The Cambridge City Council approved a measure to declare June 2 Gun Violence Awareness Day, part of a national program. The proclamation passed unanimously by the three commissioners who attended – Sputty Cephas, Chad Malkus and Brian Roche.
“We took eight guns off the street in 11 days,” said Police Chief Justin Todd. “That’s great, but how many more are out there?”
In other business the council heard from Angie Hengst, race director for the Ironman Group. She reported that the Ironman and Eagleman events last year brought over $12 million to the local economy, with 3,800 athletes and 7,700 guests coming to the Cambridge events.
Hengst said the Cambridge Ironman and Eagleman were rated by participants among the highest in the nation among all competitions held by the Ironman organization.
The next Ironman will be a first for Cambridge, she said, in that it will feature professional athletes. Country star Jimmy Charles and his band will give a free concert at the Ironman, she added.
In new business, the council took up a donation to the city of land by Habitat for Humanity Choptank. The parcel on Lincoln Terrace would go to a project to bring food service to the area.
In old business, City Manager Tom Carroll said staff was keeping updates on the old city hall restoration and assembling a tally of how the city’s ARPA funding grants are being spent.
On the consent agenda, the commissioners approved a contract for resurfacing Chesapeake Drive and another for a Bayly Road sidewalk extension.
They also heard from Michael Wheatley about his request to hold a “Duck Festival” September 9 from 11 am – 3 pm on Court Lane.
In public comments, Teresa Stafford commended the city for the summer internship program.
“People are very happy the city is investing in our youth, she said. Carroll noted that student interns will be making $15 an hour while rotating through various departments and getting exposure to life skills, such as setting up a checking account.
Carroll also reminded voters in wards 1 and 5 of the special election on June 6. Absentee voter forms can be obtained on the city web site, he said.
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