City Council - Regular Meeting

Meeting Minutes of the Cambridge City Council

Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: May 19th, 2025 Attendees:

Councillor Burhan Azeem
Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
Councillor Patricia Nolan
Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui
Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
Councillor Ayesha Wilson (joined late)
Councillor Catherine Zusy
Mayor Denise Simmons

Absent:

Councillor Paul Toner

Executive Summary

The Cambridge City Council convened for its regular meeting on May 19th, 2025. Key discussions included a federal funding update, particularly concerning impacts on Harvard and MIT, and local police interactions with ICE operations. The Council also addressed a five-year contract for AED installation and maintenance, and reviewed the Out-of-School Time (OST) Expansive Study Report. Policy orders were debated, including support for Clean Slate legislation and a proposal to review the Peace Commission's functions. A significant portion of public comment and Council discussion revolved around a curb cut application at 49 Alpine Street and a policy order regarding an engineering study for an abandoned MBTA tunnel in Harvard Square.

Official Meeting Agenda

I. Roll Call

Present: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.
Absent: Councillor Toner.
Late Arrival: Councillor Wilson joined the meeting.

II. Pledge of Allegiance and Moment of Silence

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

III. Remote Participation and Public Comment Procedures

The City is authorized to use remote participation per Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.
Public comment is available via Zoom teleconference, online portal, or cable channel 22.
Sign-up for public comment is at www.cambridgema.gov/publiccomment until 6 p.m.
Written comments can be emailed to the City Clerk.
Meetings are audio and video recorded.
Each speaker was allotted two minutes due to 27 speakers signed up.

IV. Late Policy Order: RENNEFS Custodian Contract (2025 Number 78)

Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to suspend the rules to introduce a late policy order regarding the RENNEFS custodian contract for the City.
Vote on Suspension of Rules:
- For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
- Against: 0
- Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
- Outcome: Rules suspended.
Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to adopt Late Policy Order 2025 Number 78.
Vote on Adoption:
- For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
- Against: 0
- Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
- Outcome: Late Policy Order 2025 Number 78 adopted.

V. Public Comment

Alex Yu (49 Alpine Street): Thanked the Council for approving their curb cut application. Clarified that 75% of direct abutters approved, and 62% of expanded eight neighbors approved. Stated that 16 curb cuts exist on Alpine Street, contrary to previous claims.
Siyu Huang (49 Alpine Street): Spoke about the multi-generational household at 49 Alpine Street, including elderly parents with vision impairment and a husband with knee issues, necessitating an ADA-accessible path. Argued that the curb cut enhances safety for children by minimizing street-side congestion and improving visibility.
Jeff Olinger (216 Prospect Street, Olinger Architects): Clarified that 49 Alpine Street's new home is on the same foundation, preventing a side driveway. Stated the curb cut allows for an oak tree in the front yard and provides ADA accessibility.
Eric Quartz: Reiterated points about the curb cut at 49 Alpine Street, emphasizing aesthetic design, preservation of a tree, and improved stormwater management with two large coal tech chambers and permeable pavers. Noted 16-17 existing curb cuts on the street and argued the new curb cut would be a net benefit for neighborhood parking.
Denise Gilson (Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association): Requested support for Policy Order 71, appropriating $72,000 for an RFP for an engineering study of the abandoned MBTA tunnel beneath Harvard Square. Suggested scaling back the TPT's $300,000 pedestrian study to fund the RFP and street closure programming.
Rabbi Yoni: Expressed concern about proposed federal HUD budget cuts from $77 billion to $43.5 billion, with $26.7 billion from rental assistance programs. Advocated for municipal vouchers and local support for fair housing enforcement, particularly for tenants' civil rights.
Sean Hope (33 Church Street): Supported Policy Order 71 for the MBTA tunnel study, viewing it as an opportunity for Harvard Square to explore new spaces and look towards the future, similar to Assembly Row and the Seaport.
Jessica Scully (Harvard Square Business Association Board Chair): Supported Policy Order 71, calling the $72,000 RFP for the tunnel study a critical first step to reimagine the tunnel as a "people-centered hub." Advocated for using remaining traffic study funds for pedestrianization programming.
Kaylee Hassan (19 Orange Street, Harvard Law School student): Supported the Clean Slate bills (HD 1811/SD 1114 and HD 1693/SD 1124) and the Clean Slate Massachusetts Campaign. Highlighted how criminal records create barriers to employment, housing, and community engagement, and how automated sealing would address administrative delays.
John DiGiovanni (Trinity Properties): Supported Policy Order 71 for the MBTA tunnel study. Noted the MBTA tunnel has been vacant for 45 years and that an outside partner would fund the project. Emphasized the need for the RFP to determine access and capacity.
Pauline Quirion (125 Ridge Avenue, Director of Corey and Rianti Project at Greater Boston Legal Services): Supported Clean Slate legislation, citing backlogs and underutilization in the current sealing system. Mentioned other states that have passed similar legislation.
Dennis Carlone (9 Washington Avenue, former City Councillor): Raised concerns about the Community Benefits Advisory Committee's use of upzoning funds. Stated that the original 9-0 approved ordinance intended funds for "development impact mitigation infrastructure improvements," which are currently not allowed.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to suspend the rules to grant former Councillor Carlone an additional minute.
- Vote on Suspension of Rules:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Rules suspended.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to grant former Councillor Carlone an additional minute.
- Vote on Motion:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Motion passed.
Julie McCormack (Harvard Law School, Safety Net Project): Supported Policy Order 3 (Clean Slate legislation), emphasizing its importance for individuals to overcome barriers caused by criminal records and for the City Council to support the statewide push.
Otoniel Figueroa-Duran (Director of Employee Relations, 32BJ): Supported Policy Order 78 regarding the RENNEFS custodian contract. Expressed serious doubts about RENNEFS' responsibility, citing their refusal to recognize and bargain with a union at Boston South Station, leading to unfair labor practice charges.
Tina Alou (113.5 Pleasant Street, Director of CEOC): Testified on City Manager Agenda Item 10, highlighting the success of the Family Stability Project, a partnership funded by the Community Benefits Advisory Committee. Emphasized the "no-wrong-door" approach and multi-year intervention for families.
Elizabeth Moran (4244 Alpine Street): Opposed the curb cut at 49 Alpine Street. Stated that 11 homeowners on the street opposed the curb cut, and two of the four direct abutters opposed it.
Ann Robart (55 Alpine Street): Opposed the curb cut at 49 Alpine Street. Stated that three of the four direct abutters opposed it and that the applicants were counting properties from a different block of Alpine Street. Expressed concern about setting a precedent for private parking in front yards.
Larry Kim (Co-Chair, Cambridge Peace Commission): Addressed concerns about the Cambridge Peace Commission, particularly during the executive director's unplanned leave. Asked the Council to support the proposed budget and learn about the commission's work before questioning its existence.
William Simmers (8 Alpine Street): Opposed the curb cut at 49 Alpine Street, citing the historical consistency of the street's front yards and the potential for lengthy driveways to be filled with cars.
Suzanne Blier (5 Fuller Place, Harvard Square Neighborhood Association): Supported the Harvard Square tunnel study and year-round pedestrianization. Advocated for first-floor retail citywide and solar energy systems. Expressed concern about federal funding cuts impacting housing needs.
Lee Ferris (Cambridge Residence Alliance): Supported Policy Order 1, commending the Black Response for their film "Where Do Black Men Live?" and Policy Order 3 for Clean Slate legislation.
Nancy Menzen (56 Alpine Street): Opposed the curb cut at 49 Alpine Street. Corrected information about abutter support, stating three of four direct abutters opposed it. Invited Council members to visit Alpine Street to appreciate its historical character.
Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street): Supported Dennis Carlone's comments and the Black Response. Supported Clean Slate legislation and advocated for changes to first-floor retail policy. Urged careful consideration of the budget.
Taba Moses: Supported the new ordinance around packaging on the retail side for the cannabis industry.
Richard Harding (Green Sole Cannabis): Supported the proposed changes in repackaging for the cannabis industry and the removal of the HCA obstacle for new businesses.
Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to close public comment.
Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
Outcome: Public comment closed.

VI. Submission of the Record

Minutes:
- City Council Regular Meeting: April 14th, 2025
- City Council Regular Meeting: April 28th, 2025
Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to accept the minutes and place them on file.
Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
Outcome: Minutes of April 14th and April 28th, 2025, accepted and placed on file.

VII. Reconsideration

Item 1: First Floor Retail Policy Order (2025 Number 70)
- Motion: Councillor Azeem moved for reconsideration of Item 1.
- Vote on Reconsideration:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Reconsideration passed.
- Motion: Councillor Azeem moved to amend Policy Order 2025 Number 70 to "codify the allowance and of the addition of first floor retail strikeout by right, done with the strikeout in residential districts addition where they already exist and in other appropriate areas of the city done with the addition thereby protecting this charming neighborhood characteristic and ensuring the continued operation of valued local businesses."
- Vote on Amendment:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Amendment passed.
- Motion: Councillor Azeem moved to adopt Policy Order 2025 Number 70 as amended.
- Vote on Adoption:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Policy Order 2025 Number 70 adopted as amended.
Item 2: Curb Cut at 49 Alpine Street
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to suspend the rules to reconsider the curb cut at 49 Alpine Street.
- Discussion: Vice Mayor McGovern and Councillor Siddiqui expressed concerns about setting a precedent for reconsidering curb cuts and the efficient use of Council time. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler and Councillor Azeem reiterated that the Council should not weigh in on individual curb cuts. Councillor Wilson voted "present" due to the difficult nature of the decision.
- Vote on Suspension of Rules:
  - For: Councillor Nolan, Councillor Zusy (2 votes)
  - Against: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor Simmons (4 votes)
  - Present: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson (2 votes)
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Suspension failed for lack of a majority. The previous vote stands.

VIII. City Manager's Agenda

Items Pulled for Discussion: 1, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13.
Consent Agenda (Items 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11):
- Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to adopt the balance of the City Manager's Consent Agenda. Item 11 was referred to the petition.
- Vote:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Consent agenda adopted, Item 11 referred to petition.
Item 1: Federal Update
- Discussion: City Manager Yi-An Huang provided an update on federal funding impacts and local police interactions with ICE.
  - Federal Funding: Harvard University has $3 billion in frozen/canceled federal grants, with over 100 termination notices. MIT has a hiring freeze and 20 stop-work orders for federally funded research. The state has $360 million in frozen/canceled federal grants, including $100 million for ESSER funding and $90 million for climate resilience infrastructure.
  - ICE Interactions: Cambridge has a welcoming cities ordinance, meaning CPD does not inquire about immigration status or participate in civil immigration enforcement, except for officer safety or to prevent a breach of peace. City Manager noted a breakdown of trust in federal agencies due to actions like detaining students for op-eds, mistaken detentions, and selective use of social media. Solicitor stated that ICE agents need probable cause but not a judicial warrant to detain in public spaces; a warrant is needed for private spaces. Cars are not considered private property in the same way as a home. CPD will document all interactions with ICE.
  - Questions:
    - Councillor Nolan asked about "Know Your Rights" information for residents regarding ICE interactions.
    - Vice Mayor McGovern sought clarification on CPD's role in ICE operations, emphasizing that CPD would ensure scene safety and de-escalate crowds, not cooperate with ICE.
    - Councillor Wilson asked about advising community members to carry documentation and the city's role if children are involved in detentions. Solicitor stated they would consult legal services partners for best practices and that the school department has procedures for ICE activity at schools.
    - Councillor Azeem asked if CPD would intervene if ICE entered private property without a warrant. Solicitor stated CPD does not have legal jurisdiction to interfere with federal operations.
    - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler asked if ICE alerts CPD beforehand (unknown) and about past ICE detainer requests (4 requests, not honored). Commissioner Elow confirmed ICE is active in the community, sometimes waiting outside police stations for individuals released on bail.
    - Councillor Zusy recommended watching "Know Your Rights" webinars and carrying copies of documents.
    - Councillor Wilson suggested a roundtable discussion with immigration attorneys and CPD.
    - Mayor Simmons asked about training for Mayor's Summer Youth Program supervisors regarding ICE interactions. Assistant City Manager Seminoff confirmed training would be provided.
    - Councillor Nolan asked about the impact of the governor's changes to state shelters on Cambridge. Assistant City Manager Seminoff clarified that the family shelters in Cambridge are separate from the hotel program being addressed by the state.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to place City Manager Agenda Item 1 on file.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Item 1 placed on file.
Item 4: Five-Year Contract for AED Installation and Maintenance
- Discussion: Councillor Zusy asked about the number, location, and cost of AEDs.
  - Response: Chief Cahill and Captain Jeremy Walsh (Cambridge Fire Department) explained that 46 AEDs would be placed in every public park and athletic field, 24/7, in heated, climate-controlled cabinets. Access requires calling 911 for a code. The AEDs are new Avive devices with two-way communication and GPS. The project was earmarked $270,000 two years ago and is currently under budget.
  - Questions:
    - Councillor Zusy asked about Magazine Beach Park (on the list, requires DCR coordination).
    - Vice Mayor McGovern asked about multiple AEDs in large parks like Danahy (Danahy will get 3, golf course 4). Suggested signage in other locations.
    - Councillor Azeem expressed interest in usage statistics.
    - Councillor Nolan highlighted the importance of ECC directing callers to nearest AEDs.
- Motion: Councillor Zusy moved to approve and place Item 4 on file.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Item 4 approved and placed on file.
Item 6: Appropriation for Emergency Shelter Operating Costs
- Discussion: Councillor Wilson asked for details on the $298,794 grant from the Executive Office of Housing and Local Communities for the Cambridge Salvation Army Shelter, specifically regarding workforce development.
  - Response: Assistant City Manager Seminoff explained that the grant funds emergency shelter operating costs (e.g., food) and workforce development for staff. Many staff are former guests. The city increased pay rates and this funding provides additional training.
  - Questions:
    - Councillor Wilson requested to visit the shelter.
    - Councillor Zusy asked about the grant application process (city typically applies, but this was a result of repeated requests for state funding after the city took over funding).
- Motion: Councillor Wilson moved to approve the appropriation and place Item 6 on file.
- Vote:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Appropriation approved and placed on file.
Item 9: Cambridge Out-of-School Time (OST) Expansive Study Report
- Discussion: Councillor Wilson appreciated the study and asked Assistant City Manager Seminoff to highlight key recommendations.
  - Response: Assistant City Manager Seminoff highlighted five key recommendations:
    1. Adequate space for OST programs, requiring deep work with schools.
    2. Appropriate pay and benefits for staff to improve recruitment and retention.
    3. Increased support for children with special needs, including additional staff and a trial run program.
    4. Unified application process for city and non-profit OST programs.
    5. Deeper partnerships between school staff and OST staff.
  - Questions:
    - Councillor Zusy asked about surprises in the report (staff culture was more important than expected) and the gap in serving 369 children (not fully filled, focus on special needs first).
    - Councillor Siddiqui requested an update on the inclusion of students with disabilities at a future Human Services meeting.
    - Vice Mayor McGovern asked for data on the percentage of low-income children served compared to those who applied (most low-income children who apply are served if space is available).
    - Councillor Nolan asked about learnings from other communities (Cambridge serves a higher percentage of students than most, and struggles are similar across communities).
- Motion: Councillor Wilson moved to refer Item 9 to the Human Services and Veterans Committee.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Item 9 referred to the Human Services and Veterans Committee.
Item 10: Executive Summary of the City's Community Benefits Advisory Committee's Work
- Discussion: Vice Mayor McGovern asked for highlights and addressed former Councillor Carlone's concern about infrastructure funding.
  - Response: Assistant City Manager Seminoff explained that the Community Benefits Ordinance does not allow funds for infrastructure, a choice made to prioritize funding for non-profit partnerships delivering services. The committee, comprising 13 members, conducted a needs assessment and focused on low-income families with services for housing, financial, and mental health instability. Four partnerships were funded, including Families Moving Forward, Family Stability Project, Port Arise Institute, and Strengthening Families Together. Key learnings included the critical role of case management, improved family well-being, and the value of partnerships.
  - Questions:
    - Councillor Siddiqui suggested discussing changes to the ordinance at a future Human Services meeting, including direct cash to families.
    - Councillor Zusy asked about the source of the $8.6 million (Volpe project and Alexandria rezoning) and why past infrastructure projects (e.g., 585 Third Street, Moderna/MXD) were not funded through this ordinance. Assistant City Manager Seminoff clarified that the ordinance was designed to streamline non-profit funding, separate from city-related infrastructure or developer commitments.
    - Councillor Wilson expressed concern about the urgency of needs for non-profits like East End House and the slow pace of city processes.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to refer Item 10 to the Human Services and Veterans Committee.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Item 10 referred to the Human Services and Veterans Committee.
Item 12: Planning Board Report on Biomed Realty LP Petition to Amend the Zoning Map
- Discussion: Vice Mayor McGovern stated that this item would be discussed tomorrow.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to refer the Planning Board report to the petition.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Item 12 referred to the petition.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to suspend the rules to move reconsideration.
- Vote on Suspension of Rules:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Rules suspended.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved for reconsideration, hoping it would not prevail.
- Vote on Reconsideration:
  - For: 0
  - Against: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Reconsideration failed.
Item 13: Waiting Report Item 25-11, Regarding Easy Ride ETA Issues
- Discussion: Councillor Zusy expressed concern about lack of publicity and ridership numbers for the Easy Ride service.
  - Response: Commissioner McKenna stated they did not have ridership numbers but would provide them.
  - Questions:
    - Councillor Siddiqui noted high ridership near MIT and supported expanding to weekends.
    - Councillor Nolan emphasized coordinating shuttles for frequent, reliable, and affordable transit.
- Motion: Councillor Zusy moved to place Item 13 on file.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Item 13 placed on file.

IX. Policy Orders

Item 1: Declaring June 19th, 2025, as a Day of Reflection on Mass Incarceration and Supporting the Juneteenth Festival and Black Response Film
- Sponsors: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson, Mayor Simmons.
- Discussion: Councillor Zusy highly recommended the film "Where Do Black Men Live?" Councillor Nolan supported the order, emphasizing the link between mass incarceration and societal issues. Councillor Wilson thanked organizers and co-sponsors, highlighting the impact of criminal records on black men and the importance of supporting individuals.
- Motion: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler moved to adopt Policy Order 1.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Policy Order 1 adopted.
Item 2: Exploring Improvement of Peace Commission Functions
- Sponsors: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Wilson.
- Discussion: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler clarified the intent is to review the structure of the Peace Commission, not eliminate its functions, especially during the current transition with an interim director also leading the Human Rights Commission. Councillor Nolan suggested amending the order to include the Police Review and Advisory Board (PRAB).
- Mayor Simmons exercised Charter Right: Mayor Simmons expressed concern that the order, as written, delves into personnel matters (Executive Director on leave), which falls under the City Manager's purview, not the City Council's. She exercised her charter right to allow time to refine the language to align with appropriate authorities.
- Outcome: Charter Right exercised by Mayor Simmons.
Item 3: Support for Clean Slate Bills and Campaign
- Sponsors: Councillor Siddiqui, Mayor Simmons, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to be added as a co-sponsor.
- Vote on Amendment: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Councillor Nolan added as co-sponsor.
- Discussion: Councillor Siddiqui emphasized that Clean Slate laws automate sealing of criminal records, expand eligibility, and address barriers to employment, housing, and education, promoting racial and economic justice.
- Motion: Councillor Siddiqui moved to adopt Policy Order 3 as amended.
- Vote:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Policy Order 3 adopted as amended.

X. Calendar

Charter Right 1: RFP Development for Tunnel Engineering Study (Policy Order 71)
- Discussion: Councillor Azeem, who exercised the charter right, introduced amendments to Policy Order 71.
  - Amendments:
    - Add "MBTA" to the first ordered clause.
    - Change "take the necessary steps to facilitate the release" to "consider the possibility of" using $72,000 of the $300,000 budgeted for the pedestrian study to fund the RFP.
  - Rationale: Councillor Azeem noted the excitement around the tunnel's possibilities and the City Manager's concerns about cost. The amendments aim to ensure the MBTA's involvement and explore funding within existing allocations.
  - Support: Councillor Zusy supported the amendments, noting MBTA engagement, the need for the city to file the RFP for potential public-private partnerships, and the Harvard Square Business Association's prior investment. Councillor Nolan also supported the amendments, emphasizing the MBTA's role and the appropriateness of considering the funding as a possibility.
- Vote on Amendments: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Amendments passed.
- Vote on Policy Order as Amended: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Policy Order 71 adopted as amended.

XI. Applications and Petitions

Items 1 & 2: Temporary Banners
- Item 1: Application by Gail Wang for a temporary banner across JFK at Mount Auburn and Mass Avenue announcing Boston's Dragon Boat Festival on May 26th.
- Item 2: Application by Bailey Chlerman (Chamber of Commerce) for a temporary banner across Mass Avenue in front of City Hall announcing Cambridge Taste on June 9th, 2025.
- Motion: Councillor Azeem moved to adopt Applications 1 and 2.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Applications 1 and 2 adopted.
Item 3: Curb Cut at 11 Union Street
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan, who pulled the item, stated her support for the curb cut, noting no opposition and that it extends an existing curb cut without affecting public way or parking. She reiterated her hope for future changes to the curb cut ordinance.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to adopt Application 3.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Application 3 adopted.

XII. Communications

Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to take the 73 communications and place them on file.
Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
Outcome: 73 communications placed on file.

XIII. Resolutions

Motion: Councillor Wilson and Councillor Zusy moved to adopt the 10 resolutions and make them unanimous upon adoption.
Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
Outcome: 10 resolutions adopted and made unanimous upon adoption.

XIV. Committee Reports

Item 1: Health and Environment Committee Report (April 14th, 2025)
Item 2: Finance Committee Report (April 16th, 2025)
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to accept Reports 1 and 2 and place them on file.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Reports 1 and 2 accepted and placed on file.
Item 3: Ordinance Committee Report (May 7th, 2025)
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to pass the amendment to the Zoning Code Article 11.000 regarding cannabis uses standards to a second reading.
- Vote:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Amendment passed to a second reading.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to pass an amendment to Municipal Code 5.50 regarding cannabis business permitting to a second reading.
- Vote:
  - For: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (8 votes)
  - Against: 0
  - Absent: Councillor Toner (1)
  - Outcome: Amendment passed to a second reading.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to accept Report 3 and place it on file.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Report 3 accepted and placed on file, and zoning amendments forwarded to a second reading.

XV. Communications

Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to place the communication on file.
Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
Outcome: Communication placed on file.

XVI. Late Resolutions

Resolution: Proclaiming Monday, May 26th, as Memorial Day in the City of Cambridge and extending gratitude to those who served.
- Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to suspend the rules to take up the late resolution.
- Vote on Suspension of Rules: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Rules suspended.
- Motion: Mayor Simmons moved to adopt the late resolution.
- Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
- Outcome: Late resolution adopted.
Late Policy Order: NEF Custodian Contract
- Mayor Simmons exercised Charter Right.
- Outcome: Charter Right exercised by Mayor Simmons.

XVII. Announcements

Mayor Simmons: Announced the City of Cambridge Army 250th birthday celebration on June 14th, 2025, at Cambridge Common (10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.), featuring food, entertainment, and activities.
Vice Mayor McGovern: Announced no meeting on Monday.
Councillor Zusy: Announced the "Sisters of the Runway" fashion show fundraiser for Transition House on Thursday, May 22nd, at the Foundry.
Mayor Simmons: Announced Pride of Cambridge on Sunday, June 8th, in the Council Chamber, and "How Sweet It Is" (history of candy in Cambridge) at the Kendall Public Lobby on June 8th (1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.).

XVIII. Adjournment

Motion: Councillor Wilson moved to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: Unanimous Ayes.
Outcome: Meeting adjourned.

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