The Cambridge City Council held its bi-weekly session on May 8th, 2023, yielding important resolutions on fiscal allocations and upcoming elections.
The meeting commenced at 6 pm, with four commissioners in person and Council President Lajan Cephas joining virtually. Ms. Robin Sample presented information on Lupus, announcing a walk for awareness scheduled for May 13th.
The council unanimously approved a consent agenda, increasing the budget by $17,000 for New Beginnings Youth and Family Services and $8,000 for Dorchester Lacrosse. The agenda also endorsed several planned events.
Three ordinances gained approval. The first set the tax rate for fiscal year 2024, the second confirmed the fiscal year budget, and the third changed zoning from industrial to residential for a 6.2-acre plot off Leonard’s Lane.
A Special Election for Wards 1 and 5 is slated for June 6, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. A potential runoff would occur on July 11, 2023. Mail-in ballot requests start on May 11, 2023, with absentee ballots available in person or via email.
The Council confirmed Davette Askins, Michael Wheatley, and Chantay Nelson as election judges, with Fay Singer, Tyvonnia Braxton, and James Ewing serving as election clerks. Notably, only residents of Wards 1 and 5 are eligible to vote in this election.
In a surprising move, the Council appointed Ron Berman and Tim Crosby to the Historic Preservation Commission, replacing George Vojtech and Susan Morgan, whose sudden departures were unexplained.
Two budget amendments for 2024 were approved. The first raised the budget by $1.06 million from surplus FY2023 funds for road repaving and other minor capital improvements. The second approved $250,000 to compensate employees for excess leave, primarily benefiting police officers.
The City Manager presented a review of all commissions, boards, and committees, recommending the dissolution of those inactive for extended periods and standardizing terms and starting dates for the rest.
In operational updates, the Fire Department announced the imminent delivery of a new ladder truck. The Police Department revealed its “Cops on the Roof Top” fundraiser, supporting local youth.
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