The meeting started at 6 pm with a bit of fanfare because of the swearing in of the new Mayor, Steve Rideout. Many thanks were given to all those involved.
The agenda was amended by Commissioner Spudy Cephas to postpone the discussion on the grants to Nonprofits until October 3, 2022 at 6 because of the need to have the Commissioners review the recommendations. All agreed.
Public Comment: There were a number of speakers who were dissatisfied with the recommendations of the Non-Profit allocations and they expressed their dismay and confusion. The Council, as stated above, moved to review the process.
Consent Agenda:
Copy of a letter sent to Dave Callahan regarding the status of the Hearn Building. The Council wanted to know what the plans are for rehabbing the building and the schedule of events.
Approved a trip to New Orleans for Commissioner LeJan Cephas to present a paper on Leonard’s Lane Park.
Approved a contract to install 3 floating docks in the City Marina. This contract was funded by a State grant and involved no City expenditures.
Old Business:
Approved a Memorandum of Understanding to give $450,000 to the Hyatt and a Housing Developer to repair a bridge on their private road. This was an unbudgeted item that used ARPA and General funds. No discussion, followed by a 5/0 vote to approve.
GFNY bicycle race was discussed in detail. Lidia Fluhme answered questions for the GFNY organization. The race is to be held two weeks after Ironman and there were concerns that the two races were too close to each other. GFNY stated that they will bring in approximately 1,000 riders who will spend money in Cambridge. They stated that they will need 30 to 40 volunteers. The race will be done in one day and road closures will have a minimum impact in the City. The City will split the $50,000 fee with the State next year but it was unclear what would happen after that. The County would not commit until the City made a decision. Commissioner S Cephas expressed concern about making a two year commitment and tying up the City budget up for two years on an unproven event. After some more discussion, the vote was 3/2 to approve with both Commissioners Cephas voting against. There was no discussion of where the unbudgeted money was coming from.
New Business:
The Council approved a 20% rate increase in Marina docking fees for next year. Rates have not increased since 2008 and the Marina needs to prepare for major improvements in the coming years.
Michael Wheatly was reappointed to the Ethics Commission for another 4 year term. Mr. Wheatly has been on the Commission for 3 years and adds stability to the group.
City Manager Comments:
Submitted a paper on proposed changes to the MUC to include sewer management as well as clean water management. More discussions with MUC are required.
A paper on Rats at Long wharf and efforts to eliminate them. Steps were taken but no details were given.
The City Manager noted that he was one of 35 individuals to be accepted into the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) fellows. This is a national organization that recognizes excellence in job performance which also reflects what we have been seeing locally with our new City Manager. Congratulations!
The City Manager spoke that the staff was reviewing all City Commissions and would make a full report later.
Commissioners and Mayor’s comments
The Commissioners thanked Commissioner LeJan Cephas for her work as Council President for the last year and welcomed new Mayor Rideout to the Table.
Mayor Rideout thanked all who helped him get elected and expressed hope that things would work smoothly in the future.
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