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Cambridge City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting

September 15, 2025

30 recorded votes, 7 with disagreement.

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

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Attendance

Present: Burhan Azeem, Marc McGovern, Patricia Nolan, Sumbul Siddiqui, Denise Simmons, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Paul Toner, Ayesha Wilson, Catherine Zusy

Absent: None

Every vote, in order

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #224

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to recommendations of the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) for FY2026.

Minutes, page 2 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda

VOTE 1: FISCAL YEAR 2026 LOCAL FUNDS ($19,700,000)

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

VOTE 2: FISCAL YEAR 2025 STATE MATCHING FUNDS [RECEIVED IN FY2026] ($2,800,000)

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

VOTE 3: CPA FUND BALANCE - ADMINISTRATION ($15,000)

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

VOTE 4: HISTORIC PRESERVATION RESERVE ($113,000)

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

VOTE 5: OPEN SPACE RESERVE ($331,000)

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #225

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number #25-50, regarding a Deadline for Charter Change.

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #226

A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a recommendation from the Cambridge Election Commission regarding the assignment of twenty-six (26) police officers and any...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ApprovePassed · Unanimous, 9 present

APPROVED AND CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: APPROVED AND 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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #227

Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the appropriation of an FY26 State 911 Department Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Grant in the amount of $28,512 to the...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED AND CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AND 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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #228

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-45, regarding the siting of needle drop boxes and Naloxone boxes in high...

Minutes, page 3 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #229

Transmitting Communication from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to a transfer in the amount of $1,703,731.64 from the Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund to the Opioid Settlement Special...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED AND CMA PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED AND 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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #230

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Numbers 25-38, 25-39 and 25-41, regarding issues related to parking in the area...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #231

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-27, regarding the City Manager investigate bike pod storage options to be...

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #232

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-42 regarding pedestrianization of Lower Bow Street.

Minutes, page 4 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #234

A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transmission of the Cambridge Street Zoning Petition.

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ApprovePassed · 8–1

ADOPTED PROPOSED AMENDMENT AS A ZONING PETITION AND REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD FOR HEARING AND REPORT [8-1-0]

Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, WilsonNo: Zusy

From the minutes

“RESULT: ADOPTED PROPOSED AMENDMENT AS A ZONING PETITION AND REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD FOR HEARING AND REPORT [8-1-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons NAYS: Councillor Zusy.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #235

A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to the transmission of the Massachusetts Avenue Zoning Petition.

Minutes, page 5 · Video

ApprovePassed · 8–1

ADOPTED PROPOSED AMENDMENT AS A ZONING PETITION AND REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD FOR HEARING AND REPORT [8-1-0]

Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, WilsonNo: Zusy

From the minutes

“RESULT: ADOPTED PROPOSED AMENDMENT AS A ZONING PETITION AND REFERRED TO THE ORDINANCE COMMITTEE AND PLANNING BOARD FOR HEARING AND REPORT [8-1-0] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons NAYS: Councillor Zusy.”

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

City Manager's Agenda · CMA 2025 #236

Place on file: A communication transmitted from Yi-An Huang, City Manager, relative to Awaiting Report Item Number 25-43, regarding a request for an interim report on demolition and building...

Minutes, page 6 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #125

That the City Manager is requested to provide an update to the City Council at the September 29, 2025 City Council meeting regarding the status of discussions with the MBTA and HSBA, the potential...

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #126

That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department to review current crisis prevention protocols, strengthen them by clearly defining the role and deployment of mental...

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #127

That the City Manager is requested to work with the Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship, the City Solicitor, the Police Department, the Mayor’s Office, and other relevant stakeholders to...

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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #128

That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant departments to provide an update on rodent control measures citywide and especially how the City addresses rodent mitigation through large...

Minutes, page 8 · 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 Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.”

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

Policy Order And Resolution List · POR 2025 #129

That the City Manager is requested to work with the Cambridge Police Department, the Law Department, and relevant stakeholders to develop and present to the City Council a proposed policy for the...

Minutes, page 8 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

Calendar – Charter Right · POR 2025 #117

Refer: 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...

Minutes, page 9 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS 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.”

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

Applications And Petitions · APP 2025 #36

An application was received from Harvard Art Museums requesting permission for 22 temporary pole banners around Cambridge Commons, Quincy Street and Cambridge Street announcing the Master brand...

Minutes, page 11 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

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.”

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

Communications · COM 3311 #2025

Refer: A communication was received from Candice Beaulieu, regarding CIVITAS- TDMD FAQ Sept 2025.

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

REFERRED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE [9-0-0]

From the minutes

“RESULT: REFERRED TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS 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.”

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

Communications

Communications placed on file together (6 communications, COM 3312 #2025 to COM 3317 #2025)

Minutes, page 12 · Video

ProceduralPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

PLACED ON FILE [9-0-0]

The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 6 communications (COM 3312 #2025, COM 3313 #2025, COM 3314 #2025, COM 3315 #2025, COM 3316 #2025, COM 3317 #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.”

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

Resolutions

Resolutions adopted together (3 resolutions, RES 2025 #204 to RES 2025 #206)

Minutes, page 14 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · Unanimous, 9 present

ORDER ADOPTED [9-0-0]

The Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 3 resolutions (RES 2025 #204, RES 2025 #205, RES 2025 #206); 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.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Resolutions adopted together (2 resolutions, RES 2025 #207 to RES 2025 #208)

Minutes, page 14 · Video

Adopt orderPassed · 8–0

ORDER ADOPTED [8-0-1]

Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, ZusyThe Final Actions record the same result and vote for each of these 2 resolutions (RES 2025 #207, RES 2025 #208); MassVoter lists them as one vote. Paul Toner is listed as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: ORDER ADOPTED [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons ABSENT: Councillor Toner.”

Read it in the official minutes, page 14 (PDF)

Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2025 #120

Place on file: A communication was received from Paula Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.

Minutes, page 16 · Video

ProceduralPassed · 8–0

PLACED ON FILE [8-0-1]

Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, ZusyPaul Toner is listed as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: PLACED ON FILE [8-0-1] YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons ABSENT: Councillor Toner.”

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

Communications And Reports From Other City · COF 2025 #121

Table: A communication was received from Councillor Nolan transmitting a report on the Cambridge Zero Emission Transportation Plan.

Minutes, page 16 · Video

ProceduralPassed · 8–0

TABLED [8-0-1]

Yes: Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Simmons, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Wilson, ZusyPaul Toner is listed as absent for this vote.

From the minutes

“RESULT: TABLED [8-0-1] Next: 9/29/2025 5:30 PM YEAS: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons ABSENT: Councillor Toner.”

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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