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Cambridge City Council · 2020–2021 Council · Regular meeting

December 21, 2020

27 recorded votes, 8 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 #288

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a COVID-19 update.

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ProceduralPassed · 8–0

PLACED ON FILE [8 TO 0]

Yes: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toomey, ZondervanDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [8 TO 0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #289

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 20-44, regarding a Vaccine Task Force.

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ProceduralPassed · 8–0

PLACED ON FILE [8 TO 0]

Yes: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toomey, ZondervanDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [8 TO 0] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan ABSENT: Councillor Simmons.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #290

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant in the amount of $716,596.00 funded by the...

Minutes, page 2 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 #291

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appointment of the following persons as new members of the Cambridge Health Alliance Board of...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS] 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 #292

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Surveillance Technology Impact Report relative to the Munis Tax Modules, which is software suite...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REPORT ACCEPTED/PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REPORT ACCEPTED/PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS] 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 #293

Refer: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a response to Policy Order No. O-8 of July 27, 2020, regarding a review of the proposed amendments to Chapter...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE [UNANIMOUS] 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 #294

Refer: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Planning Board to adopt with modifications, the MXD Amendments Zoning Petition.

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO MXD PETITION [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO MXD PETITION [UNANIMOUS] 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 #295

Refer: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adoption the Cannabis Delivery Zoning Petition.

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO THE PETITION [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE PETITION [UNANIMOUS] 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 #296

Refer: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a Planning Board recommendation to adopt with modifications, the Canal District Kendall (PUD-CDK) Zoning...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO THE PETITION [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE PETITION [UNANIMOUS] 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 #297

Refer: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to memo from the development economics consultant team led by Karl F. Seidman regarding a financial assessment...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO THE PETITION [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE PETITION [UNANIMOUS] 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 #298

A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the following requests relative to the eminent domain taking of 185 Larch Road: 1. Appropriate $7,702,000 from Free...

Minutes, page 5 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · 8–1

ORDER ADOPTED [8 TO 1]

Yes: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZondervanNo: Toomey

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [8 TO 1] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Zondervan NAYS: Councillor Toomey.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #299

A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to a request to move to Executive Session in order to discuss possible settlement and pending litigation.

Minutes, page 5 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 5 (PDF)

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2020 #300

Transmitting Communication from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of $1,400,000 from Free Cash to the General Fund Law Travel and Training (Judgment and Damages)...

Minutes, page 5 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · 6–2

ORDER ADOPTED [6 TO 2]

Yes: Carlone, Mallon, McGovern, Simmons, Toomey, ZondervanNo: Siddiqui, Sobrinho-WheelerAbstained: Nolan

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [6 TO 2] YEAS: Councillor Carlone, Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Simmons, Councillor Toomey, Councillor Zondervan NAYS: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui PRESENT: Councillor Nolan.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 5 (PDF)

Calendar – Unfinished Business · APP 2020 #34

Ordain: A Zoning Petition has been received from BMR–Third LLC c/o BioMed Realty, L.P. regarding a Zoning Amendment Petition for a new Planned Unit Development PUD District CDK.

Minutes, page 6 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDAINED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDAINED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] 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)

Communications · COM 867 #2020

Communications placed on file together (10 communications, COM 867 #2020 to COM 876 #2020)

Minutes, page 7 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]

The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 10 communications (COM 867 #2020, COM 868 #2020, COM 869 #2020, COM 870 #2020, COM 871 #2020, COM 872 #2020, COM 873 #2020, COM 874 #2020, COM 875 #2020, COM 876 #2020); MassVoter lists them as one vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS] 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)

Resolutions

Resolutions adopted together (6 resolutions, RES 2020 #305 to RES 2020 #310)

Minutes, page 10 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 6 resolutions (RES 2020 #305, RES 2020 #306, RES 2020 #307, RES 2020 #308, RES 2020 #309, RES 2020 #310); MassVoter lists them as one vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 10 (PDF)

Resolutions · RES 2020 #311

Thanking Rep. Robert A. DeLeo for his many years of dedicated service. Councillor Toomey and entire membership.

Minutes, page 11 · Video

ApproveFailed · 3–3

FAILED [3 TO 3]

Yes: Mallon, McGovern, ToomeyNo: Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, ZondervanAbstained: Carlone, Nolan, Simmons

From the minutes

“RESULT: FAILED [3 TO 3] YEAS: Vice Mayor Mallon, Councillor McGovern, Councillor Toomey NAYS: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Mayor Siddiqui, Councillor Zondervan PRESENT: Councillor Carlone, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Simmons.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 11 (PDF)

Resolutions

Resolutions adopted together (2 resolutions, RES 2020 #312 to RES 2020 #313)

Minutes, page 11 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 2 resolutions (RES 2020 #312, RES 2020 #313); MassVoter lists them as one vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 11 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #292

That the Cambridge City Council calls upon the Animal Legal defense Fund management to respect the democratic choice of its workers by, without delay, voluntarily recognizing ALDF United and...

Minutes, page 13 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 13 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #294

That the City Manager be and hereby is requested to work with the appropriate City personnel to establish a waiver for low-income individuals utilizing the Covid-19 vaccine if the vaccine would...

Minutes, page 13 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [UNANIMOUS] 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 13 (PDF)

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2020 #295

That the City Manager and DCR explore the feasibility of keeping Riverbend Park open beyond December 27, 2020.

Minutes, page 13 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 13 (PDF)

Committee Reports

Place on file: Ordinance Committee - Committtee Meeting - Oct 21, 2020 2:00 PM

Minutes, page 14 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 14 (PDF)

Committee Reports · CMA 2020 #52

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager, relative to the Harvard Square Conservation District Study Committee report.

Minutes, page 14 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REPORT ACCEPTED/PLACED ON FIL [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REPORT ACCEPTED/PLACED ON FIL [UNANIMOUS] 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 14 (PDF)

Committee Reports · POR 2020 #296

That the Order Establishing the Harvard Square Conservation District, adopted by the City Council on December 18, 2000 is hereby amended Councillor Carlone

Minutes, page 14 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 14 (PDF)

Committee Reports · POR 2020 #297

Pass to a second reading: That Chapter 2.78, Article III, Section 2.78.150 of the Cambridge Municipal Code, entitled “Definitions for Article III” be amended. PASSED TO A SECOND READING IN COUNCIL...

Minutes, page 14 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PASSED TO A SECOND READING [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED TO A SECOND READING [UNANIMOUS] Next: 1/4/2021 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 14 (PDF)

Committee Reports · CRT 2020 #13

Place on file: A communication was received from Paula Crane, Deputy City Clerk, transmitting a report from Councillor Nolan, Chair of the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning, Public Facilities...

Minutes, page 15 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REPORT ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REPORT ACCEPTED [UNANIMOUS] 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 15 (PDF)

Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2020 #79

Place on file: A communication was received from Mayor Siddiqui, communicating information from the School Committee.

Minutes, page 16 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS]

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [UNANIMOUS] 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)

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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