MassVoter.com← Cambridge City CouncilCambridge City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Meeting night
January 27, 2025
2 meetings this evening, 34 recorded votes in all, in the order they were held.
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Start my ballot →Cambridge City Council · Special meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Marc McGovern, Patricia Nolan, Sumbul Siddiqui, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Paul Toner, Catherine Zusy
Absent: Burhan Azeem, Denise Simmons, Ayesha Wilson
0 recorded votes, 0 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
No recorded votes.
Cambridge City Council · Regular meeting
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
Attendance
Present: Burhan Azeem, Marc McGovern, Patricia Nolan, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Paul Toner, Ayesha Wilson, Catherine Zusy
Absent: None
34 recorded votes, 8 with disagreement. This meeting on its own page
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #12
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the reappointment of Ronald DiGiorgio as a Constable for a term of three years.
CMA PLACED ON FILE [8-0-1]
Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, ZusyDenise Simmons is listed as absent for this vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy ABSENT: Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #13
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appointments and reappointments of members to the Transit Advisory Committee.
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #14
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Policy Order Number 2024 #154, regarding the City’s Sanctuary/Trust Act City status, the protections provided...
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #15
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an update on negotiations with Harvard University regarding PILOT payments
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #16
Refer: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to an updated drought regulation ordinance.
REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #17
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to changes in the Animal Commission ordinance regarding a fee increase.
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · ORD 2025 # 3
RECONSIDERATION FILED IN COUNCIL JANUARY 27, 2025 A. Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Animal Commission Ordinance 2025 #3 Changes - Fees
PASS TO A SECOND READING AS AMENDED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASS TO A SECOND READING AS AMENDED [9-0-0] Next: 2/3/2025 5:30 PM YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #18
Refer: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-54 , regarding a review of Curb Cut Policies
REFERRED TO THE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, RULES AND CLAIMS COMMITTEE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, RULES AND CLAIMS COMMITTEE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #19
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-31 regarding an update to the Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan (MFIP)...
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #20
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-60 regarding grant funding through Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing...
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #21
Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Potential amendments to required setbacks for additions and alterations to existing buildings in the...
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #3
That the City Council go on record urging Eversource to prioritize considerations and implement them wherever possible as part of the Greater Cambridge Energy Program.
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #4
That 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...
ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #5
City Council opposition to Congressional Voter-Suppression SAVE Bill.
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #7
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...
ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Calendar – Charter Right
A. ORDER 1,500,000.00
ORDER ADOPTED [8-0-1]
The Final Actions' count reads 8-0-1, but the names listed under it show 8 yes, 1 no. Because the two do not agree, MassVoter shows the count of the names only and will ask the City Clerk.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho- Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons NAYS: Councillor Nolan.”
RECONSIDERATION FILED IN COUNCIL JANUARY 27, 2025 B. ORDER 1,000,000.00
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Applications And Petitions · APP 2025 #2
Request has been received from Mike Kimball representing Bank of America, regarding Revocation of Bond #14BSBDG6280 for Bank of America, 600 Technology Square. Response from the Inspectional...
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Applications And Petitions · APP 2025 #3
An application was received from Mahmood Firouzbakht, requesting permission for a curb cut at the premises numbered 38 Hubbard Avenue; said petition has received approval from Inspectional...
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Applications And Petitions · APP 2025 #4
An application was received from Stuart Pitchel representing Petunia, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 73 Mount Auburn Street approval has been received from...
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Applications And Petitions · APP 2025 #5
An application was received from Xin Shangguan representing TOO HOT, requesting permission for a projecting sign at the premises numbered 16 Eliot Street approval has been received from...
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Communications · COM 164 #2025
Communications placed on file together (114 communications, COM 164 #2025 to COM 277 #2025)
PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 114 communications (COM 164 #2025, COM 165 #2025, COM 166 #2025, COM 167 #2025, COM 168 #2025, COM 169 #2025, COM 170 #2025, COM 171 #2025, COM 172 #2025, COM 173 #2025, COM 174 #2025, COM 175 #2025, COM 176 #2025, COM 177 #2025, COM 178 #2025, COM 179 #2025, COM 180 #2025, COM 181 #2025, COM 182 #2025, COM 183 #2025, COM 184 #2025, COM 185 #2025, COM 186 #2025, COM 187 #2025, COM 188 #2025, COM 189 #2025, COM 190 #2025, COM 191 #2025, COM 192 #2025, COM 193 #2025, COM 194 #2025, COM 195 #2025, COM 196 #2025, COM 197 #2025, COM 198 #2025, COM 199 #2025, COM 200 #2025, COM 201 #2025, COM 202 #2025, COM 203 #2025, COM 204 #2025, COM 205 #2025, COM 206 #2025, COM 207 #2025, COM 208 #2025, COM 209 #2025, COM 210 #2025, COM 211 #2025, COM 212 #2025, COM 213 #2025, COM 214 #2025, COM 215 #2025, COM 216 #2025, COM 217 #2025, COM 218 #2025, COM 219 #2025, COM 220 #2025, COM 221 #2025, COM 222 #2025, COM 223 #2025, COM 224 #2025, COM 225 #2025, COM 226 #2025, COM 227 #2025, COM 228 #2025, COM 229 #2025, COM 230 #2025, COM 231 #2025, COM 232 #2025, COM 233 #2025, COM 234 #2025, COM 235 #2025, COM 236 #2025, COM 237 #2025, COM 238 #2025, COM 239 #2025, COM 240 #2025, COM 241 #2025, COM 242 #2025, COM 243 #2025, COM 244 #2025, COM 245 #2025, COM 246 #2025, COM 247 #2025, COM 248 #2025, COM 249 #2025, COM 250 #2025, COM 251 #2025, COM 252 #2025, COM 253 #2025, COM 254 #2025, COM 255 #2025, COM 256 #2025, COM 257 #2025, COM 258 #2025, COM 259 #2025, COM 260 #2025, COM 261 #2025, COM 262 #2025, COM 263 #2025, COM 264 #2025, COM 265 #2025, COM 266 #2025, COM 267 #2025, COM 268 #2025, COM 269 #2025, COM 270 #2025, COM 271 #2025, COM 272 #2025, COM 273 #2025, COM 274 #2025, COM 275 #2025, COM 276 #2025, COM 277 #2025); MassVoter lists them as one vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Resolutions
Resolutions adopted together (3 resolutions, RES 2025 #14 to RES 2025 #16)
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 3 resolutions (RES 2025 #14, RES 2025 #15, RES 2025 #16); MassVoter lists them as one vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Resolutions adopted together (2 resolutions, RES 2025 #17 to RES 2025 #18)
ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 2 resolutions (RES 2025 #17, RES 2025 #18); MassVoter lists them as one vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AS AMENDED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Resolutions adopted together (6 resolutions, RES 2025 #19 to RES 2025 #25)
ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]
The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 6 resolutions (RES 2025 #19, RES 2025 #21, RES 2025 #22, RES 2025 #23, RES 2025 #24, RES 2025 #25); MassVoter lists them as one vote.
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Committee Reports
Place on file: The Neighborhood & Long Term Planning Committee held a public hearing on best practices for urban planning Wednesday, January 8, 2025. The meeting will feature MIT’s Chris Zegras...
REPORT ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: REPORT ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Place on file: The Ordinance Committee held a public hearing on January 8, 2025 to continue the discussion on two Multifamily Zoning petitions. Committee - Committee Meeting - Jan 8, 2025 5:00 PM
REPORT ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: REPORT ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Place on file: The Ordinance Committee met on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to continue the discussion on Multifamily Zoning Petition Part One and Multifamily Zoning Petition Part Two.
REPORT ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: REPORT ACCEPTED AND PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Committee Reports · ORD 2025 # 1
Pass to a second reading: A. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to Ordinance 2025 #1 Multi Family Zoning Petition-Part 1
PASSED TO A SECOND READING AS AMENDED [8-0-1]
The Final Actions' count reads 8-0-1, but the names listed under it show 8 yes, 1 no. Because the two do not agree, MassVoter shows the count of the names only and will ask the City Clerk.
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED TO A SECOND READING AS AMENDED [8-0-1] Next: 2/3/2025 5:30 PM YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons NAYS: Councillor Zusy.”
Committee Reports · ORD 2025 # 2
Pass to a second reading: B. An Ordinance has been received from City Clerk, relative to ORDINANCE 2025 #2 Multi Family Zoning Petition-Part 2.
PASSED TO A SECOND READING [8-0-1]
The Final Actions list a councillor twice in this vote; showing the printed count only (8-0-1).
From the minutes
“RESULT: PASSED TO A SECOND READING [8-0-1] Next: 2/3/2025 5:30 PM YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons NAYS: Councillor Zusy.”
Committee Reports · CMA 2024 #207
Place on file: C. A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 24-52, regarding draft zoning language based on the proposal discussed at the...
CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Committee Reports · COF 2025 #8
Place on file: D. A communication was received from Jeff Roberts, Director of Zoning and Development, transmitting a response to Policy Order 2024 #163 and Policy Order 2025 #1, regarding...
COF PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: COF PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2025 #12
Place on file: A communication was received from Diane LeBlanc, City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2025 #13
A communication was received from City Solicitor Megan B. Bayer, transmitting a letter to the Council with a response to the Ortiz Open Meeting Law Complaint.
ORDER ADOPTED AND COF PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]
From the minutes
“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AND COF PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”
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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