City Council - Regular Meeting

November 3, 2025
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Meeting Minutes: Cambridge City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Date: November 3rd, 2025 Governing Body: Cambridge City Council Type of Meeting: Regular Meeting

Attendees:

  • Mayor Denise Simmons (Present)
  • Vice Mayor Marc McGovern (Present)
  • City Councilor Burhan Azeem (Present)
  • City Councilor Patricia Nolan (Present)
  • City Councilor Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler (Present)
  • City Councilor Paul Toner (Present)
  • City Councilor Ayesha Wilson (Present)
  • City Councilor Catherine Zusy (Present)
  • City Councilor Sumbul Siddiqui (Present)

Absent:

  • None (All councilors were present for at least part of the meeting, with Siddiqui and Toner initially absent but joining later.)

Executive Summary: The Cambridge City Council convened a regular meeting to address critical community issues. Key actions included the appropriation of $138,372 in federal funds for emergency heating assistance and $250,000 from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to address food insecurity, matched by the Cambridge Community Foundation. The Council also adopted a resolution urging Harvard University to negotiate in good faith with its unionized workers and discussed the ongoing challenges and future recommendations regarding micromobility regulations.

Public Comment

  • Surama Varanasi (Representing 32BJ SEIU):

    • Introduced two union members from Harvard University's security and commercial cleaning staff.
    • Eugene Ivey (Harvard Security): Expressed gratitude for the Council's consideration of a resolution supporting custodians and security officers. Noted that after several weeks of unproductive bargaining sessions, support is needed to win a fair contract.
    • [Speaker Name Unclear] (Harvard Security Guard, Everett Resident): Thanked Mayor Simmons for her support. Highlighted the need for fair wage increases, especially given their essential worker status during the pandemic and rising inflation. Requested improved protection for immigrant members, sharing a personal experience of being detained at Newark Airport despite being a U.S. citizen.
    • Surama Varanasi (Concluding Remarks): Emphasized the need for fair and equitable wages that reflect the current cost of living and the dangerous nature of their work.

  • Tina Alou (113 and a half Pleasant Street):

    • Testified on City Manager Agenda Item 2, requesting a $250,000 appropriation for food insecurity.
    • Reported a significant increase in numbers at CEOC's food pantry, from 150 to 300 residents weekly, reaching 355 last week due to impending SNAP funding deadlines.
    • Stated that the appropriation, combined with matching funds from the Cambridge Community Foundation, will provide grocery store gift cards to SNAP-eligible Cambridge Public Schools families and older adults in subsidized housing, and support food pantries.
    • "This funding will help to relieve some of the distress that so many people are feeling and remind them that their community cares about them."

  • James Williamson:

    • Spoke on the "micro mobility update."
    • Expressed concern about the slow pace of addressing urgent micromobility issues, noting that a legal opinion was requested last year by Councilor Toner.
    • Described dangerous and reckless behavior of electric scooter riders and delivery personnel in areas like Harvard Square and Linear Park.
    • Questioned a potential conflict of interest in the report, suggesting some parties want to promote micromobility while others seek regulation and enforcement.

  • Heather Hoffman (213 Hurley Street):

    • Supported the appropriation for food insecurity, suggesting community fridges as an additional resource.
    • Critiqued the city's "perennial" update on litigation against the Trump administration, stating that accountability is equally important for local government.
    • Echoed concerns about dangerous micromobility use, specifically high-speed, wrong-way riding in bike lanes.
    • Pointed out a discrepancy in the micromobility report regarding meeting dates (April to November 2025) and report issuance (December 2025), suggesting a proofreading error.

City Manager's Agenda

Supplemental Agenda Item: Appropriation for Emergency Heating Assistance

  • Motion to Suspend Rules: Councilor Nolan moved to suspend the rules to bring forward the supplemental agenda item.
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Motion Passed.
  • Motion to Bring Forward Supplemental Item:
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Motion Passed.
  • Item Description: Transmitting communication from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to the appropriation of $138,372, funded by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. Funds are allocated to the grant fund human service program salaries and wages account ($33,176) and the grant fund human service programs other ordinary maintenance account ($105,196). These funds will assist with heating bills from November 1st, 2025, through April 30th, 2026.
  • Discussion:
    • City Manager Yi-An Huang noted the urgency of the appropriation due to a signed contract over the weekend and an upcoming roundtable, aiming to access funds before a potential government shutdown impacts the Low Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
    • Deputy City Manager Kathy Watkins and Claudia Cruz (who runs the HEAP program) explained that these are emergency funds for those with heat shut off or low fuel levels (e.g., less than an eighth of a tank of oil).
    • Ms. Cruz stated that all Massachusetts agencies worked with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to prevent shutoffs for low-discount rate clients.
    • Councilor Zusy: Inquired about the demand for fuel assistance and the typical annual expenditure.
      • Ms. Cruz: Anticipated these funds would last until the end of December for emergency needs, hoping for a larger budget once the government reopens.
      • Deputy City Manager Watkins: Stated that typically, about $1 million is spent annually on fuel assistance.
    • Councilor Nolan: Emphasized the critical importance of this immediate funding while acknowledging the larger, uncertain long-term issue for the winter season.
    • Councilor Wilson: Asked how residents can apply for assistance.
      • Ms. Cruz: Provided the phone number 617-349-6252, mentioned in-person applications, and an online portal.
      • Ms. Cruz: Clarified that priority is given to emergency situations (e.g., shutoffs, low oil), not specific household demographics like children or seniors.
  • Vote on Appropriation and Placement on File:
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Appropriation Approved and Item Placed on File.

Consent Agenda Items

  • Item 2: Appropriation for Food Insecurity: Appropriation of $250,000 from the Federal Grant Stabilization Fund to the Grant Fund Department of Human Service Programs.
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Appropriation Approved and Item Placed on File.
  • Item 4: Kendall Square Parking Considerations: City Manager relative to awaiting report item 2547 regarding Kendall Square parking considerations.
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Item Placed on File.

Item 1: Federal Update (Pulled by Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler)

  • Item Description: Communication transmitted from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to a federal update, including an update on relevant court cases.
  • Discussion:
    • City Manager Yi-An Huang provided an update on SNAP benefits and the impact of the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits.
    • SNAP Benefits:
      • Initially, a full cutoff was anticipated due to a potential government shutdown, impacting 10,000 Cambridge residents.
      • The city appropriated $250,000 from the Federal Stabilization Fund, matched by $250,000 from the Cambridge Community Foundation's urgent needs fund, totaling $500,000.
      • These funds will provide grocery gift cards for public school students, seniors, and disabled individuals, and strengthen the food pantry network.
      • Court rulings in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered the federal administration to use contingency funding for SNAP. The Trump administration announced it would pay out half of November benefits, though timing is unclear.
      • Benefits are loaded based on the last digit of beneficiaries' social security numbers, with payments scheduled between November 3rd and November 14th.
      • The allocation addresses the shutdown's impact but does not fully cover gaps, especially with deeper structural cuts and work requirements in the summer budget reconciliation bill.
    • Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (Affordable Care Act):
      • Democrats are demanding an extension of these credits as part of reopening the government.
      • These credits make ACA plans more affordable for low and middle-income households, including self-employed adults and those not receiving employer insurance.
      • Massachusetts receives $1.5 billion annually in federal funding for these plans; $425 million could be lost in 2026 if not extended.
      • Enrollment period is November 1st to December 23rd.
      • 337,000 Massachusetts residents, primarily households earning above 400% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $58,000 for individuals, $120,000 for a family of four), will be impacted.
      • Example: A 62-year-old couple earning $86,000 could see costs rise by $1,700/month or $20,000/year.
      • Concerns exist that some may become uninsured, leading to higher premiums for others.
      • An additional 34,000 lawfully present immigrants in Massachusetts will lose subsidized insurance.
      • Uncertainty remains due to the ongoing government shutdown and potential for a compromise.
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Asked if the city's appropriated funds would be fully utilized even if federal SNAP benefits are restored.
      • City Manager Huang: Confirmed the intention is to utilize the $500,000 regardless, as deeper needs and structural cuts persist.
    • Councilor Nolan: Inquired about communication efforts to inform residents about available funds and healthcare changes.
      • City Manager Huang: Stated the city will partner with Cambridge Public Schools and charter schools, and create a city webpage with information. Grocery gift cards are expected to be distributed by late week.
    • Councilor Zusy: Suggested the city send out a blast encouraging residents to donate money (rather than food) to food pantries and the Cambridge Community Foundation, providing links to all organizations.
      • Deputy City Manager Watkins: Agreed, noting that monetary donations are more efficient as food pantries can purchase needed items.
  • Motion to Close Public Comment: Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler moved to close public comment.
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Motion Passed.
  • Vote to Place on File:
    • Vote: Yes: 8 (Azeem, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Abstain: 1 (McGovern). Item Placed on File.

Item 3: Special Commission on Micromobility (Pulled by Councilor Nolan)

  • Item Description: Communication transmitted from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to awaiting report item number 2552 regarding the special commission on micromobility.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan: Expressed disappointment that public outreach to the community about the Micromobility Commission's work was not conducted, as intended by the original policy order. Noted that "micromobility" includes pedestrians, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, and alternative mobility for disabled individuals.
    • Commissioner McKenna: Stated that the commission did not conduct public outreach on behalf of the state. Their meetings were open to the public, but it was an internal commission. The report, initially due in December, is now expected in January 2026. Public comment is anticipated to be most useful once the legislature takes up the recommendations.
    • Councilor Wilson: Questioned if the city had any leverage to facilitate more public engagement, given the importance of the issue.
      • Commissioner McKenna: Reiterated that the commission's design did not prioritize public interaction, expecting public input during the legislative process. Acknowledged the frustration but suggested the city could advocate for more public participation in future state-level commissions.
      • Councilor Wilson: Emphasized the need for the city to proactively engage the community once recommendations are released, potentially utilizing the Office of Community Engagement.
    • Councilor Zusy: Suggested the Transportation Committee chair lead a meeting in January to discuss the state's recommendations. Asked about the city's submitted questions to the state commission.
      • Commissioner McKenna: Highlighted key issues submitted by the city, including:
        • Better and consistent definitions of various micromobility forms.
        • Clarifying contradictory or silent laws (e.g., certain e-bikes not contemplated in state legislation).
        • Developing a common way to discuss different types of bike facilities.
        • Creating a flexible hierarchy for micromobility to accommodate future innovations.
      • City Manager Huang: Clarified that the policy order requested informing the community of the commission's work and recommendations, not necessarily direct input into the commission itself. Anticipated robust public input during state legislative hearings.
  • Vote to Place on File:
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Item Placed on File.

Item 5: Russell Youth and Community Center Utilization (Pulled by Councilor Zusy)

  • Item Description: Communication transmitted from City Manager Yi-An Huang relative to policy order item number 2025, number 143, directing the City Manager to work with relevant departments to consider a better plan to utilize the Russell Youth and Community Center.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Zusy: Expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the importance of utilizing municipal buildings for community, curbing isolation, and encouraging activity. Announced upcoming yoga, tai chi, and portrait drawing classes for older adults (9 AM - 12 PM) at the center on Thursday and Friday.
    • Councilor Nolan: Acknowledged the long-standing community request (approximately two years) for better utilization of the Russell Youth and Community Center, emphasizing its "Community Center" designation beyond just youth. Hoped the pilot program for seniors would expand to more days and years, advocating for full daily use of such centers.
    • Councilor Wilson: As a former employee of the center, expressed appreciation for the new resources for seniors, anticipating high utilization.
    • Councilor Wilson: Inquired about age restrictions for the new activities.
      • [City Staff Member]: Confirmed activities are for individuals 60 years and up, as served by the Council on Aging.
  • Vote to Place on File:
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Item Placed on File.

Policy Order and Resolution

Policy Order 1: Dedicated Position for Senior Services Triage

  • Item Description: That the City Manager is requested to confer with the Executive Director of the Council on Aging and relevant city departments to explore the feasibility of creating a dedicated position or function focused on triaging and directing senior residents to appropriate services and support.
  • Lead Sponsors: Councilor Nolan, Councilor Toner (Councilor Zusy added as co-sponsor).
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Nolan: Explained the need for a point of contact for seniors to help navigate challenges beyond social needs, based on feedback from seniors.
    • Councilor Zusy: Supported the idea, noting that senior providers consistently highlight three needs: better navigation of existing services, hiring geriatric psychologists/psychiatrists, and connecting seniors with each other.
    • Councilor Nolan: Exercised a charter right to postpone discussion until the next meeting, citing concerns about budget constraints and the city's request for departments to find savings.

Policy Order 2: Support for Harvard Workers (32BJ SEIU)

  • Item Description: The City Council go on record urging the Harvard administration to engage in good faith with the demands of workers represented by 32BJ SEIU, including fair pay, healthcare, retirement benefits, and improved protections for immigrant members.
  • Lead Sponsor: Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler.
  • Discussion:
    • Councilor Sobrinho-Wheeler: Emphasized the Council's past support for Harvard against federal attacks and now called on Harvard to uphold Cambridge's values by supporting its workers. Highlighted that jobs like cleaning and security are essential, in-person, and can be dangerous.
    • Vice Mayor McGovern: Noted the recurring need for the Council to advocate for Harvard's unionized workers during contract negotiations, urging Harvard and MIT to "do right by these folks."
    • Councilor Nolan: Stressed that universities cannot operate without workers, and while Harvard faces challenges, it should still engage in good faith negotiations without disproportionately burdening workers.
  • Vote to Adopt:
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Policy Order Adopted Unanimously.

Applications and Petitions

  • Item Description: Application received by Reese Brown requesting permission for a curb cut at 35 Market Street. Approved by Inspectional Services, Traffic, Parking, Transportation, Historical, and Public Works.
  • Motion to Adopt: Councilor Nolan moved to adopt the application.
  • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Application Adopted.

Communications

  • Item Description: 23 communications.
  • Motion to Place on File: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to place all 23 communications on file.
  • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Communications Placed on File.

Resolutions

  • Item Description: Two resolutions.
  • Motion to Adopt: Councilor Nolan moved to adopt the resolutions and make them unanimous upon adoption.
  • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Resolutions Adopted Unanimously.

Community Committee Reports

  • Item Description: The Economic Development and University Relations Committee held a public hearing on October 8th, 2025, with the Community Development Department, Economic Opportunity and Development Division, to provide an update on city efforts to support small businesses and commercial districts in Cambridge.
  • Motion to Accept and Place on File: Councilor Zusy moved to accept the report and place it on file.
  • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Report Accepted and Placed on File.

Communications and Reports from Other City Officers

  • Item Description: Communication received from Paula Crane, Interim City Clerk, transmitting an update regarding legislative activity.
  • Motion to Place on File: Councilor Nolan moved to place the communication on file.
  • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Communication Placed on File.

Late Resolutions

  • Motion to Suspend Rules:
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Rules Suspended.
  • Motion to Bring Forward Late Resolutions:
    • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Late Resolutions Brought Forward.
  • Item Description: Three late resolutions from Mayor Simmons.
    • Resolution 1: Condolences to the family of Sadie Warren, former Mayor of Newton and Harvard University employee.
    • Resolution 2: Condolences to the family of Raymond C. Avant, a Cambridge resident and finance professional.
    • Resolution 3: Condolences to the family of Peter Anthony Emmanuel, a long-standing Cambridge resident, veteran, and "ambassador to the port."
  • Motion to Approve All Three Resolutions: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to approve all three resolutions.
  • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Late Resolutions Adopted.

Adjournment

  • Motion to Adjourn: Vice Mayor McGovern moved to adjourn the meeting.
  • Vote: Yes: 9 (Azeem, McGovern, Nolan, Siddiqui, Sobrinho-Wheeler, Toner, Wilson, Zusy, Simmons); No: 0; Absent: 0. Meeting Adjourned.

Last updated: Nov 5, 2025

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