City Council - Regular Meeting

October 20, 2025
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Meeting Minutes of the Cambridge City Council

Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Meeting Type: Regular Meeting Meeting Date: October 20, 2025 Attendees:

  • Councillor Burhan Azeem
  • Vice Mayor Marc McGovern
  • Councillor Patricia Nolan
  • Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui
  • Councillor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler
  • Councillor Paul Toner (Absent for roll call, present for tax rate meeting)
  • Councillor Ayesha Wilson
  • Councillor Catherine Zusy
  • Mayor Denise Simmons

Executive Summary: The Cambridge City Council convened on October 20, 2025, addressing critical issues including the property tax rate classification for Fiscal Year 2026 and the controversial deployment of Flock Safety license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Public comment highlighted concerns about Harvard University's union-busting tactics, the rising commercial property tax rate, and the privacy implications of ALPR technology. The Council approved the FY26 tax rate classification, maintaining the commercial-to-residential split and residential exemption. Following extensive public and Council debate, a motion was adopted to suspend the use of Flock cameras and all ALPR technology until a Public Safety Committee meeting could be held to review the policy and address community concerns.

I. Roll Call

  • Present: Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons.
  • Absent: Councillor Toner.
  • Outcome: Eight members present, one absent.

II. Pledge of Allegiance & Moment of Silence

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

III. Remote Participation & Public Comment Guidelines

  • The City is authorized to use remote participation per Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.
  • Public comment is facilitated via Zoom teleconference, city's open meeting portal, or Channel 22.
  • Sign-up for public comment at www.cambridgema.gov/publiccomment or email written comments to cityclerk@cambridgema.gov.
  • Meetings are audio and video recorded.
  • Individuals are allotted two minutes to speak.

IV. Public Comment

  • Marjorie Davies (35 William Street, Mothers Out Front):
    • Expressed concern over the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP) locking Cambridge into fossil fuel dependence and rising gas costs.
    • Supported Council Resolution No. 149, advocating for legislative bills granting municipalities more voice in gas company plans, particularly regarding Eversource's proposed 54 pipe replacement projects in Cambridge.
    • Supported Council Resolution No. 150, calling for municipal solar cap relief in Governor Healey's energy affordability bill.
  • Evan McKay (Porter Square, former Harvard Grad Students Union President, Greater Boston Labor Council):
    • Supported three pro-labor resolutions.
    • Condemned Harvard University's union-busting tactics, citing the dismantling of the Women's Center and actions against workers' ability to speak on Black Lives Matter.
    • Advocated for increased funding for higher education, aligning with the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
    • Supported the State House Employees Union in their fight for a harassment-free workplace and fair compensation.
  • Nick Burke (Norfolk Street, Harvard Biostatistics PhD student):
    • Spoke on Item 8, opposing Harvard's carve-out of union membership.
    • Described personal impact: reclassified as an "externship" despite continued work, losing union benefits like health and dental insurance, leading to financial hardship.
  • Laura Chen (9 Austin Park, Harvard School of Public Health doctoral student & union steward):
    • Supported the resolution against Harvard's carve-out of student workers from the HGSU bargaining unit.
    • Noted Harvard's unilateral decision to reclassify stipended researchers as non-employees after the contract expired, despite no change in work.
    • Highlighted Harvard's substantial endowment ($50+ billion) and criticized its lack of respect for workers.
  • Lydia Tedessa (Peabody Terrace, Harvard PhD student, reading for Reed Dresser):
    • Supported Policy Issue 8.
    • Argued that Research Assistant (RA) appointments are labor, essential for the physics department's existence and funding.
    • Expressed concern that losing union protections creates uncertainty, impacts access to benefit funds for medical expenses ($4,000/year for personal health conditions), and bike benefits.
  • Rashita Balasubramanian (Auburn Street, Harvard PhD student):
    • Spoke on Policy Order 8, opposing Harvard's union-busting tactics.
    • Described the undermining of academic work, threats to legal status for international students, and funding cuts under the Trump administration.
    • Urged the City Council to endorse the union's opposition to carve-outs.
  • Marissa Freed (50 Prospect Street, Somerville, Cambridge Public School District paraprofessional & student teacher):
    • Spoke on Issue 1, supporting access to free and affordable higher education and improved working conditions for higher education colleagues.
    • Highlighted increased enrollment in public higher education due to free community college access and financial aid.
    • Supported Governor Maura Healey's proposed DRIVE Act, a $400 million investment to backfill federal cuts to public colleges and universities.
  • Simon Warchall (2 Greeno Avenue, Harvard Computer Science PhD candidate):
    • Spoke on Item 8.
    • Described being "carved out" despite significant labor contributions, including co-authoring an NIH grant that awarded $1.4 million to Harvard.
    • Criticized Harvard for "punching down" at workers while posturing against the Trump administration.
  • Cynthia Hibbert (23 Ellsworth Avenue, 350 Mass Cambridge-Somerville node):
    • Strongly supported Policy Order No. 6 (state gas infrastructure planning bill) and Policy Order No. 7 (state bill lifting caps on municipal solar).
    • Criticized Eversource's incentive to replace gas pipelines ($3 million/mile) rather than repair ($100,000/mile), increasing gas bills and fossil fuel dependence.
    • Advocated for lifting the cap on municipal solar projects to maximize net metering savings.
  • Lindsay Adams (356 Pearl Street, Harvard Virology PhD program, HGSU bargaining committee member & former treasurer):
    • Described being a "carved out" worker despite research contributions and union leadership.
    • Highlighted personal financial difficulties due to loss of union benefits (healthcare, dental, mental health, prescriptions).
    • Noted the severe impact on student parents, with childcare costs exceeding Harvard's $18,000/year contribution.
  • Chet Agni (41 Pilgrim Street, Harvard Kennedy School of Government, reading for Wesley Hanson):
    • Supported Policy Order 8, opposing Harvard's carve-out of 1,000 student workers.
    • Emphasized the union's vital role in securing financial support, predictable pay, and protections against overwork.
    • Criticized Harvard for undermining its students amidst an anti-labor climate.
  • Ryan McMillan (356 Pearl Street, Harvard Biophysics PhD student, former HGSU Finance and Benefits Committee co-chair):
    • Spoke in favor of Policy Order No. 8.
    • Detailed the administration of $2.8 million in annual benefit funds for childcare, visa costs, and medical expenses.
    • Stated that Harvard's unilateral removal of over 800 HGSU members prevents access to these critical funds, impacting parents, international students, and disabled students.
  • Alex Marthews (Digital Fourth):
    • Spoke on City Manager's Agenda Item No. 7, reconsideration of Flock Safety cameras.
    • Stated that federal funding (Urban Area Security Initiative) for Flock subscriptions has been rescinded by the Trump administration, shifting costs to the city.
    • Expressed concerns about lack of protections for protesters and individuals seeking reproductive/gender-affirming care, and the potential for widespread surveillance.
  • Gideon Epstein (Everett Street, ACLU of Massachusetts Policy Counsel):
    • Expressed serious concerns about Flock Safety's license plate reader technology.
    • Highlighted Flock's unrestricted data sharing model, allowing out-of-state law enforcement access without reasonable suspicion, undermining Massachusetts' shield law.
    • Raised questions about data access restrictions and transparency, advocating for public sharing of PII-redacted audits.
  • Sonia Merritt (74 Fairweather Street, HKS MCMPA, reading for a Harvard SEAS G3 student):
    • Supported Policy Order 8.
    • Described the union as the "only advocate" against Harvard, providing faster assistance for medical emergencies than the university.
    • Emphasized Harvard's total control over international students' income and presence, making the union essential for protection.
  • Kenny Vorspan (15 7th Street):
    • Spoke on Policy Order No. 5, regarding poison ivy at Fresh Pond Reservation.
    • Highlighted the public health risk posed by unchecked poison ivy growth along the perimeter path.
    • Requested the Fresh Pond Master Plan Advisory Board (FPMPAB) commit to regular poison ivy cutting and improved signage.
  • Amber Shen (334 Harvard Street, Harvard Bioinformatics graduate student):
    • Spoke on Policy Order 8, regarding the union carve-out.
    • Relied on union dental and eye funds for thousands of dollars in annual expenses.
    • Expressed concern for students without family support, facing financial stress due to loss of union benefits.
  • Sam Portolance (Mansfield Street, Somerville, Digital Fourth):
    • Spoke against Flock Safety, describing it as a "nationwide integrated surveillance network."
    • Cited Flock's business model of pooling data across law enforcement and private entities, and partnerships with Ring cameras.
    • Expressed concern about Flock's ambition for "predictive policing" and urged Cambridge to ban the technology.
  • Marzia Kasemi (Kelly Road, MIT Professor of AI):
    • Strongly opposed Flock camera installation, citing expertise in AI and its biased use.
    • Stated Flock's known track record of lying about data sharing and inability to guarantee data protection from federal agencies (e.g., ICE).
    • Urged Cambridge to abandon the project, following examples of Eugene, Oregon, and Evanston, Illinois.
  • Andrew Kim (Dudley Street):
    • Spoke against Flock Safety cameras, citing concerns about data handling and the city's commitment as a welcoming city.
    • Questioned the lack of public contract details and the absence of disproportionate impact analysis on marginalized communities in the CPD report.
    • Cited other cities that have stopped Flock contracts.
  • Siobhan McDonough (Walden Street, Democratic Socialists of America, UAW Local 2320 National Executive Board):
    • Supported Policy Order 4 (State House workers unionization) and opposed Harvard's union busting.
    • Stated that HGSU's presence gives Harvard backbone against the Trump administration.
    • Urged rejection of Flock Safety, citing its history of lying about data sharing.
  • Zoe Fetter (80 Wendell Street, Harvard Biological and Biomedical Sciences PhD student, reading for classmates):
    • Supported Policy Order 8.
    • Shared testimonies from classmates highlighting reliance on union medical and emergency funds, and the devastating impact of carve-outs on childcare benefits for new parents.
  • Madeleine Klein (River Street, Harvard School of Public Health graduate student):
    • Spoke on Policy Order 8.
    • Described how union carve-outs undermine students' ability to focus on training and research, especially amidst federal pressures and funding cuts.
    • Urged the City Council to endorse the union's opposition.
  • Virginia Fisher (Clinton Street):
    • Spoke on City Manager Item No. 7, opposing Flock Safety ALPRs.
    • Cited alarming loopholes in CPD's safeguards and the potential for misuse by federal law enforcement, especially under the Trump administration's National Security Presidential Memorandum 7.
    • Urged the Council to protect Cambridge communities by refusing Flock.
  • Catherine Silvestri (253 Norfolk Street, former Harvard graduate student):
    • Expressed concern about Flock ALPRs, citing ACLU warnings and increased risks under NSPM 7.
    • Questioned Flock's for-profit model and history of using illegally sourced data.
    • Supported the Harvard Graduate Students Union.
  • Fiona Degnan (Walden Street, Psychologist):
    • Spoke on Agenda Item No. 7.
    • Expressed concern about Flock's AI tool for reporting "suspicious vehicle movement patterns" and its potential for bias.
    • Urged termination of the contract, citing lack of checks and balances.
  • Alexandra Thorne (173 Hudson Street, Somerville):
    • Spoke on Agenda Item No. 7.
    • Highlighted Flock's data sharing with federal agencies and the need for privacy-respecting ALPR vendors with local data storage and minimal retention times.
    • Expressed solidarity with the Harvard Student Union.
  • Dan Totten (54 Bishop Allen Drive):
    • Spoke against Flock, citing its untrustworthiness and the danger it poses to vulnerable residents under the current federal government.
    • Referenced Evanston, Illinois, revoking its contract due to Flock transmitting data to federal agencies against their wishes.
    • Supported the Harvard Grad Student Union.
  • Jacob Brown (Magazine Street):
    • Spoke on City Manager Item No. 7, opposing Flock Safety.
    • Cited instances of Flock data sharing with ICE and CBP, and its disproportionate impact on East Cambridge residents.
    • Urged the Council to protect Cambridge residents and ban Flock.
  • Reva Stein (2C Grave Road):
    • Spoke on Policy Number 5, regarding poison ivy at Fresh Pond.
    • Described personal severe allergic reaction and highlighted the public health threat to children and dogs.
    • Supported Policy Number 7 (municipal solar caps).
  • James Williamson (North Cambridge):
    • Spoke against Flock, citing its unscrupulous nature and potential for data sharing with other entities.
    • Criticized the Council for funding such projects while lamenting tax rate increases.
  • Aya Al-Zubi (Cambridge Port):
    • Supported Harvard's unions and opposed Flock deployment.
    • Expressed concerns about privacy, federal agencies abusing data, and lack of transparency.
  • Helen Gibbons (208 3rd Street, East Cambridge):
    • Opposed Flock ALPR cameras, citing the vendor's potential for data sharing with federal agencies.
    • Stated that CPD's assurances were not comforting and that a retrospective audit would be too late.
  • Gary Mello (Franklin Street):
    • Commented on Manager's Agenda Item No. 3, criticizing the high salaries of Cambridge Election Commissioners compared to other communities.
  • Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street):
    • Criticized Cambridge's hypocrisy regarding litigation and citizen petitions.
    • Highlighted the city's disregard for the Committee on Public Planting's advice.
  • LaQueen Battle (Candidate for Cambridge City Council and CPSD School Committee):
    • Supported the Harvard University Graduate Students Union, emphasizing their essential contributions and need for benefits.
    • Advocated for fair and equitable tax structures that do not overburden small businesses.
  • Kate Pierce (MIT undergraduate student):
    • Called on the City Manager to stop Flock rollout, citing its track record of lying about data sharing and potential for misuse by federal agencies.
    • Referenced Evanston and Eugene blocking Flock.

V. Tax Rate Classification Meeting

  • Recess: The regular meeting was recessed at 6:30 PM to conduct a public meeting on the property tax rate classification.
  • Roll Call (Tax Rate Meeting): Councillor Azeem, Vice Mayor McGovern, Councillor Nolan, Councillor Siddiqui, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Toner, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Zusy, Mayor Simmons (all present).
  • Public Comment (Tax Rate Meeting):
    • Kieran Kelly (Associate Director, Cambridge Local First):
      • Opposed the proposed 22% increase in the commercial property tax rate for FY26.
      • Noted the disproportionate tax burden on Cambridge businesses (66% commercial vs. 34% residential).
      • Requested a delay in adoption for a full economic impact assessment, including consideration of a small commercial exemption for properties valued under $1 million with 10 or fewer employees.
      • Requested a permanent communication channel between the city and business associations.
    • Denise Gilson (Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association):
      • Acknowledged the likely lock-in of FY26 tax rates but expressed disappointment and frustration from the business community.
      • Requested continued engagement and communication with the Council during the FY27 budget development.
      • Stressed that the business community cannot sustain another year of such increases.
    • Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street):
      • Criticized the city for not adequately educating the public on the budget process and tax implications.
      • Suggested reasonable belt-tightening measures.
    • James Williamson (Longtime Cambridge resident):
      • Expressed dismay that tax rate decisions seemed predetermined.
      • Advocated for easing the burden on small businesses, suggesting differentiation in tax rates.
      • Criticized past development policies that relied on large companies to offset residential taxes.
  • City Manager's Presentation & Council Discussion:
    • City Manager Yi-An Huang, Assistant City Manager of Finance Claire Spinner, Director of Assessing Gail Willett, and Budget Director Taha Jennings presented.
    • Key Points:
      • The 22% commercial tax rate increase is driven by the overall budget and declining office/lab values, not a desire for 22% more revenue.
      • The budget growth for this fiscal year was 3.8%, lower than previous years, but still resulted in an 8% tax levy increase.
      • The Council's decision tonight is primarily to affirm the split between commercial and residential rates and the residential exemption.
      • City Manager Huang clarified that state law does not allow for different tax rates based on business size or number of employees. Taxes are on commercial property, not directly on small businesses.
      • Councillor Toner emphasized that the vote cannot be delayed and that the budget process has been transparent, with staff available for questions. He noted that continued spending on projects like schools and universal pre-K contributes to tax increases.
      • Vice Mayor McGovern highlighted the many free services provided by Cambridge (e.g., free hockey, trash pickup, after-school programs) that contribute to costs. He urged property owners to consider not passing all tax increases to small business tenants.
      • Councillor Azeem noted the shift from easy expansion to slower budget growth and the need for continued discussion on commercial growth.
      • Councillor Nolan acknowledged the difficulty of the commercial tax rate increase and the need for better communication on its impact. She reiterated that the Council cannot legally set different commercial tax rates.
      • Assistant City Manager Spinner explained that the 22% commercial rate increase is due to the need to raise 8% more revenue combined with declining commercial property values. She noted that the split between commercial and residential rates is approaching the 175% statutory limit, which could lead to significant residential tax increases in the future.
      • Councillor Wilson expressed concern about the 22% increase's impact on small businesses and the need for proactive engagement with the community on long-term tax strategies.
  • Votes:
    • Motion to approve the tax rate for fiscal 2026.
      • Outcome: Approved (9-0).
    • Order 1A: That the City Council classifies property within the City of Cambridge into property classes allowed for the purpose of allocating the property tax levy, and adopts a minimum residential factor of 0.600298.
      • Outcome: Adopted (9-0).
    • Order 1B: That the City Council approve a 30 percent residential exemption for owner-occupied homes.
      • Outcome: Adopted (9-0).
    • Motion to place the matter on file.
      • Outcome: Approved (9-0).
    • Motion for reconsideration (by Councillor Nolan, hoping the same will not prevail).
      • Outcome: Fails (0-9).
    • Motion to adjourn the tax rate classification meeting.
      • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

VI. City Manager's Agenda

  • Item No. 1: Federal Update, including an update on relevant court cases.

    • City Manager Huang provided an update on the federal government shutdown (20th day), expressing concern for furloughed employees and the undermining of federal agencies.
    • Impacts:
      • Gold Star Mothers Park: Remediation plan requires EPA approval, anticipated challenges due to shutdown.
      • Food Security: Federal budget reconciliation bill cut SNAP benefits by $200 billion through 2034.
      • SNAP Benefits: October benefits issued, but November uncertain. A $6 billion contingency fund is available, but the full November need is $8 billion.
      • Cash Assistance Programs (TAFDC, EAEDC): Not affected, continuing normally (1,150 people in Cambridge).
      • WIC Program: Funded through November via transferred tariff revenue.
    • Long-term Concerns: Less federal resources, winding down of ARPA programs, and challenges in keeping eligible families on SNAP benefits due to stricter work requirements.
    • Litigation: The Law Department is actively fighting federal policies, signed onto two federal cases, and filed/intends to file amicus briefs in six additional cases.
    • Deputy Solicitor Veloso-LaBianca confirmed federal courts are in "essential service mode," prioritizing criminal cases and ensuring preliminary injunctions remain.
    • Assistant Solicitor LaBianca noted the denial of a federal government motion to stay a case (New York vs. US Department of Justice) due to the shutdown. Highlighted the city joining amicus briefs in Oregon v. Trump and Illinois v. Trump, opposing federalization of National Guard for domestic law enforcement.
    • Councillor Siddiqui raised concerns about Head Start funding, with 183 children in Somerville/Cambridge potentially affected. Inquired about using the city's stabilization fund for anticipated needs.
    • City Manager Huang stated that the worst impacts are likely in 2026, with federal funding gaps potentially reaching $5-20 million annually. Emphasized the need for regional and state collaboration to address these challenges.
    • Outcome: Placed on file (9-0).

  • Item No. 7: Reconsideration of Flock Safety Cameras.

    • Pulled by: Councillor Toner.
    • Commissioner Elow acknowledged changes since the initial approval a year ago but reiterated the police department's belief in ALPR technology for investigating crimes. Expressed openness to exploring alternative companies if Flock is not trustworthy.
    • Superintendent Wells emphasized that policies were crafted to align with the city's welcoming ordinance and the Commonwealth shield law, preventing assistance with out-of-state investigations involving protected activities.
    • Deputy Superintendent Vellucci stressed the importance of considering community input regarding federal agencies and the political climate.
    • Councillor Toner moved to refer the discussion to the Public Safety Committee for further investigation into Flock's trustworthiness and alternative vendors.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern suggested an amendment to suspend the use of existing cameras during the review and encouraged the city to engage with the ACLU and other organizations to draft a policy with wider support.
    • Superintendent Wells confirmed that Flock cameras are currently deployed.
    • Councillor Nolan supported the referral but requested the entire contract be made public and reviewed by experts like the ACLU.
    • Councillor Azeem inquired about the funding source for the cameras. Deputy Superintendent Vellucci clarified that 8 cameras were funded by the Urban Area Security Initiative ($24,000) and 8 by the City of Cambridge ($24,000).
    • Councillor Azeem requested the committee hearing address data hosting, access, Flock's willingness to participate, and alternative vendors.
    • Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler reiterated opposition to Flock technology, citing concerns about data sharing with ICE, commercial data brokers, and its use in cases related to abortion rights.
    • Councillor Siddiqui emphasized the ACLU's concerns and the need to weigh trade-offs.
    • Councillor Wilson appreciated the dialogue and supported the referral and a late policy order to ensure transparency and community protection.
    • Councillor Zusy questioned how the city would ensure Flock cameras are truly turned off if use is suspended. Commissioner Elow stated confidence that Flock would comply and verification would be possible.
    • Motion: To refer City Manager's Agenda Item No. 7 to the Public Safety Committee.
      • Outcome: Referred (9-0).
    • Late Policy Order (by Vice Mayor McGovern, co-sponsored by Councillor Nolan, Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler, Councillor Wilson, Councillor Azeem, Councillor Siddiqui):
      • Ordered: That the city suspend using Flock cameras and all ALPR technology currently in use until a meeting is held by the Public Safety Committee of the City Council.
      • Discussion: Clarification on "suspend" vs. "revoke" and the need for a subsequent Council vote to allow or revoke use.
      • Amendment: To add Councillor Nolan as a co-sponsor.
        • Outcome: Amended (9-0).
      • Vote on Policy Order as Amended:
        • Outcome: Adopted (9-0).

  • Item No. 9: Curb Cut Disputes.

    • Pulled by: Councillor Zusy.
    • Councillor Zusy thanked the Law Department for the report and inquired about next steps for a curb cut at 177 Hancock Street, which she believes was granted based on false evidence.
    • Deputy City Manager Watkins explained that if the curb cut authority is revoked, the property owner would be directed to restore the curb.
    • Councillor Toner raised a point of order, stating that reconsideration would require a two-thirds vote and must be moved by someone on the prevailing side of the original vote.
    • Deputy Solicitor Veloso-LaBianca confirmed that Council rules for reconsideration can be suspended by a two-thirds vote, and the requirement for a prevailing side member can also be suspended. She also noted that proper notice and a public hearing would be required for revocation.
    • City Manager Huang highlighted the complexities of revoking an already completed curb cut and the need for "good reason" documentation.
    • Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler expressed frustration with the Council's involvement in individual curb cuts and advocated for delegating this authority to city staff.
    • Councillor Azeem suggested that if there is evidence of false information, a policy order could be brought next week to revoke the curb cut.
    • Councillor Zusy emphasized the concerns of Hancock Street residents regarding the curb cut's safety and impact.
    • Deputy City Manager Watkins clarified that abutter approval is not a strict requirement for curb cuts, and the city is working on options to delegate this authority to staff.
    • Motion to call the question.
      • Outcome: Approved (9-0).
    • Motion to place the matter on file.
      • Outcome: Placed on file (9-0).

VII. Policy Orders

  • Motion: To adopt Policy Orders 1 through 8.
    • Initial Vote: (6-3)
    • Councillor Nolan requested unanimous consent to change her vote and the votes of Vice Mayor McGovern and Councillor Zusy to affirmative, as their "no" votes were intended to allow discussion.
    • Motion for unanimous consent to be recorded in the affirmative.
      • Outcome: Approved (8-1, Councillor Zusy voting no).
    • Final Outcome: Policy Orders 1-8 adopted (unanimous consent, with Councillor Zusy recorded as negative on the consent motion).

VIII. Calendar

  • Charter Right No. 1: Committee Report on solar impact analysis and zoning options.
    • Outcome: Accepted and placed on file (9-0).

IX. Applications and Petitions

  • Curb Cut Application: Brian Albrecht, 239 Brookline Street.
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).

X. Communications

  • Motion: To place all 23 communications on file.
    • Outcome: Placed on file (9-0).

XI. Resolutions

  • Motion: To adopt Resolutions 1-5, 7-9, and make unanimous upon adoption.
    • Outcome: Adopted and made unanimous (9-0).
  • Resolution No. 6: Gratitude to Cambridge's own Louis Doc West, musician and mentor.
    • Pulled by: Councillor Zusy.
    • Councillor Zusy announced Louis West's performance at Zing Cafe at Porter Square on Friday, October 24th, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
    • Outcome: Adopted and made unanimous (9-0).

XII. Committee Reports

  • Committee Report No. 1 (Neighborhood and Long-Term Planning Public Facilities Arts and Celebrations Committee): Hearing on September 25, 2025, to discuss reinstating an exemption to the Dover Amendment to regulate institutional development.
    • Outcome: Accepted and placed on file (9-0).
  • Committee Report No. 2 (Ordinance Committee): Public hearing on October 7, 2025, on a zoning petition by Martin Bacall et al. to restrict pavement in open space districts. The committee forwarded the petition with an unfavorable recommendation.
    • Councillor Zusy expressed sympathy for the petition's principle of preserving greenery and nature, despite its restrictive nature.
    • Motion: To accept the report and place on file.
      • Outcome: Accepted and placed on file (9-0).
    • Motion: To accept the unfavorable recommendation.
      • Outcome: Accepted (9-0), effectively defeating the petition.

XIII. Communications and Reports from Other City Officers

  • Motion: To place on file.
    • Outcome: Placed on file (9-0).

XIV. Late Resolutions

  • Late Resolution: Condolences to the family of Kimberly Casanza.
    • Motion to suspend the rules.
      • Outcome: Rules suspended (9-0).
    • Motion to adopt.
      • Outcome: Adopted (9-0).

XV. Announcements

  • Councillor Wilson: Human Service and Veterans Committee meeting on October 21st, 12-2 PM, in the chamber, for an out-of-school time expansion update.
  • Councillor Zusy:
    • Meeting about the demolition of Riverview on Wednesday, October 22nd, 6-8 PM.
    • Cambridge Historical Society culinary crossroads fundraiser on Thursday, October 23rd, 6-8 PM.
  • Councillor Nolan: Health and Environment Committee meeting on Monday, October 27th, 11 AM - 1 PM, in the Sullivan Chamber, to discuss the urban forest master plan.
  • Mayor Simmons: Italian heritage observance on Wednesday, October 22nd, 11 AM - 1 PM. Extended condolences to Bernice Taylor (Clerk's office) on the loss of her mother.

XVI. Adjournment

  • Motion: To adjourn.
    • Outcome: Approved (9-0).
  • Time: 8:50 PM

Last updated: Oct 24, 2025

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