shelter Open.
20 A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding a quibble on the March 24 minutes.
21 A communication was received from Michael A Connolly, regarding N9C_ Rising Rents - Bye Bye Mr_ Bear.
22 A communication was received from Robert Cesari, regarding The Transition Wellness Center at Spaulding.
23 A communication was received from Richard Freierman, regarding Garden Street Outcome.
24 A communication was received from Nicolai Cauchy, regarding Cambridge No Longer in a ‘Critical’ Drought - so let's BUILD ASAP.
25 A communication was received from Lucy Murray-Brown, regarding Please support these 3 critical issues .
26 A communication was received from Joe Adiletta, regarding Garden Street Outcome (3).
27 A communication was received from Jeffrey Singer, regarding Garden Street Outcome.
28 A communication was received from Benjamin Flaim, regarding Garden Street Outcome (2).
29 A communication was received from Nike Tirman, regarding RETAIN ALL PARKING ON BROADWAY.
31 A communication was received from Helen Abraham, regarding Removing Broadway Parking and Cambridge Upzoning.
32 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni, regarding Strong Support for Fuel Assistance for FY26 Budget_.
33 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni, regarding Shows the importance of reliable broadband.
34 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, regarding Union $5M Stabilization Fund for Federal Funding Gaps.
35 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, regarding Fund a Legally Defensible_ High-Impact Right to Counsel Pilot for Indigent Tenants in Inclusionary and Subsidized Housing with Pending Fair Housing Complaints More Targeted Than Rise.
36 A communication was received from Rabbi Yoni Central Square Tenants, regarding Fund a Right to Counsel Pilot to Support Indigent Tenants in Inclusionary and Subsidized Housing who Filed MCAD Complaints.
37 A communication was received from Taylor Shay, regarding Unit 421 mice infestation causing illness.
38 A communication was received from Cynthia Hibbard, regarding Cambridge Climate Committee Review and Comments on the Draft Zero Waste Master Plan 2_0.
1 Congratulations to Lieutenant Thomas Glynn on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.
2 Congratulations to Firefighter Stephon Kinn on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department.
3 Congratulations to Captain John R. Mulligan on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department.
4 Congratulations to Sugar & Spice Thai Restaurant for being named the 2025 New England Family-Owned Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
5 Congratulations to Lieutenant Steven Brown on his retirement from the Cambridge Fire Department.
6 Congratulations to Deputy Superintendent Anthony Macone on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.
7 Congratulations to Officer Victor Martignetti on his retirement from the Cambridge Police Department.
8 Congratulations to Bernard Ahearn on his retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
9 Congratulations to Frances Kleiger on her retirement from the Cambridge Health Alliance.
10 Resolution Congratulating CEOC on 60 Years
1 A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
1 Awaiting Report Status Update 04.28.25
1 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a Home Rule Petition to enact legislation which would allow the City of Cambridge to prohibit associations from unreasonably restricting the use of a solar energy system.
2 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a draft home rule petition to authorize the City of Cambridge to implement automated parking enforcement technology; and to continue to work with the City of Boston to collaborate on the home rule process.
3 The City Manager is requested to report back to the City Council with a update on the status and timeline for the completion of the Grand Junction Multiuse Path and how implementation between Gore Street and Little Binney could coincide with Phase 2 of the CSO implementation on Cambridge Street.
4 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to develop zoning recommendations, pursuant to M.G.L. c.40A §9B, for regulations to encourage the use of solar energy systems and protect solar access for Registered Solar Energy Systems that have been in existence for one year, per Ordinance Ch. 22.60, specifically on structures over 4 stories.
5 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to prepare a report on the use of M.G.L. Ch. 40U to determine which local statutes can be enforced by the local-option procedure in order to better collect fines in violation of Cambridge ordinances and provide a recommendation to the City Council for implementation of Ch. 40U procedures.
6 The City Manager is requested to create a plan with a schedule and milestones to move forward with the creation of a Municipal Broadband Network and present it for consideration by the Council at a Finance Committee meeting in the context of capital projects for coming years.
7 The City Manager is requested to confer with the relevant departments about exploring how the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department can advance protection of Cambridge students and other bus riders as authorized by the two new Massachusetts laws.
8 The City Manager is requested to direct the appropriate City staff to coordinate with the MBTA in finding ways in which to strengthen safety measures.
9 The City Manager is requested to exert all appropriate influence on EZ Ride and Passio to take immediate and concrete steps to fully resolve tracking deficiencies and improve real-time transit accuracy for riders.
10 The City Manager is requested to work with all appropriate Departments to develop language to create an “Affordable Rent Incentive Program” program for Cambridge and to report back to the City Council with option, including the percentage of possible tax abatements.
11 The City Manager is requested to commit to prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands for the rest of this and future snow seasons and direct appropriate City staff to generate a policy for prioritizing snow removal from crosswalks and pedestrian islands after snow storms.
12 The City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to create a plaque to be placed at the entrance of or inside City Hall that demonstrates the values that the Cambridge City Council upholds of the separation of church and state and gender equality.
13 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.
14 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
15 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
16 hat the City Manager is requested to work with the Office of the Housing Liaison and all relevant departments to ensure the successful implementation of an outreach and assistance campaign to provide broad and equitable access to eviction record sealing for eligible Cambridge tenants.
17 at the City Manager is requested to work with the School Department, the Department of Public Works, and other relevant departments to open the publicly owned parking at the King Open/Cambridge Street Upper School Complex for either residential free parking or commercial parking opportunities during “off” hours.
18 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant City departments to do more outreach to residents, businesses, and property owners to communicate the drought status and take all measures to reduce nonessential water use citywide, and provide a report on citywide water usage and water supply.

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