City Council - Regular Meeting

Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: November 24, 2025

Attendees:

• Mayor Denise Simmons
• Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
• City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
• City Councilor Patricia Nolan
• City Councilor Burhan Azeem
• City Councilor Paul Toner
• City Councilor Ayesha Wilson
• City Councilor Catherine Zusy
• City Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui (joined later, absent for some votes)

Absent:

• City Councilor Yi-An Huang (City Manager, present for discussion)

• Summary of Public Comments:

  • Speaker 1 (Unnamed): Expressed deep disappointment and called the City Manager's actions "cold-blooded" and "calculated," urging a reevaluation of the restructuring in March. Highlighted the impact on mentally unwell individuals and the lack of thoughtful planning.
  • Nancy Ryan (Former Director, Women's Commission, 1980-2006): Stated that on November 20th, the City Manager abruptly laid off three full-time staff from the Women's Commission, one staff from the LGBTQ Commission, and the only staff member of the Peace Commission, among others. Argued that the city's ordinance was violated as the manager did not consult with the Women's Commission before making changes to the Executive Director's position. Stated, "We cannot accept unilateral termination without cause."
  • Kathy Hoffman (Former Director, Peace Commission): Criticized the termination of seven commission staff members with five minutes' notice, no cause, and no explanation, calling it "chilling." Compared the approach to a "shock doctrine" and emphasized the importance of community participation and transparency in city operations.
  • Lee Farris: Expressed disturbance over the sudden firings, particularly given the current federal administration's attacks on women, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ people. Supported the late policy order from Councilors Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Wilson. Requested the City Manager reinstate staff for a reasonable transition period and reassess staffing needs with commission member involvement.
  • Caitlin Duby (Commissioner, Women's Commission, 395 Huron Avenue): Expressed "unequivocal alarm and deep outrage" at the sudden layoffs of the entire Women's Commission staff. Stated that the decision was a "direct threat to the safety, equity, and well-being of women and gender expansive people across the city." Cited Cambridge Municipal Code 2.88.050, arguing the City Manager acted in "direct contradiction to both the letter and the intent of the ordinance" by eliminating staff without commission advice.
  • Mara Murray Horwitz (Member, Women's Commission, 441 Franklin Street): Thanked Councilors Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, and Wilson for the late policy order. Criticized the abruptness of the layoffs as "disrespectful and wasteful," and the narrative that work would continue uninterrupted as "not true." Called for the City Manager to explain the reasoning and repair the damage.
  • Carolyn Maggio (Commissioner, Human Rights and Women's Commission, 39 Kirkland Street): Highlighted the impact of the layoffs on women's rights advocacy and the community. Stated, "The city of Cambridge is not a private company... It is a public institution. It works for the people who live here." Demanded transparency and accountability from the City Manager.
  • Phyllis Bretholtz (Former Staff, Cambridge Ridge and Latin; Former Member, Arts Council and Women's Commission, 65 Antrim Street): Expressed deep trouble with the City Manager's actions, finding them contrary to his stated goals of creating a safe and transparent environment. Noted that other city employees feel unsafe expressing themselves.
  • Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street): Agreed with previous speakers regarding the layoffs. Also raised concerns about soil contamination in city parks, specifically Gold Star Mothers Park, citing "extensive soil disturbance" in a "highly contaminated area."

• Motion to Close Public Comment:

  • Motion by: Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Yes
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Yes
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Passed (9-0)

• No minutes were available for this meeting.
• No reconsiderations were presented.

• Item 1: Communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to awaiting report item number 25-60, a comprehensive report on Gold Star Mothers Memorial Park.

  • Pulled by: Councilor Catherine Zusy
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Zusy applauded city staff for their thorough and thoughtful response to the discovery of contamination. She noted the goal to open parts of the park, including the basketball court and tot lot, as soon as possible. She shared information from a health expert that contamination risk for children is low, requiring specific, prolonged exposure to wet mud.
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler inquired about contamination risks in other parks and the city's testing protocols outside of capital projects.
    • Commissioner Nardone explained that the risk factor in parks is generally low if the protective layer (sod, sand, rubber surfacing, asphalt) is undisturbed. Exposure requires digging into and ingesting contaminated soil repeatedly. He stated that testing is primarily done during major construction or when unusual conditions (odors, staining) are observed during excavation.
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler asked for clarification on the timeline for full remediation and reopening of Gold Star Mothers Park.
    • Commissioner Nardone stated that the process involves regulatory approval from DEP and EPA, which can take significant time. Design work will follow. Construction is hoped to start by summer 2027, with efforts to expedite if possible.
    • Councilor Nolan asked about evidence of contaminant migration or groundwater contamination.
    • Commissioner Nardone confirmed that groundwater wells were tested, and no contaminants were found, indicating no off-site spread.
    • Councilor Nolan inquired if building up the park could save time instead of digging down.
    • Commissioner Nardone stated that due to contaminated soil, removal is necessary, meaning digging will occur regardless.
    • Councilor Nolan asked about the city's work on establishing a citywide standard for soil testing.
    • Commissioner Nardone indicated that a policy similar to current practices is being developed to guide future engineers on when testing is appropriate, in consultation with state agencies.
  • Motion to Place on File:
    • Motion by: Councilor Catherine Zusy
    • Vote:
      • Councilor Azeem: Yes
      • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
      • Councilor Nolan: Yes
      • Councilor Siddiqui: Yes
      • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
      • Councilor Toner: Yes
      • Councilor Wilson: Yes
      • Councilor Zusy: Yes
      • Mayor Simmons: Yes
      • Outcome: Passed (9-0)

• Item 2: Communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to the appropriation of $1,000,000 from free cash to the Public Investment Fund Public Works Department Extraordinary Expenditures Account to support the removal of stockpiled contaminated soil and initiate the design phase for the remediation and reconstruction of Gold Star Mothers Park.

  • Pulled by: Councilor Catherine Zusy
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Zusy expressed strong support for the appropriation, emphasizing the park's importance as the largest open space in East Cambridge. She asked about the overall cost of the project and the disposal of contaminated soil.
    • Commissioner Nardone stated that the overall cost is estimated to be in the $10,000,000 range. Contaminated soil will be transported to various specialized disposal sites, which is "extremely expensive." He noted that some soil, primarily lead-contaminated, might be mixed with other substances to facilitate transport and potentially allow disposal in different landfills.
    • Assistant City Manager noted that this project will be moved into the bond schedule, potentially delaying or re-scoping other capital projects, but Gold Star Mothers Park is a high priority.
    • City Manager Yi-An Huang clarified that this is not an incremental expenditure; the city aims to spend the same amount on capital year over year, pushing other projects out to accommodate this.
  • Motion to Accept Appropriation and Place on File:
    • Motion by: Councilor Catherine Zusy
    • Vote:
      • Councilor Azeem: Yes
      • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
      • Councilor Nolan: Yes
      • Councilor Siddiqui: Yes
      • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
      • Councilor Toner: Yes
      • Councilor Wilson: Yes
      • Councilor Zusy: Yes
      • Mayor Simmons: Yes
      • Outcome: Passed (9-0)

• Item 3: Communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to awaiting report item number 25-56, an update on citywide rodent control.

  • Pulled by: Councilor Patricia Nolan
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan inquired about the effectiveness of the residential food waste collection program, noting that 9 tons per day are collected. She asked what percentage of total food waste this represents and how the Zero Waste Master Plan's expansion of food waste collection to larger residential buildings and commercial establishments would impact rodent control.
    • Commissioner Nardone stated that approximately 30% of food scraps are still found in trash and recycling. He announced that ordinance changes are being prepared for early next year to make food waste collection mandatory, including for larger buildings and commercial establishments.
    • Councilor Nolan asked about the significant drop in "smart pipe" kills from 1,381 in 2023 to less than 400 in 2024.
    • Mr. Powers (Rat Czar) explained that the decrease was due to technical challenges with signal communication within sewers and unit malfunctions, leading to some units being taken offline for repair.
    • Councilor Nolan asked about the use of CO2 for rodent control.
    • Mr. Powers confirmed that CO (carbon monoxide) is used by DPW, and CO2 is available through contractors when appropriate or less risky near structures.
    • Councilor Nolan inquired about the status and effectiveness of the fertility control study, conducted in conjunction with Somerville.
    • Mr. Lipson (Public Health Department) reported that the study is ongoing at five sites, with some closing down now. Residential sites (Hoyt Field in Cambridge, Lincoln Park in Somerville) will continue until spring to gather a full 12 months of data and account for seasonality. He noted that preliminary results are "not looking very impressive," suggesting that the fluidity of rat populations in urban areas makes this control method challenging.
    • Mayor Simmons raised concerns about pervasive rat infestations at specific locations like Ford University Park and West Street, where residents are severely impacted. She asked for more aggressive action and a report back on these locations.
    • Mr. Powers acknowledged awareness of both locations. He stated that the city has worked with property owners and management to correct issues like trash handling and open doors. He noted that activity within units has largely ceased, but surrounding building activity remains a challenge, often due to a combination of residential and business trash.
    • Councilor Wilson asked about resources for landlords and business owners to mitigate rodent activity and ensure compliance with best practices.
    • Mr. Powers suggested the Public Works website has details on "get rid of it right" and acknowledged the need for more proactive outreach. Mr. Tuchinardi added that they educate and follow up with larger property managers.
    • City Manager Yi-An Huang emphasized the importance of community partnership in reporting activity and managing food sources, as rodents reproduce faster than they can be trapped.
  • Motion to Place on File:
    • Motion by: Councilor Patricia Nolan
    • Vote:
      • Councilor Azeem: Yes
      • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
      • Councilor Nolan: Yes
      • Councilor Siddiqui: Yes
      • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
      • Councilor Toner: Yes
      • Councilor Wilson: Yes
      • Councilor Zusy: Yes
      • Mayor Simmons: Yes
      • Outcome: Passed (9-0)

• Motion to Suspend Rules to Bring Forward Late Order No. 161:
  • Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Yes
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Yes
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Passed (9-0)
• Discussion:
  • Councilor Wilson opened the discussion, expressing shock and concern over the "hasty decision" and lack of transparent process regarding the commission staff layoffs. She invited the City Manager to speak.
  • Councilor Nolan, as lead sponsor, clarified that the policy order acknowledges the City Manager's authority in staffing decisions but criticizes the manner in which the layoffs were conducted, citing a lack of collaboration, transparency, and fairness. She questioned why the decision was not discussed within the budget context or as part of the Council's goal to review boards and commissions. She also questioned the HR practice of immediate termination for professional staff.
  • Councilor Azeem asked about the notification process and timing of the layoffs, particularly before the holiday season.
  • Ray Ketchings (Chief People Officer) stated that staff were notified on Thursday but would be paid through January, with benefits extending through February, providing a "soft landing."
  • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler highlighted that the Council was not consulted and learned of the layoffs at the same time as the public. He questioned the rationale, noting it was not a response to federal funding cuts or attacks on DEI. He criticized the "jarring experience" of immediate termination.
  • Councilor Siddiqui emphasized that the policy order seeks answers and transparency, not to meddle, and that the decision was not budget-related.
  • Councilor Toner asked about traditional practices for layoffs and expressed concern about the perception of widespread layoffs.
  • City Solicitor provided clarification on the City Charter: the City Manager is responsible for personnel decisions, and the Council's purview is generally limited to ordinances establishing commissions. She noted that executive sessions for personnel matters are narrowly defined and may not apply to this situation.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern questioned the timing of the layoffs, asking why they occurred in November instead of waiting until the end of the fiscal year. He also raised concerns about ordinances not being followed in practice, specifically the Women's Commission ordinance requiring consultation with commissioners for executive director hiring.
  • City Manager Yi-An Huang explained that the restructuring was part of a two-year effort to create a more organized organizational structure and find efficiencies, not driven by budget cuts. He emphasized the need for department heads to make difficult decisions and acknowledged the impact on staff.
  • Deidre Brown (Chief of Inclusion) detailed the rationale for restructuring, citing a need for efficiencies, addressing administrative overlaps, and drawing inspiration from the Human Rights Commission's consolidated model. She stated the goal was to work more collaboratively and effectively, not to reduce services.
  • Ray Ketchings (Chief People Officer) explained that the "why now" was to provide sufficient "runway" for planning for the next fiscal year and to set up the new team for success. She defended the "clean break" approach for layoffs as a common HR practice to avoid difficult ongoing transition conversations.
  • Councilor Zusy acknowledged the need for restructuring and efficiencies, especially given financial constraints, but questioned the abrupt process. She suggested that a six-week notice period would have been more respectful and beneficial for knowledge transfer. She stated she would vote against the policy order to avoid meddling in the City Manager's affairs but valued the conversation.
  • Councilor Siddiqui reiterated that the policy order is about oversight and transparency, not meddling, and that the layoffs were not for budget reasons.
  • Vice Mayor McGovern supported the policy order as a request for information, not a directive to reinstate, and proposed an amendment to inquire about the new structure and program managers.
  • Councilor Wilson asked if the new executive directors would be compensated at a higher rate for increased responsibilities and if more layoffs were anticipated. She also raised concerns about employee morale and the continuation of planned events.
  • Deidre Brown confirmed that the city is actively planning for upcoming events, with staff reaching out to stakeholders, and will be posting for new positions.
  • Ray Ketchings clarified that the new organizational structure includes executive directors. She also addressed union vs. non-union employee considerations, stating that engagement levers exist for unionized staff.
  • City Manager Yi-An Huang reiterated that no additional layoffs are currently being worked on and that the restructuring was for program effectiveness and efficiency, not budget cuts. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation and the importance of staff work.
• Amendment to Policy Order No. 161:
  • Proposed by: Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
  • Amendment: To add a request for information on the new structure, including job descriptions for program managers, to ensure the work continues at the expected level.
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Yes
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Passed (8-0, 1 Absent)
• Vote on Policy Order No. 161 (as amended):
  • Motion by: Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Yes
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: No
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: No
    • Mayor Simmons: No
    • Outcome: Adopted (5-3, 1 Absent)

• Motion to Adopt Policy Order (unspecified, likely related to meeting schedule):
  • Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Passed (7-0, 2 Absent)

• Passed over.

• Motion to Adopt Two Applications and Petitions:
  • Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Adopted (7-0, 2 Absent)

• Motion to Place All Seven Communications on File:
  • Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Placed on File (7-0, 2 Absent)

• Motion to Adopt Resolutions and Make Unanimous Upon Adoption:
  • Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Adopted (7-0, 2 Absent)

• Motion to Accept Reports and Place on File:
  • Motion by: Councilor Patricia Nolan
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Adopted (7-0, 2 Absent)

• Motion to Place Communication on File:
  • Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Adopted (7-0, 2 Absent)

• Motion to Suspend Rules to Take Up Four Late Resolutions:
  • Motion by: Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Rules Suspended (7-0, 2 Absent)
• Motion to Bring All Four Resolutions Forward for Discussion and Adoption, Making Them Unanimous Upon Adoption:
  • Motion by: Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Passed (7-0, 2 Absent)
• Resolutions:
  • Resolution on the passing of Mary Ellen Baker.
  • Resolution on the passing of Calvin Jiltz.
  • Resolution on the passing of Reverend Dr. Robert Avon Bennett Jr. (husband of Marceline Donaldson).
  • Resolution recognizing Cambridge restaurants honored by the Michelin Guide.
• Motion to Adopt Resolutions and Make Unanimous Upon Adoption:
  • Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
  • Vote:
    • Councilor Azeem: Absent
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    • Councilor Nolan: Yes
    • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    • Councilor Toner: Yes
    • Councilor Wilson: Yes
    • Councilor Zusy: Yes
    • Mayor Simmons: Yes
    • Outcome: Adopted (7-0, 2 Absent)

• The previously discussed late policy order was discharged.

• Councilor Nolan: Announced that there would be no meeting on December 1st.
• Councilor Toner: Reminded colleagues to submit feedback for the City Manager's evaluation by November 30th.

• Motion by: Councilor Ayesha Wilson
• Vote:
  • Councilor Azeem: Absent
  • Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  • Councilor Nolan: Yes
  • Councilor Siddiqui: Absent
  • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  • Councilor Toner: Yes
  • Councilor Wilson: Yes
  • Councilor Zusy: Yes
  • Mayor Simmons: Yes
  • Outcome: Adjourned (7-0, 2 Absent)