City Council - Regular Meeting

May 12, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 99 items

1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to technical corrections that should be made to the Floodplain Zoning text.
1 That the City Manager is requested to meet with the leadership of the Harvard Square Business Association to discuss the proposal and to take the necessary steps to facilitate the release of $72,000 to fund the RFP development for the tunnel engineering study.
2 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.
3 Policy Order For Expansion of Municipal Vouchers and Renewal of the Rise Up Program
4 City Council Reappoint Joseph McCann to the Position of City Auditor
1 1. The City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Inclusionary Housing Study, explore remedies to address the lack of housing starts and provide for consideration draft amendments to the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, and explore other incentives to encourage developers to include affordable units beyond the requirement voluntarily.
2 1. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-22, regarding a request 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. PLACED ON THE TABLE IN COUNCIL MAY 5, 2025
3 1. 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
1 A communication was received from Abigail Starr, regarding Support for policy orders on today's agenda.
2 A communication was received from Alexandra Irving, regarding 18 Clinton MC-6545 Cambridge multi-unit rented housing replaced with multimillion single family homes for sale.
3 A communication was received from Andrew Ray, regarding Support for POR 2025 #70.
4 A communication was received from Andy Nash PO #6, regarding Andy Nash PO #6.
5 A communication was received from Ayah Roda, regarding Support for Policy Order #68 - Massachusetts Housing Coalition.
6 A communication was received from Beth Gamse, regarding PO#6 Vote No.
7 A communication was received from Alexandra Irving, regarding Cambridge multi-unit rented housing replaced with multimillion single family homes for sale.
8 A communication was received from Carol Lee Rawn, regarding Support for adding bike pod storage_ the Mass Central Rail Trail_ and civilian flaggers.
9 A communication was received from Central Square Tenants Rabbi Yoni, regarding Cambridge City Resources -- Last Year Policy Order -- Let's fund more restrictive version_ This year_.
10 A communication was received from Central Square Tenants Union Rabbi Yoni, regarding Federal Update -- Vouchers for Fair Housing Enforcement.
11 A communication was received from David Mazumder, regarding Support Secure Bike Storage in Cambridge.
12 A communication was received from Denise Jillson, regarding POR2025 #68.
13 A communication was received from Dr. Alex Yu & Dr. Siyu Huang, regarding Written communication regarding May 5th 5_30pm City Council Meeting IV_ Applications and Petitions #1.
14 A communication was received from Duane Callender Sara Rivera, regarding communication for city council agenda.
15 A communication was received from Elisabeth Werby, regarding Policy Order #6.
16 A communication was received from Ellen Crocker, regarding Support Policy Order 6.
17 A communication was received from Ethan Frank, regarding Supporting first floor retail.
18 A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, regarding Policy order #69.
19 A communication was received from Gertrude(Trudi)Goodman, regarding To The Cambridge City Council Re Order 6_ May 5_ 2025.
20 A communication was received from Henri-Louis Girard, regarding Secure Bike Storage in Cambridge.
21 A communication was received from Hines, regarding Yes on Policy Order 6!.
22 A communication was received from Ira Nichols-Barrer, regarding support for IZ study (PO 2025 #68).
23 A communication was received from Jackson Moore-Otto, regarding Support for IZ Study.
24 A communication was received from Jessie Lan, regarding Upcoming Policy Order Positions.
25 A communication was received from Jodie Cohen-Tanugi, regarding Bike storage.
26 A communication was received from John Hanratty, regarding PO#6 Vote No (1).
27 A communication was received from John R. Cusack Gregory Poole James Burrows, regarding Policy Order #5 - Reduce Inclusionary Zoning from 20%.
28 A communication was received from Joseph Sultan, regarding In favor of Councilor Toner's upcoming policy order.
29 A communication was received from Kathleen Moore, regarding In support of Policy Orders 5 and 7.
30 A communication was received from Laverty Lohnes, regarding Properties First in Council.
31 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Residents Alliance supports PO #6 to fund vouchers and more.
32 A communication was received from Leslie Cohen & Dave Slaney, regarding Support Policy Order #6.
33 A communication was received from Liz Layton, regarding In support of POR2025c#69 and CNA2025 #110.
34 A communication was received from Marie Elena Saccoccio, regarding Opposition to Policy Order_ 7_ First floor retail policy order Councillor Azeem_ Vice Mayor McGovern_ Councillor Toner_ Councillor Wilson POR 2025 #70.
35 A communication was received from Mary Jane Kornacki, regarding addition human service program funding.
36 A communication was received from Nan Doyle, regarding PO#6 -- please vote No.
37 A communication was received from Nate Sharpe, regarding Please support adding secure bike storage_ completion of the MCRT_ and using civilian traffic flaggers.
38 A communication was received from Nonie Valentine, regarding Police powers.
39 A communication was received from Patrick W Barrett III, regarding Inclusionary Zoning.
40 A communication was received from Richard Krushnic, regarding Rise to the occasion_ support all 4 vulnerable groups.
41 A communication was received from Sarah Block, regarding Monday policy order support bike pods_ mass rail trail and civilian flaggers.
42 A communication was received from Sean Hart, regarding IZ Language—Policy Order #5.
43 A communication was received from Seanna Berry, regarding Support of secure storage for bikes.
44 A communication was received from Sheli Wortis, regarding support for items on Council agenda_ May 5_ 2025.
45 A communication was received from Steve Wineman, regarding Policy Order 6 - please vote yes.
46 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding SeriouslyI_ Commercial everywhere and moves against affordability in housing .
47 A communication was received from Thomas A. Collet, regarding Please support bicycling initiatives.
48 A communication was received from Tony PiniToner, regarding Nolan Ordinance.
49 A communication was received from Walter Popper, regarding MCRT.
50 A communication was received from Central Square Tenants Rabbi Yoni, regarding Federal Funding Stabilization Funds -- Municipal Vouchers to Support CHA Tenants -- City Manager's Agenda.
51 A communication was received from Central Square Tenants Rabbi Yoni, regarding Support for 20% Inclusionary Zoning -- Opposition to Policy Order #68.
52 A communication was received from Ernie Kim, regarding In support of Policy Order #6.
53 A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding typo in March 3 minutes.
54 A communication was received from Justin Saif, regarding Strong Support for More Federal Stability Funding and Making IZ Work.
55 A communication was received from Logan Beyer, regarding comments at tonight's City Council meeting.
56 A communication was received from Neil Miller, regarding Support increasing city budget and growing tax base.
57 A communication was received from Nicola Williams, regarding Residents Alliance supports PO #6 to fund vouchers and more.
58 Nike Tirman, regarding STOP THESE AGEIST POLICIES PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY to preserve parking on Broadway!.
59 A communication was received from Regis Shields, regarding Public Comment Submission.
60 A communication was received from Richard Goldberg, regarding Support Policy Order #6.
61 A communication was received from Sharmil Modi, regarding POR 2025 #68 - Inclusionary Zoning.
62 A communication was received from Shelley Rieman, regarding PO #6.
63 A communication was received from Wenxin Du, regarding Letter of support for 49 Alpine St Cambridge.
64 A communication was received from Kai Yu, regarding Support for curb cut in 49 Alpine St.
65 A communication was received from Dan Jossman, regarding 49 Alpine Street.
66 A communication was received from Suzanne Haber, regarding curb cut creates an essential ADA-compliant parking stall.
67 A communication was received from Anne Sundaram, regarding No to tax raises.
1 Congratulations to Janice Alger on her retirement from The Department of Human Services
2 Congratulations to Patrol Officer Jacques Desrosiers on his retirement from The Cambridge Police Department
3 Congratulations to 2025 Inspire Awards Winners
4 Resolution On The Death Of Colleen Proffit Jones
5 Condolences on the death of Delores M. Coleman (Andrew)
6 Resolution Congratulating Maura Mendoza on Album Release
7 Resolution Congratulating Diane LeBlanc On Her Retirement
2 An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk Diane P. LeBlanc, relative to amend Articles 5.000 and 20.000 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. PASSED TO A SECOND READING ON COUNCIL MAY 12, 2025 ELIGIBLE TO BE ORDAINED JUNE 2, 2025
1 A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
2 A communication was received from Director of Housing, Chris Cotter, transmitting Inclusionary Housing Program - New Development related to Charter Right #1 regarding Inclusionary Housing.
1 Awaiting Report Status Update 05.12.25
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 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 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.
6 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.
7 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.
8 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Community Development Department to develop a timeline for the next Incentive Zoning Nexus Study.
9 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.
10 That the City Manager is requested to establish a Lost and Found program at Cambridge City Hall.
11 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.
12 That the City Manager investigate bike pod storage options to be placed in suitable areas in the City to provide residents and visitors safe storage options.
13 That the City Manager is requested to prepare an update with details on the status of potential civilian flagger operations in the Cambridge police union contract and work with relevant city staff to explore a civilian traffic flagger program and update the current police union contract on the City's website.

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