City Council - Regular Meeting

Meeting Minutes of the Cambridge City Council

Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: June 2nd, 2025 Attendees:

Councillor Burhan Azeem
Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
Councillor Patricia Nolan
Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui
Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
Councillor Paul Toner
Councillor Ayesha Wilson
Councillor Catherine Zusy
Mayor Denise Simmons

Executive Summary: The Cambridge City Council convened for a regular meeting on June 2nd, 2025, addressing critical financial and policy matters. Key decisions included the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Budget, Water Fund Budget, and Public Investment Fund Budget, totaling over $1 billion. The Council also approved loan orders for significant infrastructure projects, including $7.5 million for Ahern Field and $16.5 million for Complete Streets. A Federal Funding Stabilization Fund of $5 million was established and appropriated from free cash to mitigate potential federal funding cuts. Discussions also focused on strengthening the Welcoming Community Ordinance to limit city cooperation with ICE and improving access to Linear Park at Wesley Avenue.

I. Call to Order & Roll Call

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Simmons.
A quorum was present.
Roll Call:
- Councillor Azeem: Present
- Vice Mayor McGovern: Present
- Councillor Nolan: Present
- Councillor Siddiqui: Present
- Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Present
- Councillor Toner: Present
- Councillor Wilson: Present
- Councillor Zusy: Present
- Mayor Simmons: Present
Nine members were recorded as present.

II. Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
A moment of silence was observed in memory of Mrs. Coluccio.

III. Remote Participation & Public Comment Procedures

Remote participation was authorized per Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.
Public comment was facilitated via Zoom teleconference, the city's open meeting portal, and cable channel 22.
Sign-up for public comment was available at www.cambridgema.gov/publiccomment until 6 PM.
Written comments could be emailed to cityclerk@cambridgema.gov.
Each speaker was allotted two minutes due to 28 sign-ups.

IV. Public Comment

David Sullivan (16 Notre Dame Avenue, North Cambridge): Supported Policy Order #2 to strengthen non-cooperation with ICE, citing concerns about ICE's actions and a loophole in the current Welcoming Community Ordinance that allows Cambridge police to assist ICE with "support services, crowd control, and even police escort." He stated, "The only role for Cambridge police should be to protect public safety, not to protect ICE agents from the public."
Mark Boswell (105 Walden Street, Cambridge, Neighborhood 9): Supported Policy Order #4 regarding Alewife Linear Park and Wesley Avenue Access, advocating for an opening at Wesley Avenue to improve usability and connectivity for residents.
Leslie Garvey (203 Lakeview Ave): Opposed the opening of Wesley Avenue to Linear Park, citing concerns about process, danger, and lack of need. She highlighted previous community engagement that resulted in the current design and stated, "Have you been to Wesley Abb? It's a very small dead end street. There was once a small hole opening in it. It was closed because of all the problems."
Julia Schlossman (41 Walker Street): Supported Policy Order #2, emphasizing the need to amend the Welcoming Community Ordinance to eliminate the loophole allowing police assistance to ICE. She stated, "Cantabrigians should not be deporting Cantabrigians."
Marilee Meyer (10 Dana Street): Expressed concern about the unintended consequences of multifamily zoning on the Dover Amendment exemption, particularly regarding a religious organization seeking to expand in residential C1 zoning. She questioned the application of new residential multifamily zoning to educational and religious entities.
Kashif Hoda (440 Cambridge Street): Supported Policy Order #2, sharing personal fear as an immigrant and advocating for local police to verify the identity of masked and armed individuals claiming to be ICE agents. He stated, "We want local police to come to the scene and check the idea of masked and armed men to verify actually they are ICE agents."
Darren Buck (44 Magoon Street): Supported Policy Order #82 (Policy Order #4 in the agenda), advocating for opening access from the Linear Park trail to Wesley Avenue for safe walking and biking routes to Peabody Elementary. He stated, "As a former transportation planner, I believe in public space of all kinds. And if you're going to exclude people from public space, you have to have a very good reason."
Rebecca Listfield (66 Harvey Street): Supported Policy Order #4, stating that a connection at Wesley Avenue would "greatly improve my and my kids' ability to safely and easily access the linear park and the Somerville community path."
Nicholas Fernandez (18 George Street, North Cambridge): Supported removing the fence on Wesley Avenue, emphasizing the need for easier and safer access for residents.
Andrew Farrar (Cambridge Youth Soccer Board Member): Supported Calendar Item #9, a $7.5 million investment in Ahern Field, highlighting the need for high-quality fields in East Cambridge for the growing Cambridge Youth Soccer program.
Young Kim (17 Norris Street): Urged the Council not to adopt the FY26 budget until a clean version incorporating all amendments and clerical edits is submitted, citing a $50 million inconsistency in the Mass Avenue project appropriation.
Jason Targoff (Cambridge Youth Soccer): Supported the Ahern Field investment, drawing parallels to the success of turf fields at Russell and Danahy, stating, "It's an investment in the community and it will pay off the way it has paid off at Russell and Danahy."
Scott Kilcoyne (Pemberton Street, North Cambridge): Supported opening the Linear Path at Wesley Avenue, emphasizing improved safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists.
Casey Szilagyi: Supported the proposed connection from Linear Park to Wesley Avenue, stating it would make the park "more usable and welcoming to a much broader part of the community."
Nahid Trivedi (Magoon Street): Supported opening Wesley Avenue, citing safety concerns for cyclists on Cedar Avenue.
Jim Stewart: Supported the city manager's recommendation for a municipal housing benefit and the emergency stabilization fund, noting positive past experiences with similar programs.
Richard Fryerman (39 RC Kelly Street): Supported opening the connection between Wesley Avenue and Linear Park, advocating for expanded access to public resources. He also supported the budget considerations for Ahern Field.
David Bass (23 Norris Street): Supported Policy Order #4, arguing that the fence at Wesley Avenue is a solution to a 30-year-old problem that no longer exists and hinders access for North Cambridge residents.
Tim Russell (69 Harvey Street): Supported adding an access path at Wesley Avenue, citing personal experience and the need to connect the community.
Henry Wardus (106 Berkshire Street, Our Revolution in Cambridge): Strongly supported Policy Order #2 to update the Welcoming Community Ordinance, stating it would "make Cambridge a safer city."
Charles Teague (90 Jackson Street): Opposed opening Wesley Avenue, citing concerns about tree damage and wasteful spending.
Laura Rotolo (American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts): Strongly supported Policy Order #2, emphasizing the need for clarity in the Welcoming Community Ordinance given the intensification of immigration enforcement.
Stanislav Rivkin (17 Channing Street): Supported CMA 3 and 4 (municipal housing benefit and emergency stabilization fund) and Policy Order #80 (Policy Order #2 in the agenda), advocating for quick voucher dispersal and removal of ShotSpotter technology.
Lee Farris (Norfolk Street, Cambridge Residents Alliance): Supported municipal housing vouchers and the federal grant stabilization fund, urging quick allocation and clarity on implementation. Also supported Policy Order #2.
Dan Totten (54 Bishop Allen Drive): Supported the voucher program but urged faster implementation, particularly for those leaving the Transitional Wellness Center.
Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street): Questioned the city's spending priorities, particularly on Linear Park, and raised concerns about the Dover Amendment and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
James Williamson (North Cambridge): Expressed frustration over the widening of Linear Park and the perceived disregard for community input, particularly regarding the impact on bicyclists' speed.

V. City Manager's Agenda

A. Consent Agenda

Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to close public comment.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Public comment closed.
Items Pulled from Consent Agenda:
- CM25#1: Pulled by Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler.
- CM25#2: Pulled by Vice Mayor McGovern.
- CM25#3: Pulled by Councillor Nolan.
- CM25#4: Pulled by Councillor Nolan.
- CM25#5: Pulled by Councillor Nolan.
- CM25#8: Pulled by Councillor Nolan.
CM25#6: Communication from City Manager Yan Wang relative to the appropriation of $7,500 to the Grant Fund for Extraordinary Expenditures Account.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved for appropriation.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Appropriated and placed on file.
CM25#7: Communication from City Manager Yan Wang relative to the appropriation of $25,000 to the General Fund Public Celebration and Other Ordinary Maintenance Account.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved for appropriation.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Appropriated and placed on file.

B. Non-Consent Agenda

CM25#1: Communication from City Manager Yan Wang relative to the federal update.
- Discussion: City Manager Yan Wang provided an update on federal actions, court cases, and potential impacts on the city budget. He highlighted three major milestones: the federal budget reconciliation bill, the state budget finalization, and the federal continuing resolution expiring in September. He noted potential cuts to social service programs, HUD, and Section 8, and discussed the city's inclusion on a list of "sanctuary jurisdictions." City Solicitor Behr clarified that the formal letter outlining consequences had not yet been received. Councillor Nolan inquired about the city's participation in state-level gatherings for refugees and immigrants.
- Outcome: Placed on file.
CM25#2: Proposed increase in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget of $1 million to create new municipal vouchers and supportive services for people who are unhoused and a $5 million free cash appropriation for a federal grant stabilization fund.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved for suspension of the rules to bring forward CM25#3, CM25#4, CM25#5, Committee Reports 1-4, and Unfinished Business 8-17.
  - Vote (Suspension of Rules):
    - Councillor Azeem: Yes
    - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
    - Councillor Nolan: Yes
    - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
    - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
    - Councillor Toner: Yes
    - Councillor Wilson: Yes
    - Councillor Zusy: Yes
    - Mayor Simmons: Yes
  - Outcome: Passed (9-0). Rules suspended.
- Discussion: City Manager Yan Wang summarized the proposal: $1 million for municipal supportive housing vouchers for 25 unhoused individuals and a $5 million federal grant stabilization fund to respond to potential federal cuts. Assistant City Manager Seminoff clarified that the vouchers would support scattered site housing with case management, not requiring specific buildings. Vice Mayor McGovern and Councillor Wilson inquired about the timeline for voucher distribution, particularly for those leaving the Transitional Wellness Center and mixed-status families. Ms. Seminoff stated that the 25 vouchers for unhoused individuals are hoped to be available by the end of summer, and the city manager anticipates requesting appropriation for mixed-status family vouchers within 2-3 weeks. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler inquired about the management and prioritization process for the municipal vouchers, with Ms. Seminoff confirming the use of the Coordinated Access Entry Program (CCAN) prioritization process.
- Outcome: Placed on file.
CM25#3: Amendment to the General Fund Budget for the increase of $1 million to create new municipal vouchers.
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan explained that this $1 million would be covered through the tax levy, potentially pushing the tax levy increase to 8%. Finance staff confirmed this and noted the final tax levy would be determined in the fall.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to adopt the recommendation and refer it to Unfinished Business #8 (General Fund Budget).
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Recommendation adopted and referred.
Committee Reports 1-4 (Finance Committee Meetings):
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to place on file.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Placed on file.
Unfinished Business #8: Submitted Budget and Appropriation Orders for the General Fund, Water Fund, and Public Investment Fund.
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan presented the General Fund Budget as amended, totaling $978,578,370. Councillor Zusy expressed concerns about increased spending and borrowing given potential federal funding cuts. Councillor Siddiqui stated she would vote no, believing the budget did not reflect the urgency or bold action needed for vulnerable families. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler also stated he would vote no on the General Fund portion, citing concerns about budget prioritization. Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Wilson, and Councillor Toner expressed support for passing the budget to avoid chaos and maintain city services, despite acknowledging areas for improvement. Mayor Simmons emphasized the need for prudent financial management in uncertain times.
- Motion (General Fund Budget): Councillor Nolan moved to adopt the General Fund Budget as amended in the amount of $978,578,370.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: No
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: No
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (7-2).
- Motion (Water Fund Budget): Councillor Nolan moved to adopt the Water Fund Budget in the amount of $13,602,950.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
- Motion (Public Investment Fund Budget): Councillor Nolan moved to adopt the Public Investment Fund Budget in the amount of $41,204,770.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
Unfinished Business #9 (CM25#93): Loan Order for Ahern Field in the amount of $7.5 million.
- Discussion: Councillor Wilson acknowledged the expense but supported the investment for youth and community use, urging financial responsibility in future renovations. Mayor Simmons highlighted the field's importance for children in East Cambridge.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
Unfinished Business #10 (CM25#94): Loan Order for Complete Streets in the amount of $16.5 million.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
Unfinished Business #11 (CM25#95): Loan Order for Municipal Facilities Improvement Plan Funds in the amount of $11.1 million.
- Discussion: Councillor Wilson emphasized the need for urgent maintenance of city buildings, including 105 Windsor Street, Fletcher Maynard, and Cambridge Port, to ensure high-quality spaces.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
Unfinished Business #12 (CM25#96): Loan Order for School Building Upgrades in the amount of $19,986,000.
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan noted this was in addition to prior authorizations, bringing the total to $40-50 million. Councillor Wilson reiterated the importance of maintaining school buildings.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
Unfinished Business #13 (CM25#97): Loan Order for Sewers in Central Square in the amount of $27.5 million.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Absent
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (8-0, 1 Absent).
Unfinished Business #14 (CM25#98): Loan Order for CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) Program Storage Tank in the amount of $3 million.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Absent
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (8-0, 1 Absent).
Unfinished Business #15 (CM25#99): Loan Order for Sewer Reconstruction Projects in the amount of $7.5 million.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Absent
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (8-0, 1 Absent).
Unfinished Business #16 (CM25#100): Loan Order for Water Construction in the amount of $15,250,000.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Absent
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (8-0, 1 Absent).
Unfinished Business #17 (CM25#101): Loan Order for Wilder Lee Playground and 359 Broadway in the amount of $1.6 million.
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan noted this project had a prior authorization of $500,000, bringing the total cost to $2.1 million.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
CM25#4: Communication from City Manager Yan Wang relative to the establishment of the Federal Stabilization Fund.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to adopt the order establishing the fund and place the communication on file.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
CM25#5: Free cash appropriation of $5 million to the Federal Funding Stabilization Fund.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to adopt the order appropriating $5 million from free cash to the Federal Funding Stabilization Fund and place the city manager item on file.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
Motion (Reconsideration): Mayor Simmons moved for suspension of the rules to move reconsideration on all votes related to the budget, loan orders, and federal funding stabilization fund, hoping the same would not prevail.
- Vote (Suspension of Rules):
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0).
- Vote (Reconsideration):
  - Councillor Azeem: No
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: No
  - Councillor Nolan: No
  - Councillor Siddiqui: No
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: No
  - Councillor Toner: No
  - Councillor Wilson: No
  - Councillor Zusy: No
  - Mayor Simmons: No
- Outcome: Failed (0-9). The matters were not reconsidered.
CM25#8: Communication from City Manager Yan Wang relative to awaiting report item #2518, regarding vacant storefronts.
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan moved to refer this communication to the Economic Development and University Relations Committee meeting on June 23, 2025. Councillor Toner suggested sending the policy order proposal directly to the Council for discussion. City Solicitor Behr clarified that the Council could adopt the policy and then refer it for additional discussion. Councillor Siddiqui advocated for adopting the policy immediately, noting it had been discussed for years. Councillor Zusy suggested a focused discussion rather than a broad review.
- Motion: Councillor Nolan withdrew her motion to refer and moved to adopt the policy and place it on file.
- Vote:
  - Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adopted and placed on file.

VI. Policy Orders and Resolutions

Policy Order #3: (No specific details provided in transcript, but adopted unanimously).
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to adopt.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adopted (9-0).
Policy Order #1: City Council opposition to the expansion of offshore oil and gas drilling.
- Sponsors: Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Wilson.
- Amendment: Councillor Nolan moved to amend the resolution to include the words "exploration or leasing" after "offshore oil and gas."
  - Vote (Amendment): Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Vote (as amended):
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Present
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (8-0, 1 Present).
Policy Order #2: That the exception language in Chapter 2.129.040, Section J of the Cambridge Municipal Code be revised with language clarifying that Cambridge City employees shall not participate in federal immigration enforcement operations and that the sole role of the Cambridge City employees during any action by ICE is only to protect public safety and not to assist or facilitate the work of ICE.
- Sponsors: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Nolan.
- Discussion: Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler explained the need to update the Welcoming Community Ordinance to remove loopholes allowing police assistance to ICE and to empower police to document ICE actions.
- Charter Right: Councillor Toner exercised his charter right.
- Outcome: Discussion ceased.
Policy Order #4: That the City Manager is requested to work with relevant city departments to ensure that there is full open access for all users to Linear Park and Wesley Avenue as an additional community access point.
- Sponsors: Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern.
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan advocated for opening Wesley Avenue to Linear Park, citing it as a public right-of-way and an important access point for the neighborhood. She clarified that the proposal would not involve tree removal or a large asphalt path.
- Charter Right: Councillor Toner exercised his charter right.
- Outcome: Discussion ceased.

VII. Calendar Items

Charter Right (Mayor Simmons): Mayor Simmons exercised a charter right on an item (not explicitly numbered in transcript) regarding exploring the functions of the Peace Commission.
- Discussion: Mayor Simmons proposed a substitute amendment to review all city boards and commissions, not just the Peace Commission, to avoid interfering with a personnel matter. City Solicitor Behr advised caution regarding personnel matters. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler suggested removing the "whereas" clauses from the original order and keeping the orders related to the Peace Commission while also supporting a broader review. Councillor Toner supported the substitute motion for a comprehensive review. Councillor Wilson suggested a special committee of the whole for the review and prioritizing commissions with acting members.
- Motion: Mayor Simmons withdrew her substitute motion and moved to lay the original policy order on the table.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Matter laid on the table.
Charter Right (Mayor Simmons): Mayor Simmons withdrew a second charter right with unanimous consent.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Withdrawn.
Unfinished Business #6: Amendments to the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) and multi-family housing ordinance regarding heights.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved for adoption.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Adopted.
Unfinished Business #7: Floodplain Zoning.
- Motion: Vice Mayor McGovern moved for ordination.
- Vote:
  - Councillor Azeem: Yes
  - Vice Mayor McGovern: Yes
  - Councillor Nolan: Yes
  - Councillor Siddiqui: Yes
  - Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Yes
  - Councillor Toner: Yes
  - Councillor Wilson: Yes
  - Councillor Zusy: Yes
  - Mayor Simmons: Yes
- Outcome: Passed (9-0). Ordained.

VIII. Applications and Petitions

None.

IX. Communications

225 Communications:
- Motion: Councillor Wilson moved to place on file.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Placed on file.

X. Resolutions

Resolutions #2, #3, #4, #6:
- Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to adopt and make unanimous.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adopted (9-0).
Resolution #1: Happy 80th birthday wishes to Henrietta Davis.
- Motion (Amendment): Councillor Zusy moved to be added as a co-sponsor.
  - Vote (Amendment): Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Vote (as amended): Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adopted as amended.
Resolution #5: Congratulations to Jacob Werner on his recent marriage to Haley Minchu Forbes.
- Discussion: Councillor Wilson, as Jacob Werner's legislative aide, congratulated him on his marriage.
- Motion: Adopted and made unanimous.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adopted (9-0).
Resolution #7: (No specific details provided in transcript, but adopted unanimously).
- Motion: Adopted and made unanimous.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adopted (9-0).

XI. Committee Reports

All committee reports were addressed earlier under City Manager's Agenda.

XII. Communications and Reports from Other City Officers

Motion: Councillor Nolan moved to place on file.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Placed on file.

XIII. Late Resolutions

Motion (Suspension of Rules): Voice Vote: Ayes have it. Rules suspended.
Resolution: Congratulations to Marijek van Dam on her 10th anniversary with History Cambridge.
- Sponsor: Councillor Nolan.
- Discussion: Councillor Nolan noted the resolution was for an event on Friday.
- Outcome: Adopted (9-0).

XIV. Late Policy Orders

Motion (Suspension of Rules): Voice Vote: Ayes have it. Rules suspended.
Policy Order: That the City Council go on record reaffirming the Cambridge-Yarravan sister city relationship.
- Sponsors: Mayor Simmons, Councillor Toner.
- Motion: Adopted.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adopted (9-0).

XV. Announcements

Councillor Wilson: Congratulated the Class of 2025 from all educational levels and recipients of CSI scholarships.
Councillor Zusy: Announced Community Learning Center graduation (Thursday, 6 PM, EF headquarters), Community Art Center Film Festival (Friday at Harvard Art Museums, Saturday at Open Space at MIT), Dance for World Community (Saturday at Harvard Square), Pride Cambridge (Sunday at City Hall), and the Dragon Boat Festival (Magazine Beach).
Mayor Simmons: Announced Pride block party at City Hall on Sunday and "How Sweet It Is, The History of Candy Making in Cambridge" at Kendall Public Library lobby from 2-4 PM on Sunday. Also mentioned an upcoming event by the Veterans Commission on June 14th.

XVI. Adjournment

Motion: Councillor Wilson moved to adjourn.
- Vote: Voice Vote: Ayes have it.
- Outcome: Adjourned.

Podcast Summary