City Council - Regular Meeting

September 8, 2025 ·03:30 PM Final

Agenda PDF Minutes PDF Official record ↗

Agenda — 80 items

1 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a federal update including an update on relevant court cases.
2 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $10,200.00 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($8,200.00) and to the Grant Fund Fire Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($2,000.00) to provide funds to continue the SAFE Program that educates students in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment. The amount allocated to salary and wages will cover the overtime costs for the firefighters who participate in the program.
3 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $3,100.00 to the Grant Fund Fire Salaries and Wages account ($3,100.00) to provide funds for the Senior SAFE Program that educates seniors in the dangers of fire and its effect on people, property, and the environment. The amount allocated to salary and wages will cover the overtime costs for the firefighters who participate in the program.
4 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $120,000, received from the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) Jail Diversion Program, to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($120,000). Grant funds will be used to continue the Co-response program with one clinician through June 2026.
5 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $10,000, to the Grant Fund Police Department Salaries and Wages Account ($5,000) and to the Grant Fund Police Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($5,000). Grant funds will be used to support costs related to providing aftercare support such as supplies that individuals can bring with them to detox such as clothing, supplies (including Narcan) and personal hygiene products and transportation to treatment or clinical care services. A portion of the funding will also be allocated towards providi
6 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of of $217,963.00, to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($211,997.00), to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($4,680.00), and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Travel and Training account ($1,286.00). In addition to the ABE teaching (Math and ELA -English Language Arts), this grant provides funding for the Career Connections program, advising (education, and career advising), professional development for teachers and staff, as well
7 Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $100,000.00 to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Salaries and Wages account ($42,963.00) and to the Grant Fund Human Service Programs Other Ordinary Maintenance account ($57,037.00). The purpose of the grant is to provide an integrated education and training program for immigrant adults in the Metro North area who are interested in becoming certified nursing assistants and home health aides (CNA/HHA).
8 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointment of Sephany Alexis, Sally Benbasset, and Christina Turner and the reappointment of Elizabeth Aguilo, Rowan Murphy, and Michelle Lower as members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee for a term of three years.
9 A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to amendments to the Cambridge Tobacco Ordinance.
1 That the City Council go on record recognizing November 2025 as Alzheimer's Awareness Month and in formally endorsing Cambridge's continued participation in the "Light the World in Teal" initiative on November 3, 2025.
2 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Department of Transportation, the Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and any other relevant City departments to assess the current accessible parking capacity in the vicinity of Kendall Square and identify potential solutions, which may include adding dedicated accessible parking spaces, creating short-term accessible loading/unloading zones, or implementing other reasonable accommodations
3 That the City Manager is requested to consult with the appropriate City departments, including the City Solicitor’s Office, to establish a formal policy that clearly defines the City’s role and financial responsibilities in supporting large-scale public events hosted by Cambridge-based non-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
4 That the City Manager is requested to work with the appropriate City staff to ensure that, effective immediately (and for each fiscal year in which the Office for Tourism continues to receive TDMD funding) that the City shall redirect its municipal funding to distribute those funds equally among the Central Square Business Improvement District (BID), the East Cambridge Business Association, the Harvard Square Business Association, and the Kendall Square Association. CHARTER RIGHT EXERCISED BY COUNCILLOR TONER IN COUNCIL SEPTEMBER 8, 2025. REFERRED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & UNIVERSITY RELAT
5 That the City Manager is requested to work with the Community Development Department, the City Assessor, and all other relevant departments to develop a comprehensive policy for future private development projects in the city.
6 Proclaim the week of September 15 through September 21, 2025 as National Diaper Need Awareness Week in the City of Cambridge.
7 That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Election Commission, the City Solicitor, and the City Clerk, and report back to the City Council no later than the September 15, 2025 City Council meeting on the Policy Order regarding the deadline for Charter Change.
8 That 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.
9 That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments and multi-member bodies to report back to the City Council and inform the community of the work of, and when the recommendations coming from the Micromobility Commission will be available.
10 That the City Manager is requested to consult with relevant departments about the implications of deploying license plate readers and provide recommendations as to whether adjustments in plans for deployment should be made in light of changes since approval in February.
11 That the City Manager is requested to work with all relevant departments on zoning amendments to incentivize multifamily zoning while allowing reasonable development of single and two- family homes, the “balanced incentive approach” which is Option Four outlined in the presentation to the NLTP Committee.
1 1. That the City Manager is requested to coordinate with the Community Safety Department, the Cambridge Police Department, and other relevant parties to ensure that the overnight use of the garden area between St. James Episcopal Church and the Beech Street condos is actively monitored.
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
1 An application was received from Brian Chipman representing Cannabis Dispensary, requesting permission for a projecting blade sign at the premises numbered 1960 Massachusetts Avenue approval has been received from Inspectional Services, Department of Public Works, Community Development Department and abutters proof of mailing.
2 An application was received from William Rothfuchs, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 48 Park Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
3 An application was received from Yi Yue, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 29 Line Street; said petition has received approval from Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking and Transportation, Historical Commission and Public Works. No response has been received from the neighborhood association.
4 Request has been received from Sam Stienberg representing CVS, regarding Revocation of Bond #012023137 for CVS, 1390 Massachusetts Avenue. Response from the Inspectional Services Department has been received confirming said sign has been removed.
1 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding Please re-consider 1877 84-86 Ellery St from demolition.
2 A communication was received from Caitlin Klinger, regarding Response to Unfinished Business #6 for Meeting on 8_4_25.
3 A communication was received from Carolann Barrett, regarding remarks about PO3_ August 4_ 2025 -- with attachment.
4 A communication was received from Carolyn Fuller, regarding CMA 2025 #176 August 27_ 2025.
5 A communication was received from Catherine LeBlanc, regarding Cambridge CSO When is this disgusting dumping going to stop_
6 A communication was received from Daniel Heller, regarding POR 2025 # 110.msg.
7 A communication was received from David Kudan, regarding Vote to support OPTION #4 for Garden Street.
8 A communication was received from Earl Miller, regarding Linear park.
9 A communication was received from Elaine O’Reilly, regarding Unfinished Business # 6 at 8_4 meeting.
10 A communication was received from Eryn Johnson, regarding Letter to Cambridge City Council re Community Benefits 08042025.
11 A communication was received from Geeta Pradhan, regarding Community Benefits - East Cambridge Overlay district vote.
12 A communication was received from Gerald Bergman, regarding Free speech demonstrations on the weekends of August 3 and 10.
13 A communication was received from Heather Hoffman, regarding DETERMINATION - 6_4_2013 - OML 2013-76 - CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL.
14 A communication was received from Heather Parker Penzkofer, regarding Support for Approved Linear Park Bike Path Restoration Project.
15 A communication was received from Kathy Roberts, regarding Police Riot Sunday August 3.
16 A communication was received from Kelli Higgins, regarding Official Invitation- Harvard Association of Black Women.
17 A communication was received from L. Margaret Kramer, regarding Support Curb Cut Application #1169903 at 29 Line Street.
18 A communication was received from Laura B. Roberts, regarding testimony from tonight's Council meeting.
19 A communication was received from Laurie Rothstein, regarding Testimony re_ proposed $3.2M CBF compromise.
20 A communication was received from Lee Farris, regarding Residents Alliance support for Welcoming Communities changes, Unfinished Business #7.
21 A communication was received from Marilee Meyer, regarding Please re-consider 1877 84-86 Ellery St from demolition.
22 A communication was received from Mary Ann Donofrio, regarding Vote on Bio-Med Benefits to East End House
23 A communication was received from Mary E. Caulfield, regarding St. James's Church PO-3.
24 A communication was received from Matthew Stewart, regarding A letter regarding the proposed Policy Order around St. James's Episcopal Church and the unhoused.
25 A communication was received from O. Robert Simha, regarding East Cambridge Community Enhancement Overlay Zoning.
26 A communication was received from Rachel Roccoberton, regarding regarding Unfinished Business #6_ Community Benefits Fund.
27 A communication was received from Rebekah Bjork, regarding Writing in support of POR 2025 #110 Aug 4, 2025 O-5.
28 A communication was received from Sarah Hill, regarding Public Comment 8.14.25 (002).
29 A communication was received from Scott Kilcoyne, regarding Why does the city have chemical weapons to use on its residents.
30 A communication was received from Steve Wineman, regarding Please vote no on Policy Order #3.
31 A communication was received from Suzanne Blier, regarding Report on 84-86 Ellery St.
32 A communication was received from Taylor K. Callahan, regarding Community Benefits Fund and The DC.
33 A communication was received from Young Kim, regarding My Oral Comments on CMA #20 & #21.
34 A communication was received from Rebekah Bjork, regarding POR 2025 #108 - Sharing the work of St. James's.
35 A communication was received from Terry Crystal, regarding Zoning Consequences.
36 A communication was received from Jonathan Slate, regarding Response to City Manager Letter of August 4 to City Council Regarding Westley Avenue.
1 Condolences on the death of Thomas W. Collins.
2 Condolences to the family of Joan Whitaker.
3 Condolences to the family of John Semper.
4 Congratulations to the winners of the Bluebike PSA Poster Design Contest.
5 Congratulations to Cynthia Shelton Harris for her promotion to Executive Director of Veterans’ Services.
6 Condolences on the death of Elizabeth Camacho.
7 Acknowledging the 60th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in Boston.
8 Condolences on the death of Daniel E. Sheehan.
9 Condolences on the death of Lorraine F. Erb-Grande.
10 Condolences to the family and friends of Mary Leno.
11 Congratulations to Virginia B. Johnson on her nomination for an Emmy Award for her work on the Netflix series American Primeval.
12 Congratulations to Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant and Bar on its Grand Opening in Watertown
13 Congratulations to The Sacramento Community Garden
1 A communication was received from Paula M. Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
2 A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting a memorandum regarding City Voter Guide for Ballot Questions - Proponent Argument for Proposed City Charter.
3 A communication was received from Lesley Waxman Assistant Director Cambridge Election Commission
1 Awaiting Report Status Update
2 1. 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.

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