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Cambridge City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting

March 16, 2020

31 recorded votes, 2 with disagreement.

Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page

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Attendance

Present: Dennis Carlone, Alanna Mallon, Marc McGovern, Patricia Nolan, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Timothy Toomey, Quinton Zondervan

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #59

A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of the following person as a Constable With Power for a term of three years, effective the first...

Minutes, page 2 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #58

A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-20, regarding a response on coronavirus preparedness.

Minutes, page 2 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #60

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $40,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Cable Extraordinary Expenditures account...

Minutes, page 2 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #62

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $4,000,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Extraordinary Expenditures...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #63

A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $7,250,000 for the reconstruction of Glacken Field and playground with an update on lighting....

Minutes, page 3 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #64

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $139,080 from Free Cash to the General Fund Fire Department Other Ordinary Maintenance account...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #65

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,500,000 from Free Cash to the Public Investment Fund Fire Extraordinary Expenditures account...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #66

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the FY20 STEP Grant in the amount of $59,875, received from the Executive Office of Public...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #67

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Shannon Grant in the amount of $33,585.19 received from the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition’s...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #68

A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 18-66, regarding establishing a Young Adult Civic Unity Committee.

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #69

A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as Public Weighers for the calendar year 2020, to operate scales at Boston...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Confirm appointmentPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Calendar – Unfinished Business · POR 2019 #387

Ordain: That section 11.202(b) of Article 11.000, entitled SPECIAL REGULATIONS, of the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Cambridge, be amended the table as follows: January 28, 2020 (Annual...

Minutes, page 6 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDAINED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDAINED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Applications And Petitions · APP 2020 #14

A application was received from MIT Museum requesting permission for 59 temporary existing banners along Massachusetts Avenue, from Memorial Drive to Sidney Street announcing Polaroid Project...

Minutes, page 7 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Applications And Petitions · APP 2020 #15

Refer: A Zoning Petition has been received from Salvatore Zinno Vice President, BMR-Third LLC, to Amend the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance by adding section 13.200 Planned Unit Development at Canal...

Minutes, page 7 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Applications And Petitions · APP 2020 #16

An application was received from BL 27 Brattle MA LLC, requesting permission for an A Frame Sign, 2 tables, 6 chairs and planters in front of the premises numbered 27 Brattle Street thru November...

Minutes, page 7 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Applications And Petitions · APP 2020 #17

An application was received from Foumami Harvard Square LLC , requesting permission for 5 tables and 15 chairs in front of the premises numbered 33 Brattle Street from April 1, 2020 thru November...

Minutes, page 7 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Applications And Petitions · APP 2020 #18

Refer: A Zoning Petition Has been received from Tom Hartingson, requesting that the City Council Ordain the Zoning language set forth relative to the Alewife Quadrangle Northwest Overlay District.

Minutes, page 8 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO ORDINANCE COMMITTEE [9-0-0] Next: 3/23/2020 5:30 PM YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 8 (PDF)

Communications · COM 120 #2020

Communications placed on file together (11 communications, COM 120 #2020 to COM 130 #2020)

Minutes, page 9 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 11 communications (COM 120 #2020, COM 121 #2020, COM 122 #2020, COM 123 #2020, COM 124 #2020, COM 125 #2020, COM 126 #2020, COM 127 #2020, COM 128 #2020, COM 129 #2020, COM 130 #2020); MassVoter lists them as one vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

Resolutions

Resolutions adopted together (17 resolutions, RES 2020 #63 to RES 2020 #79)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 17 resolutions (RES 2020 #63, RES 2020 #64, RES 2020 #65, RES 2020 #66, RES 2020 #67, RES 2020 #68, RES 2020 #69, RES 2020 #70, RES 2020 #71, RES 2020 #72, RES 2020 #73, RES 2020 #74, RES 2020 #75, RES 2020 #76, RES 2020 #77, RES 2020 #78, RES 2020 #79); MassVoter lists them as one vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #49

Coronavirus mitigation.

Minutes, page 16 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #51

That the City Council approve a Real Estate Transfer Fee Home Rule Petition.

Minutes, page 16 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #52

That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to confer with the Inspectional Service Department to increase the fines for absentee property owners who continue to have violations stemming for...

Minutes, page 16 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 16 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #53

That the City Council go on record stating its intent to have Cambridge be one of the pilot communities if Senate Bill 2553 passes

Minutes, page 17 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #54

That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to take all necessary actions to protect the population, including, but not limited to, cancelling all non-essential events and gatherings...

Minutes, page 17 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #55

That the City Council calls on the state government to mandate paid sick-leave policies and a moratorium on utility shutoffs during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Minutes, page 17 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #56

That the City Manager is requested to direct the Water Department to avoid all non-essential water shutoffs during the course of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Minutes, page 17 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 17 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #57

That the City Manager is requested to work with all relative City Departments to develop a comprehensive plan on how to best support our homeless residents, shelters and the programs that support...

Minutes, page 18 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 18 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #58

Support for HD.4935, An Act Providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency

Minutes, page 18 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 18 (PDF)

Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2020 #16

Place on file: A communication was received from Councillor E. Denise Simmons transmitting Coronavirus Preparation

Minutes, page 19 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2020 #17

Place on file: A communication was received from Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, transmitting comments on the 2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance.

Minutes, page 19 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2020 #18

Place on file: A communication was received from Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui regarding COVID-19 Student Supports and Resources List

Minutes, page 19 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 19 (PDF)

From the Cambridge City Council’s official Final Actions, posted by the City Clerk on the city’s meeting portal (and, for meetings before late January 2026, the Open Meeting Portal), linked from the City Council page. We check every vote against the councillors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councillor photos: City of Cambridge (cambridgema.gov), from the official headshots on each councillor’s City Council page. Former councillors show initials.

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